Acura MDX Engine Swap Compatibility Chart
Acura MDX Engine Swap Compatibility Chart
The chart I found outlines which engines are compatible with different year models of the Acura MDX, as well as some compatibility with the Acura RDX. Here’s the breakdown:
Acura MDX Engine Swap Compatibility Chart
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J35 / J35Y5 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J37 / J37A1 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J35 / J35A5 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J35 / J35A3 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2001, 2002 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J30A / J30Y1 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Acura RDX | 2017, 2018 |
So, it's evident that Acura's V-6 J-Series engines, particularly the J35 and J37 models, have been utilized consistently across different year models, demonstrating a stable and adaptable engine architecture. The J35Y5, J37A1, and other variants indicate evolutionary steps in the engine design, catering to multiple MDX models from the early 2000s to the early 2020s.
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The cross-compatibility with the Acura RDX for the J30A/J30Y1 engine series highlights a modular design approach, facilitating easier engine swaps and maintenance. This stability and versatility suggest that Acura has maintained a robust and reliable engine design across its models, making engine swaps between certain years and models relatively straightforward.
I recently came across some really useful information regarding engine swap compatibility for various Acura models, and I thought I'd share it here since it might come in handy for anyone considering an engine swap or just curious about compatibility across different years and models.
The chart I found outlines which engines are compatible with different year models of the Acura MDX, as well as some compatibility with the Acura RDX. Here’s the breakdown:
Acura MDX Engine Swap Compatibility Chart
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J35 / J35Y5 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J37 / J37A1 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J35 / J35A5 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J35 / J35A3 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2001, 2002 |
| Acura / V-6 / J-Series - Petrol / J30A / J30Y1 | |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Acura RDX | 2017, 2018 |
So, it's evident that Acura's V-6 J-Series engines, particularly the J35 and J37 models, have been utilized consistently across different year models, demonstrating a stable and adaptable engine architecture. The J35Y5, J37A1, and other variants indicate evolutionary steps in the engine design, catering to multiple MDX models from the early 2000s to the early 2020s.
The cross-compatibility with the Acura RDX for the J30A/J30Y1 engine series highlights a modular design approach, facilitating easier engine swaps and maintenance. This stability and versatility suggest that Acura has maintained a robust and reliable engine design across its models, making engine swaps between certain years and models relatively straightforward.
It is very important to understand what engine your Acura MDX has and what characteristics it has before you actually look for an interchangeable option. This step is the easiest, but there are multiple ways for you to find the engine specifications.
In fact, in order to find out the name and type of an engine fitted under the hood of your car, you may simply follow these steps.
Locate the engine information placard. It is generally on the engine, on the firewall, or even on the radiator support. It should give some real basic information, such as the name and type of the engine, the size, and its specifications.
Check your owner's manual. The owner's manual of any car always carries a few passages about the engine, its specification, name, and type. Though beware if your car has been in use. It may mislead you if the previous owner decided to modify the vehicle.
Find the engine code. Normally, it is a mix of letters and numbers on an engine block, by which you can look up engine specifications online or at a dealership or mechanic.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
Keep in mind that older vehicles, most especially those that are used, may have undergone engine swaps or modifications even before you acquired it. It should be remembered that the actual engine on your Acura MDX might not be the one stipulated on the vehicle's manual or its information placard. Here, a better approach would be to consult a mechanic or specialist.
What kind of Engine does my MDX have?
It is very important to understand what engine your Acura MDX has and what characteristics it has before you actually look for an interchangeable option. This step is the easiest, but there are multiple ways for you to find the engine specifications.
In fact, in order to find out the name and type of an engine fitted under the hood of your car, you may simply follow these steps.
Locate the engine information placard. It is generally on the engine, on the firewall, or even on the radiator support. It should give some real basic information, such as the name and type of the engine, the size, and its specifications.
Check your owner's manual. The owner's manual of any car always carries a few passages about the engine, its specification, name, and type. Though beware if your car has been in use. It may mislead you if the previous owner decided to modify the vehicle.
Find the engine code. Normally, it is a mix of letters and numbers on an engine block, by which you can look up engine specifications online or at a dealership or mechanic.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
Keep in mind that older vehicles, most especially those that are used, may have undergone engine swaps or modifications even before you acquired it. It should be remembered that the actual engine on your Acura MDX might not be the one stipulated on the vehicle's manual or its information placard. Here, a better approach would be to consult a mechanic or specialist.
An engine swap can either go great or terribly, yet it really shouldn't. You should take all the time you can with in-depth research for the best performance with a new engine.
Of course, consulting of a specialist is called for, but prior to consulting one, you should first make some important acquaintanceship with crucial elements and how they affect your project.
