JDM Honda J35A 3.5L SOHC VTEC Non-VCM Engine for Acura & Honda

Looking for a J35A engine for sale to replace a failed or high-mileage Honda or Acura 3.5L V6? This JDM Honda J35A 3.5L SOHC VTEC non-VCM engine is imported from Japan and available from J-Spec Auto Sports for compatible Acura TL Type-S, Acura RL, Honda Ridgeline, Honda Odyssey, and related J-series applications.

This particular engine has approximately 60,000 miles and carries serial number J35A 7102166. The engine is available from J-Spec Auto Sports in Richmond, Virginia, and is backed by a 90-day warranty, subject to the applicable warranty and installation requirements. The current inventory is Item ID 253349.

The J35A belongs to Honda’s well-known J-series V6 engine family. It uses an aluminum-alloy V6 architecture, SOHC cylinder heads, four valves per cylinder, Honda VTEC technology, and a timing-belt-driven valvetrain.

For owners dealing with internal engine damage, low compression, overheating damage, oil consumption, or complete engine failure, a properly matched JDM J35A can provide an OEM-family replacement option without converting the vehicle to another engine platform.

J35A Engine Specifications

• Engine Code: J35A
• Engine Family: Honda J-Series
• Displacement: 3.5L
• Configuration: V6
• Valvetrain: SOHC, 24-valve
• Valve Technology: Honda VTEC
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Cylinder Deactivation: Non-VCM configuration on this engine
• Timing System: Timing belt
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Condition: Used JDM imported engine
• Mileage: Approximately 60,000 miles
• Engine Serial: J35A 7102166
• Item ID: 253349
• Warranty: 90-day warranty
• Transmission: Not included unless specifically stated

J35A Compatibility

This engine may provide a replacement long-block foundation for compatible applications including:

• 2007–2008 Acura TL Type-S 3.5L
• 2005–2008 Acura RL 3.5L
• 2005–2008 Honda Ridgeline 3.5L, with application-specific component transfer/modification as required
• Select Honda Odyssey 3.5L non-VCM applications

Important Fitment Notice

Matching “J35A” alone does not guarantee that every complete engine assembly is plug-and-play.

Honda produced multiple J35A variants for different vehicles, drivetrains, output levels, intake systems, electronics, and emissions configurations.

Depending on the application, differences may include:

• Intake manifold
• Throttle body
• Cylinder-head components
• Sensors
• Engine wiring
• Engine mounts and brackets
• Accessory brackets
• Exhaust manifolds
• Oil pan
• Fuel-system components
• EGR and emissions equipment
• Transmission-related hardware
• ECU calibration

For that reason, buyers should compare the JDM engine with the original USDM engine before installation.

In many swaps, the imported J35A serves as the replacement long block, while required original components are transferred from the USDM engine.

Contact J-Spec Auto Sports with your VIN, model year, model, drivetrain, and original engine information before ordering if you are unsure about compatibility.

Acura TL Type-S Fitment — Important Correction

The 2007–2008 Acura TL Type-S used a 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6. Acura rated this application at 286 horsepower and 256–257 lb-ft of torque, depending on the published specification.

However, the standard 2005 and 2006 Acura TL used a 3.2L V6, not the 3.5L Type-S engine. Acura’s factory 2005 specifications list the TL at 3.2 liters and 270 hp.

Therefore, this product should not be advertised as a direct 2005–2008 TL 3.5L replacement.

The accurate high-value relationship is:

2007–2008 Acura TL Type-S → 3.5L VTEC V6

Acura RL Application

The 2005 Acura RL used a 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6, rated by Acura at 300 hp and 260 lb-ft when introduced.

However, an RL engine and a JDM J35A replacement may not have identical external components. Compare the intake, sensors, mounts, accessories, electronics, and drivetrain-specific hardware before installation.

Honda Ridgeline Application

This engine may also provide a replacement long-block option for compatible Ridgeline J35 applications.

Your current listing correctly states that some modifications/component transfers may be required for 2005–2008 Ridgeline fitment.

Keep that warning.

I would not market this as a universal “drop-in Ridgeline engine.”

Understanding the Non-VCM Configuration

VCM stands for Variable Cylinder Management, Honda’s cylinder-deactivation technology.

This particular engine is being sold as a non-VCM J35A configuration, meaning it does not rely on cylinder deactivation in its original configuration.

However, “non-VCM” should not be presented as proof that the engine is automatically more reliable or universally interchangeable with every VCM-equipped J35.

Instead, treat it as an important technical configuration characteristic that must match—or be appropriately adapted to—the target vehicle.

That distinction is far better for J-Spec’s credibility than the current page’s broad claims that non-VCM automatically means reduced maintenance and proven reliability.

Critical Pre-Installation Service

The J35A uses a timing belt, making timing-system service especially important before installing a used replacement engine.

Because the engine is already outside the vehicle, this is the ideal time to inspect and service accessible components.

