Snorkel Options for D4. Pros & Cons

[Dorko]

Hi all,

Been looking at the threads for snorkels for the D4. I am looking at the LR one which looks better than the Safari one. However i have read the Safari one is noisy but LR is more expensive.

Is this correct?

I have been quote $1088 for the LR snorkel kit not fitted. The Safari one i havent had a chance to find out cost... so if anyone knows please let me know.

Also finding it hard to even find photos of either the LR one or the Safari one.

Thanks in advance

Dorko

[joeT]

hey mate sure there was something about this somewhere in another site. HOPE some1 else maybe able to help here. pretty sure though it said something about NOT yes NOT going the LR style something about NOT complete AIR an WATER sealed.. but don't quote me........

[RoverLander]

Hi Dorko,

I've just had a Safari snorkel fitted on my D4 TDV3.0. I understand that the LR one is not waterproof. Cost fitted was $800. I mainly did it to reduce the amount of dust that would get taken into the air filter. I agree that the Safari looks a little boxy on the sid of the car.

Peter

[Dorko]

Thanks gents...

It blows my mind that it would not be water proof. You would think LR would make it properly for the money it cost!

I have only seem the LR snorkel from the side.... bit the Safari one does look boxy and slightly cheap looking.

When you guys say the snorkel is not water tight.... Do they use a sealant?

Dorko

[Disco4SE]

Hi Dorko,

I've just had a Safari snorkel fitted on my D4 TDV3.0. I understand that the LR one is not waterproof. Cost fitted was $800. I mainly did it to reduce the amount of dust that would get taken into the air filter. I agree that the Safari looks a little boxy on the sid of the car.

Peter
Hi Peter, can you post some photos?
Also, forgive me for sounding dumb, but with the 3.0Lt, dont you have to have 2 snorkels?
Cheers, Craig

[Graeme]

with the 3.0Lt, dont you have to have 2 snorkels?
Only if the 3.0 doesn't have enough power so you do an engine swap.

[DiscoSaffa]

Hi Peter, can you post some photos?
Also, forgive me for sounding dumb, but with the 3.0Lt, dont you have to have 2 snorkels?
Cheers, Craig

I stand to be corrected, but I seem to recall that the D4 V8 uses both air intakes..... how cool would 2 snorkels look! :cool:

[Dorko]

2 Snorkels would look tough.. but also be tough on the wallet! :angel:

Dorko

[DiscoSaffa]

2 Snorkels would look tough.. but also be tough on the wallet! :angel:

Dorko

Agreed...... but that shouldn't worry those able to afford to buy and run a V8 D4...... :angel: :wasntme:

[Dorko]

HAHAHAHAHA :D

Dorko

[GeorgeK]

Hi Guys,

I am lead to believe that the LR 'snorkel' is not a conventional snorkel as we know it rather it is a 'Raised Air Intake' I am told that the pipe under the bonnet is actually perforated much like Ag pipe. The LR version is not waterproof which really begs the questions as to why have a LR one fitted at all.

I am having a Safari snorkel fitted next week for $800 all up. I am a bit skeptical as ARB say that Safari have not produced a D4 snorkel yet. ARB are not fitting my snorkel. I am guessing that the snorkel I am getting is the D3 version slightly modified for fitting purposes. The body shape is the same etc so there should not be much difference. I am also have a cargo barrier fitted at the same time so as to keep the fitting costs down.

I would be interested to know the detail of RoverLander's snorkel type and where he had it fitted.

Cheers

George

[ADMIRAL]

Hi Guys,

I am lead to believe that the LR 'snorkel' is not a conventional snorkel as we know it rather it is a 'Raised Air Intake' I am told that the pipe under the bonnet is actually perforated much like Ag pipe. The LR version is not waterproof which really begs the questions as to why have a LR one fitted at all.

