3.5 liter hybrid build information
03-09-2009, 11:08 PM
#1
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
3.5 liter hybrid build information
.
Discuss 3.5 builds here 
Here are the swap options along with brief advantage(s)/disadvantage(s):
BLOCK/HEADS (incl. manifold (upper/lower), tb)
------------------
J30A1/J30A1
advantage: no modification needed.
disadvantage: no torque until turbo/sc kicks in.
J30A1/J32A2
advantage: mid-range and top-end power
disadvantage: J30A1 pistons have to be modified to fit large J32A2 (intake) valves.
Not much torque until turbo/sc kicks in.
J32A2/J32A2
advantage: no modification needed, mid-range, top-end power.
disadvantage: torque is still ok but better than J30A1
J35A4/J30A1 (Odyssey '02-04/ '00-02 Accord V6)
advantage: no modifications needed, adequate torque, adequate mid-range
disadvantage:needed better cams, large intake valves for overal better powerband, top-end power
Option 1:
If budget is limited the solution is to swap J32A2 (CL-S/TL-S) cams into stock J30A1(Accord V6) cyl. heads (see sticky CL-S swap and Cam machining).
Option 2:
Get J32A2 (CL-S/TL-S) complete cyl. heads + IM (intake manifold)
But requires different pistons :p (see J35/J32 below) to clear J32A2 valves.
J35A3/J35A3 (Acura MDX '01-02), J35A4/J35A4 (Honda Odyssey '02-04)
advantage: no modifications needed, great torque, nice mid-range
disadvantage: little less air flow than J32A2 but very close.
This option looks like a good choice if getting the complete engine or even separate short block and cyl. heads/manifold due to a price. And MDX the cyl. heads are the same part # as CL-S, however intake valves and cams are different than CL-S but overall much better than pathetic AV6.
J35A1/J32A2 (Odyssey '01/CL-S '01-03)
advantage: great entire powerband and especially torque.
disadvantage: Need CL-S or RL pistons.
Note: Same options apply as listed below.
J35A3/J32A2 ('01-02 MDX/CL-S '01-03) or J35A4/J32A2 (Odyssey '02-04/CL-S '01-03)
advantage: great entire powerband and especially torque.
disadvantage: Need CL-S or RL pistons.
There are also couple options:
Option 1
With '01-02 complete MDX block or '02-04 Odyssey complete block (crank/rods/pistons) it is required to purchase 2005 Acura RL pistons (new set $50 each) This is a best option still since these pistons have clearance for large 36mm J32A2 (intake) valves thus no modification needed. Despite the fact they have higher 11.0:1 CR still even supercharger can be used here with low boost up to 7psi intercooled (assuming safe AFR). In addition, if 11:1 CR is too high for you, you can use '03 CL-S pistons with 10.5:1 CR.
Option 2
'01-03 J32A2 block (CL-S)
Required to purchase the following:
-= hondaautomotiveparts.com =-
'02-'04 Odyssey (crankshaft)
Product No. 368270 or
Honda part #13310-PGK-A00
'02-'04 Odyssey (connecting rod)
Product No. 368269 or
Honda part #13210-PGK-A00
Main bearings + rod bearings
-= acuraautomotiveparts.org =-
'03 CL-S (pistons) - 10.5:1 CR or
'05 RL (pistons) - 11.0:1 CR
pistons rings (per chosen model)
Note: Odyssey pistons do not have clearance to fit large 36mm J32A2 (intake) valves. Solution - custom job to increase valve pockets.
BTW, The only advantage to get J32A2 block is due to better cylinder sleeves to withstand heat designed for higher redline vehicle, otherwise depending on the price Odyssey or MDX block are the best bet.
Keep in mind, J35A5 '03-04 MDX will not fit on 6th gen. AV6/CL/TL/CL-S/TL-S due to different design, and looks like only for 7th gen. AV6.
