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I have a 2003 Honda Accord v6 AT. I want to swap it with a J35a8 and turbo charge it, but I can’t afford to mess anything up cause it’s my daily.
I’ve read a lot about cracking skirts and blocks due to high compression. Also considering making it a 3.6 or 3.7 franken engine, and maybe j32a2 head swap. Would you guys recommend k20/k24 (+3mm) pistons, or boring it to 90mm and using j37 pistons.
I have a lot of experience taking engines apart and putting them back together but have never done a project like this. Any help and advice I can get would be greatly appreciated.
also in the picture below, what does it mean “must also swap IM if Automatic”
A lot of people won't bother responding because you have an accord, which yes is very similar but not the same. But to be 100% honest, I wouldn't even try to do a motor swap, you're concern about a super slim chance of skirt cracking on a j35a8, when the huge known issue at hand is the accord and tl automatic transmissions not being very reliable. Sounds like I'm being a Debbie-downer but "just buy a manual" first and then consider swapping. A good place to start for advice is the v6performance website, you'll probably get more responses.
A lot of people won't bother responding because you have an accord, which yes is very similar but not the same. But to be 100% honest, I wouldn't even try to do a motor swap, you're concern about a super slim chance of skirt cracking on a j35a8, when the huge known issue at hand is the accord and tl automatic transmissions not being very reliable. Sounds like I'm being a Debbie-downer but "just buy a manual" first and then consider swapping. A good place to start for advice is the v6performance website, you'll probably get more responses.
I appreciate you being 100%, I already got the engine now actually just waiting on the bell housing and I decided to get a 6spd as well. The most help I’ve actually found has been on a j series group on fb.
I appreciate you being 100%, I already got the engine now actually just waiting on the bell housing and I decided to get a 6spd as well. The most help I’ve actually found has been on a j series group on fb.
If you already have the j35a8 then your tranny options are:
1) 7th gen accord v6 6MT with a 8th gen v6 6mt bellhousing. Cheapest option.
2) 3rd gen TL 6MT (has LSD for traction) with a 8th gen v6 6mt bellhousing. Best bang for buck.
3) 3rd gen TL TYPE S 6MT - bolts right up to the block of course but is the MOST expensive option.
4) 8th gen accord v6 6MT will also bolt upto block yeah but I have NO idea if the transmission will bolt up to the chassis, you're gonna have to do some research there. But the 8th gen accord does have a better final drive for acceleration without LSD of course.
you might already have a transmission in mind but just wanted to spew this information out there if anyone else comes across this thread.
The first and most important part to buy would be another car for a daily driver. Motor swaps & turbocharging = project car = lots and lots of downtime.
The first and most important part to buy would be another car for a daily driver. Motor swaps & turbocharging = project car = lots and lots of downtime.
I agree, especially a turbo build. Looks like OP is gonna move forward with the motor swap though so if he has a few friends they can have that done in a couple of days, maybe even a weekend if they burn the midnight oil.
If you already have the j35a8 then your tranny options are:
1) 7th gen accord v6 6MT with a 8th gen v6 6mt bellhousing. Cheapest option.
2) 3rd gen TL 6MT (has LSD for traction) with a 8th gen v6 6mt bellhousing. Best bang for buck.
3) 3rd gen TL TYPE S 6MT - bolts right up to the block of course but is the MOST expensive option.
4) 8th gen accord v6 6MT will also bolt upto block yeah but I have NO idea if the transmission will bolt up to the chassis, you're gonna have to do some research there. But the 8th gen accord does have a better final drive for acceleration.
you might already have a transmission in mind but just wanted to spew this information out there if anyone else comes across this thread.
my plans were originally to just use a 8th gen bell housing with my 5spd that was in my 7th gen. I’m actually genuinely considering going awd though at this point witch is why I’ve decided to go with the 6spd.
I was already working with HRG lifts to lift the vehicle and put my truck tires on it. So now I’m just looking for a 08-09 TL that has severe front end damage to buy and part out the rear drive train.
I also found another Accord body with no damage for $200
The first and most important part to buy would be another car for a daily driver. Motor swaps & turbocharging = project car = lots and lots of downtime.
