The Honda J-series engine is a family of inline-four engines developed and produced by Honda. They were introduced in 1996 and include the J30A, J35A, J35Z, and J37A. These engines are used in a variety of Honda models, including the Acura TL and RL, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Pilot.
The J-series engine is available in a range of displacements, including 3.5 liters and 3.7 liters. They are also equipped with Honda’s i-VTEC technology, which improves fuel efficiency and performance.
Additionally, they are known for their durability and reliability and are considered by many to be a strong choice for a variety of applications. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Honda J-series engine, including its key features and specifications.
Honda J Series: A Brief Overview
The J-series engine was developed by Honda engineers in the United States. The engine is built by Honda’s Anna and Lincoln engine plants. After the C-series engine family with three dissimilar versions, it was Honda’s fourth production V6 engine family introduced in 1996.
Unlike Honda’s previous C-series engines, this one is a 60° V6. There have never been longitudinal applications for the J-series, unlike the C-series. Transverse mounting was the goal of the J-series.
To reduce its size, it has a smaller crankshaft, shorter connecting rods, and a shorter bore spacing (98 mm or 3.86 in).
Gasoline-powered J-series engines have four valves per cylinder, a single timing belt, and overhead camshafts driven by a single pulley. There are two exceptions to this rule: the J30AC (which uses Variable Timing Control [VTC] instead) and the J35Y8. Most applications use VTEC variable valve timing.
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is one of the unique features of some J-family engines. Under light loads, VCM turns off one bank of cylinders, turning the V6 into a straight-3 engine.
Various versions of the engine allowed one bank of cylinders or one cylinder on opposite banks to be turned off, allowing light loads to be handled by three cylinders and medium loads by four cylinders.
J25A
The J25A was used only in the Japanese domestic Inspire/Saber models. The J25A displaced 2.495 L (152 cu in). Its bore was 86 mm (3.4 in) and its stroke was 71.6 mm (2.82 in). The J25A used a 10.5:1 compression ratio and was a SOHC VTEC design. Output was 200 hp (149 kW) @ 6200 rpm and 24.5 kg⋅m (177 lb-ft) of torque @ 4600 rpm. It had a variable intake manifold to optimize torque output across varying engine speeds and engine response.
J25A
- 1998-2003 Honda Inspire
- 1999 Honda Saber
J30A
The J30A displaces 2,997 cc (2.997 L; 182.9 cu in) and is a SOHC VTEC design. Its bore is 86 mm (3.4 in) and its stroke is 86 mm (3.4 in).
Output for the lightweight 250 lb (110 kg) J30A1 was 210 hp (160 kW) @ 5500 rpm and 200 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m) of torque @ 4800 rpm.
The J30A4 pushed output to 242 hp (180 kW) and 212 lb⋅ft (287 N⋅m) using a three-way VTEC system, a higher (10:1) compression ratio, and a novel exhaust manifold cast as one piece with the cylinder head.
It weighs nearly 20 lb (9.1 kg) less and is an inch shorter than J30A1. This version was on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for 2003 and 2004. The IMA hybrid version was on the list for 2005.
In 2006 Honda created the J30A5 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Accord. It boosted output to 244 hp (SAE Net 08/04) and 211 lb·ft (SAE Net 08/04) of torque.
According to Honda, horsepower gains were achieved with improvements to the airflow of the intake and exhaust system.
J30A1
- 1997-1999 Acura 3.0CL
- 1997-2003 Honda Odyssey (Prestige & Absolute models)
- 1998-2002 Honda Accord V6
- 1999-2003 Honda Avancier
J30A4
- 2003-2005 Honda Accord V6
J30A5
- 2006-2007 Honda Accord V6
- 2003-2007 Honda Inspire
- 2013-2016 Honda Accord V6 (China)
J30Y1
- 2013+ Acura RDX (China)
JNA1
- 2005-2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
J32A
The J32A displaces 3.2 L (195 cu in) and is a SOHC VTEC design. Its bore is 89 mm (3.5 in) and its stroke is 86 mm (3.4 in). Output was 225 hp (168 kW) @ 5600 rpm and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) @ 4700 rpm for the J32A1, with the J32A2 raising output to 260 hp (194 kW) @ 6200 rpm and 232 lb⋅ft (315 N⋅m) @ 3500-5500 rpm. A more aggressive camshaft, more free flowing intake/exhaust, and a 2-stage intake manifold produced a 33.55 hp (25.02 kW) increase over the J32A1. The J32A3’s output in 2004/2005 TL is 270 hp (201 kW). SAE changed the way they tested engine hp for the 2006-2008 TL is 258 hp (192 kW). The J32A3 includes a one-piece exhaust manifold cast with the cylinder head, first introduced on the J30A4.
