Honda J37A2 Engine

Honda J37A2 Engine Specs and Performance

Written by: David Vallo on May 1, 2024

The J37A2 engine is a 3.7-liter V6 engine produced by Honda. It was first introduced in 2009 and was primarily used in the Acura RL luxury sedan.

With a powerful output of 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, the J37A2 engine was designed to deliver an impressive driving experience.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the engine specifications, a detailed performance review, and a comparison with other engines in the market.

We will also explore the history of the J37A2 engine and its place in the automotive industry.

Honda J37A2 Engine

Honda J37A2 Engine Overview

The Honda J37A2 engine is a 3.7-liter V6 engine that was produced from 2009 to 2012. It was primarily used in the Acura RL luxury sedan and was designed to deliver high performance and efficiency.

The engine has a displacement of 3.7 liters, or 223.6 cubic inches, and a bore and stroke of 90 mm x 96 mm.

The engine has a compression ratio of 11.2:1 and is capable of producing 300 horsepower at 6300 RPM and 271 lb-ft of torque at 5000 RPM.

The J37A2 engine features a 24-valve SOHC VTEC system that operates both the intake and exhaust valves. This allows for improved airflow and engine performance.

The engine also uses a multi-point fuel injection system, known as PGM-FI, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

In terms of performance, the J37A2 engine offers quick acceleration and a top speed of over 150 mph. Despite its powerful output, the engine is also fuel-efficient, delivering an impressive driving experience.

The engine is also known for its smooth power delivery and responsiveness, making it a popular choice among luxury sedan owners.

In conclusion, the Honda J37A2 engine is a well-designed and high-performance engine that delivers an impressive driving experience.

With its powerful output, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology, it is a great example of Honda’s commitment to producing high-quality engines for their vehicles.

Honda J37A2 Engine Overview

Specification Table for J37A2 Engine

SpecificationDetail
EngineJ37A2
Production2009-2012
VehicleAcura RL
Displacement3.7 L (223.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke90 mm x 96 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:1
Power300 hp at 6300 RPM
Torque271 lb-ft at 5000 RPM
Valvetrain24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
Fuel ControlMulti-point fuel injection (PGM-FI)

Source: Wikipedia

Comparison With Other J37 Family Engine Like J37A1and J37A4

The J37A2 engine is part of the J37 engine family produced by Honda. The J37A1 and J37A4 are other engines in the same family, with some differences in their specifications and capabilities.

SpecificationJ37A2J37A1J37A4
EngineJ37A2J37A1J37A4
Production2009-20122006-20082012-2017
VehicleAcura RLAcura RLAcura RLX, MDX
Displacement3.7 L (223.6 cu in)3.7 L (223.6 cu in)3.7 L (223.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke90 mm x 96 mm90 mm x 96 mm90 mm x 96 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:111.0:111.0:1
Power300 hp at 6300 RPM300 hp at 6300 RPM310 hp at 6300 RPM
Torque271 lb-ft at 5000 RPM271 lb-ft at 5000 RPM272 lb-ft at 4500 RPM
Valvetrain24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)24v SOHC VTEC (intake and exhaust)
Fuel ControlMulti-point fuel injection (PGM-FI)Multi-point fuel injection (PGM-FI)Multi-point fuel injection (PGM-FI)

The J37A2 engine is similar to the J37A1 in terms of displacement, bore and stroke, compression ratio, and valvetrain technology.

Both engines have a power output of 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The main difference between the two engines is the production year, with the J37A2 being produced later.

The J37A4 engine, on the other hand, is slightly different from the J37A2 and J37A1. It has a slightly higher power output of 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque.

It was also used in different vehicles, including the Acura RLX and MDX. Despite these differences, all three engines in the J37 family share many similar specifications and technologies, making them high-performance and efficient engines.

Head and Valvetrain Specs J37A2

The J37A2 engine has a 24-valve SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain, which means it has two camshafts (one for intake and one for exhaust valves) that are responsible for operating the valves.

