3.5L swap
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
3.5L swap
I've heard of couple new TL automatics who's done a 3.5L MDX block swaps with CL-S pistons (to clear intake valves) and gained crazy amount of power especially low-end torque . This is a great alternative to those who don't want to get into forced induction (FI) and would like to remain naturally aspirated (NA). Heck, with 10.5:1 compression CL-S pistons vs. 11.0:1 on TL and one can add a supercharger if desired
There is a guy who's just posted a brand new J35A5 ('04 MDX) block for sale with installed CL-S pistons that fits 3rd gen TL AUTO. That's right 0 miles on the block and everything fits right in. The reason I say AUTO is because it was attempted on 6MT and manual tranny housing doesn't fit the block, but AUTO fits right in.
All stock parts, cyl. heads, crank pulleys, sensors, etc. are fully transferable.
Thoughts? Here is an engine block
There is a guy who's just posted a brand new J35A5 ('04 MDX) block for sale with installed CL-S pistons that fits 3rd gen TL AUTO. That's right 0 miles on the block and everything fits right in. The reason I say AUTO is because it was attempted on 6MT and manual tranny housing doesn't fit the block, but AUTO fits right in.
All stock parts, cyl. heads, crank pulleys, sensors, etc. are fully transferable.
Thoughts? Here is an engine block
#3
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (4)
with the 3.5L you should make more torque ACROSS THE BOARD than the supercharger. this will give you guys that jump in power down low your missing.
heres my build in the 2nd Gen Forums. I am not only doing crank/rod/piston swap for displacement but i am adding RL Cams. Best part is: all honda parts. https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179144
realize, intake/exhaust mods will increase the power gained by the 3.5 considerably.
heres my build in the 2nd Gen Forums. I am not only doing crank/rod/piston swap for displacement but i am adding RL Cams. Best part is: all honda parts. https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179144
realize, intake/exhaust mods will increase the power gained by the 3.5 considerably.
#4
Originally Posted by CleanCL
with the 3.5L you should make more torque ACROSS THE BOARD than the supercharger. this will give you guys that jump in power down low your missing.
I've tested / tuned the following:
- 3.2 TL MT with intake and header
- 3.2 TL MT, catback with Supercharger
- 3.2 TL Auto, catback with Supercharger
- 3.5 Baja Ridgeline with intake and header with no cat.
Comparing the last two as they both have an auto transmission the supercharged TL Auto has more torque everywhere than the Ridgeline and about 50 peak HP more.
Granted the TL has higher higher compression and (probably) better cams than the Ridgeline, but the supercharger puts it way ahead.
Keep up the good work on your engine build. Good choice of RL cams. They are the most agressive of all the Honda V6 cams.
#5
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep, if anyone wants 3.5L BRAND NEW MDX block with installed NEW CL-S pistons for TL automatic - here is a link
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Edit: for some reason here, site block actual domain name - when I post that link. So, just enter that name between www. and .net to view the block info.
Trending Topics
#11
Import and Domestic owner
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Atlantic City NJ
Age: 46
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Something I should think about. It looks like a lot of work though. I would have to talk to my mechanic and see what he says about it. Whether it is a direct fit or not.
#13
Import and Domestic owner
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Atlantic City NJ
Age: 46
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by dan.....k
Will RL cams fit into the TL? If they do, who's going to be the guinea pig? The RL cams could give us a few more ponies.
#14
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (4)
look at it this way, if the CL and TL heads are the same (i dont know this yet) , then the RL cams will fit. as far as CAMS go, at this point all i am changing internally is the actual camshaft and valve springs so they meet the new rate of the valve change. but as you can see i have a whole motor being built, so of course on the side i am changing every gasket/oring/etc and new pullies/belts. its not THAT big of a deal as long as you have a place that knows what their doing.
#15
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by againstallodds1
Something I should think about. It looks like a lot of work though. I would have to talk to my mechanic and see what he says about it. Whether it is a direct fit or not.
1. Unplug wire harness/Remove existing engine
2. Swap 3.5L block (see pic) with your stock one
3. Install everything back on with new gaskets and that's it
#17
Import and Domestic owner
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Atlantic City NJ
Age: 46
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by av6ent
Nah, it's a direct bolt-on. Procedures as follows:
1. Unplug wire harness/Remove existing engine
2. Swap 3.5L block (see pic) with your stock one
3. Install everything back on with new gaskets and that's it
1. Unplug wire harness/Remove existing engine
2. Swap 3.5L block (see pic) with your stock one
3. Install everything back on with new gaskets and that's it
#20
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (4)
Originally Posted by TL CHROMETIDE
It would be nicer if us 6MT guys had a chance with the 3.5 conversion.
