hilux Safari snorkel vs new ARMAX snorkel

Anyone have any opinions on whether its worth replacing the Hilux Safari Snorkel many of us have on our second gens with the new ARMAX snorkel?

Other than the gratification of spending $550 on a plastic pipe, I'm cant decide if it seems like there should be any net benefit in using the 'right' snorkel, other than fit to the fender. Less restrictive airflow to the engine maybe?

 

could you post some links for both options for review and discussion?

 

ARB's typically on-brand description of the ARMAX snorkel here

The new version:


There are several Hilux versions, Im not ever sure which one I have (came with the truck), but this is what it looks like:


The Hilux snorkel, along with not really fitting the fender well (too far to see that in this pic tho), is significantly slimmer, which is clear by how much less of the fender it covers. The ARMAX is quite a bit larger in diameter, at least the outside sections are. The sections that take the air from the fender to the filter are probably the same diameter.

ARB just says the new one improves airflow by 10 CFM over other brands, which for second gens, as I understand it, is just Airflow.

10 CFM more sounds great, but proportional to what? I can only assume that if the Hilux snorkels were messing up engines we'd have heard about it long before, and while the size of the ARMAX certainly seems suited to providing more air, if the intake at the top is pointed forward when driving I cant see the engine really lacking for air.

I don't know, just curious if anyone might have some insight. Really what it comes down to is I'd do pretty much anything for like 1 more mpg.

I guess another question is whether the hole in the fender goes in the same place. If I have to cut a second hole leaving the first exposed then point is moot.

 

I too am looking at this thing on ebay. Must have it. Gotta aqquire the funds first for it. I'm curious about how big of hole I have to saw into the fender.

 

here's a pretty comprehensive TW thread on the install:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/snorkel-installation-2nd-gen-ss135mod-1st-gen-ss170hf.141141/