Cowl induction snorkel

I did it once before I did this mod. Made me nervous.

 

I wanted to share my experience with this mod. Probably about 2 years ago I did this after reading another members post detailing how he went about it. While it worked ok I was really sick of all the cabin noise it created. Then I read this thread and it lit a fire under my ass to go back and change it up. I had a rattle at first and tried a number of different things before eliminating the noise. This time however I am stoked on the results. First, I liked the use of hardware cloth over the openings to keep rodents out. So, added it in this time around. Second, the engine noise was frustrating after a while and I hadn't used any sort of barrier between hvac inlet and intake inlet. Stole the idea from op again and created a plastic divider lined with foil backed foam insulation. Huge difference, now I don't feel like all the sound deadening I installed when I did my stereo system was for nothing. Even my wife was impressed on how quiet it is in the cab now. Third, although I live in so cal where rain isn't a problem and I don't usually go too deep when crossing streams, I was concerned about water getting into the intake. Again I used op's train of thought and kept a nice, deep channel open under the hole for the intake and formed a lip under to guard against splash back. Finally, I didn't think the holes in the side were necessary for better flow at first but since I had it open I went ahead and followed suit with two, 2 1/2 in holes, one on each side. Wow! The hesitation on acceleration is gone and my butt dyno can feel the difference. As far as rattle, some creativity with some rubber plumbing couplers and about 3 inches lopped off the aluminum tube did the trick. I also wrapped the tube with insulation in hopes of keeping the air temps down. Not sure if it will actually make any difference but no harm in trying. All in all, it has been worth the effort to change it up so good job op! TW is one of my favorite sites to visit because of the ideas and guidance that can be found.

 

This is the best option in my opinion for a taco air breather mod. I was looking at the volant cowl option but this seems like such a great alternative. I would think it’d be cleaner air as well than pulling from the wheel well. I’m going to wrap insulation tape around it for a heat shield and use a bigger foam ring for the cutout.

 

I too wrapped the tube in insulation. Not sure how much it would really affect performance but if it drops the air temp by even just 2 degrees it's an improvement. Besides, it took about 2 extra minutes to do so why not. I wish I had revamped it several years ago. How much would the volant kit cost? Including a new hole saw I think I am at less than 50 bucks.

 

Also I noticed in the pic that your secondary air injection pump is stock. Go to a aftermarket filter on that thing before it degrades and breaks the pump. It's a costly repair that toyota is just recently starting to admit is their fault. Just my opinion, not trying to tell you what to do.

 

Thank you! I need to just do it already. I kind of forgot about that actually. I will do that when I insulate the tube. The volant air intake is like $450

 

Holy sh.... 450? Geez that better give you an extra 20 hp. On the pump filter I got one from uni for a couple of bucks on fleabay. I changed it after my valves went bad. Figured it would be next to go if I didn't. Whats good is it takes a minute to pull off if you have to go to the stealership for something so they don't try to use it as an excuse to void your warranty. Unfortunately for me toyota wouldn't help me when mine went out. It was only after I paid for new ones and installed them that they recognized it was a problem. Anyway good luck on the mod, I am happy with mine.

 

Hey guys, i’ve been looking into the cheap ebay snorkel and found one for about 65 with free shipping. Sounds too good to be true.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intake-Sno...iLux-165-167-172-Series-97-05-US/353132449587

I’m looking into an alternate air intake after finding too much dirt and dust in the filter and ducting after driving dusty roads. Has anyone who has done this mod experienced a decline in the amount of crap that gets into the filter? I’m not worried about water other than heavy rains because i live in the PNW.

I’m leaning towards this style of intake as it’s less noticeable and i don’t have to cut into the fender.

 

Also, is that a problem for trucks pre-2009? I have a 2007.
I hate things that go bad.

 

The eBay snorkel fitment will be atrocious and would not recommend. This mod has been great for me and am happy overall. The con to this mod is cabin noise. There is lots of cabin noise from the intake since it’s so close to the cabin filter. It whistles and growls a lot. It’s shuttle enough to where it won’t come through on a phone call but loud enough that my wife gives me the side eye every time she’s with

 

I think so, if you have the secondary air injection system. Is there a black pump on the passenger side of the engine with a hose running into the head? It wasn't until late 2012 that toyota started to make the pump run for a bit after engine shutoff, I think.

 

I had the noise issue the first time I did the mod and it was really loud. But after re-doing it and using a baffle between the engine intake and hvac intake, the noise is almost inaudible. My wife used to give me that look too, lol.

 

I agree with you on the fitment and should point out that more than likely the snorkel is made of cheap plastic that will crack and degrade from exposure to the sun and elements. If I went full snorkel, I would opt for a name brand which would come with a hefty price tag. Something that requires a big ass hole to be cut in the fender isnt something that I want to cut corners on, personally.

 

Ha. Now the gf says that snorkels are the ugliest thing in the world and won’t let me put one on. So cowl or nothing i guess.

 

No black pump. i’m safe.

 

You should be good.

 

Has anyone found a 4" to 3" 90 degree bending reducer that then has a continuous 3" leg? Sure would be nice, not to have to couple the bend to the straight pipe....

Alternatively, how would a Carbon tube hold up (heat) in the engine bay? Instead of the straight aluminum section?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-pc-carbon-fiber-tube-3K-tube-ID-76mm-OD-80mm-500mm-length/113125486494

 

I can't imagine a carbon fiber tube would melt where a plastic, factory tube would.

 

Bout to do this. Thought Id update with the current best deal for a coupler i can find.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SILICONE-C...-REDUCER-TURBO-INTERCOOLER-CLAMP/114422061381

 

Couldn’t track down a 3” piece of pipe so I improvised and used the existing air intake but cut it down. Worked pretty well. If I was to do it again, a full 4” elbow to stock/cut down intake to a 3.5in hole saw would have been the ticket and saved a bunch of time in this scenario. Use what ya got I guess

Edit: and f*#k hole saws...