Hey guys my mother has an 99 TL that just started knocking, and figured well rather rebuilding it I might as well just get a new engine..I do not know anything about J series as I own a CRX and haven't really ventured into that area of the honda world.

Would swapping a J32A be a direct swap, would I run into any problems? same goes for the J32A2? I know the A2 is just a few more performance parts that give it an extra 30hp so I figure it would be a direct swap.

Would the Transmission also swap directly over? ECU problems??

Please let me know I need to fix my mommas car for her birthday lol
Thank you

 

You can swap them over with the J32A which will fit and work like a champ.


The J32A2 is a different story.. Basically you need the TL-S ECU to get the most out of the J32A2 higher redline but since you have the 4spd the ECU will be looking for a 5 speedo so there's where the problem starts. Also the TL-S uses the VSA which will need a heck of a re-wire. I don't even start with the new Dashboard and Shift Lever..

If you swap the AUTO + Engine + ECU + Miscellaneous? you will basically have a 1999 TL-S. But by the time you spend all the money you could very well just buy a TL-S and save you all the trouble.

 

Get a J35A3 and call it a day. It will bolt right up.

 

Thanks that's some great info I think I'm just gonna go with the j32a she doesnt need more power just a new motor lol the transmission works for it as well correct?

 

Yup.. Actually all motors will technically work fine.
The only issue is that your current Redline is lower for the J32A2.


In other hand as fatty said you can probably just put a J35A3 and call it a day.. The J35 redline is pretty much the same as yours so it will work fine day 1. The J32A2 makes its peak horsepower beyond your redline, that's why it will be a little more elaborate to take full advantage of it.

So I second fatty comment... Just get the J35A3!

 

one last question, will the wiring harness directly plug and play with both the j35 and j32a?

 

Yup exactly the same.

 

Thanks guys! she will be really happy with a new reliable motor.

 

J35A3 all day! loving mine! Plus I get about 5 miles more per gallon in the interstate.

 

new to the acura world so please bare with me. I just bought a 99 acura tl and needing a motor and transmission. just read the post and see that the j35a3 will bolt up with no problem. what are these motors out of and what year model?

 

02 MDX. Trans you will have to get from a 99 TL

 

will my accessories work on this mdx or do I need the mdx accessories

 

fixed

 

The only things to be aware of with the J35A3 if you leave the IM spacer on you will have hood clearance issues, easy fix pull it off and get new bolts or put spacers between the hood and hinges. It also uses a different map sensor not sure if it will plug in thought I just reused my J32A2 TB. The J35A3 and J32A2 uses the same block and head castings the only difference were some of the internals.

 

^ Yup the correct procedure would be to cancel the MDX Manifold Spacer or get it milled down so the hood can close.

 

Its the exact same engine, ALL of your accessories will bolt right up.

 

Thanks for the replies... Already bought engine. Waiting on timing belt kit and motor mounts to come in.