Acura CL 2001-2003 3.2L Engine Engine Specifications
Acura CL 2001-2003

Acura CL 2001-2003 3.2L Engine Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 3.2L V6 engine in the 2001-2003 Acura CL. Includes performance data, torque specs, fluid capacities, and component-specific details for maintenance and repair.

Updated

3.2L Engine Specifications Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the 3.2L engine specifications for the 2001-2003 Acura CL. It includes detailed information about engine performance, technical specifications, maintenance requirements, and emissions compliance. Use this guide to understand the key features and operational parameters of the 3.2L engine. Navigate through the sections to find specific details or use the search functionality to locate particular specifications quickly.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search bar at the top of the document. Enter keywords such as 'horsepower,' 'torque,' or 'oil capacity' to find relevant details.

Navigate through the sections by scrolling or using the table of contents. Each section is divided into subsections for easier access to specific information. Use the quick reference section for key specifications at a glance.

Key Specifications

Horsepower

225 HP @ 5600 RPM

Torque

217 lb-ft @ 4700 RPM

Displacement

3.2L (3210 cc)

Redline

6200 RPM

Fuel Capacity

17.2 gallons

Available Specifications

Engine Overview

This section provides a general overview of the 3.2L engine, including its type, displacement, and key features. Understand the basic architecture and design of the engine to appreciate its performance capabilities.

Engine Type and Displacement
  • V6 engine configuration
  • 3.2L displacement
  • Single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design
  • 24 valves with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
  • Aluminum alloy engine block and cylinder heads
Fuel System and Ignition
  • Multi-point fuel injection system
  • Electronic fuel injection with sequential multiport
  • Platinum-tipped spark plugs
  • Digital transistorized ignition system
  • Knock sensor for optimal performance

Performance and Capabilities

This section details the performance specifications of the 3.2L engine, including horsepower, torque, and transmission options. Understand the engine's power delivery and operational capabilities.

Horsepower and Torque
  • Horsepower: 225 HP @ 5600 RPM
  • Torque: 217 lb-ft @ 4700 RPM
  • Redline: 6200 RPM
  • Peak power delivery at mid-to-high RPM range
  • Smooth power delivery due to VTEC technology
Transmission and Drivetrain
  • 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
  • 4-speed automatic transmission option (Type II)
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration
  • Advanced traction control system
  • Electronic throttle control for precise acceleration

Technical Specifications

This section provides detailed technical specifications of the 3.2L engine, including dimensions, materials, and operational parameters. Use this information for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Engine Dimensions and Weight
  • Engine block material: Aluminum alloy
  • Cylinder head material: Aluminum alloy
  • Engine weight: Approximately 340 lbs (dry weight)
  • Engine length: 22.2 inches
  • Engine width: 19.3 inches
  • Engine height: 24.8 inches
Lubrication and Cooling
  • Oil capacity: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter
  • Recommended oil viscosity: 5W-20
  • Dual-stage oil pump for consistent lubrication
  • Water-cooled engine with crossflow radiator
  • Thermostat opening temperature: 180°F (82°C)

Maintenance and Service

This section outlines the recommended maintenance and service intervals for the 3.2L engine. Follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the engine.

Oil and Filter Maintenance
  • Oil change interval: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
  • Oil filter replacement: Every oil change
  • Recommended oil filter: Acura Genuine or equivalent
  • Oil drain plug torque: 30 ft-lb
  • Oil filter wrench size: 3-1/8 inches
Belt and Hose Replacement
  • Serious belt replacement interval: Every 90,000 miles
  • Accessories belt replacement: Every 60,000 miles
  • Hose inspection: Every 30,000 miles
  • Coolant replacement: Every 30,000 miles
  • Spark plug replacement: Every 100,000 miles

Emissions and Compliance

This section provides information on the emissions standards and compliance features of the 3.2L engine. Understand the environmental impact and regulatory compliance of the engine.

Emissions Standards
  • Meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) ULEV standards
  • Compliant with Federal Tier 1 emissions standards
  • Equipped with catalytic converter
  • Secondary air injection system for reduced emissions
  • Evaporative emissions control system
  • Onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system

Engine Specifications

General Specifications

Engine Type
V6, SOHC, 24-valve
Displacement
3.2 liters (3210 cc)
Bore
89 mm
Stroke
86 mm
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
Horsepower
225 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque
222 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel System
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Engine Block

Material
Aluminum alloy
Cylinder Liners
Cast iron
Main Bearing Cap Bolts Torque
47 lb-ft + 90 degrees
Crankshaft End Play
0.002-0.006 in
Cylinder Bore Diameter
89.000-89.015 mm
Cylinder Bore Out Of Round Limit
0.002 in

