What does it take to make a stock m119 engine into a 6.0?

[jguedel]

Looking for instructions. is it just a lower end mod? where can I get parts? Thanks

 

[gsxr]

Looking for instructions. is it just a lower end mod? where can I get parts? Thanks

Short answer: It takes a boatload of money and competent people to assemble everything properly.

I don't have a comprehensive list with part numbers, but here's the big stuff:

• Bore & etch Alusil cylinder block to 100mm
• 100mm pistons & rings
• Stroker crank from M117 5.6L (requires modifcations)
• Grind/clearance block internal walls for crank clearance
• Modify (machine) stock connecting rod caps for clearance
• Cylinder head gaskets for 100mm bore
• 6L camshafts (optional, may be difficult to obtain)
• With 6L cams, the cylinder heads may require modification for increased lift
• Port / polish / port-match cylinder heads & intake (optional)
• 6L LH module for correct fuel mapping
• Transmission rebuild/upgrade depending on current condition
• A bunch of "while you're in there" stuff like new timing chain, rails, yadda x3

RENNtech charged ±$30k for this back in the day. Pretty sure it could be done for <$20k nowadays. It's likely cheaper to buy a 6L engine (or complete car with 6L) and swap it in, even if it means sourcing the donor from overseas. The downside to that is you're buying a used motor in (probably) unknown condition, the upside is most of the hard work is already done and it should have the cams/porting/etc. The upside to building a fresh motor is that everything is brand new. Ping Jono at BlueRidge if you're considering a fresh build.

AMG document attached in PDF format (German text) has a basic overview of the mods.

 

[Eno]

Since this thread is about converting a early 500E M119.974 engine into a 6.0 L I would like to share some photos from a couple of friends in Germany which have done this and still doing.

M117 560 crankshaft modified by AMG and the left over material pressed into the crank
100 mm pistons
Block bored to 100mm

 

[JC220]

Wow Eno - great post!

A m117 5.6L crank is needed (I may be looking at a 560 motor soon – what to check? Stroke? I would only buy it essentially for the crank so if this is too much hassle ill just not bother)

Can the stock con Rods be re-used?

Are the 100mm / 6L pistons and rings still available now in late 2019? What approx. cost does anyone know?

What to do about 6L 100mm head gaskets? Custom made or how do you go about that element of it?

 

[gsxr]

Joe, see post #2 above, including the PDF.

Don't know about availability or cost of the pistons, but worst case you have custom ones fabricated.

Same with gaskets, either shell out ~€1k each for AMG gaskets, or have the custom made. Jono has done this. I've been wondering if MLS gaskets (similar to M156?) might be an upgrade.

 

[chicky]

Hi Joe

There is a member here, but I'm not sure if he uses "KRH" (he uses that at benzworld.org, W126 sub-forum), he's currently modifying his M117 5.6 liter engine to 6.0 liters.
He can give you the info on the piston manufacturer he used, plus manufacturer of the 100mm cylinder head gaskets.
I hope this helps you out

 

[JC220]

Joe, see post #2 above, including the PDF.

Don't know about availability or cost of the pistons, but worst case you have custom ones fabricated.

Same with gaskets, either shell out ~€1k each for AMG gaskets, or have the custom made. Jono has done this. I've been wondering if MLS gaskets (similar to M156?) might be an upgrade.

Thanks for that Dave - custom pistons sound prohibitively expensive for a mere mortal like myself

Hi Joe

There is a member here, but I'm not sure if he uses "KRH" (he uses that at benzworld.org, W126 sub-forum), he's currently modifying his M117 5.6 liter engine to 6.0 liters.
He can give you the info on the piston manufacturer he used, plus manufacturer of the 100mm cylinder head gaskets.
I hope this helps you out

Thanks for that advice Chicky! For sure I will pm him to ask for any wisdom he could share.

Basically I have been offered a 5.6L m117 and transmission locally for 1000 euro. I would only be interested in hoarding the crank really. The motor comes attached A 6L build would be a dream of course but I'll not have the resources for a couple years to do that with too many projects at present.

This 5.6 motor is within a couple hours driving distance so I might go see it in a couple weeks and make a cheeky offer to chance my arm since again, I dont really need it and I dont expect too many people to be tripping over themselves here to buy it either

 

[gsxr]

Custom pistons should not be prohibitively expensive... of course the hassle is figuring out the proper dimensions, weight, coatings, rings, etc etc. I'm not sure if the AMG pistons are still available, but years ago the list price was ~€800 each. Custom is probably a LOT less!!