It is tough to predict if the engine will fit in your Acura MDX without a thorough check for compatibility with the systems closely tagged to the engine. The following is a list of the ten things that determine if the engine fits your vehicle and how well it will perform.
Axles and Drivetrain
You can imagine why the size and output of the engine must be compatible with the axles and drivetrain capacity, because they basically convert the rotational power of the engine into linear motion that moves the wheels. If the torque and power exceed what they can handle, these OEM parts must be replaced with aftermarket alternatives to match up with the Acura MDX engine swap.
How do I know an engine will fit in my Acura MDX?
An engine swap can either go great or terribly, yet it really shouldn't. You should take all the time you can with in-depth research for the best performance with a new engine.
Of course, consulting of a specialist is called for, but prior to consulting one, you should first make some important acquaintanceship with crucial elements and how they affect your project.
It is tough to predict if the engine will fit in your Acura MDX without a thorough check for compatibility with the systems closely tagged to the engine. The following is a list of the ten things that determine if the engine fits your vehicle and how well it will perform.
Axles and Drivetrain
You can imagine why the size and output of the engine must be compatible with the axles and drivetrain capacity, because they basically convert the rotational power of the engine into linear motion that moves the wheels. If the torque and power exceed what they can handle, these OEM parts must be replaced with aftermarket alternatives to match up with the Acura MDX engine swap.
In the case of a rear-wheel drive replacement, though, a custom driveshaft has to be tailored for your Acura MDX, with joints on both ends compatible-one end will attach to the new transmission yoke, while the other attaches to its existing U-joint in your rear end.
Pedal Assembly
Any Acura MDX engine swap consists of several tasks to be performed with gearboxes and pedals, and most are more than a cable exchange. For example, the older, cable-actuated throttle bodies only need the correct cable. On electronically controlled versions, it can get a bit more complicated with an ECU, pedal assembly, and wiring.
Clutch pedals are available in two types. Cable-operated assemblies can sometimes reuse the car's original cable for modern transmissions. To retrofit newer hydraulically controlled transmissions into older chassis, an adapter line to connect the clutch slave cylinder must be fabricated as well as an adapter kit including pedal assembly, master cylinder and reservoir.
Hydraulically operated gearboxes may be placed also into older chassis featuring cable-operated transmissions of similar requirements.
To perform an easy swap of your transmission, front-wheel drive swaps require axles that will be able to make the gap between the transaxle/intermediate shaft and the front wheel hubs.
In the case of a rear-wheel drive replacement, though, a custom driveshaft has to be tailored for your Acura MDX, with joints on both ends compatible-one end will attach to the new transmission yoke, while the other attaches to its existing U-joint in your rear end.
Pedal Assembly
Any Acura MDX engine swap consists of several tasks to be performed with gearboxes and pedals, and most are more than a cable exchange. For example, the older, cable-actuated throttle bodies only need the correct cable. On electronically controlled versions, it can get a bit more complicated with an ECU, pedal assembly, and wiring.
Clutch pedals are available in two types. Cable-operated assemblies can sometimes reuse the car's original cable for modern transmissions. To retrofit newer hydraulically controlled transmissions into older chassis, an adapter line to connect the clutch slave cylinder must be fabricated as well as an adapter kit including pedal assembly, master cylinder and reservoir.
Hydraulically operated gearboxes may be placed also into older chassis featuring cable-operated transmissions of similar requirements.
This is quite a rewarding project, but the owner has to make sure that the Acura MDX is compatible with the donor car. To secure an absolutely perfectly integrated motor of yours, it would be better to confirm that a shifter tunnel matches with the new parts. Mixing and matching various cars may cause some problems at a later stage. To avoid unnecessary complications for this procedure, be sure to take all of your parts for this procedure from one donor vehicle only.
Fuel System
There will be a number of compatibility issues in the fuel system while interchanging the engines in an Acura MDX because of the many differences that exist in fuel-delivery systems and components between the two engines.
Remember, different motors can have different fuel injection systems, pumps, filters, tanks, fuel lines, and hoses. And these can be in different places, which makes it harder to fit another engine in the same place, or they might be unable to keep up with the new engine appetites. Whatever the case, a word with a specialist who can navigate you through this convoluted system is best.
All these issues should be in order. Any leak might further result in engine failure and fire, causing hazardous accidents.
Shifter
This is quite a rewarding project, but the owner has to make sure that the Acura MDX is compatible with the donor car. To secure an absolutely perfectly integrated motor of yours, it would be better to confirm that a shifter tunnel matches with the new parts. Mixing and matching various cars may cause some problems at a later stage. To avoid unnecessary complications for this procedure, be sure to take all of your parts for this procedure from one donor vehicle only.
