What Engine Is in the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe?
The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe came with two engines: a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (190 hp) or a 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (268 hp). Which one you have depends on the trim and transmission—four-cylinder in most LX-S/EX/EX-L models, and a V6 in EX-L V6 versions (with different tuning depending on manual or automatic).
Contents
Engine Options and Key Specs
Honda offered the Accord Coupe with a sportier configuration than the sedan, standardizing the higher-output four-cylinder and adding a performance-leaning V6 option. Below are the core engine choices and their headline numbers for the 2008 model year.
- 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (engine code K24Z3): 190 hp and 162 lb-ft
- 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (automatic, engine code J35Z2) with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM): 268 hp and 248 lb-ft
- 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (6-speed manual, engine code J35Z3) without VCM: 268 hp and 248 lb-ft
In practice, all Accord Coupes with the four-cylinder use the 190-hp K24Z3, while V6 models deliver the same peak output but differ in cylinder deactivation (VCM) based on transmission.
Which Trims Got Which Engine
Trim level and transmission determined the engine pairing. Here’s how the lineup was structured for the Coupe in 2008.
- LX-S (Coupe): 2.4L inline-four (K24Z3); 5-speed manual standard, 5-speed automatic optional
- EX / EX-L (Coupe): 2.4L inline-four (K24Z3); 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
- EX-L V6 (Coupe): 3.5L V6; 5-speed automatic with VCM (J35Z2) or 6-speed manual without VCM (J35Z3)
If your Accord Coupe is an EX-L V6, you have the 3.5-liter J-series V6; otherwise, it’s the 2.4-liter K-series four-cylinder.
How to Confirm Your Engine
Quick Checks
If you’re unsure which engine your car has, the following checks can help confirm it without guesswork.
- Look at the badge and trim: EX-L V6 indicates the 3.5L V6; non-V6 trims are the 2.4L I4.
- Check the transmission: A 6-speed manual in a V6 Coupe indicates the non-VCM J35Z3; a 5-speed auto V6 uses the VCM-equipped J35Z2.
- Under-hood label: The emissions/engine label under the hood typically lists the engine family/code (e.g., K24Z3, J35Z2).
- VIN decode: A dealership or online VIN decoder can confirm the exact engine code tied to your car’s build.
These steps will let you verify the precise variant, including whether your V6 has cylinder deactivation.
Why the Differences Matter
The four-cylinder K24Z3 emphasizes balance and efficiency with solid midrange torque, while the J35 V6 adds substantial straight-line performance. The VCM system on automatic V6 models can improve highway fuel economy by deactivating cylinders under light load, whereas the manual V6 prioritizes responsiveness by omitting VCM.
Summary
The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe uses either a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC inline-four (K24Z3, 190 hp) on LX-S/EX/EX-L trims or a 3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6 (268 hp) on EX-L V6 trims—J35Z2 with VCM for 5-speed automatics, and J35Z3 without VCM for the 6-speed manual. Trim and transmission are the fastest ways to identify which engine is in your car.
What engine does a 2008 Honda Accord coupe have?
Engines
| Model | Years | Type/code |
|---|---|---|
| Accord EX/EX-L V6 Sedan/Coupe 5AT | 2008- | 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC i-VTEC VCM V6 (J35Z2) |
| Accord EX-L V6 Coupe 6MT | 2008- | 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 (J35Z3) |
| Accord EX-L V6 Coupe 6MT | 2008- | 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC VTEC V6 (J35Z3) |
Which engine is better, 1.5 or 2.0 Honda Accord?
While both engines impress with their own merits, the 1.5L turbocharged engine edges ahead in terms of both power and fuel efficiency. The turbocharger’s internal cooling system helps maintain optimal engine temperature, thereby enhancing performance while minimizing the risk of overheating.
Is a Honda 2.4 L 4-cylinder good?
It’s an excellent, practical engine that delivers both performance and fuel economy in unassuming fashion.”
Does the 2008 Accord have a K24?
The following is a list of all the cars that have come equipped with a K24 engine in the United States: K24A1: 2002-2009 Honda CR-V. K24A2: 2004-2008 Acura TSX. K24A4: 2003-2005 Honda Accord, 2003-2008 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2006 Honda Element.
