Honda J35A (J35Z, J35Y) Engine Specification & Changes

[hughezee]

In 1998, a 3.5-litre J35A V6 was launched, which was first used for Honda Odyssey. This engine was developed on the base of the J32A cylinder block, its deck height was 235 mm. They installed a long stroke forged crankshaft with 93 mm stroke and lightweight rods 158.5 mm long. The compression height of the pistons was not changed and was equal to 30 mm. This provided an extra 300 cm3 of displacement.

 

The J35 engine uses two SOHC cylinder heads with a VTEC system, which is very similar to the J30A1 heads. These heads have 4 valves per cylinder. The diameter of intake valves is 34 mm, of the exhaust valves – 29 mm and the Honda J35 firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. The camshafts are rotated by the timing belt to be replaced after 60,000 miles. It is recommended to adjust valves after every 30,000 miles. Valve clearances for a cold engine are 0.24-0.26 mm for intake and 0.28-0.32 mm for exhaust valves.

 

The Honda J35 engine has several fellow engines in the J series: J25, J30, J32 and J37 and first modification of J35A had a 55 mm throttle body. This engine was gradually improved and the main differences between the modifications are shown below.

 

Honda J35A (J35Z, J35Y) engine modifications and differences

• 1. J35A1 (1998 – 2001) is the very first modification for Honda Odyssey. The compression ratio was 9.4, the VTEC system was activated after 3,300 rpm and the power was 210 HP @ 5,200 rpm, the torque was 310 Nm @ 4,300 rpm.
• 2. J35A3 (2000 – 2007) was a slightly improved J35A1. It featured a new 2-stage intake manifold that was designed for low – and midrange-rpm torque. It was activated after 3,500 rpm. The J35A3 also featured the compression ratio increased to 10, a new ECU, and VTEC was activated after 4,100 rpm. All this improved the features, and now the power reached 243 HP @ 5,300 rpm, the torque was 332 Nm @ 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.The J35A3 engine was installed in Acura MDX and Saturn Vue.
• 3. J35A4 (2001 – 2004) – this engine replaced J35A1. It featured a new intake manifold, its throttle body diameter was increased to 64 mm, and a new exhaust system was used. Also, there was an improved VTEC system, the diameter of intake valves was increased to 35 mm, of exhaust valves to 30 mm, the compression ratio was raised to 10. The J35A4 stock fuel injectors size was 240 cc. These upgrades boosted the power to 240 HP @ 5,400 rpm, the torque was 328 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.This engine was intended for Honda Odyssey and Honda Pilot.
• 4. J35A5 (2002 – 2006) – this engine replaced the J35A3. Here a cylinder block with cast iron sleeves was used along with the new 2-stage intake manifold (activated at 3,700 rpm), an electronic throttle, an improved exhaust system, and more dynamic camshafts. The VTEC system is triggered upon reaching 4,400 rpm. Here the fuel system has been modified, and everything is controlled by another ECU. This modification increased engine efficiency, and its power reached 265 HP @ 5,800 rpm, the torque was 340 Nm @ 3,500 rpm.This engine was created only for Acura RDX.
• 5. J35A6 (2004 – 2010) – this engine replaced J35A4 and featured an electronic throttle body and an improved exhaust system. The power increased to 255 HP @ 5,750 rpm, the torque was 340 Nm @ 5,000 rpm.The J35A6 was installed in Honda Pilot and Honda Odyssey.
• 6. J35A7 (2004 – 2012) was an analogue to J35A6 but equipped with a VCM 3-cylinder override system. The power was 244 HP @ 5,750 rpm, the torque was 325 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.
• 7. J35A8 (2005 – 2008) was an analogue to J35A5, but with the compression ratio of 11. The J35A8 engine also had oil jets for cooling pistons, new piston rods, hollow camshafts, modified intake head ports, intake valves were increased to 36 mm, and the VTEC system was activated at 4,950 rpm. For J35A8, a new 2-stage intake manifold was used (activated at 4,000 rpm), a cold air intake system and a variable flow exhaust system were used. It added a bit more horsepower, and the power was 286 HP @ 6,200 rpm, the torque was 347 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. The J35A8 engine was intended for Japanse Built Honda Legend, Acura RL and Acura TL Type-S.
• 8. J35A9 (2006 – 2008) was an analogue to J35A6 intended for Honda Pilot AWD and Honda Ridgeline. Its power was 248 HP @ 5,750 rpm, and the torque was 343 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.
• 9. J35Z1 (2006 – 2008) was an analogue to J35A9 for Honda Pilot FWD. The power was 244 HP @ 5,750 rpm, and the torque was 325 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.
• 10. J35Z2 (2007 – 2012) was the engine that replaced J35A5. It was equipped with a VCM system and could deactivate 2 or 3 cylinders. The compression ratio was 10.5, and the power was 272 HP @ 6,200 rpm, the torque was 344 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. You can buy an Acura RDX or an 8th generation (USA only) Honda Accord with this engine.
• 11. J35Z3 (2007 – 2012) was an analogue to J35Z2 but without the VCM system. It could be in 8th generation Honda Accord Coupe with a manual transmission.
• 12. J35Z4 (2008 – 2015) – this engine replaced J35Z1. Its main features were a cold air intake system, a new 2-stage intake manifold (activated at 4,200 rpm), the increased to 10.5 compression ratio, and a VCM system (could deactivate 2 or 3 cylinders). As a result, the power increased to 253 HP @ 5,700 rpm, the torque was 343 Nm @ 4,800 rpm. The J35Z4 was installed in 2nd generation Honda Pilot.
• 13. J35Z5 (2009 – 2014) was the same J35A5, but with the compression ratio equal to 10. It was installed in Honda Ridgeline.
• 14. J35Z6 (2008 – 2014) – this modification replaced the J35A8 engine. The compression ratio increased to 11.2, oil jets were installed into the cylinder block, light connecting rods were used along with the 64 mm throttle body, a 2-stage intake manifold (triggered at 3,950 rpm) and a sports exhaust system. VTEC activated at 4,750 rpm. As a result, the power reached 280 HP @ 6,200 rpm, the torque was 344 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. You can get a J35Z6 engine with an Acura TL or an Acura TSX.
• 15. J35Y1 Earth dreams (2012 – 2017) – this engine was created to replace J35Z2 and J35Z3. Its main features were new intake and exhaust head ports, a revised VTEC system activated at 5,150 rpm. This added a bit more horsepower, and J35Y1 power reached 280 HP @ 6,200 rpm, the torque was 342 Nm @ 4,900 rpm. J35Y1 was made for 9th generation Honda Accord.
• 16. J35Y2 (2012 – 2017) was an analogue to J35Y1, but here VTEC was activated at 4,900 rpm. This engine was installed in 9th generation Honda Accord with a manual transmission.
• 17. J35Y4 (2013 – present) is a modification with the direct injection system. The compression ratio was also increased here to 11.5, and the cooling and exhaust system were improved. This engine was equipped with a VTEC system, that was triggered at 5,000 rpm. These changes increased the torque at low rpm and increased fuel efficiency. The J35Y4 power was increased to 310 HP @ 6,500 rpm, the torque is 369 Nm @ 4,500 rpm. This engine was installed in Acura RLX.
• 18. J35Y5 (2013 – present) is an analogue to J35Y4, but it installed in Acura MDX. The power is 290 HP @ 6,200 rpm, the torque is 369 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.
• 19. J35Y6 (2014 – present) is an analogue to J35Y5, which was installed in 3rd generation Honda Pilot and Acura TLX. This engine was designed to replace J35Z6.

