Hiding within the heads of the 2023 Honda Pilot’s new V-6, code identify J35Y8, is a dramatic change: an extra camshaft for every financial institution. Each earlier naturally aspirated V-6 from both Honda or Acura aside from the first-generation NSX has as an alternative been a single-overhead-cam (SOHC) design. Bore and stroke carry over (and due to this fact its 3471cc displacement), as do a 60-degree financial institution angle, and a 11.5:1 compression ratio. However this new engine that powers the Pilot (and virtually actually any future V-6–powered autos, such because the Odyssey and Ridgeline) will get the compact DOHC heads from the turbocharged Sort S-variants of the Acura TLX and MDX, the place the cam bearing caps are included into the valve cowl, shrinking the top top by 1.2 inches.
Peak energy is up by 5 hp to 285 hp at 6100 rpm, whereas peak torque is similar at 262 pound-feet at 5000 rpm; these peaks happen at barely increased engine speeds, 100 rpm and 300 rpm, respectively. Hydraulic lifters are additionally new, which implies no extra valve-lash changes, and depressurizing them retains the valves closed throughout three-cylinder mode. The DOHC V-6 continues to make use of a timing belt, which has the identical 100,000-mile alternative interval because the SOHC engine earlier than it.
Emissions-wise, this newest V-6 jumps to a SULEV30 score, which quantities to a discount of 40- to 50-percent in particulate and NOx output. Gasoline management is extra exact, with direct-injection-system strain up by 50 p.c to 30 MPa (or 4351 psi), together with smaller injector holes and a capability to do as much as three squirts per combustion cycle. One other key enabler is utilizing cam phasers to repeatedly regulate each consumption and exhaust timing somewhat than the high-lift and longer-duration consumption lobes on the earlier V-6. However which means this new engine does not have VTEC, and a easy and linear pull to redline replaces the manic switchover level that helped give VTEC a cult following. Based mostly on right this moment’s guidelines, these adjustments will hold the V-6 compliant till a minimum of 2030.
