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Acura C32A6 specs: 3.2L (196 ci) 6-cylinder, 89 x 86 mm (3.5039 x 3.3858 in) bore and stroke, 9.6:1 compression. Rated 200 hp, 1996–1998.
The Acura C32A6 is close to square: 3.5039" bore against 3.3858" stroke, within 3.5%, which splits the difference between a high-revving layout and a torque layout. The 3.3858" stroke does not reach 4,000 ft/min of mean piston speed until about 7,100 RPM, so piston speed is not what limits this engine's revs — valvetrain and breathing are. Each of the 6 cylinders displaces 32.7 ci (535 cc).
9.6:1 on aluminum heads is in the range that usually runs on pump premium; aluminum sheds heat faster than iron, which makes the same number a little more forgiving.
It is one of 18 engines in the Honda J-series family, sitting between the 182.9 ci and 223.6 ci members. 3 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 200 hp across 1996–1998.
| Displacement | 196 ci / 3.2 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.5039" |
| Stroke | 3.3858" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Configuration | V6 |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.035 |
| Block material | aluminum |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Redline | 6,300 rpm (factory limit) |
| Advertised HP | 200 hp |
| Years | 1996–1998 |
| Year | Version | HP @ rpm | Torque @ rpm | Comp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | C32A6 net | 200 @ 5300 | 210 lb-ft @ 4500 | 9.6:1 |
| 1997 | C32A6 net | 200 @ 5300 | 210 lb-ft @ 4500 | 9.6:1 |
| 1998 | C32A6 net | 200 @ 5300 | 210 lb-ft @ 4500 | 9.6:1 |
Factory specification sheet.
| Bore/stroke character | 1.035 — square — bore and stroke are within 5%, a balanced compromise |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,386 ft/min — conservative for a street engine |
| Displacement per cylinder | 32.7 ci |
| Static compression | 9.6:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 200 hp | C32A6 |
| 1997 | 200 hp | C32A6 |
| 1998 | 200 hp | C32A6 |
1 factory vehicle, 1996–1998. Each year opens that model's engine table.