Edit: The correct valve dimensions now stand as follows: incl. J30A4/J32A4
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
BLOCK/HEADS (incl. manifold (upper/lower), tb)
------------------
J30A1/J30A1
advantage: no modification needed.
disadvantage: no torque until turbo/sc kicks in.
J30A1/J32A2
advantage: mid-range and top-end power
disadvantage: J30A1 pistons have to be modified to fit large J32A2 (intake) valves.
Not much torque until turbo/sc kicks in.
J32A2/J32A2
advantage: no modification needed, mid-range, top-end power.
disadvantage: torque is still ok but better than J30A1
J35A4/J30A1 (Odyssey '02-04/ '00-02 Accord V6)
advantage: no modifications needed, adequate torque, adequate mid-range
disadvantage:needed better cams, large intake valves for overal better powerband, top-end power
Option 1:
If budget is limited the solution is to swap J32A2 (CL-S/TL-S) cams into stock J30A1(Accord V6) cyl. heads (see sticky CL-S swap and Cam machining).
Option 2:
Get J32A2 (CL-S/TL-S) complete cyl. heads + IM (intake manifold)
But requires different pistons :p (see J35/J32 below) to clear J32A2 valves.
J35A3/J35A3 (Acura MDX '01-02), J35A4/J35A4 (Honda Odyssey '02-04)
advantage: no modifications needed, great torque, nice mid-range
disadvantage: little less air flow than J32A2 but very close.
This option looks like a good choice if getting the complete engine or even separate short block and cyl. heads/manifold due to a price. And MDX the cyl. heads are the same part # as CL-S, however intake valves and cams are different than CL-S but overall much better than pathetic AV6.
J35A1/J32A2 (Odyssey '01/CL-S '01-03)
advantage: great entire powerband and especially torque.
disadvantage: Need CL-S or RL pistons.
Note: Same options apply as listed below.
J35A3/J32A2 ('01-02 MDX/CL-S '01-03) or J35A4/J32A2 (Odyssey '02-04/CL-S '01-03)
advantage: great entire powerband and especially torque.
disadvantage: Need CL-S or RL pistons.
There are also couple options:
Option 1
With '01-02 complete MDX block or '02-04 Odyssey complete block (crank/rods/pistons) it is required to purchase 2005 Acura RL pistons (new set $50 each) This is a best option still since these pistons have clearance for large 36mm J32A2 (intake) valves thus no modification needed. Despite the fact they have higher 11.0:1 CR still even supercharger can be used here with low boost up to 7psi intercooled (assuming safe AFR). In addition, if 11:1 CR is too high for you, you can use '03 CL-S pistons with 10.5:1 CR.
Option 2
'01-03 J32A2 block (CL-S)
Required to purchase the following:
-= hondaautomotiveparts.com =-
'02-'04 Odyssey (crankshaft)
Product No. 368270 or
Honda part #13310-PGK-A00
'02-'04 Odyssey (connecting rod)
Product No. 368269 or
Honda part #13210-PGK-A00
Main bearings + rod bearings
-= acuraautomotiveparts.org =-
'03 CL-S (pistons) - 10.5:1 CR or
'05 RL (pistons) - 11.0:1 CR
pistons rings (per chosen model)
Note: Odyssey pistons do not have clearance to fit large 36mm J32A2 (intake) valves. Solution - custom job to increase valve pockets.
BTW, The only advantage to get J32A2 block is due to better cylinder sleeves to withstand heat designed for higher redline vehicle, otherwise depending on the price Odyssey or MDX block are the best bet.
Keep in mind, J35A5 '03-04 MDX will not fit on 6th gen. AV6/CL/TL/CL-S/TL-S due to different design, and looks like only for 7th gen. AV6.
Edit: The correct valve dimensions now stand as follows: incl. J30A4/J32A4
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
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blueacura1990 (04-11-2012)
05-19-2009, 08:27 AM
#5
3.5 psi
iTrader: (1)
I've done some research on the 3.5 and i came up with the following in case people are interested. I figured the best option is to do an internal swap - basically take my J32A2 engine apart and swap in Oddysey crank and RL pistons. Here is some pricing info i've found.