#21
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (4)
pistons and cams part #s differ from 2G CL to 3G TL. to the person who first posted above, are you sure CL pistons will clear on the TL head? i bet that you could do the 3.5 setup with just the crank/rods from mdx/odyssey and use your stock TL pistons. this is a nice simple 3.5 and should clear valves.
as far as the cams go, i would bet money they fit. but if you go cams, you will probably need to use RL Pistons. i have a feeling this setup would work.
as far as the cams go, i would bet money they fit. but if you go cams, you will probably need to use RL Pistons. i have a feeling this setup would work.
#22
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by CleanCL
pistons and cams part #s differ from 2G CL to 3G TL. to the person who first posted above, are you sure CL pistons will clear on the TL head? i bet that you could do the 3.5 setup with just the crank/rods from mdx/odyssey and use your stock TL pistons. this is a nice simple 3.5 and should clear valves.
as far as the cams go, i would bet money they fit. but if you go cams, you will probably need to use RL Pistons. i have a feeling this setup would work.
as far as the cams go, i would bet money they fit. but if you go cams, you will probably need to use RL Pistons. i have a feeling this setup would work.
As far as CL pistons clearance positive since valves in CL-S are larger than new TL, so no problem there. Thanks to 02AV6 for great knowledge who posted info on Edit by trancemission
Originally Posted by 02AV6
The correct valve dimensions now stand as follows:
J30A1 '98-02 AV6: 34mm/29mm (intake/exhaust)
J30A4 '03+ AV6: 35mm/30mm
J32A1 '01-03' TL/CL: 34mm/30mm
J32A2 '01-03 TL-S/CL-S: 36mm/30mm
J32A4 '04+ TL: 35mm/30mm
J35A1 '99-01 Odyssey: 34mm/29mm
J35A4 '02-04 Odyssey: 35mm/30mm
J35A8 '05+ RL: 36mm/30mm
J30A1 '98-02 AV6: 34mm/29mm (intake/exhaust)
J30A4 '03+ AV6: 35mm/30mm
J32A1 '01-03' TL/CL: 34mm/30mm
J32A2 '01-03 TL-S/CL-S: 36mm/30mm
J32A4 '04+ TL: 35mm/30mm
J35A1 '99-01 Odyssey: 34mm/29mm
J35A4 '02-04 Odyssey: 35mm/30mm
J35A8 '05+ RL: 36mm/30mm
#23
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And yes 6MT TL guys just need '03-04 MDX crank/rods and keep the stock engine block and pistons. But I'd rather buy a new MDX block (for longevity and no issues) and keep the stock one (just in case) and swap MDX pistons (see above valve size difference) with either CL-S or TL pistons whichever cheaper.
#24
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RL cams would be a waste of money on TL even if it's fit (see below).
For those who have no clue the larger the size in mm the better
As you can see TL and RL cams specs are very close and any attempt to install RL units would be a waste of money. First the cost of cams $500 (both) + installation which can cost $350 to $700 and its' pretty complex. Now, swapping CL-S/TL-S cams with RL makes sense as which has much less pri and sec lobe lift.
Originally Posted by 02AV6
Camshaft specs:
J32A2 '01-03 CL-S/TL-S
intake (pri), (mid), (sec), exhaust
34.737mm, 36.445mm, 34.919mm, 36.389mm
J35A8 '05+ RL
35.284, 36.445, 35.284 , 36.389
J32A3 '04+ TL/J30A4 - '03+ AV6
35.041, 36.445, 35.284, 36.326
J32A2 '01-03 CL-S/TL-S
intake (pri), (mid), (sec), exhaust
34.737mm, 36.445mm, 34.919mm, 36.389mm
J35A8 '05+ RL
35.284, 36.445, 35.284 , 36.389
J32A3 '04+ TL/J30A4 - '03+ AV6
35.041, 36.445, 35.284, 36.326
As you can see TL and RL cams specs are very close and any attempt to install RL units would be a waste of money. First the cost of cams $500 (both) + installation which can cost $350 to $700 and its' pretty complex. Now, swapping CL-S/TL-S cams with RL makes sense as which has much less pri and sec lobe lift.
#27
Instructor
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by av6ent
RL cams would be a waste of money on TL even if it's fit (see below).
As you can see TL and RL cams specs are very close and any attempt to install RL units would be a waste of money. First the cost of cams $500 (both) + installation which can cost $350 to $700 and its' pretty complex. Now, swapping CL-S/TL-S cams with RL makes sense as which has much less pri and sec lobe lift.
