chaiwala

I am new to the Honda world so don't really know much about their engines. I have the J37A4 in the 2009 TL and wanted to know anything and everything you might know about it. Basically the strong and weak points of this particular engine. Thanks.

Bearcat94

J-Series is one of the best engines going. Been on the Ward's top ten list a couple of times, iirc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_J_engine


You can also look here:

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/733/releases/5192

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/733/releases/5197

chaiwala

Thanks Bearcat94, Does anybody have any real life experience with the J series engine? The good, bad or ugly?

csmeance

the one in the 09 TL has silicon liners unlike any other J series motor. As well I believe it has the new VTEC system like the RL which allows the intake and exhaust valve timing to be altered with a single cam. The J-series has it's headers cast onto the block so all you have is just the outlet which a cat attaches onto. All newer J-series motors have Drive By wire Throttles. Just to add in, the J-series has been a very strong motor that has been proven with time, Acura's been using it before 2001 if I remember correctly.

Ken1997TL

The J series has been around since 1997, it first came out on the '97 Acura CL 3.0

Its always been a SOHC design with displacement ranging from 2.5 to 3.7 liters

SuperTrooper169

iTrader: (2)

I love my J.

mcflyguy24

Only the newer J35 and J37 engines have the headers cast onto the block, the 2.5, 3.0, and 3.2 have bolt-on. It's a shame you can't put aftermarket headers on the newer engines. I like drive by wire, yet hate it at the same time, because it can make your car launch too weak in order to prevent wheel slip. Overall the J-series is a great solid motor that has gotten even better over the years. Doesn't leak oil, overheat, have head gasket issues, or any other major issues whatsoever.

Ken1997TL

Certain J32's have the headers cast onto the block as well.

chaiwala

All great responses guys, I thank you all for edjumacating me a bit on the J. Sounds like I will be able to have a lot of problem free miles!

Oh, I did have another question. I have a start up rattle/ticking/knocking sound on this engine. It does go away after a minute or so. I am presuming it may have something to do with the oil filter and its Anti drainback valve. If not then it may just be something to do with the engine. Is this something thats prevalent on the J series engine??

I asked the 4G forum but there are not many of us there and most are not engine "savvy".

Thanks again for the replies.

Bearcat94

Regards the J-Series, I've had the J32A2 for almost 8 years and about 83,000 trouble free miles (the tranny, not so much, but that's another kettle of fish).

I've hade the J35A8 for about 2 1/2 years and almost 36,000 trouble free miles. A little bit of knocking in warm weather, but otherwise, no issues.

The J37 is very similar to the J35A8, but with increased stroke. Hopefully Acura has made timing/fuel map changes to further reduce/eliminate knocking. As csmeance said, the on the J37 both the intake and exhaust valves are changed when VTEC activates; this is a nice feature that I wish the J35A8 had. It also has a larger throttle body.

thisaznboi88

iTrader: (7)

I have a j30a5 and its great! I didn't even mod it yet since its pretty powerful out of the box.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I had it for more than 4 years.. racked up more than 80K miles on it.

I had zero problems with it. WOT-ed like million times probably

chaiwala

I feel all warm and fuzzy about my choice after reading the replies!! woot

gdubb

I had a 97 3.0 Cl that had 140k+ plus miles when then tranny went, the motor was always strong never missing a beat.(I bought the car new)

v6cord2k5

iTrader: (1)

50,000 trouble-free miles here. All scheduled maintenance done on time while it was in warranty. I am now doing my own oil changes every 5,000 miles. Motor is very strong... I am more worried about the transmission.

Take care of yours and it will take care of you.

The J30A4 in my Accord has the headers cast with the block.

fsttyms1

220k on a J32A1. Pulled it out for my 6 speed conversion. Didnt use a drop of oil or make any noises. Easily had another 200k on it. Original cross hatching was still in the cyl and compression was factory spec. Oil changes were every 8k for the first 100k and 15k once i switched to syn.


That said i think the J series is out dated and in need of SERIOUS advancements like DOHC/Direct injection/Chain Driven cams etc...