Labour: i was quoted by a knowledgable shop approx. 20hrs (~$1,600)
Oddy Crank: best bet is to get a used engine. I've found some going for $500
RL Pistons & Rings: about $500 new
Total: $2,600 -- new gaskets are needed for the rebuild, not sure on pricing for that. I'm guessing that would put it just over the $3,000 range.
Labour: i was quoted by a knowledgable shop approx. 20hrs (~$1,600)
Oddy Crank: best bet is to get a used engine. I've found some going for $500
RL Pistons & Rings: about $500 new
Total: $2,600 -- new gaskets are needed for the rebuild, not sure on pricing for that. I'm guessing that would put it just over the $3,000 range.
06-07-2009, 09:54 PM
#7
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I've been planning this swap for a few years, I need a couple grand 
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06-14-2009, 04:54 PM
#11
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
06-16-2009, 07:45 AM
#13
3.5 psi
iTrader: (1)
If you're going to add a blower, you may want to use CL-S pistons. It will keep your compression ratio down a bit. The more recent builds used 05 RL pistons. You could still add a blower with those, but you're need some good tuning.
06-16-2009, 08:22 AM
#14
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Real good tuning. High compression boosted applications have a tendency to experience detonation without proper tuning and most importantly high octane gas.
06-16-2009, 11:08 PM
#16
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
06-19-2009, 10:59 PM
#18
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
There's only a .5 difference in compression ratio. But it could mean a 5-15 hp/tq difference...
Here's a good read on compression ratios.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compression_ratio
Here's a good read on compression ratios.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compression_ratio
07-07-2009, 10:16 PM
#23
To quote NVA-AV6
"This will be a conversion of a J32A2 to a 3.7L engine, the build is for NA only no boost or bottles on this one ever due to the fact that to achieve the 3.7L displacement the cylinders will be bored out 1mm from the stock 89mm to 90mm which is the service limit of the block according to honda, this will remove .5mm of the 3mm thick steel sleeves in the block and although perfectly fine for NA I would not put boost on it. Parts are a combination of J37 from the 07 MDX and J32 from the CL-S. Exhaust valve sprngs are being replaced with those from the 05 TL-S, these springs a stronger than the stock CL-S springs and will help prevent valve float in the event of a mis-shift and over-rev.
Final engine specs.
Bore 90mm
Stroke 96mm
Compression 11:1
Crank, rods, pistons and cams are factory honda forged."
He had to modify the crank slightly, and there were numerous other issues that I read about, mainly relating to intake manifold [i believe E30 and Civicdrvr have the best solution]. Also the future advent of a replacement ECU would work wonders.
"This will be a conversion of a J32A2 to a 3.7L engine, the build is for NA only no boost or bottles on this one ever due to the fact that to achieve the 3.7L displacement the cylinders will be bored out 1mm from the stock 89mm to 90mm which is the service limit of the block according to honda, this will remove .5mm of the 3mm thick steel sleeves in the block and although perfectly fine for NA I would not put boost on it. Parts are a combination of J37 from the 07 MDX and J32 from the CL-S. Exhaust valve sprngs are being replaced with those from the 05 TL-S, these springs a stronger than the stock CL-S springs and will help prevent valve float in the event of a mis-shift and over-rev.
Final engine specs.
Bore 90mm
Stroke 96mm
Compression 11:1
Crank, rods, pistons and cams are factory honda forged."
He had to modify the crank slightly, and there were numerous other issues that I read about, mainly relating to intake manifold [i believe E30 and Civicdrvr have the best solution]. Also the future advent of a replacement ECU would work wonders.
09-06-2009, 07:44 PM
#25
6speed
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would you think there would be any negative effects of pulling a used crankshaft and connecting rods out of an junkyard oddy and using that as opposed to buying it new? that would drop the price a bit.
