Acura 3.2 TL V6 Review

Acura’s 3.2 TL V6 engine uses 24 valves and Acura’s innovative VTEC system to deliver 225 horsepower and 216 lbft of torque in the TL, while the Type-S version builds upon this potent foundation by adding a high-flow dual stage induction system and a free flowing exhaust – resulting in an impressive 260 horsepower and 232 lbft of torque.

The 3.2-liter SOHC, variable valve timing V-6 engine is rated at 225 hp at 5600 rpm and 216 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm in the Acura TL, and 260 hp at 6100 rpm and 232 lb.-ft. of torque between 3500 and 5500 rpm in the Acura TL Type-S. The engine also features a dual-stage induction system and high-flow exhaust (TL Type-S), as well as fuel injection with direct ignition system, electric coolant pump, pressure plate/disc clutch assembly, dual A/C compressor clutch pack for lower emissions, electric coolant fan motor brushes, engine block heater cords and a noise-suppressing “sound blanket” under the hood insulation

The Acura 3.2 TL engine offers one of the most advanced engines in its class, with 5-speed automatic transmission, shifting smoothness and fuel economy. The 3.2 TL engine emits only 7 grams/mile of CO2 in the 2005 model year and has EPA fuel economy ratings at 19/29 mpg for a city/highway vehicle. Features include a 60 degree V-angle engine design, fully floating piston pins that eliminate piston slap noise during warm-up, lightweight pistons and connecting rods, cast-aluminum oil pan, hydraulic engine mounts, Electronic Control Engine Immobilizer (ECI) system and a direct-control automatic transmission managed by powertrain control module (PCM).

Acura 3.2 TL Engine Architecture

The TL’s 3.2-liter V-6 is designed to deliver a finely balanced combination of power and efficiency. Its smooth operation is achieved by way of advanced technologies that include the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, which uses hydraulically actuated phasing gears in the cams and timing chains in place of the more commonly used mechanical linkages to vary valve timing and lift. The high-performance Type-S version of this engine has a dual-stage induction system, which provides better airflow for maximum horsepower when needed.

Acura 3.2 TL Engine Block

The TL V-6 is based on Honda’s innovative i-VTEC system and features direct-acting valves that operate at wider (less than 10 degrees) valve angles. The wide valve angle results in shorter span of the camshafts while maintaining good idle smoothness, proper lobe profiles and low parasitic loss.The engine’s aluminum block is die cast from a lightweight alloy to become both strong and light. Iron cylinder liners are used for their strength, higher heat tolerance and longer life. The TL V-6 features abundant torque across its broad power range to provide smooth acceleration at any speed – making it ideal for everyday driving as well as spirited backroads journeys….

Acura 3.2 TL Crankshaft/Connecting Rods/Pistons

Of paramount importance in designing the TL’s V-6 was the goal of compact overall engine dimensions. The TL engine uses a rigid, forged crankshaft and narrow 19 mm connecting rods to reduce engine length and width. Rather than conventional nut-and-bolt type fasteners, the connecting rods in the TL V-6 use lightweight bolts (without nuts) called plastic-region fasteners. The rod bolts thread directly into the connecting rod allowing the bolts to be smaller while retaining the required clamping force and strength margins.

Acura 3.2 TL Cylinder Head


The power-enhancing Type-S cylinder heads for our popular TL engines incorporate pressure-cast, aluminum alloy cylinder heads with four-valves-per-cylinder and a generous squish area to promote swirl and enhance combustion efficiency in these compact combustion chambers. The single overhead camshaft in each cylinder head is installed from the timing belt side of the engine, saving weight and complexity by eliminating the need for bolt-on cam caps. The cams are driven by the crankshaft via a fiberglass-reinforced, toothed timing belt and use friction-reducing roller followers to activate the valves.

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