Honda J Engine

Honda J Engine

The J-series is Honda's second V6 engine family, introduced in 1996. It is a 60° V6 – Honda's existing C-series was a 90° engine. The J-series was designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing (98 mm/3.86 in), shorter connecting rods, and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series for compactness. All current J-series engines are SOHC 4-valve designs with VTEC variable valve timing.

The J-series engine was designed in the United States by Honda engineers. It is built at Honda's Anna, Ohio engine plant.

One unique feature of some J-family engine models is Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. The system uses the i-VTEC system to turn off one bank of cylinders under light loads, turning the V6 into a straight-3. The latest Variable Cylinder Management system is able to turn off one bank of cylinders or one cylinder on opposing banks, allowing for three-cylinder use under light loads or four-cylinder use under medium loads.