The Acura TL is a popular luxury sedan that was produced between 2004 and 2008. During this period, the car was equipped with a powerful and reliable engine called the J32A3.
This engine was designed to deliver exceptional performance and fuel efficiency, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the J32A3 engine specs and performance. We will cover the engine design and specifications, performance enhancements, and real-world driving performance.
We will also compare the J32A3 engine with other engines in its class and highlight its strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of this engine, so that potential buyers and car enthusiasts can make informed decisions.
Honda J32A3 Engine Overview
The J32A3 engine is a 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine that was designed and built by Honda. It was used in the 2004-2008 Acura TL, a luxury sports sedan.
The engine was designed to deliver powerful performance, smooth and reliable operation, and excellent fuel efficiency.
The J32A3 engine features a bore stroke of 89mm x 86mm (3.5in x 3.386 in), and a compression ratio of 11:1. This high compression design allows the engine to produce high horsepower and torque output.
The engine was initially rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) at 6200 RPM and 238 lb⋅ft (323 N⋅m) of torque at 5000 RPM. However, the output was revised in 2006 to 258 horsepower (192 kW) at 6200 RPM and 233 lb⋅ft (316 N⋅m) of torque at 5000 RPM due to changes in the SAE readout standards.
The J32A3 engine is equipped with several performance enhancements to improve its efficiency and output. These include Honda’s VTEC technology, which varies valve timing and lift for increased performance and efficiency.
The engine also features a dual-stage induction system, a cold-air intake system, and a computer-controlled programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system.
Additionally, the engine is equipped with a direct ignition system, unique exhaust manifolds that are cast directly into the head, and high-flow close-coupled catalytic converters. The VTEC technology engages at 4,700 RPM.
In real-world driving, the J32A3 engine provides excellent acceleration and top speed. The engine is smooth and reliable, delivering a comfortable and responsive driving experience.
The fuel efficiency is also impressive, allowing the Acura TL to travel further on a single tank of fuel. The handling and steering response is also improved, making the car more fun to drive.
Compared to other engines in its class, the J32A3 engine stands out for its high horsepower and torque output, its smooth and reliable operation, and its excellent fuel efficiency.
It is also relatively lightweight, which helps to improve the overall handling and performance of the car. Some potential disadvantages of the J32A3 engine include its age, as it is no longer in production, and its higher cost compared to other engines in its class.
Overall, the J32A3 engine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful, reliable, and efficient engine for their Acura TL.
Whether you are looking for a fun-to-drive car for the daily commute, or a comfortable and sporty car for long road trips, the J32A3 engine has the capabilities and performance you need.
Specification Table for J32A3 Engine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy |
| Bore Stroke | 89mm x 86mm (3.5in x 3.386 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 11:1 |
| Horsepower (2004-2005) | 270 hp (201 kW) at 6200 RPM |
| Horsepower (2006-2008) | 258 hp (192 kW) at 6200 RPM |
| Torque (2004-2005) | 238 lb⋅ft (323 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM |
| Torque (2006-2008) | 233 lb⋅ft (316 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM |
| VTEC Technology | Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) |
| Induction System | Dual-stage induction system |
| Fuel Injection | Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) |
| Ignition System | Direct ignition system |
| Exhaust Manifolds | Unique exhaust manifolds that are cast directly into the head |
| Catalytic Converters | High flow close-coupled catalytic converters |
| VTEC Engagement | 4,700 RPM |
Source: Wikipedia
Comparison With Other J32 Family Engine Like J32A1 and J32A2
| Specification | J32A3 | J32A1 | J32A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy | 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy | 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy |
| Bore Stroke | 89mm x 86mm (3.5in x 3.386 in) | 89mm x 86mm (3.5in x 3.386 in) | 89mm x 86mm (3.5in x 3.386 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 11:1 | 10:1 | 11:1 |
| Horsepower (2004-2005) | 270 hp (201 kW) at 6200 RPM | 260 hp (194 kW) at 6200 RPM | 280 hp (209 kW) at 6200 RPM |