J32A1
- 1999-2003 Acura TL
- 2001-2003 Acura CL
- 1998-2003 Honda Inspire
J32A2
- 2001-2003 Acura CL Type-S
- 2002-2003 Acura TL Type-S
J32A3
- 2004-2008 Acura TL
J35A
The J35A is a SOHC VTEC design. Its weight is 360 lbs running.
J35A1
- 1999-2001 Honda Odyssey
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: Premium – 210 hp (157 kW) Regular -205 hp (153 kW)
- Torque: Premium – 229 lb⋅ft (310 N⋅m) Regular – 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m)
J35A3
- 2001-2002 Acura MDX
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: 248 hp (185 kW) @ 5800 rpm
- Torque: 242 lb⋅ft (328 N⋅m) @ 4500 rpm
J35A4
- 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
- 2003-2004 Honda Pilot
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: 240 hp (179 kW) @ 5400 rpm
- Torque: 242 lb⋅ft (328 N⋅m) @ 4500 rpm
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-Point Fuel Injection
J35A5
- 2003-2006 Acura MDX
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: 265 hp (198 kW) @ 5800 rpm
- Torque: 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) @ 3500 rpm
J35A6
- 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey Van, LX, EX
- 2005 Honda Pilot
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: 255 hp (190 kW) @ 5600 rpm
- Torque: 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) @ 4500 rpm
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-Point Fuel Injection
J35A7
Variable Cylinder Management Piston Oil Jets
- 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey EX-L, Touring
- 2007+ Honda Inspire
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
J35A8
- 2005-2008 Acura RL
- 2007-2008 Acura TL Type-S
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: 286 hp (213 kW) @ 6200 rpm
- Torque: 256 lb⋅ft (347 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm
- On the Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for 2005, 2008, and 2009.
J35A9
- 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline
- 2006-2008 Honda Pilot (4WD models)
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Power: 247 hp (184 kW) at 5750 rpm
- Torque: 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m)
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J35S1
- 2004-2007 Saturn Vue also referred to as GM L66
J35Z2
The J35Z engines use a die-cast aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves.
J35Z1 – VCM
- 2006-2008 Honda Pilot (front-wheel drive only)
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.5:1
- Power: 244 hp @ 5750 rpm
- Torque: 240 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC i-VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection, PGM-FI
J35Z2 – VCM
- 2008-2012 Honda Accord (except V6 6MT coupe)
- 2013-2017 Acura RDX
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.5:1
- Power: 271 hp (202 kW) @ 6200 rpm (Acura RDX 273 hp @ 6200 rpm)
- Torque: 254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm (Acura RDX 251 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm)
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC i-VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J35Z3
- 2008-2012 Honda Accord V6 6MT coupe
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Power: 271 hp (202 kW) @ 6200 rpm
- Torque: 254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J35Z4 – VCM
- 2009-2015 Honda Pilot
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.5:1
- Power: 250 hp (190 kW) @ 5700 rpm
- Torque: 253 lb⋅ft (343 N⋅m) @ 4800 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC i-VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J35Z5
- 2009-2014 Honda Ridgeline
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Power, torque: 250 hp (190 kW) @ 5700 rpm; 247 lb⋅ft (335 N⋅m) @ 4300 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J35Z6
- 2010-2014 Acura TSX V-6
- 2009-2014 Acura TL (Non SH-AWD)
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 11.2:1
- Power, torque: 280 hp (210 kW) @ 6200 rpm; 254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel inection; PGM-FI
J35Z8
- 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey (North America)
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.5:1
- Power, torque: 248 hp (185 kW) @ 5700 rpm); 250 lb·ft (340 N·m) @ 4800 rpm)
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC i-VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J35Y1 – VCM
- 2013-2017 Honda Accord V-6
