Honda is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, known for producing high-performance engines that offer a perfect combination of power, reliability, and efficiency.
The Honda J35A5 engine is one such example of Honda’s engineering prowess, and it has been making waves in the performance car market since its release.
This blog post will comprehensively overview the Honda J35A5 engine, including its specs, performance, and applications.
We’ll also delve into the popularity of Honda engines and why the J35A5 has been a fan favorite among car enthusiasts and racers.
This post aims to provide readers with a better understanding of the J35A5 engine, its capabilities, and why it’s considered a top-notch powerplant.
Honda J35A5 Engine Overview
The Honda J35A5 engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine produced by Honda Motor Company. It was first introduced in 2003 and has been used in various Acura models, including the MDX, until 2006.
The J35A5 engine is known for its high-performance capabilities and reliability, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and racers.
The engine has a displacement of 3.5 liters, which equates to 211.8 cubic inches or 3,471 cc. It features a bore and stroke of 89mm x 93mm, respectively, and has a compression ratio of 10:1.
The J35A5 engine is equipped with Honda’s signature VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, which allows for improved engine performance and efficiency.
The J35A5 engine produces a maximum power output of 265 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and a torque output of 250 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM.
These impressive numbers make the J35A5 a powerful and responsive engine, capable of delivering excellent acceleration and top speeds.
Regarding reliability, the Honda J35A5 engine is known for its durability and longevity. However, like any other engine, it is not immune to wear and tear, and some common issues reported by owners include oil leaks, transmission problems, and faulty sensors.
Overall, the Honda J35A5 engine is a highly capable and well-regarded powerplant that has been a favorite among car enthusiasts and racers.
Its power, reliability, and efficiency make it a top-notch choice for those looking to upgrade their vehicle’s performance.
Specification Table for J35A5 Engine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3.5 L (211.8 cu in / 3,471 cc) |
| Bore and Stroke | 89 mm x 93 mm (3.50 in x 3.66 in) |
| Power Output | 265 hp (198 kW) at 5,800 RPM |
| Torque Output | 250 lb-ft (339 N⋅m) at 3,500 RPM |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Valve Train | 24-Valve SOHC VTEC |
Source: Wikipedia
Comparison With Other J35 Family Engines like J35A3 and J35A4
Honda J35 Engine Family Comparison:
The Honda J35 engine family is a series of V6 engines produced by Honda and used in various Acura models.
Some of the most notable members of the J35 engine family include the J35A3, J35A4, and J35A5. Let’s compare these engines to see how they differ from one another:
| Engine | Displacement | Power Output | Torque Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| J35A3 | 3.5 L | 240 hp | 242 lb-ft |
| J35A4 | 3.5 L | 260 hp | 251 lb-ft |
| J35A5 | 3.5 L | 265 hp | 250 lb-ft |
As we can see, the J35A5 engine is the most powerful engine in the J35 family, with the highest horsepower and torque outputs. The J35A3 engine, on the other hand, is the least powerful but still provides decent performance.
The J35A4 engine falls in the middle, offering slightly higher performance than the J35A3 but lower than the J35A5.
In terms of displacement, all three engines have the same 3.5-liter displacement. However, differences in engine design and performance upgrades result in variations in horsepower and torque outputs.
It’s worth noting that these comparisons are based on rough estimates, and actual performance numbers may vary depending on various factors, including the specific vehicle and its transmission.
Head and Valvetrain Specs J35A5
The Honda J35A5 engine features a 24-valve SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain design. This type of valvetrain is characterized by its simplicity, low maintenance requirements, and good overall performance.
The J35A5 engine also features Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, improving engine performance and efficiency.
The J35A5 engine has 24 valves in total, with three per cylinder, for a total of three rocker arms. The VTEC technology allows the engine to adjust the valve lift and duration based on engine RPM, providing increased power and torque at high RPMs while maintaining good fuel efficiency at lower RPMs.