| Horsepower (2006-2008) | 258 hp (192 kW) at 6200 RPM | 250 hp (186 kW) at 6200 RPM | 270 hp (201 kW) at 6200 RPM |
| Torque (2004-2005) | 238 lb⋅ft (323 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM | 251 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM | 252 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM |
| Torque (2006-2008) | 233 lb⋅ft (316 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM | 242 lb⋅ft (327 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM | 243 lb⋅ft (329 N⋅m) at 5000 RPM |
| VTEC Technology | Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) | Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) | Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) |
| Induction System | Dual-stage induction system | Dual-stage induction system | Dual-stage induction system |
| Fuel Injection | Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) | Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) | Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) |
| Ignition System | Direct ignition system | Direct ignition system | Direct ignition system |
| Exhaust Manifolds | Unique exhaust manifolds that are cast directly into the head | Unique exhaust manifolds that are cast directly into the head | Unique exhaust manifolds that are cast directly into the head |
| Catalytic Converters | High flow close-coupled catalytic converters | High flow close-coupled catalytic converters | High flow close-coupled catalytic converters |
| VTEC Engagement | 4,700 RPM | 4,700 RPM | 4,700 RPM |
Note: The comparison table is based on the available data and may not include all differences between the J32 family engines.
Head and Valvetrain Specs J32A3
The J32A3 engine features a DOHC (dual overhead camshaft) valvetrain configuration with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology.
The VTEC system allows the engine to switch between two different cam profiles to improve performance and efficiency.
The engine has 4 valves per cylinder and hydraulic lifters to maintain accurate valve clearance. The head and block are made of aluminum alloy to reduce weight and increase engine response.
The engine also features a computer-controlled timing chain tensioner to maintain proper timing and reduce engine noise.
Overall, the J32A3 engine’s head and valvetrain components work together to deliver high performance and efficiency while also providing a smooth and reliable driving experience.
Performance Review
The J32A3 engine was designed for the 2004-2008 Acura TL and was considered to be a high-performance engine for its time.
The engine was equipped with a 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine and was capable of producing 258 horsepower (192 kW) at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft (316 N⋅m) of torque at 5000 rpm.
This engine had a number of features that helped improve its performance, including a dual-stage induction system, a cold-air intake system, and a computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system.
The engine also had a unique exhaust manifold design that was cast directly into the head and high flow close-coupled catalytic converters, which helped reduce emissions and improve engine efficiency.
The J32A3 engine’s VTEC system allowed the engine to switch between two different cam profiles, which helped improve performance and efficiency.
The VTEC engagement occurred at 4,700 rpm, which allowed for increased horsepower and torque output.
Overall, the J32A3 engine was considered to be a well-rounded and reliable high-performance engine that provided a smooth and responsive driving experience.
While it may not be as powerful as more recent engines, it was still considered to be a strong performer in its class during its production years.
What Car Did the J32A3 Come in?
The J32A3 engine was installed in the 2004-2008 Acura TL, a luxury mid-size car produced by Honda’s premium division, Acura.
The engine was designed to deliver high performance and efficiency, with features such as a 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine.
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, a dual-stage induction system, and a computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system.
The J32A3 engine was considered to be a well-rounded and reliable high-performance engine that provided a smooth and responsive driving experience in the Acura TL.
Other J Series Engines-
| J37A5 | J37A4 | J37A2 | J37A1 | J35Z8 |
| J35Z6 | J35Z3 | J35Z2 | J35Z1 | J35Y6 |
| J35Y4 | J35Y2 | J35Y1 | J35A9 | J35A8 |
| J35A7 | J35A6 | J35A5 | J35A4 | J35A3 |
| J32A2 | J32A1 | J30AC | J30A5 | J30A4 |
| J30A3 | J30A1 | J35S1 |
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