Hey everyone. I just graduated from college and was looking for a car, and came across the opportunity to get a 2006 TL with a manual transmission. The timing belt is broken however. I was wondering what you all would recommend, particularly about sources for an engine.

Additionally, can an engine from an automatic work in a manual?

 

You can use any 2004-2006 3.2L J32A3 engine and it will be a direct bolt up to your car.

OR

you can go with a J35A6 and try to get some more power:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2...cklist-999988/

and

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2...ngine-1002904/

 

Unless you have confirmed that the valves made contact with the pistons, I wouldn't knock out the engine just yet. Ericthecarguy on youtube had a timing belt obliterate itself while on a highway. He ended up putting on a new belt and it ran just fine. You could try that, if it ends up not working out you can use the new timing belt on the 2nd engine.

 

I have not confirmed if the valves have made contact with the pistons. Is there a good way to check that? Or would it be better to replace the belt first and see if that fixes it?

 

Put on a new belt and time it. Then hand-rotate the crank several times and see if there's interference.

 

Unless you get an engine plus the TL for less than what a running 2007/8 TL would cost , then I would just find another TL. Because your time is worth something .. The 2007/8 have some upgrades that you'll probably want

 

Happened to me past year at my 03 tl. Get gamble, replaced timing belt only and all was good.