No Hydronic Lifters
The Honda J35A5 engine does not have hydraulic lifters. It is a single-overhead-cam (SOHC) design that uses VTEC to switch between intake lobes.
Every previous naturally aspirated V-6 from either Honda or Acura, except for the first-generation NSX, has instead been a single-overhead-cam (SOHC) design.
Another key enabler is using cam phasers to continually adjust both intake and exhaust timing rather than the high-lift and longer-duration intake lobes on the previous V-63. But that means this new engine doesn’t have VTEC4
Overall, the J35A5 engine’s head and valvetrain design is optimized for high performance, efficiency, and reliability.
The VTEC technology, combined with the 24-valve SOHC design, makes the J35A5 engine one of the most capable and well-regarded powerplants in Honda’s lineup.
The Technologies Used in
The Honda J35A5 engine features a number of advanced technologies designed to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. Some of the most notable technologies used in the J35A5 engine include
1. Vtec (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
VTEC is Honda’s signature valve control system that adjusts valve lift and duration based on engine RPM, providing improved performance and fuel efficiency.
2. Sohc (Single Overhead Camshaft)
The J35A5 engine features a SOHC valvetrain design characterized by simplicity, low maintenance requirements, and good overall performance.
3. 24-valve Design
The J35A5 engine has 24 valves in total, with three per cylinder, for a total of three rocker arms. This design provides good airflow into the engine, resulting in improved performance.
4. High-flow Intake and Exhaust Systems
The J35A5 engine features high-flow intake and exhaust systems designed to maximize airflow into and out of the engine, resulting in improved performance.
Overall, the Honda J35A5 engine is a high-performance and highly advanced powerplant that incorporates a number of advanced technologies designed to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability.
These technologies, combined with Honda’s reputation for engine quality, make the J35A5 engine one of the best in its class.
Performance Review
The Honda J35A5 engine is a high-performance powerplant that is known for its impressive power and torque output, as well as its good fuel efficiency.
The engine can produce 265 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM, making it a strong performer in its class.
One key factor contributing to the J35A5 engine’s performance is the VTEC technology, which adjusts valve lift and duration based on engine RPM.
This increases power and torque at high RPMs while maintaining good fuel efficiency at lower RPMs.
The J35A5 engine also features a high-flow intake and exhaust system and a 24-valve SOHC design, which further contributes to its performance.
Regarding driving dynamics, the J35A5 engine provides a smooth and powerful driving experience, with good acceleration and responsive throttle response.
The engine’s power and torque delivery is smooth and linear, making it easy to drive and control, even at high speeds.
Overall, the Honda J35A5 engine is a highly capable powerplant with impressive performance and efficiency, making it one of the best engines in its class.
Whether you’re looking for power, efficiency, or both, the J35A5 engine is a great choice that provides excellent driving dynamics and reliability.
What Car Did the J35A5 Come in?
The Honda J35A5 engine was featured in the 2003-2006 Acura MDX, Honda’s luxury crossover SUV.
The J35A5 engine was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and produced 265 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, providing the Acura MDX with a smooth and powerful driving experience.
The engine’s advanced technologies, such as VTEC and a high-flow intake and exhaust system, helped to deliver impressive performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice among Acura MDX owners.
Other J Series Engines-
| J37A5 | J37A4 | J37A2 | J37A1 | J35Z8 |
| J35Z6 | J35Z3 | J35Z2 | J35Z1 | J35Y6 |
| J35Y4 | J35Y2 | J35Y1 | J35A9 | J35A8 |
| J35A7 | J35A6 | J35A4 | J35A3 | J32A3 |
| J32A2 | J32A1 | J30AC | J30A5 | J30A4 |
| J30A3 | J30A1 | J35S1 |
Being an 8 year Acura tech and owner of a 2005 MDX with a j35a5 engine, I can confirm the j35a5 engines do not have hydraulic lifters.
Corrected