Fuel System
There will be a number of compatibility issues in the fuel system while interchanging the engines in an Acura MDX because of the many differences that exist in fuel-delivery systems and components between the two engines.
Remember, different motors can have different fuel injection systems, pumps, filters, tanks, fuel lines, and hoses. And these can be in different places, which makes it harder to fit another engine in the same place, or they might be unable to keep up with the new engine appetites. Whatever the case, a word with a specialist who can navigate you through this convoluted system is best.
All these issues should be in order. Any leak might further result in engine failure and fire, causing hazardous accidents.
The catch with a bigger engine fitment is that it requires more cold air intake but leaves less space to upgrade it. An electric cooling fan can be helpful in case of larger engines and when they are located in confined spaces. In order for the air to pass through the radiator, the fan must be reversed in polarity and direction. Also, some custom radiator hoses and heater hoses depending on the engine of your MDX are required to complete the installation.
A/C and Power Steering
Acura MDX engine swaps often lead to some pretty unexpected effects. Among all the possible cases, one of the most common problems in A/C and power steering compatibility could be pointed out. This might take place after a successful interchange of the engine with a power upgrade. The cause for this problem can be explained by the pressure switches designed for protecting the power steering and A/C from damage upon straining them.
If you do not want either system to cut out on you under heavy load, check and then double-check their compatibility with each other and this new engine.
Cooling System
The catch with a bigger engine fitment is that it requires more cold air intake but leaves less space to upgrade it. An electric cooling fan can be helpful in case of larger engines and when they are located in confined spaces. In order for the air to pass through the radiator, the fan must be reversed in polarity and direction. Also, some custom radiator hoses and heater hoses depending on the engine of your MDX are required to complete the installation.
A/C and Power Steering
Acura MDX engine swaps often lead to some pretty unexpected effects. Among all the possible cases, one of the most common problems in A/C and power steering compatibility could be pointed out. This might take place after a successful interchange of the engine with a power upgrade. The cause for this problem can be explained by the pressure switches designed for protecting the power steering and A/C from damage upon straining them.
If you do not want either system to cut out on you under heavy load, check and then double-check their compatibility with each other and this new engine.
While the Acura MDX engine swap compatibility chart is loaded with useful information, it won't be able to tell you whether the new engine will align properly with the intake and exhaust pipes in your car.
Two cars with interchangeable engines might have completely different intake piping. Without the patience to do all the necessary welding, cutting and rerouting, your best option would be to pick a compatible engine from a vehicle with similar piping.
Yet the exhaust system is somewhat different; attaching it to the exhaust manifold may require a special adapter pipe from the aftermarket or custom-made.
Intake and Exhaust
While the Acura MDX engine swap compatibility chart is loaded with useful information, it won't be able to tell you whether the new engine will align properly with the intake and exhaust pipes in your car.
Two cars with interchangeable engines might have completely different intake piping. Without the patience to do all the necessary welding, cutting and rerouting, your best option would be to pick a compatible engine from a vehicle with similar piping.
Yet the exhaust system is somewhat different; attaching it to the exhaust manifold may require a special adapter pipe from the aftermarket or custom-made.
The most important points that will establish whether one would have successfully done an engine swap in an MDX is partially related to its electrical system. It is including choosing the correct ECU and, in some cases, using a standalone engine management system.
This procedure involves knowledge in electrical schematics and a number of wiring harnesses, perhaps some unexpected difficulties like wire splicing, swapping of connectors. It is valuable to have shop manuals of the engine and of the car in hand, with an understanding of electrical schematics.
Electrical
The most important points that will establish whether one would have successfully done an engine swap in an MDX is partially related to its electrical system. It is including choosing the correct ECU and, in some cases, using a standalone engine management system.
This procedure involves knowledge in electrical schematics and a number of wiring harnesses, perhaps some unexpected difficulties like wire splicing, swapping of connectors. It is valuable to have shop manuals of the engine and of the car in hand, with an understanding of electrical schematics.
The motor and the bay of the engine may differ in physical dimension, hence clearance problems that may arise when doing a swap from another vehicle.
This may include issues with the size of the engine being too big to fit into the engine bay and interfering with other components such as the transmission, suspension, and exhaust systems.
In order to avoid all these issues, one should measure carefully and contrast the size of the new motor against that of the MDX engine bay before commencing the swap.
You'll either need a taller hood or cut the under-skeleton of the hood. You may also have to notch cross-members and subframes, or reposition other components such as an ABS pump or a proportioning valve that may be in the way.
Clearance Issues
The motor and the bay of the engine may differ in physical dimension, hence clearance problems that may arise when doing a swap from another vehicle.
