Today I removed the "Viscous Clutch Fan" and replaced it with a 16inch thermostatic controlled electric fan.
It is soooo smooth
I'll reply on any fuel savings, but it is sooooo nice.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo

electric fan...
 

Donald: I'm glad to see that others are doing this. I recently replaced my clutch fan with a 16" SPAL and aside from being noisy when running I really like the "upgrade". Since this car (1981 380SL) will never tow or carry more than one other person I'm not worried about overheating-even in San Diego. I also put in a "ram air" intake similar to yours. It took me a while to figure out where to place the inlet but things worked out nice. Next thing I'd like to do is an ignition upgrade. I'm not sure whether to go with Jacobs or MSD. I used the Jacobs ultra street setup on my 16v Jetta but didn't really notice a difference. I even seemed to have problems with it interferring with the car's ignition electronics. Anyway, I sold the kit with the car when I got my 380. Now I'd like to give it a chance with this car. I'm still deciding on who to go with. The nice thing about Jacobs is their "EZ" installation, but MSD sounds like a good buy as well. -Jim380

jm380
 

Jim. I've used both, MSD and now Jacob's Omni Magnum.
I can't see any difference between the two, except the "EZ" installation and removal should it fail.
I got a definent improvement as Jacobs said.
My electric fan is a 16 inch puller mod with a thermostat and a control relay.
The relay control voltage is attached to the battery side of the ignition coil. It only runs with the ignition on or engine running.
My W124 has a electric fan in front of the condenser as all M/Bs do with A/C.
This fan has two speeds, the high speed is turned on by the engine temp sensor at 248 degrees F.
I have the new fan on at 200 degrees F.
This combination is working OK.
I'm glad you too believe in ram air induction, 1960 muscle cars had it so why not our Benz.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from two fans Houston(electric that is)
Donald, El Cheapo
I purchased it from J.C.Whitney

I tend to still believe in Jacobs so I think at some point in the near future I'll try their omni-magnum w/ a nice set of Magnacore race wires. Do you go through distributor caps & rotors very often? That might be a side effect of such a powerful ignition. I wish there was more to do with this engine. I would like to rebuild the top end soon (224,000 & still as smooth as ever). I just love this car! I'm even wary of too many mod's but I think there is still improvement to be found in the right places. -Jim

jim380
 

I am using the Jacob's Omni-Magnum and thier 8mm silicon spark plug wire set.
I would like to hear from someone who has changed the OEM coil to a higher turns ratio one such as a Mallory or Excell.
I don't know what your concern is about the cap and rotor?
My W124030 with the 103.983 engine is 13 years old and has 172,000 miles with the original cap and rotor.
I inspect it every year and it is still OK. No carbon tracks or worn contact surfaces. Some luck huh?
I must be blessed with an exceptional 300E, for it just keeps on arollin'.
I would like to make 200,000 miles before any top side service. The key is fresh motor oil and low combustion chamber pressure as derived from light throttle pressure.
Good Luck with your choice in ignition system, for what ever you choose will be an improvement.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo