Valve body swap question.

[Gmach]

I've looked but haven't seen any threads that specifically answer this question. ....that is....will a valve body from a 1992 400SE work as a 1st gear start swap in a 500E W124 ?

 

[gsxr]

Nope. The W140 all had second gear start, including the 4.2L versions.

 

[gerryvz]

Yeah, unfortunately it has to be a valve body from a 400E or E420.

 

[maw1124]

Out of curiosity, will a W140 accept a FGS valve body? I’m thinking the answer here is yes, even the 6.0L versions. It’s ALMOST a meaningless question because you really want the .6 cars from ‘96 and up, but…

maw

 

[gsxr]

Out of curiosity, will a W140 accept a FGS valve body? I’m thinking the answer here is yes, even the 6.0L versions. It’s ALMOST a meaningless question because you really want the .6 cars from ‘96 and up, but…

maw

Yes - if the W140 has an M119 and 722.3, you can use the 400E/E420 FGS VB.

And double yes to preferring the .6 box, although that means you're stuck with ME 1.0 injection which is nearly impossible to modify (can't remove top speed governor or get WOT enrichment, for example).

 

[maw1124]

Thanks, @gsxr... but you would have near 400hp with FGS, and maybe you can free up a few with ported and polished heads. I'm pretty sure the computers could adjust to that.

maw

 

[gsxr]

Yes - the late .6 setup is wonderful with the 6L (my W210 has this exact setup). The computers will adapt to mods but I've yet to see anyone, anywhere, actually do serious stuff like port & polish 6L heads. Closest I've seen is @600Eric did this on a 5L but I don't think it ever went to the dyno afterwards.