I am having a Safari snorkel fitted next week for $800 all up. I am a bit skeptical as ARB say that Safari have not produced a D4 snorkel yet. ARB are not fitting my snorkel. I am guessing that the snorkel I am getting is the D3 version slightly modified for fitting purposes. The body shape is the same etc so there should not be much difference. I am also have a cargo barrier fitted at the same time so as to keep the fitting costs down.

I would be interested to know the detail of RoverLander's snorkel type and where he had it fitted.

Cheers

George

I would not be too concerned. I am going down this path myself. The advice to me from my contacts in 4WD stores, is that the D3 Safari snorkel fits without modification.

[DiscoWeb]

I am also have a cargo barrier fitted at the same time so as to keep the fitting costs down.



George K,

Is the cargo barrier able to be removed, i.e. so can be put in for trips and then taken off for normal use. ?

Regards,

George

[CSBrisie]

Milford cargo barrier is simplt to put in and out - less than 2 minutes!

[RoverLander]

Hi Guys,

I am lead to believe that the LR 'snorkel' is not a conventional snorkel as we know it rather it is a 'Raised Air Intake' I am told that the pipe under the bonnet is actually perforated much like Ag pipe. The LR version is not waterproof which really begs the questions as to why have a LR one fitted at all.

I am having a Safari snorkel fitted next week for $800 all up. I am a bit skeptical as ARB say that Safari have not produced a D4 snorkel yet. ARB are not fitting my snorkel. I am guessing that the snorkel I am getting is the D3 version slightly modified for fitting purposes. The body shape is the same etc so there should not be much difference. I am also have a cargo barrier fitted at the same time so as to keep the fitting costs down.

I would be interested to know the detail of RoverLander's snorkel type and where he had it fitted.

Cheers

George

Hi George, It was a safari snorkel and I believe its the same as a D3 snorkel. I had it done at Opposite Lock Rockdale who also fitted my Autosafe (Discovery 3) Cargo Barrier. All this on a D4.

Peter

[RoverLander]

Hi Peter, can you post some photos?
Also, forgive me for sounding dumb, but with the 3.0Lt, dont you have to have 2 snorkels?
Cheers, Craig

Some photos later... I have a few things to show off:D Re the two snorkels... only the driver side is an air intake. I believe that the passenger side is mostly for show and possibly to let some heat out of the engine bay.

Peter

[GeorgeK]

Hi Peter,

I suspected you got the snorkel fitted at Opposite Lock (OL) at Rockdale given your location. I too am getting my snorkel and cargo barrier fitted by Gordon at OL Rockdale. I live about 10km to the east of him. Gordon seems very knowledgable and a LR fanatic too.

George (DiscoWeb) asks if the Autosafe cargo barrier is removable, is it?

Cheers

George

[Disco4SE]

Some photos later... I have a few things to show off:D Re the two snorkels... only the driver side is an air intake. I believe that the passenger side is mostly for show and possibly to let some heat out of the engine bay.

Peter
So Peter, am I right in saying that you only need one snorkel and it doesnt matter if water gets into the passenger side vent in the guard????
cheers Craig

[CaverD3]

Yup, left hand vent is a dummy and has a plastc grommet in the guard. The air comes in from the right hand vent.

[DiscoWeb]

e Lock (OL) at Rockdale given your location. I too am getting my snorkel and cargo barrier fitted by Gordon at OL Rockdale.


What type of cost are you talking about for the;

1. the snorkel;

2. the cargo barrier;

Regards,

George

[Dorko]

So with the Safari snorkel are you happy with it? I was told that some extra bits were required on the D4 3L's...

Also is it noisy?

Dorko

[Disco4SE]

Yup, left hand vent is a dummy and has a plastc grommet in the guard. The air comes in from the right hand vent.
Excuse me for being Captain obvious, but why would you have two vents on the 3.0Lt if one is a dummy, and only one on the 2.7Lt?
Cheers, Craig

[CaverD3]

The V8 petrol uses both vents.

[trobbo]

price has come up a few times but we dont seem to be getting too much of a response.