I have a 2000 mountaineer, 03 c240, and a 08 focus
Yeah a K series 5 speed wasn't gonna work here, the J series transmission is completely different including the size axle needed. you're gonna need one of the options I pointed out above. And TIMEOUT, if you're planning on going AWD, this car is gonna be VERY VERY FAR from being daily driven for a long long time. AWD conversion can be done with enough welding experience, money, measuring, time etc. You're stepping up into a way more expensive playing field trying to figure out a AWD conversion, including maybe needing a custom ECU but definitely custom 1 of 1 harness. I would keep things simple and keep it FWD. Since you have other cars to drive you can go ahead and do what you wanna do bro all the power to you I'd be very interested in seeing the progress for sure.
I agree, especially a turbo build. Looks like OP is gonna move forward with the motor swap though so if he has a few friends they can have that done in a couple of days, maybe even a weekend if they burn the midnight oil.
yeah the motor I got had 200k on it so I’m doing a full rebuild as well. I want to get it back in by next summer, we get stuck out the farm 2-3 months (15’ snow drifts) so I’ll have plenty of time to work on it.
Yeah a K series 5 speed wasn't gonna work here, the J series transmission is completely different including the size axle needed. you're gonna need one of the options I pointed out above. And TIMEOUT, if you're planning on going AWD, this car is gonna be VERY VERY FAR from being daily driven for a long long time. AWD conversion can be done with enough welding experience, money, measuring, time etc. You're stepping up into a way more expensive playing field trying to figure out a AWD conversion, including maybe needing a custom ECU but definitely custom 1 of 1 harness. I would keep things simple and keep it FWD. Since you have other cars to drive you can go ahead and do what you wanna do bro all the power to you I'd be very interested in seeing the progress for sure.
do you think it’s feasible to run the rear drivetrain without a computer? I can definitely wire it if needed but I’m not worried about all the super handling “crap” for my purposes.
just to clarify I do the the super handling, just not worth the extra work if not needed.. why I called it crap
Last edited by Marine7089; Jul 23, 2020 at 12:07 PM.
do you think it’s feasible to run the rear drivetrain without a computer? I can definitely wire it if needed but I’m not worried about all the super handling “crap” for my purposes.
just to clarify I do the the super handling, just not worth the extra work if not needed.. why I called it crap
It might mechanically still work as a AWD system and I don't see why it wouldn't send the power when the front slip is detected like the CRV AWD for example, but Im not certain. I guess its possible that there's a chance it needs the rear diff inputs, but like I said I have no experience with the SH-AWD system in the RL or 4G TL, only some experience with the CRV AWD.
If you already have the j35a8 then your tranny options are:
1) 7th gen accord v6 6MT with a 8th gen v6 6mt bellhousing. Cheapest option.
2) 3rd gen TL 6MT (has LSD for traction) with a 8th gen v6 6mt bellhousing. Best bang for buck.
3) 3rd gen TL TYPE S 6MT - bolts right up to the block of course but is the MOST expensive option.
4) 8th gen accord v6 6MT will also bolt upto block yeah but I have NO idea if the transmission will bolt up to the chassis, you're gonna have to do some research there. But the 8th gen accord does have a better final drive for acceleration without LSD of course.
you might already have a transmission in mind but just wanted to spew this information out there if anyone else comes across this thread.
also, the 3rd gen TL 6MT, will that bolt straight up to the current brackets? And will the axels still mount up properly?
also, the 3rd gen TL 6MT, will that bolt straight up to the current brackets? And will the axels still mount up properly?
Yes! 3G TL 6MT (Specifically 04-06) has the same transmission mount bolt patterns and same axles as a 7G Accord v6 6MT would. It's the same exact thing as the accord tranny externally and the only difference internally is the Limited Slip Differential. 3G TL and 7G Accord have same axles for automatic or manual v6's.
So one of those tranny's with a 8th gen accord bell housing swap would mount perfectly to a j35a8 while costing less than trying to buy a Type S manual tranny.
Here's the OEM part number for the 8th gen Accord bell housing if you don't have it, or for anyone who stumbles on this thread
21000-RDE-305
It's a pain because you have to transfer all your transmission guts over to the new bell housing and reseal it of course when you're done, but again you can save some serious cash vs trying to buy a Type S 6MT
Here's the OEM part number for the 8th gen Accord bell housing if you don't have it, or for anyone who stumbles on this thread
21000-RDE-305
It's a pain because you have to transfer all your transmission guts over to the new bell housing and reseal it of course when you're done, but again you can save some serious cash vs trying to buy a Type S 6MT
yeah I found a 2010 Odyssey tranny with 95K on it, that was tboned. It came with the starter and flywheel I would need so I was just going to get that. But I’ll reassert the other tranny first... are you 100% sure the harness would be the same then as well?
yeah I found a 2010 Odyssey tranny with 95K on it, that was tboned. It came with the starter and flywheel I would need so I was just going to get that. But I’ll reassert the other tranny first... are you 100% sure the harness would be the same then as well?
