I was hoping I could get a professional opinion on a ram air job like Donald has done for my 420SEL. I priced out an airfilter housing complete with both of te stock black plastic air intake tube from a 560SEL at a scrap yard. It is in excellent condition (back half of car was run over by a semi). I don't think there would be a problem installing this on my car at all. The 420's air box only has one intake tube, but the body and engine bay (same as 560SEL) are set up for both. I only have to remove the small plastic strip from along side the driver's side headlight door to open up that space and let the air right in like on the other side. All I would like to know is if there is any way this would screw up my car. Are there any other consideration to examine, and has anyone tried this before?

Thanks

__________________
Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

Won't hurt anything, but unless you expect to go wide open throttle at 90mph+ it won't do anything either. THIS is do to the nature of CIS-E fuel systems.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Hi Jason, what are your concerns? It seems as if your second air intake is going to be much simplier than on the W124030. You have the second opening for the additional intake snoot. I didn't, thats why I had to go down on the road pan. The air inlet hose can be purchased at your favorite parts house, the position of the second snoot comes from your thinking. Do it, Get after it. Once it was shown how simple it is, now comes the fun and rewards. As to harm to the engine? NONE! Your just giving that old fella a breath of air.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston
Donald, your friend

Donald,

Tom from Caliber Motors also metioned that the conversion to the 560SEL intake would be no problem, and that the singe intake on the 420SEL was more a cost saving method than anything. I am pretty sure now that I don't have to worry about damage or ill effects, I'm just worrying about it not doing much good. I'm getting alot of mixed input. I've had people tell me it won't do anything unless I'm at high rpm wide open throttle driving (seldom the case) and I've had people tell me I would also need major exhaust system and throttle body changes to make a noticeable difference. I'm just wondering if the results on my engine would be less than on yours.

JP

__________________
Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

No matter what you do on your own, there is going to be negative input from someone. I did mine and the performance change coupled with other modifications is enjoyable. I've related what my experience is, and others can take it or leave it. You've known me for some time now and very rarely or ever have you read me putting someone down. We should encourage those who want to step out and be creative, even at the risk of beeing radically different. Get that used air filter and start cutting it up and get that second snoot fitted. Drive it! If nothing else, you've given your 420 a gulp of additional air. You don't care what others think, it's just you and your machine. I know yours will be better than anyone elses. Take and send to us pictures of your machine the way YOU did it. As old blue eyes sang, "I did it my way".
Happy Trails Beep Beep from here to help Houston.
Donald
did it my way and it works

[Edited by Donald L. Swinford on 01-26-2001 at 11:10 AM]

Thanks Donald. I'll let you know how it goes. (I may have to wait a bit, I have some suspension bits to replace that are a little more urgent and necessary).

__________________
Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

420SEL,

The only reason not do it is Resale Value. If you don't care about this and plan on keeping the car for a long while then, "Just Do It!" as Nike commercial goes...

If you do the Mod and trade later at a Mercedes Dealer, expect some questions and blank stares when they open the hood.

If you are moving to a more performance oriented attitude a different car with a larger engine displacement may be in the future for you, say a 500SEL/560SEL or 500SEC/560SEC? Maybe even a 500E if you don't need the larger S Class?

Generally the drag strip crowd will be able to confirm that you will not see any benefit unless going faster than 80-90 mph like M.B.DOC said earlier.

If this is a "keeper", throw all this in the trash and go for it!

Hope I didn't rain on the Parade.