The VTEC system allows the engine to adjust the lift and duration of the valves, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency.

The J37A2 engine has 4 valves per cylinder, providing increased airflow and combustion efficiency compared to traditional 2-valve engines.

The SOHC design is lighter and more compact than a DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) design, allowing for improved engine balance and reduced vibration.

In summary, the head and valvetrain design of the J37A2 engine includes

  • 24-valve SOHC configuration
  • VTEC technology for optimized valve lift and duration
  • 4 valves per cylinder for improved airflow and combustion
  • SOHC design for improved engine balance and reduced vibration.

The Technologies Used in

The J37A2 engine uses several advanced technologies to improve its performance, efficiency, and emissions.

Some of these technologies include

1. Vtec (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)

VTEC is Honda’s signature technology that optimizes the lift and duration of the engine’s valves, improving performance and fuel efficiency.

2. Multi-point Fuel Injection (Pgm-fi)

The J37A2 engine uses Honda’s PGM-FI system, which injects fuel into multiple points in the engine for improved combustion and reduced emissions.

3. Aluminum Block and Cylinder Heads

The J37A2 engine uses lightweight aluminum for its block and cylinder heads, reducing weight and improving engine response.

4. Direct Ignition System

The J37A2 engine uses a Direct Ignition System (DIS), which provides more accurate and reliable ignition timing compared to traditional distributors.

5. Drive-by-wire Throttle System

The J37A2 engine uses a Drive-by-Wire Throttle System, which eliminates the traditional mechanical throttle linkage in favor of an electronic control system. This results in improved throttle response and control.

6. Dual-stage Intake Manifold

The J37A2 engine uses a Dual-stage Intake Manifold, which optimizes airflow into the engine based on engine speed and load.

7. Knock Control System

The J37A2 engine uses a Knock Control System, which monitors engine knock (detonation) and adjusts ignition timing to prevent engine damage.

These advanced technologies work together to provide the J37A2 engine with improved performance, efficiency, and emissions, making it one of Honda’s most advanced and capable engines.

Performance Review

The J37A2 engine delivers outstanding performance, delivering 300 horsepower (224 kW) at 6300 RPM and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque at 5000 RPM.

This engine provides a great balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for high-performance vehicles.

One of the standout features of the J37A2 engine is its VTEC system, which provides improved engine performance and fuel efficiency. The VTEC system adjusts the lift and duration of the valves, optimizing engine breathing and allowing for more power at high RPMs.

The J37A2 engine also benefits from Honda’s advanced Multi-point Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system, which provides improved combustion and reduces emissions.

The lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads also contribute to the engine’s performance by reducing weight and improving engine response.

In addition, the J37A2 engine’s Drive-by-Wire Throttle System and Direct Ignition System provide improved throttle response and control, and the Dual-stage Intake Manifold optimizes airflow into the engine based on engine speed and load.

Overall, the J37A2 engine provides outstanding performance, with a great balance of power and efficiency. Its advanced technologies make it one of Honda’s most advanced and capable engines, and it’s no surprise that it’s a popular choice for high-performance vehicles.

What Car Did the J37A2 Come in?

The J37A2 engine was originally introduced in the 2009-2012 Acura RL luxury sedan. This engine provided the RL with outstanding performance and efficiency, delivering 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 271 lb-ft (367 Nm) of torque.

The J37A2 engine was known for its smooth and refined performance, and its advanced technologies, such as VTEC and PGM-FI, helped to optimize engine performance and efficiency.

The J37A2 engine remains a popular choice for high-performance vehicles, and it continues to be a standout in Honda’s engine lineup.

Other J Series Engines-

J37A5J37A4J37A1J35Z8J35Z6
J35Z3J35Z2J35Z1J35Y6J35Y4
J35Y2J35Y1J35A9J35A8J35A7
J35A6J35A5J35A4J35A3J32A3
J32A2J32A1J30ACJ30A5J30A4
J30A3J30A1J35S1

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