2008 TLSA crate/rebuilt/reman engine store/shop
 

My 08 TLSA has started burning about 2.5qt/wk (~500miles), 327K miles on the engine without a single issue... so, I can't complain, she's been an excellent car. I was wondering if anything had worked with a store/shop/builder to get a crate/rebuilt/reman engine. I'm very hesitant to buy a junk yard motor, especially as this point where most will have been sitting for some time now or have >100K on them.

Any info is appreciated.


Thanks very much,
Chaz

I'm a strong supporter of junkyard motors, I've swapped in more than a few over the years & except for gaskets/timing belts, they've been the definition of stout.

In your case, you can pick up a J35A8 out of a 05'-08' RL for less than 1k (easily) with a respectable amount of miles. Another plus for the RL motor except that it's a direct drop in, is that most RL owners don't beat on their cars & I'd bet most barely saw high RPMs.

thanks, i've had some friends with bad experiences... but i'll certainly look into it. yeah, you're certainly right about favoring an RL engine to the TLS engine... given the types of drivers in both cars.

while searching around i found Powertrain Products Inc, have you ever heard of them or seen them mentioned anywhere? they seem to have reman J35A8 engines, I haven't called them yet to confirm components used and what actually comes with the engine (intake, throttle body, sensors, ect). but they have a good review base on Birdeye.com and an A+ rating on BBB... i don't mind the cost increase if i'm buying a reman, especially if it comes with a warranty.
https://www.powertrainproducts.net/P...roductCode=424

count me in for another junk yard motor guy!

my junkyard motor is running stronger than stock!

So this thread got me thinking a bit; beyond the bellhousing change for 6MT cars, what other changes would be necessary to swap a J35A8 into a 2006 TL?

Note, when I say I was "thinking a bit", that's all it is, more for curiosity's sake. The engine in my TL is fully sound, and if I do need to swap it out, I'll probably opt for a J35A6 as that is about as close to perfectly plug and play as an engine change gets.

Just speculation on my part and I would wait for @teh CL to chime in; however, for starters, just like for an automatic J35A3 conversion to manual transmission compatibility for the 2G CL/TL folks, one would need the 'timing and cam sensor components'?? from your '06 TL 6, if that's possible.:dunno: That would make the automatic RL J35A8 manual transmission compatible.:)

The A8, aside from the bellhousing swap, is pretty much a direct replacement for the A3. No need to swap sensors, they're all interchangeable. One difference I found was that the water passage on the A8 is different from the A3 & most likely since the RL/TL-S have an extra coolant sensor I believe. You'd be able to swap your stock A3 water passage over easily though.

Aside from that, I did come across something interesting when cross referencing part #''s. The 05' RL/04-05' TL use a different timing gear compared to the 06+ RL/06'+ TL (13621-RCA-A01 & 13621-RCA-A11). Curious what the differences are... :ponder:

You can also go J37 & have some real fun... :biggrin: :io:

Maybe it is just me, but I do not consider adding a quart of oil to an engine every 500 miles "real fun". :devilgrin: