Swap it for what?

 

is there a reason for the swap?

 

No they are not plug and play.

 

You'd have to confirm, but I'm almost certain that the 2004-2006 ECU can be used for any of those years (e.g. 2004 ECU used with a 2005 TL, 2006 ECU used on a 2004 TL, etc.). However, the 2007-2008 ECU is a completely different part number, even though all 2004-2008 (non-Type S) TL's use the J32A3 engine. Since the mid-model refresh was in 2007, it's likely that there may be some nuances that Acura changed even though the engine model was still the same.

Long story short, if you try to use your existing 2006 ECU with a 2007 engine it might not work quite right. Or at all. And even going with a 2007 ECU could result in some goofy stuff happening since the ECU controls other things than just the engine. I'd highly recommend you go with a 2004-2006 engine/transmission rather than the 2007-2008.

 

You may be able to get away with 'the J35A6 out of the 05+ Odyssey (LX/EX only)'.

Read/study the thread below for more information and inspiration:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p...spd-tl-964791/

Good Luck!

 

 

Yeah, I believe it's due to the bell housing being a different bolt pattern? Either way. One more reason not to do it. He'd have to purchase the transmission along with the engine.

 

I tried to IM you back but get the error message that your inbox is too full. To answer your question:

I'm really not an expert on the ECU or wiring issues with engine swaps when done between cars with a mid-model refresh, or between generations. I've done a couple but only with engines that are from the same donor vehicle. There might be some others who can help more than I. My knowledge on that subject is limited to what others have experienced.

 

Yeah, way more complicated than that; there was a member around here who actually pulled such a swap off, but even with all of the wiring and everything he did, there were little things which just didn't work, seat memory, some lighting issues, and issues with the audio come to mind, but it has been more than a year (I think) since he posted.

 

^ This.

Thank me later.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the J35A6 have the cast in exhaust collectors versus the individual ports like on the J35A3?

 

IIRC'ly everything from 2004 (j series) had the DBW and the 'cast in exhaust collectors'. Year 2003 was the last year of the cable throttle body and the 'individual port' exhaust heads. I may be incorrect in my logic, though.

Oddly enough though the 2003 MDX had the 'cast in exhaust collectors'; therefore, the caveat, hehe.

https://www.oemacuraparts.com/v-2003...ylinder-head-2

 

So if I got this correct, the J35A3, which was in the 2001-2002 MDX has the port style heads and the J35A5 in the 2003-2006 MDX had the case in style exhaust collector. Yes, no?

 

Yes.
2003 for the MDX must have been the model year where that 'new' type of head was introduced as the 'thing to come' for Acura, as far as the engine.

Strangely enough, the 2004 RL has port style heads and cable TB:

https://www.oemacuraparts.com/v-2004...ylinder-head-r

https://www.oemacuraparts.com/v-2004...-throttle-body