Paddocks in UK list the safari snorkel at 185gbp = $321 aussie dollars plus postage.

ARB list the same unit at $565. Really dont undestand how it can be cheaper to make it here, ship it to the uk and ship it back again for less than what I can buy it for here from an Aus supplier... but I guess that is another story.

Factory rai from Duckworth Landrover is about 215gbp plus postage.

[Dorko]

I got quoted $1088 for the LR snorkel.... thats expensive


Dorko

[CSBrisie]

I went the Duckworth option for my RAI for my D4 - 265pounds and arrived Adelaide within 7 days.

[oldsalt]

I went the Duckworth option for my RAI for my D4 - 265pounds and arrived Adelaide within 7 days.

Did that 265 pounds include the postage ?
thanks

[CSBrisie]

No, and cant give you exact (contact Duckworth direct via email) as I bought a heap of stuff and it was all combined. Its a light box so wouldnt be much I suspect; has to be cheaper than the $1000 asked here.

[ADMIRAL]

Excuse me for being Captain obvious, but why would you have two vents on the 3.0Lt if one is a dummy, and only one on the 2.7Lt?
Cheers, Craig

The D4 2.7LT has two vents. LH is a dummy.

[sniegy]

Excuse me for being Captain obvious, but why would you have two vents on the 3.0Lt if one is a dummy, and only one on the 2.7Lt?
Cheers, Craig

Craig,
On the D3's they only have 1 vent.

On the D4's they have 2 vents regardless of Engine. The V8 is the only one that uses both.

Cheers

[Disco4SE]

Craig,
On the D3's they only have 1 vent.

On the D4's they have 2 vents regardless of Engine. The V8 is the only one that uses both.

Cheers
Thanks Pete. Finally got my query answered in full

Regards, Craig

[trobbo]

I went the Duckworth option for my RAI for my D4 - 265pounds and arrived Adelaide within 7 days.

can you post up the fitting instructions for the rai. I found the instructions for the safari a little while ago and it looked like a bit of a job with cutting of the inner guard. cany find them now

[Bushwanderer]

Hi All,
One very important change for the D4 RAI is that the tube linking the RAI to the airbox is included (replacing the perforated one supplied for the D3).

For those with a D3, I believe this part can be retrofitted without problems.

HTH,
Peter

[Dorko]

Thanks bud!

[DiscoWeb]

Hi All,
One very important change for the D4 RAI is that the tube linking the RAI to the airbox is included (replacing the perforated one supplied for the D3).

For those with a D3, I believe this part can be retrofitted without problems.

HTH,
Peter

2 Questions,

1. Does this mean that that the RAI is now water proof ? or as water proof as the Safari option ?

2. anyone got any comments/feedback on the noise factor of having an snorkel. Does it greatly increase the wind noise? . Is there a difference between a Safari and an RAI ? (Assuming there is someone who has driven a D3 or D4 with one of the other.)

Sorry for all the questions.

Regards,

George

[oldsalt]

I'm considering an RAI for my D3 as well and would also be interested in any replies re the noise level with one fitted....thanks.

[sniegy]

2 Questions,

1. Does this mean that that the RAI is now water proof ? or as water proof as the Safari option ?

2. anyone got any comments/feedback on the noise factor of having an snorkel. Does it greatly increase the wind noise? . Is there a difference between a Safari and an RAI ? (Assuming there is someone who has driven a D3 or D4 with one of the other.)

Sorry for all the questions.

Regards,

George

Hi George,

1. No! There is no connection that is sealed the whole way through, hence why LR do not call it a "Snorkel" It IS a raised air intake.

2. I have driven a couple with the RAI, Some make noise & others dont, It also depends on the wind on the day. This can cause some wind noise also.
I dont really notice it too much if at all.

Maybe ask someone on here who has one, can you go for a drive with them!

Cheers.

