Honda J35: Everything You Need to Know

Before we can get into what makes the J35 such an interesting engine, we first need to talk about where it came from and why Honda developed this engine in the first place. The J35, as you may have guessed, is one engine in the J-Series engine family from Honda.

This family includes the J25, J30, J32, J35, and J37. All J-Series engines are pretty closely relate. They're all designed for transverse mounting, they all have short bore spacing, short connecting rods, and they're all single-overhead cam 4-valve engines with VTEC variable valve timing.

The J-series engine family weas first introduced in 1996 and it was Honda's 4th V6 family. All J-series engines use a 60° V6 block, which is different than the C-series engines before it which used a 90* V6 block. A lot of the design choices made on the J-Series were specifically intended to give it a smaller footprint than the C-series, which would make it easier to mount into smaller applications and the production process easier.

Today, we're looking at the most well-known engine in this family which is the Honda J35.

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[Dustrunnersauto]

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[ErwinSchrodinger]

Honda downplays the numbers on the J35 (specifically, the J35Y2). It's producing close to or more than 300hp at the crank. I used to think the J35 was seriously an underwhelming engine until you realize engines like the VQ35 and Toyota's V6, the 2GR are running DOHC, a more advanced variable valve time system, higher compression numbers, direct fuel injection, and yet, the J35 still meets or exceeds their performance numbers with low compression (10:1), SOHC, relative V-TEC system, low r.pm. (6800 r.p.m.), and port-injection. If Honda were to employ DOHC, increase the compression numbers, add port/direct injection, a more advanced variable valve timing, and increase the redline (8000 r.p.m.), I have no doubt the J35 could easily 350+ whp (410 at the crank). However, having that much technology in a Honda V6 would increase the cost considerably. The J35 is an incredible well built engine that clearly shows how Honda doesn't have to overly complicate engine technology to meet or exceed their rivals. On the other hand, it would be nice if Honda did release Type-R variant of the J35. A nice good bye to show the world what Honda can do with NA V6.

[mrmiagi]

I love how he mentions it as possibly the best v6

[inductionrecords]

I have a 2011 Accord EXL V6. The gas mileage is terrible, but the torque and acceleration is why I want to keep it forever.

[MrSamPhoenix]

One of my favorite engines of all time. Very easy to work on, smooth, muscular sounding, torquey, fuel efficient (when driving normally), reliable (especially non-VCM versions), & looks beautiful under the hood vs. other V6 engines.

[MartinMJZboost]

my glory days working as a Acura Tech in the early to late 2000s i was trained on the J series engines and i loved them. simple to work on very basic and great service life. i still own my 2004 TL 6 speed manual bought it brand new.

[blackcb]

If it went to a timing chain it’d definitely be the best v6 on the market cause the fact these new pilots and passports hit 60 faster than the si civics are amazing

[HondaProJason]

Great video! I’ll be using a J series in my next build. I learned a few things from this video. Thank You

[SEO]

Just turned 100K miles in my 2006 Saturn Vue with the J35/L66 VTEC engine. Very fun grocery getter to drive, will try to keep it together for another 100K miles!

[MayorMcCheese]

Great vid! My daily is an accord 2 dr with the J35y and 6 speed manual. Love this engine, stupid reliable and makes surprisingly good power

[RJKYEG]

Despite the trade-offs made for low vs high torque, the J30/35 in the Accords gives you nice 100 kph to 140 kph acceleration.

[larrygorman]

300k miles on my all original '08 RL with J35. Only regular maintenance, synthetic oil. For tat matter entire drivetrain is all original. I regularly use paddle shifters, and will effortlessly hit redline if needed. Great car, great engine.

[jameslund]

That’s it😮 come on you were just getting started, I need to learn a lot more than this 😊 thanks, please keep em coming 😊

[ireneuszikeguski]

J30 owner with the famous vcm system..no problems what so ever, love my Elysion and I am super happy with the choice I've made as the alternative was k24 and I 'didn't want to rev my minivan to 9k from light to light'

Thanks for this video, very informative😊

[TheEvilTwinCG]

I have a j35a3 with a 6spd lsd trans in my 98 Honda Accord sedan... with basic bolt on and stock ecu... was able to run a 13.3 @ 108mph on cheap Chinese brand tires...

[rustyjeep]

My grandma just gave me her '09 Accord V6 now that she stopped driving, and I could not friggin believe how hard this big 'ol grandma car pulls on the top end...

I haven't had a Honda in 20 years but I was pretty into them as a teen... I'm pretty sure this four door sedan would smoke any of the tuned, manual trans Civics and Integras my buddies and I had in high school. 😂

I'm really enjoying driving this car, more than I thought I would. Comfy, easy to drive, handles well for a bigger car that isn't even marketed as a sports sedan... but that screaming V6 is my favorite feature. 😁👍

[IT]

I had a J35 in a 2010 TL and it was WONDERFUL. I wish i had it back. Prior to that i had an Integra with a B series four cyl and it was also wonderful. Great video summary. Thanks. Dammit.

[gagemcmurrin]

Exactly why we're building my wife's Odyssey 👌🏼 Wonderful Engine

[grahamrothphotography]

I love this engine in my 13 Ridgeline, rev happy, and smooth.

[keegan]

I absolutely love the way the js sound