Different approach to a snorkel

In addition to being cheaper and easier to work with, you *want* the 90* elbow to be flexible. It allows for engine movement, misalignment with where you cut your hole, and ease of filter access.

 

Final install pics!
These were shot tonight, as the final version of the project. I've put about 8,000-10,000 miles on this setup with not a single complaint or problem.
The solution to the drop in HVAC air when opening the throttle up is to turn on the RECIRC mode.
You'll note the intake pipe I'm using is a bit ...uh...thick (.180" wall??). If I had to do it over again, I'd get **MUCH** thinner tube! Meh, oh well. It works. And it can probably stop bullets. Pretty sure this is the FleaBay seller I got it from. I bought only one foot, since the total I needed was only about ten inches.











Sorry about it being upside-down. One of the most awkward angles I've ever had to hold a camera and still reach the shutter button.
This is looking from the other side of the HVAC intake -- camera is placed roughly at the centerline of the vehicle, pointing toward the passenger side.








Even after gently bending the brake lines out of the way, it's still a tight fit (yes, they touch).






A good shot of how my engine bay looks right now, minus the jumper cables.


Exactly how my engine bay looks any day of the week, jumper cables, air chuck hose, extra oil bottles, tow strap, roll of duct tape and roll of foil tape, bailing wire, spare tire tools, and all.

 

If anyone takes on this easy, cheap project, I'd love to hear your feedback.

 

Like the whole project here. Was considering doing this until the wife looked over my shoulder and saw the Overland Expedition videos I was watching. Suddenly she wants to do something similar for this upcoming summer and so on with our vacations. Anything desert oriented I feel a traditional Snorkel might fit my future needs.

A little bummed, after sorting out the parts list, this is by far one of the least expensive ways to 1. free up space in the engine bay and 2. get better location for our intakes. My dual compressors are going to be hard pressed to fit in the engine bay now.

 

Sky,
But I think a snorkel will look snazzy with your new rack set-up. Sorta Homer's truck, Desert Scheme. Besides, you'll think of something for the compressors.

OP, forgive my ignorance if I am off here. Everyone has seemed to accept an increase in vacuum being a good thing. Isn't it proof of increased restriction? It may not be significant to hit your seatofthepants HP figure, or MpG, but I imagine your vacuum going up if you were to put a 1" pipe on your intake. If I am off, please set me straight. I read this earlier in the year and forgot about it until It was bumped.

 

Thanks for all the extra pictures. Now I need to get over the worry of cutting a 4inch hole in my truck.

 

At least it's not in the fender where, if you screw up, there's really no way to fix it. Worst case, if you don't like it, get a sheet of aluminum or stainless flashing and JB weld it over the hole and you're back to stock (sort of) with no readily visible evidence of your endeavor.

 

Great job Shane. Here are a couple other considerations to make the job easy.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/ceet.php?clickkey=148921

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/ductflanges.php?clickkey=40588

 

I might try some sceet-16. It wouldn't hold the temp from the engine bay like aluminum will. Also it will give when the engine torques.

 

Here's the pipe I'll be ordering. 4" x 0.065" x 12"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Aluminum-...570?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4acac3dcc2

 

Ordered my pipe and 90*. Gotta get the clamps and fitting for the firewall. It's getting real.

 

I didn't think the issue was increased vacuum for the engine, but it taking the air from the fresh air intake for the truck. There shouldn't be any less restriction from the cowl vs. the fender, at least I wouldn't think so.

 

I finally got around to starting this.

I picked up this set at Northern Tool for $10. I had no trouble cutting through the firewall with my 19v lithium.


I need to enlarge the hole and get the pipe rubber fitting for the firewall.

 

Looks good Sandman. May attempt this mod next spring. Keep us posted

 

Lookin' good man!
The proper size hole saw does make it much easier, with a finer final look. Better than my Dremel method.

So what did you think? Easy? Hard? Just the way I described it, or way off base? Just curious what others' experiences were.

 

The hole saw went through like butter. I saw people online put some cooling grease on so I put some grease (red and tacky) on the blade.
I didn't have to bend the brake lines but I did cut down the 90* to give it a better angle. I still need to put in a divider. Yep pretty much like you described it.

 

This is a pretty common mod in the jeep world I made one for my old Cherokee that worked awesome. So happy to see this on the tacos as well. Will most likely do this to the taco as well. Nice work!

What it looks like on a 4.0 jeep.

 

Boner-killer right there. That shit is FUGLY.

 

I don't know how this thing qualifies as 4inch.