Pretty much every Manual J series transmission is the same for the harness plugs, you only need the reverse light clip and the reverse lockout clip. Odyssey transmission would have never worked because automatics have a different shape bell housing vs a manual. the automatic odyssey tranny willIt will bolt up to the block BUTthe rear side won't bolt up to the manual transmission.
Pretty much every Manual J series transmission is the same for the harness plugs, you only need the reverse light clip and the reverse lockout clip. Odyssey transmission would have never worked because automatics have a different shape bell housing vs a manual. the automatic odyssey tranny willIt will bolt up to the block BUTthe rear side won't bolt up to the manual transmission.
yeah I was going to go 5spd at first... just to clarify then... the manual and auto have different case styles that aren’t cross compatible between AT and MT, but the AT lines up with the other AT and vice versa?
yeah I was going to go 5spd at first... just to clarify then... the manual and auto have different case styles that aren’t cross compatible between AT and MT, but the AT lines up with the other AT and vice versa?
exactly, manual and automatic transmissions parts can't be mixed unfortunately. MOST, not all manual transmissions can mix and match parts within their own engine family AND the same generation (D, B, J, & K series etc). I think automatics to some degree have some interchangeable parts amongst same family & generation but I don't have too much experience with autos, I'm definitely a manual lover lol.
exactly, manual and automatic transmissions parts can't be mixed unfortunately. MOST, not all manual transmissions can mix and match parts within their own engine family AND the same generation (D, B, J, & K series etc). I think automatics to some degree have some interchangeable parts amongst same family & generation but I don't have too much experience with autos, I'm definitely a manual lover lol.
Honestly I’ve only driven stick on farm equipment, I’ll pick it up pretty quick in a car just concerned that I might not pick it it up quick enough lmfao. Not to mention it’s the only car my lady can drive (she’s 3’8”) and I barley trust her to drive an automatic car let alone learn stick. But there’s a very high chance I’ll go to a 6spd.
Last edited by Marine7089; Jul 23, 2020 at 02:53 PM.
would the TL 3rd gen AT (J32A3) or just the A8 bolt right up as well? Something I’m going to have to discuss with her.
Keep in mind, there were two different engine blocks for the J32A3 in the 3G TL; the main difference is the transmission bolt pattern. Long story short, if you're playing with engine/transmission combinations and want to stay automatic, you have no choice to mate 2004-2006 TL engines and transmissions (or a 2006-2007 V6 Honda Accord transmission), or 2007-2008 engines and transmissions. In the world of the H5 automatic, you cannot simply change the bellhousing like you can with the manual transmissions.
Keep in mind, there were two different engine blocks for the J32A3 in the 3G TL; the main difference is the transmission bolt pattern. Long story short, if you're playing with engine/transmission combinations and want to stay automatic, you have no choice to mate 2004-2006 TL engines and transmissions (or a 2006-2007 V6 Honda Accord transmission), or 2007-2008 engines and transmissions. In the world of the H5 automatic, you cannot simply change the bellhousing like you can with the manual transmissions.
just to simplify it I can do any of these
1: 03 tranny case with 08-10 bell housing... AT to AT or MT to MT
2: 08 TL-S MT or AT
3: 3rd gen MT to 8gen MT bell housing
ps. does the TL-S have LSD? And is LSD only in MT or both?
1: 03 tranny case with 08-10 bell housing... AT to AT or MT to MT Comment: Negative, you cannot change the bellhousing of any H5 automatic; if you have a 2003 automatic, you MUST replace the transmission with one out of a 2007-2008 TL (Base or Type-S) if you want to use a J35A8.
2: 08 TL-S MT or AT Comment: With the J35A8 engine, you can use either 2007-2008 Type-S transmission; you can also use the automatic transmission from the 2007-2008 base model TL.
3: 3rd gen MT to 8gen MT bell housing Comment: You can use either a 2004-2006 TL transmission (which has LSD) with a swapped 2007-2008 TL bellhousing, an 8G Accord bellhousing and pretty much any 6MT transmission, or any 2007-2008 Type-S 6MT.
ps. does the TL-S have LSD? And is LSD only in MT or both? Comment: All manual transmission 3G TL models have LSD, regardless of whether they are Type-S models, all 3G TL models with automatic transmissions do NOT have LSD; they have open differentials.
