Should the engine from YV1MS390162188440 (2006 2.4i S40) fit in YV1MS390552080840 (2005 2.4i S40) without any issues? I've been told that the lower exhaust manifold might have to be changed, but I've also been told that because both are "39" (6th and 7th characters of VIN) engines that it'll be a clean swap. Anybody know for sure? Is there anything else to look out for?

 

I ran into this before and the VIN digit did not matter. The difference was a bracket and axle carrier. I could not cross the parts over, I had to get the bracket/carrier from the donor engines' car to make it work, then it was fine.

 

ooo - i hope that's not the case here because the engine just got dropped off from 5 hours away... and i'm thinking he probably didn't leave that part attached.

 

You could get lucky... that was just my experience; can't remember if it was 05 vs 06 or 04.5 vs 05, it was one year off though. Just inspect the block where the bracket bolts up. IIRC I think one was 3 bolt, one was 4 bolt.... it was a very obvious difference.