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.5:1
- Power: 278 hp (207 kW) @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 252 lb⋅ft (342 N⋅m) @ 4,900 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (Traditional VTEC cam profiles on Intake Valves plus VCM on rear bank)
- Ignition control type: ECU -Coil on Plug
- Fuel control: Multi-Point Fuel Injection
- Red Line: 6,900 rpm
- Fuel Cut off: 7,300 rpm
- VTEC engagement: 5,150 rpm
J35Y2
- 2013-2017 Honda Accord V-6 6MT (MANUAL ONLY)
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89.0 mm (3.5 in) x 93.0 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 10.0:1
- Power: 278 hp (207 kW) @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 251 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) @ 5,300 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (Traditional VTEC cam profiles on Intake Valves)
- VTEC engagement: 4,900 rpm
J35Y4 – VCM
- 2014+ Acura RLX/Honda Legend
- Displacement: 3,476 cc (212.1 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 11.5:1
- Power: 310 hp (230 kW) @ 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 272 lb⋅ft (369 N⋅m) @ 4,500 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (VTEC on intake valves only)
- Red Line: 6,800 rpm
- Fuel cutoff: 7,200 rpm
- Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection
J35Y5 – VCM
- 2014+ Acura MDX
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 11.5:1
- Power: 290 hp (217 kW) @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 267 lb·ft (369 N·m) @ 4,500 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (VTEC on intake valves only)
- Red Line: 6,800 rpm
- Fuel cutoff: 7,200 rpm
- Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection
J35Y6 VCM
- 2015+ Acura TLX
- 2016+ Honda Pilot
- 2017+ Honda Ridgeline
- 2018+ Honda Odyssey (North America)
- Displacement: 3,471 cc (211.8 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 89 mm (3.5 in) x 93 mm (3.7 in)
- Compression: 11.5:1
- Power: Acura TLX: 290 hp (217 kW) @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque: Acura TLX: 267 lb·ft (369 N·m) @ 4,500 rpm
- Power: Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey: 280 hp (209 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey: 262 lb·ft (355 N·m) @ 4,700 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC i-VTEC (VTEC on intake valves only)
- Red Line: 6,800 rpm
- Fuel cutoff: 7,200 rpm
- Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection
J37
The J37 uses a die-cast aluminum block with aluminum cylinder liners. Primarily due to the cylinder liners being made from aluminum instead of cast-iron the engine weighs less than the J35Z engines. The intake manifold is made from a cast magnesium alloy.
J37A1
- 2007-2013 Acura MDX
- Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
- Compression: 11.0:1 (2007-2009); 11.2:1 (2010-2013)
- Power; torque: 300 hp (220 kW) @ 6000 rpm; 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm (2007-2009)
- Power; torque: 300 hp (220 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 270 lb⋅ft (370 N⋅m) @ 4500 rpm (2010-2013)
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J37A2
- 2009-2012 Acura RL
- Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
- Compression: 11.2:1
- Power; torque: 300 hp (220 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 271 lb⋅ft (367 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J37A4
- 2009-2014 Acura TL SH-AWD
- Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
- Compression: 11.2:1
- Power; torque: 305 hp (227 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 273 lb⋅ft (370 N⋅m) @ 5000 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
J37A5
- 2010-2013 Acura ZDX
- Displacement: 3,664 cc (223.6 cu in)
- Bore and stroke: 90.0 mm (3.5 in) x 96.0 mm (3.8 in)
- Compression: 11.2:1
- Power; torque: 300 hp (220 kW) @ 6300 rpm; 270 lb⋅ft (370 N⋅m) @ 4500 rpm
- Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)(Albert cam gears)
- Fuel control: Multi-point fuel injection; PGM-FI
Final Thoughts
Power is one of the best things about V6 engines. Fuel efficiency and the environment are not so great. In order to get a little more mileage, Honda developed its Variable Cylinder Management system. A four-cylinder engine is just more efficient, even if it is less powerful.
Other Honda engine series are –
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