Before installation, J-Spec Auto Sports recommends that a qualified Honda/Acura technician:

• Compare the JDM engine with the original USDM engine.
• Inspect and replace accessible leaking gaskets and seals.
• Inspect the valve-cover gaskets.
• Inspect or replace the timing belt as appropriate.
• Inspect the timing-belt tensioner.
• Inspect timing-belt idlers.
• Inspect the water pump.
• Inspect camshaft and crankshaft seals.
• Inspect the rear main seal.
• Inspect or replace spark plugs.
• Inspect ignition coils and electrical connectors.
• Inspect PCV components.
• Inspect cooling-system components.
• Transfer required USDM sensors and accessories.
• Install fresh engine oil and a quality oil filter.
• Prime the lubrication system before initial startup.
• Refill with the correct coolant.
• Thoroughly bleed the cooling system.

Timing Belt and Water Pump

This deserves special attention.

Unlike many of the FB25, MR20DD, QR25DE, and other chain-driven engines we’ve recently optimized, the J35A uses a timing belt.

If service history is unknown, replacing the timing belt, tensioner, related idlers, and water pump while the engine is outside the vehicle can save substantial labor later.

Do not blindly reuse an unknown-age timing belt simply because the replacement engine has lower mileage.

First Startup Procedure

Before starting the replacement engine, verify:

• Correct oil level
• Correct coolant level
• All electrical grounds
• Sensor connections
• Fuel connections
• Intake connections
• Cooling hoses
• Vacuum connections
• Engine mounts
• Transmission connections

Prime the Lubrication System

Proper lubrication during the initial startup is important.

Prime the engine lubrication system using the appropriate Honda service procedure before allowing the engine to operate normally.

After startup, immediately monitor:

• Oil-pressure warning indicator
• Oil leaks
• Coolant leaks
• Fuel leaks
• Timing-system noise
• Abnormal valvetrain noise
• Idle quality
• Engine temperature
• Check-engine light
• Diagnostic trouble codes

Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature and subsequently cools, recheck the oil level, coolant level, hoses, and installation for leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Honda J35A engine?

The J35A is a 3.5-liter V6 engine from Honda’s J-series family. Different J35A variants were used across Honda and Acura vehicles.

Is this a J35A8 Type-S engine?

The 2007–2008 Acura TL Type-S and 2005–2008-era Acura RL used high-output 3.5L VTEC engines from the J35A family. However, buyers should verify this particular JDM unit’s exact external configuration and required component transfers rather than relying only on the generic J35A stamp.

Does this fit a 2005 Acura TL?

Not as a direct 3.5L replacement for the original engine.

The standard 2005 TL used a 3.2L V6. Acura did not introduce the 3.5L TL Type-S in this generation until the 2007 model year.

Does it fit a 2007–2008 Acura TL Type-S?

The 2007–2008 TL Type-S used a 3.5L VTEC V6, making this the relevant application family. However, verify external components, engine variant, electronics, and required part transfers before purchase.

Does this fit an Acura RL?

The 2005–2008-era RL uses a 3.5L J-series V6 application. Exact JDM-to-USDM configuration must still be verified.

Will this fit a Honda Ridgeline?

It may be usable as a replacement long-block foundation in compatible J35 Ridgeline applications, but component transfer or modification may be required. Your existing listing already notes this.

What does non-VCM mean?

Non-VCM means this engine configuration does not use Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management cylinder-deactivation system.

Can I replace a VCM engine with this non-VCM J35A?

Do not assume direct interchangeability. A VCM-to-non-VCM conversion or engine substitution can involve mechanical, electronic, ECU, wiring, emissions, and vehicle-specific considerations. Verify the exact application before purchase.

Does the J35A use a timing belt or timing chain?

The J35 family in these applications uses a timing belt.

Should I replace the timing belt before installation?

If the timing-belt service history is unknown, this is an excellent time to replace the belt and inspect the tensioner, idlers, water pump, and associated seals.

Should I replace the water pump?

Inspect it closely. Because the timing system is accessible while the engine is removed, replacing the water pump when appropriate can save major labor later.

Should I replace spark plugs?

Inspect the plugs before installation and replace them when necessary. Also inspect the ignition coils, boots, and connectors.

Should I replace gaskets and seals?

Inspect accessible gaskets and seals and address leaks while the engine is out of the vehicle.

Should the engine be primed before startup?

Yes. Establish proper lubrication before normal operation using the appropriate Honda service procedure.

Does the cooling system need to be bled?

Yes. Properly fill and bleed the cooling system after installation.

How many miles are on this engine?

The live listing currently states approximately 60,000 miles.

What is the engine serial number?

J35A 7102166.

Does it have a warranty?

The current listing provides a 90-day warranty, subject to J-Spec Auto Sports’ warranty terms.

Check out more of our Honda motors: https://jspecauto.com/product-category/engines/?_product_brand=honda&_available=1