[DeanoCoupe]

So will a J35A drop in to a 1998 Coupe? ?

[hughezee]

19 hours ago, DeanoCoupe said:

So will a J35A drop in to a 1998 Coupe? ?

it will bolt in no issues but you would need to consider the wiring, somebody did a 3.2 with a manual swap in the UK but it needed tuning obviously the guy gave up and was selling it ??

[Laird_Scooby]

Oh dear Stu - i think he's got the bug!

Rumour has it in the USA someone has dropped an NSX C30 lump into an early (KA4?) Legend - i believe it's on Youtube somewhere. IF it's been done right that's an easy extra 100bhp, on paper at least!

[DeanoCoupe]

5 hours ago, Laird_Scooby said:

Oh dear Stu - i think he's got the bug!

Rumour has it in the USA someone has dropped an NSX C30 lump into an early (KA4?) Legend - i believe it's on Youtube somewhere. IF it's been done right that's an easy extra 100bhp, on paper at least!

No, just an option if ever the engine goes pop... Id LOVE to fit the NSX running gear but would need to some fair suspension and brake mods to cope with it..

[Laird_Scooby]

The J35 lump would be easier than the NSX in yours, suspension should cope reasonably well as it is because the two engines are very similar weight, however you'd definitely be wise to think of upgrading the brakes.

[hughezee]

32 minutes ago, DeanoCoupe said:

if ever the engine goes pop

We not talking Volks or Beems which have the highest failure rates of any other manufacturer, so I wouldn't worry 

[hughezee]

Wonder if Geoff is still enjoying his J35A  @Lennie Legend