Snorkel Benefits?

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Brentbba

Brentbba

Former Golfer
Joined
Mar 27, 2003
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Location
OC, CA
Synopsis please for those of you with snorkels - Cdan, upcruiser, imagery, photoman, etc.

I've read ALL the posts in search on word 'snorkel' so I'm aware of the increased air flow, cold air vs hot, questions about it, better throttle response, combo with a K&N or TRD filter, etc.

Big question these days that was asked but not really touched on was whether it increased mpg by even a little. Even a 1 mpg increase saves about $165 annually in gas based on 15,000 miles per year averaging 14 mpg w/o snorkel at today's prices and they aren't going down folks.

Also, hard to tell from pics, but it doesn't look like height is above factory roof rack.

Don't care one way or the other about the bling factor, just return on investment, if it's really there. Already watch tire pressure, lead foot, etc. and feel I'm doing ok at 14 mpg combined driving. This average does NOT include trips with the trailer. Those average 9-10 mpg.
 
You forget one benefit- the sweetness factor.

I will most likely never be in water deep enough to warrant a snorkel. But it is one of the first mods I will so when given the OK to mod the wifey's 80.
 
If there was a real mpg benefit, I'd have done one by now. But I've asked this same question to everyone I know with a snorkel and they all concur that there's really no measurable gain in MPG with the cooler air coming through the snorkel. Yes, the added wind resistance probably plays a part, also by the time the air travels down the snorkel, through the fender, through the filter, and up the big tube it's warmed up a little, also moving a lot slower.

I think a bigger benefit could be maintained by fabbing up a cold air intake system, similar to a dockplate mod for a Taco. Imagine an air scoop that allowed cool air through the outside ring of the air cleaner lid, and was fed by a duct that connected to a little scoop in the hood... But again, the gains would be pretty minimal, and having this ram air system would probably be too much for what can be crammed through the intake and throttle body anyway. But that's been my thoughts lately, I tried to get a spare air cleaner housing once to play with but all the ones I found were more than I wanted to spend.
 
has anyone moded a ARB fridge to a safari snorkle, you could run it through the fridge to get the cool air :D
 
AZ - hehehe :D

Researched Safari's FAQ page and they said no to minimal mpg gain. There goes that excuse to mod.
 
Something that is not a benifit is the fearlessnes (stupidity) that occurs when you think you need to get to the other side of that water. I've been in way too deep twice now due to that thing sitting on the hood telling me to "git awn in there and git to the other side". After the first time I have waterproofed the electrics and I did not stall the second time, but i don't think my carpet is ever gonna dry out.

No measurable MPG for me either.
 
So there aren't any measurable difference in the MPG, but what about possible power increase? I know that the cold air induction on other vehicles shows up as definite power increase (on the dyno) compared to the original air intake sucking hot air from inside the fender. The effect is especially pronouced during heat-soak situations (sunny, warm day with vehicle stopped or at low speed).


John
 
The hands-down #1 reason is GAWK FACTOR :flipoff2:

EVERYbody stares at mine and you'd think I left something else hanging out :D .

Kidding aside, I notice a slightly "crisper" throttle and a posssible reduction in the tendency to spark knock at higher RPM. I have no clue as to mileage impact as I have done sooo many damn things to mine that I don't know who did what to whom :-\

I can tell you that on my recent trip to Denver from ABQ I averaged just at 15.2 mpg for 856 miles, at 75-79 MPH. That was with (5) OEM alloys and stock Michelin tires, no rack and a Gross of 6,100 lbs (bumpers, armour, drawers ETC).
 
Cory - ROTFLMAO! :D

Hmmmm - maybe the power aspect and the troop trailer will work. hehehe I do like the look, probably even better on white with the flares blacked out as well. Now about that lottery ticket I need......
 
Look Dude,

Let me help you out. The answer to any of your questions on positive reasons to get one, is

"YES!!" :cheers:

I know that was what you wanted to hear, so now just get one.

Bryan
 
Sorry, I too make to many changes to know what does what to whom. I don't think it made any difference to power or mileage. My idea at the time was to try to get cooler air into the engine. I never really gave it a thought for water crossings as I'm more worried about my alternator going under or my fan being pulled into the radiator from the water.

Bill
 
I personally like to believe that snorkles help with dust. Presumably most dust settles at about 3 feet above a roadway, getting the air intake up helps lessen the amount that's sucked into the engine/air filter.

After 700 or so miles down Baja's dirt roads my pre-cleaner was full of dirt, dust and a few insects, so I hope that it made a difference.

Plus, I had always wanted a snorkle...I really like the look... ::)

-H-
 
A good way to gauge gains/losses would be to get it on a flow bench. Stock air box with fender duct vs. stock box w/ snorkel.

One might be able get a veeeeerrrry sensitive vacuum gauge, probably a long shot, and have it take a reading at the airbox.
 
only benefit if any at all is getting cleaner air

that benefit is highly outweighed every day by how many times you will have to answer the question of ... what is that thing on your truck.

lie to people, tell them it's a gun, speaker, periscope whatever, or tell some greenie that if he had one he'd get 40 mpg too.
 
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