09-07-2009, 09:08 AM
#26
3.5 psi
iTrader: (1)
that's the best way. There's a builder on another site who does tons of 3.5s and that's what he does. He said to take it to a machine shop to be inspected first. He also said '02 MDX parts are preferrable because they're forged.
10-30-2009, 05:58 PM
#28
10th Gear
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Hey i just read up on a recent j-series swap done on a civic from Hondatuning magazine and they where giving different options of engines which what caught my eye was that they said that the J35a4 from the oddysey and Pilot already come with type-s heads but from factory they added a spacer between the head and block to bring down the power and torque. soooo then pretty much you can get that engine for about $700 remove the spacer and change out the pistons to the ones off the RL ...has anyone research this before??? sounds alil easyer for me since i gotta get a new engine anyways. thanks for your time!
11-08-2009, 07:28 AM
#29
I have a j32a1 right now.
And had a couple of questions about stroking it to 3.5.
I have some one that offering to sell me a complete rotational assembly from a 03 pilot 3.5 for a couple hundred.
Will this lower assembly work ?
witch heads to make it work?
also what pistons?
I see mdx,and oddessy but,no pilot.
any help......
And had a couple of questions about stroking it to 3.5.
I have some one that offering to sell me a complete rotational assembly from a 03 pilot 3.5 for a couple hundred.
Will this lower assembly work ?
witch heads to make it work?
also what pistons?
I see mdx,and oddessy but,no pilot.
any help......
11-08-2009, 11:37 AM
#30
I have a j32a1 right now.
And had a couple of questions about stroking it to 3.5.
I have some one that offering to sell me a complete rotational assembly from a 03 pilot 3.5 for a couple hundred.
Will this lower assembly work ?
witch heads to make it work?
also what pistons?
I see mdx,and oddessy but,no pilot.
any help......
And had a couple of questions about stroking it to 3.5.
I have some one that offering to sell me a complete rotational assembly from a 03 pilot 3.5 for a couple hundred.
Will this lower assembly work ?
witch heads to make it work?
also what pistons?
I see mdx,and oddessy but,no pilot.
any help......
11-14-2009, 07:44 PM
#31
that's not accurate at all..... some J series are shorter than others and therefore some of the parts will not enterchange without some additional work
or all 1st gen engines will interchange 
, then some parts between the 1st and 2nd gen will interchange
11-14-2009, 10:58 PM
#33
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
???
The second gen Js are indeed shorter then the first gen Js.
You can run some of the second gen parts on the first gen motors, but most will require custom work.
The newer TL valve springs are stiffer then the springs in our motor, so thats a decent upgrade.
The second gen Js are indeed shorter then the first gen Js.
You can run some of the second gen parts on the first gen motors, but most will require custom work.
The newer TL valve springs are stiffer then the springs in our motor, so thats a decent upgrade.
11-27-2009, 07:39 AM
#34
Cruisin'
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i just posted a thread in photos about a 3.5 swap on my 6th gen accord...
i have 03 cl-s engine/pistons. 01 odyssey rods/crank
everyone has to love the fact that civics and integra's are now throwing j series motors in, finally gives companys a reason to start making parts for us J's lol
i have 03 cl-s engine/pistons. 01 odyssey rods/crank
everyone has to love the fact that civics and integra's are now throwing j series motors in, finally gives companys a reason to start making parts for us J's lol
11-27-2009, 11:04 AM
#35
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Hopefully, but some companies are too stuborn to see the market growing *ahem*Hondata*ahem*
but yeah we need to get rid of the stupid piggybacks
12-16-2009, 04:41 PM
#38
Cruisin'
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i have an 02 acura tl- s was thinking about doing the 3.5 conversion just wondering what kind of labor is needed if its just changing the crank and pistons i can do it myself
12-16-2009, 07:01 PM
#39
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)