This may include issues with the size of the engine being too big to fit into the engine bay and interfering with other components such as the transmission, suspension, and exhaust systems.
In order to avoid all these issues, one should measure carefully and contrast the size of the new motor against that of the MDX engine bay before commencing the swap.
You'll either need a taller hood or cut the under-skeleton of the hood. You may also have to notch cross-members and subframes, or reposition other components such as an ABS pump or a proportioning valve that may be in the way.
Your MDX ride suspension components were all spec'd for the weight and power of the stock engine. Now, that new swapped engine means those springs, shocks, rotors, calipers, and pads may not cope.
This can compromise ride and ultimately, braking power. Upgrading to high-performance dampers or a much stiffer coilover system can fix the problem with suspension.
Brake improvements can be as simple as changing out pads for some higher-performance items, but sometimes you need to upgrade to bigger brakes and, in some occasions, a rear-disc conversion.
Suspension and Brakes
Your MDX ride suspension components were all spec'd for the weight and power of the stock engine. Now, that new swapped engine means those springs, shocks, rotors, calipers, and pads may not cope.
This can compromise ride and ultimately, braking power. Upgrading to high-performance dampers or a much stiffer coilover system can fix the problem with suspension.
Brake improvements can be as simple as changing out pads for some higher-performance items, but sometimes you need to upgrade to bigger brakes and, in some occasions, a rear-disc conversion.
Nobody would ever consider swapping engines if there wasn't any payoff. Most obvious is the gain in power and torque. If the current engine in your car is underpowered or you simply want it to have a bit more zip, an engine swap can be one of the better ways to jack up the horsepower rating without having to make other major changes.
Whether you're after a little extra oomph on the highway or wanting some assist in drag racing situations, an engine swap can give your Acura MDX exactly what you need.
Having an automobile with a factory engine can sometimes be difficult in terms of finding the right replacement parts, especially for older cars. Think about swapping out your engine to a model that has easier aftermarket options to get parts for. This will save you so much time and even money along the way but give you choice for making personal modifications to the car.
Swapping Engines on MDX: The Benefits
Nobody would ever consider swapping engines if there wasn't any payoff. Most obvious is the gain in power and torque. If the current engine in your car is underpowered or you simply want it to have a bit more zip, an engine swap can be one of the better ways to jack up the horsepower rating without having to make other major changes.
Whether you're after a little extra oomph on the highway or wanting some assist in drag racing situations, an engine swap can give your Acura MDX exactly what you need.
Having an automobile with a factory engine can sometimes be difficult in terms of finding the right replacement parts, especially for older cars. Think about swapping out your engine to a model that has easier aftermarket options to get parts for. This will save you so much time and even money along the way but give you choice for making personal modifications to the car.
The time it takes to change an engine greatly depends on knowledge and competence, besides the condition and type of vehicle.
Usually, a simple engine swap requires anything from several hours up to a full day.
The more complicated swaps, or when additional repairs or changes are involved, it takes days-or even weeks!
How Hard Is It to Swap MDX Engine?
An installation of a new engine in an Acura MDX is a tricky work. It involves stripping the used one, disconnecting the cables and parts, and then connecting and fitting the new one.
The process may be easier or more difficult. Basic installations require minimal modifications, and more advanced swaps may need a bit more extensive repairs.
Without proper tools and experience with engines, seek the help of professionals who are knowledgeable in this area of work.
How Much Does an Acura MDX Engine Swap Cost?
The cost for interchange can be quite unpredictable, ranging from a basic short block that can cost up to $500 to an advanced high-performance setup that costs up to $9,000. Planning your Acura MDX project, don't forget about the cost for parts-the requirement for parts, too, must be taken into account.
How Long Does It Take to Swap an Engine on Acura MDX
The time it takes to change an engine greatly depends on knowledge and competence, besides the condition and type of vehicle.
Usually, a simple engine swap requires anything from several hours up to a full day.
The more complicated swaps, or when additional repairs or changes are involved, it takes days-or even weeks!
How Hard Is It to Swap MDX Engine?
An installation of a new engine in an Acura MDX is a tricky work. It involves stripping the used one, disconnecting the cables and parts, and then connecting and fitting the new one.
The process may be easier or more difficult. Basic installations require minimal modifications, and more advanced swaps may need a bit more extensive repairs.
Without proper tools and experience with engines, seek the help of professionals who are knowledgeable in this area of work.
How Much Does an Acura MDX Engine Swap Cost?
The cost for interchange can be quite unpredictable, ranging from a basic short block that can cost up to $500 to an advanced high-performance setup that costs up to $9,000. Planning your Acura MDX project, don't forget about the cost for parts-the requirement for parts, too, must be taken into account.
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