As you can see TL and RL cams specs are very close and any attempt to install RL units would be a waste of money. First the cost of cams $500 (both) + installation which can cost $350 to $700 and its' pretty complex. Now, swapping CL-S/TL-S cams with RL makes sense as which has much less pri and sec lobe lift.
I have done some major surgery in my time but nothin comes close to this. u guys got some cajones
#29
Pro
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: us 'n a
Age: 44
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by trancemission
There is a reason the site doesnt allow you to post that link, please refrain from doing so.
I see acurazine mentioned many times on THAT site incl. links and none of the administrators care.
#30
Senior Moderator
Regions Leader
Regions Leader
Originally Posted by av6ent
That's a rediculous restriction .
I see acurazine mentioned many times on THAT site incl. links and none of the administrators care.
I see acurazine mentioned many times on THAT site incl. links and none of the administrators care.
sorry you feel that way. thats just the way it is...
#31
B A N N E D
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: vancouver, BC
Age: 41
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So for those who have done this mod, anyone got dyno numbers?
I am planning to do this along with the S/C. So all I need is the MDX block with the CL-S piston or put the MDX crank/rods into the stock block right? With the 3.5 conversion there should be some nice torque along with the S/C.
I wonder how much more our 5AT tranny could take...
I am planning to do this along with the S/C. So all I need is the MDX block with the CL-S piston or put the MDX crank/rods into the stock block right? With the 3.5 conversion there should be some nice torque along with the S/C.
I wonder how much more our 5AT tranny could take...
#33
Import and Domestic owner
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Atlantic City NJ
Age: 46
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by lookinco
So for those who have done this mod, anyone got dyno numbers?
I am planning to do this along with the S/C. So all I need is the MDX block with the CL-S piston or put the MDX crank/rods into the stock block right? With the 3.5 conversion there should be some nice torque along with the S/C.
I wonder how much more our 5AT tranny could take...
I am planning to do this along with the S/C. So all I need is the MDX block with the CL-S piston or put the MDX crank/rods into the stock block right? With the 3.5 conversion there should be some nice torque along with the S/C.
I wonder how much more our 5AT tranny could take...
#34
Pro
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: alta loma, ca
Age: 41
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
so what ever came of this. Did any 3g'rs have a successful organ transplant yet? I wanna go the crank/rods route in stock block, but I don't wanna be the ginneua pig on this one!
#35
B A N N E D
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: vancouver, BC
Age: 41
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can anyone confirm that all I need is the rod and crankshaft from the MDX to do this project? This is for a 06 AT TL.
Would it be plug and play? Would I need to fuel tune the engine again?
Would it be plug and play? Would I need to fuel tune the engine again?
#38
The Boss
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New Jack City
Age: 45
Posts: 4,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's almost 3 months from his last mention of SWAP...... I don't think he'll do it.
Besides, what's the point of swapping into an Oddesy engine when there's already a TL engine. Difference between 3.2 and 3.5 isn't all that much....
Too much time in your hands. I say trade it in and get yourself a G35. That's a 3.5L
Besides, what's the point of swapping into an Oddesy engine when there's already a TL engine. Difference between 3.2 and 3.5 isn't all that much....
Too much time in your hands. I say trade it in and get yourself a G35. That's a 3.5L
#39
Ryan Christopher
Originally Posted by AcuraDriver2006
It's almost 3 months from his last mention of SWAP...... I don't think he'll do it.
Besides, what's the point of swapping into an Oddesy engine when there's already a TL engine. Difference between 3.2 and 3.5 isn't all that much....
Too much time in your hands. I say trade it in and get yourself a G35. That's a 3.5L
Besides, what's the point of swapping into an Oddesy engine when there's already a TL engine. Difference between 3.2 and 3.5 isn't all that much....
Too much time in your hands. I say trade it in and get yourself a G35. That's a 3.5L
My wife has a MDX, and I am not really all that impressed with the power output of the 3.5l, I know its heavier, but still, it just doesn't have the balls the 3.2l has in the TL. It sounds like a fun project, but I would rather not mess with my TL in this manner. Me personally, I would find a j32 that I could bore and use some 3.5l or larger pistons in. And see if it was possible to turn it into a closed deck. Thats the way I would go.
#40
Burning Brakes
I was just looking on AcuraOemparts.com and the RL Block is about twice the price of the MDX. I wonder why. The part number is different and they are both 3.5 liters. what is the difference that the RL would cost almost 4k.