Motor swap 6.9 into 40SLC?
 

I know where I can get a good running 6.9 engine. I'm just wondering if anyone has tried putting a 6.9 in and SL/SLC. How different are these engines?

6.9 is a good bit bigger. Google it, its been done a few times, the cleanest swap I saw was a guy in Germany and it required spacing the subframe downwards so you don't have to cut the hood.

I don't know where you reside, but I have 2 good 4.5s from 116 parts cars, a 73 and 80. (D Jet and K Jet)

BMWTom:

With all respect, please don't. The M100 by today's standards is a low performance engine. The simplest change is an aluminum block M117 from 1986 onwards, which, with a bit of massaging will substantially out-perform the M100, be much lighter, and is a bolt-in. Want more? Be an apostate; swap in an LS Chevy.

There's a fellow in Germany that's done it and even converted the car to use the 6.9 Hydraulic suspension.

As someone who owns a 6.9 and a Euro 560SEC, I can debate this. The 6.9 motor is by no means a low performance engine even by today's standards. While it has under 300hp, it does have 400ft/lbs of torque and it's main handicap is the 3 speed automatic which has a 1st to 2nd shift at around 70mph.

The same amount of massaging that you suggest if applied to a 6.9 would more then likely yield fantastic results.

Theres a 5.0 engine out of an 80's SEL nearby on CL. The fuel injection unit doesn't come with it. I'm assuming that it's an aluminum block. Is the block the same design as the 4.5?

To your questions: Yes, and Yes.

There is one installation caveat; exhaust manifolds from an aluminum block M117 SL (R107) will be required. The bolt pattern differs from that of the manifolds you currently have.

If coming from a sedan, oil pan will be different. 5.0 uses a different trans with a different bolt pattern to a 4.5

Re: Transmission bolt patterns

The top two bolts, and in some cases, the bottom two also, were moved slightly (about 9mm). The replacement intermediate plates (the transmission adapter plate for the 722.0 transmission) from MB have slotted bolt holes so that the plate may be used with either engine bolt pattern. Those slots can be reproduced in the older plates.

OR

The later transmission (722.3) can be installed with the engine.