[Sheik218]

Hey guys I have a 2006 accord v6 and I'm getting my engine replaced. I purchased a jdm j30a engine. My mechanic was stating that there are some differences which I notice. I also researched and I understand some things may have to be relocated for the swap. I notice the heads look different. Could you guys help me out and let me know if this is swap would work? Will I run into any issues with the vtec? Here's some pics. The first pic is the engine I bought to replace the current one and the second picture is the engine that is currently in my car. The head does look different. The replacement engine says j30a. Is this the correct engine? Is there a power difference? According to the jdm shop I bought it from these are the jdm replacement engines for 03-07 accord v6. Any help is appreciated

 

[capkirk123]

The JDM engine is used in the Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Inspire, and has VCM rather than VTEC. Since your ECU is programmed for VTEC rather than VCM, it will attempt to activate VTEC at 5000 RPM, and shut down the rear cylinder bank instead. The engine will still work, but you will be unable to rev higher than 5000 RPM, and make much less power.
I would just find a junkyard V6, V6 accords are easy to find. Try and find one from a 06 or 07, they had different engines than the earlier 7th gen Accords.

I would be interested in buying that manifold off you if you don’t end up using the engine, it’s magnesium.

 

[bpods1989]

The JDM engine is used in the Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Inspire, and has VCM rather than VTEC. Since your ECU is programmed for VTEC rather than VCM, it will attempt to activate VTEC at 5000 RPM, and shut down the rear cylinder bank instead. The engine will still work, but you will be unable to rev higher than 5000 RPM, and make much less power.
I would just find a junkyard V6, V6 accords are easy to find. Try and find one from a 06 or 07, they had different engines than the earlier 7th gen Accords.

I would be interested in buying that manifold off you if you don’t end up using the engine, it’s magnesium.

Interesting besides weight savings what other benefits are there to a magnesium manifold? Do they flow differently? Is j37 manifold magnesium as well? Might be something I might consider if it’s an option for my j35.

 

[capkirk123]

Interesting besides weight savings what other benefits are there to a magnesium manifold? Do they flow differently? Is j37 manifold magnesium as well? Might be something I might consider if it’s an option for my j35.

The magnesium manifold is lighter and better thermally insulated than the aluminum manifold. The J30/J35 magnesium manifold is theoretically the best flowing manifold for the J-series, maybe even better than the J37 manifold (which are all magnesium) (although I don't think anyone has tested the flow difference). I have an accord hybrid magnesium manifold, which is identical to the JDM/Acura manifold except it doesn't have a fitting for the active engine mount vacuum line. I was just gonna drill a hole in the manifold and tap a fitting in, but I've never worked with magnesium before.

 

[Sheik218]

Hey guys thanks for the input...my mechanic actually put the engine in everything is bolted ho but now he is staying that the engine has either locked or is thinking that the flex plate/ clutch diameter may be too long? It's not cranking over he states....if I can't figure this out I may have to junk the car.

Stating*

 

[DARKART]

Did you not get a warranty on the engine? Most JDM engine suppliers have a warranty.

 

[Sheik218]

I do have a 30 day warranty. My concern now is if this would be even smart to continue spending money. My mechanic is gonna charge me to take out the engine and to return the engine there is a restocking fee. I basically won't get anything back. All the research I've done with people doing this jdm j30a swap, I haven't seen any complaints about what my mechanic is stating.

I found a post a v6performance that the uc1 engine may only be compatible with an auto transmission and not my 6 speed manual?

 

[capkirk123]

The UC1 was only available with an automatic transmission, its possible it doesn't fit on the 6-speed.

The JDM engine is worse or equivalent to the USDM engine in every way. Open up the valve covers on that JDM engine, it does not have VTEC, it makes less power than the USDM engine. Just get a junkyard J30A5, and stick J35 heads on it or something if you really want more power.

v6performance is full of people swapping in JDM V6s and then complaining they can't rev over 5k. Stop installing JDM engines because JDM is "better" please.

 

[mgreen89wv]

The JDM engine is used in the Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Inspire, and has VCM rather than VTEC. Since your ECU is programmed for VTEC rather than VCM, it will attempt to activate VTEC at 5000 RPM, and shut down the rear cylinder bank instead. The engine will still work, but you will be unable to rev higher than 5000 RPM, and make much less power.
I would just find a junkyard V6, V6 accords are easy to find. Try and find one from a 06 or 07, they had different engines than the earlier 7th gen Accords.

I would be interested in buying that manifold off you if you don’t end up using the engine, it’s magnesium.

Have an 06 an having same prob seems dizzy an ecu not matching

 

[Sheik218]

I had another mechanic look at it. It actually bolted up perfectly to my 6 speed transmission. I've been driving it everyday with no issues. Just make sure to swap over the vtec oil filter housing to the jdm j30a. Even thinking of supercharging it now with a rotrex!

 

[WiiMaster]

Trading VTEC for VCM...not my cup of tea at all.

 

[Txaccord93]

I had another mechanic look at it. It actually bolted up perfectly to my 6 speed transmission. I've been driving it everyday with no issues. Just make sure to swap over the vtec oil filter housing to the jdm j30a. Even thinking of supercharging it now with a rotrex!

Hey man I just finished up a j30 swap into a 03 Honda accord. It’s preventing me from revving past 5000 rpm when I accelerate to pass someone. Other than that the car is running perfect. Have you had this issue since you swapped over the VTEC oil filter housing from the original engine? The JDM warehouse where I bought the engine told us to just run the vtec control wire over to the j30 solenoid on the side of the rear cylinder head and use an engine ground since it’s a 2 terminal connector. Also he told me to cut the oil pressure connector off and bypass it and just solder the two wires together. There’s no check engine light, no running problems or anything. Just the rpm cut when you accelerate to a high RPM.

 

[spookyplunge]

I did the same thing to my 05 you fixed the problem?