Cylinder Head

Material
Aluminum alloy
Valve Seat Material
Powdered metal
Valve Guide Material
Bronze
Valve Guide inside Diameter
5.500-5.512 mm
Valve Stem To Guide Clearance
0.001-0.002 in
Valve Face Angle
45 degrees

Valvetrain

Valve Spring Free Length
1.929 in
Valve Spring Installed Height
1.614 in
Valve Spring Pressure
85-95 lbs @ 1.614 in
Camshaft Lobe Height
1.496-1.500 in
Camshaft End Play
0.002-0.006 in
Valve Lash Adjustment
Hydraulic, self-adjusting

Lubrication System

Oil Capacity
4.5 quarts (with filter)
Oil Pressure
60-70 psi @ 3000 rpm
Oil Pump Type
Trochoid
Oil Pump Clearance
0.002-0.004 in
Oil Filter Part Number
15400-PLM-A01

Cooling System

Coolant Capacity
7.4 quarts
Thermostat Opening Temperature
180°F
Radiator Cap Pressure
13-15 psi
Water Pump Flow Rate
30 gallons per minute
Coolant Type
50/50 mix of Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 and distilled water

Ignition System

Ignition Type
Distributorless
Spark Plug Gap
0.044 in
Spark Plug Torque
13 lb-ft
Ignition Coil Resistance
0.45-0.55 ohms (primary), 12-16 kohms (secondary)
Spark Plug Part Number
NGK IZFR6K11

Fuel System

Fuel injector Flow Rate
270 cc/min
Fuel Pressure
47-54 psi
Fuel Filter Part Number
16010-P8E-A01
Fuel Tank Capacity
17.1 gallons
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)

Emissions Control

Catalytic Converter Type
Three-way
Egr System
Electronic
Evap System
Sealed
Pcv Valve Part Number
17130-P8E-A01
Oxygen Sensor Type
Heated, zirconia

Maintenance Specifications

Oil Change interval
5000 miles or 6 months
Spark Plug Replacement interval
100,000 miles
Timing Belt Replacement Interval
105,000 miles or 7 years
Coolant Replacement interval
60,000 miles or 5 years
Air Filter Replacement interval
30,000 miles

Diagnostic Specifications

Compression Test
170-210 psi (minimum 142 psi)
Leakdown Test
Less than 10% leakage
Ignition Timing
12° BTDC at idle
Idle Speed
700 ± 50 rpm
Fuel Trim Range
±10%

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the 3.2L engine

5000
6
  • Engine oil and filter change
  • Inspect and adjust drive belts
  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect fuel lines and connections

Use only recommended oil and filter types

30000
36
  • Replace air filter
  • Inspect PCV valve
  • Inspect spark plugs
  • Inspect cooling system

Replace air filter if necessary

60000
60
  • Replace coolant
  • Inspect timing belt
  • Inspect valve clearance
  • Inspect fuel filter

Timing belt replacement recommended at 105,000 miles

100000
84
  • Replace spark plugs
  • Replace timing belt
  • Inspect water pump
  • Inspect ignition system

Timing belt replacement is critical to prevent engine damage

Common Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the horsepower and torque output of the 3.2L engine in the 2001-2003 Acura CL?

The 3.2L V6 engine in the 2001-2003 Acura CL produces 225 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 222 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 RPM. This engine is equipped with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) for optimized performance.

Q2

What type of oil and oil capacity is recommended for the 3.2L engine?

The 3.2L engine requires 5W-20 viscosity oil with a capacity of 4.5 quarts (including the oil filter). Always use high-quality synthetic or conventional oil that meets or exceeds API certification standards.

Q3

What is the recommended spark plug gap for the 3.2L engine?

The recommended spark plug gap for the 3.2L engine is 0.043-0.047 inches (1.1-1.2 mm). Use NGK or Denso spark plugs specifically designed for this engine to ensure proper ignition and performance.

Q4

How often should the timing belt be replaced on the 3.2L engine?

The timing belt on the 3.2L engine should be replaced every 90,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Failure to replace the timing belt can result in severe engine damage due to interference design.

Q5

What is the compression ratio of the 3.2L engine?

The 3.2L engine has a compression ratio of 9.8:1, which is optimized for performance and fuel efficiency while maintaining compatibility with regular unleaded gasoline.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

2001-2003 Acura CL Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual for the 2001-2003 Acura CL, including detailed procedures for the 3.2L engine maintenance and repair.

3.2L Engine Timing Belt Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide for replacing the timing belt on the 3.2L engine, including torque specifications and safety precautions.

Acura Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine Acura parts for the 3.2L engine, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

3.2L Engine Troubleshooting Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues with the 3.2L engine, including diagnostic codes and repair tips.

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Technical Information
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About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

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