J-series FAQ

The j-series family is an all aluminum(except for sleeves) 60 degree engine created by honda after the C-series was discontinued. It was created in 1996 along with the obd II era. So far all these engines are SOHC style utilizing VTEC functions as well. Some engines also are equipped with VCM or cylinder deactivation to increase gas mileage. Some of the older engines in the honda accord were equipped with a distributer before it went to a crank/cam sensor.
The j series engines have came in these cars as of today..

J30A1
1997-1999 Acura 3.0CL
1998-2002 Honda Accord V6
2000-2004 Honda Odyssey
J30A4
2003-2005 Honda Accord V6
J30A5
2006-2007 Honda Accord V6
Variable Cylinder Management
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

J32A1
1999-2003 Acura TL
2001-2003 Acura CL
J32A2
2001-2003 Acura CL Type-S
2002-2003 Acura TL Type-S
J32A3
2004+ Acura TL


J35A1
1999-2001 Honda Odyssey
J35A3
Acura MDX
2005+ Acura RL
2007+ Acura TL Type-S
J35A4
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
J35A9
Honda Ridgeline
Honda Pilot (VTM-4 models)
J35Z1 - Variable Cylinder Management
2005 Honda Odyssey
2006 Honda Pilot (front-wheel-drive models)
J35Z2 - Variable Cylinder Management
2008 Honda Accord (except V6 6MT coupe)

The Newest J37A1 displaces 3664 cc with a 90 mm bore and stroke of 96 mm. Compression ratio is 11:1. Rated output is 300 hp (220 kW) at 6000 rpm and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 5000 rpm. The J37 is used in the 2007+ Acura MDX.

These are the parts that can be swapped for the best all around performance engine...

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, great torque, nice mid-range
disadvantage: top-end power

J35A3/J35A3 (Acura MDX '01-02)
advantage: no modifications needed, great torque, nice mid-range
disadvantage: little less air flow than J32A2 but very close.

MDX the cyl. heads are the same part # as CL-S, however intake valves and cams are different than CL-S.

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.



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

'03 CL-S (pistons) - 10.5:1 CR or
'05 RL (pistons) - 11.0:1 CR

The only advantage to get J32A2 block is due to better cylinder sleeves to withstand heat