[Tote]

After fitting my RAI I noticed no difference in noise at all. After removing the roof rack last week I have noticed a very small amount of wind noise but only occasionally. Maybe due to crosswinds? Either way not enough noise to be concerned about
Regards,
Tote

[DiscoWeb]

Hi George,

1. No! There is no connection that is sealed the whole way through, hence why LR do not call it a "Snorkel" It IS a raised air intake.

2. I have driven a couple with the RAI, Some make noise & others dont, It also depends on the wind on the day. This can cause some wind noise also.
I dont really notice it too much if at all.

Maybe ask someone on here who has one, can you go for a drive with them!

Cheers.

Sniegy,

Understand that no one in their right mind, and particularly LR is going to say their snorkel/RAI is "waterproof" for a range of reasons, however does the new and improved RAI effectively increase the wading depth of the D3 or D4, because I understand that the previous one did not.

Whilst I have absolutely no intention of turning my D3 into a submarine it would be good to know that if you chose the LR "RAI" it did improve the wading depth which is what I understand the Safari "snorkel" does.

Regards,

George

[CSBrisie]

I'm pretty sure the 700mm wading depth is more limited by vulnerable electrics under the bonnet than the height of the air inlet....

[sniegy]

George,
Unfortunately the wading depth has not changed, it is still 700mm when in off road height.

I have heard a rumor from another forum that the safari version is also not water tight.
I think a legal hearing is on the cards as a vehicle drowned as an understanding that the "Snorkel" didnt do its job!

Also, as Stornoway SA has said, Electric dont like water, so it also may be a limiting factor.

Cheers.;)

[GeorgeK]

Hi Everyone,

I just collected my D4 after having a Safari snorkel (and a cargo barrier) fitted a couple of hours ago. Both look strong and durable. My wife and I are going on a LR Experience Day next Saturday and I will be in a better position to see how the new kit goes. The trip will involve highway driving as well as off-road work. I am interested to see (hear) if I get any wind noise on the highway.

Incidentally from my driving position I can't see the snorkel at all. It really fits very well.

To the person - I apologise I can't remember whom - who asked if the cargo barrier is removable the answer is yes (after removing 4 bolts from the floor and two from the roof) about a 10-15 minute job.

I can't praise OL Rockdale highly enough. They seem to have done a very professional job and they took all the time I needed to answer my questions about the kit (and my dealer-fitted dual battery system) that I wanted even well after their knock-off time. I never felt rushed nor hassled. Either they don't have a life or they are genuinely interested in LR vehicles. I suspect the latter.

Cheers

George

[Dorko]

Keep us posted... :D

Dorko

[DiscoWeb]

George,
Unfortunately the wading depth has not changed, it is still 700mm when in off road height.

I have heard a rumor from another forum that the safari version is also not water tight.
I think a legal hearing is on the cards as a vehicle drowned as an understanding that the "Snorkel" didnt do its job!

Also, as Stornoway SA has said, Electric dont like water, so it also may be a limiting factor.

Cheers.;)

Thanks Sniergy and Stornoway SA,

As noted no intention of testing the wading depth. The idea of water in cabin, drowned electrical's are one thing but ingesting water into the engine is a whole other level.

I would make the assumption that the RAI or snorkel would simply minimise the possibility of water entering the engine if by some act of misfortune you did get a bit to deep.

Dreaming of a trip to Cape York one day and watching some of those river crossings looks like deep water crossings are part of the adventure.

Regards,

George

[ADMIRAL]

George,
Unfortunately the wading depth has not changed, it is still 700mm when in off road height.

I have heard a rumor from another forum that the safari version is also not water tight.
I think a legal hearing is on the cards as a vehicle drowned as an understanding that the "Snorkel" didnt do its job!

Also, as Stornoway SA has said, Electric dont like water, so it also may be a limiting factor.

Cheers.;)

The Safari assembly itself is watertight, up to where it joins the OE components. The LR RAI is not watertight around the join to the guard, and obviously the same once it joins the other OE components. ( Thanks Gordon ) My pick is still the Safari.

[sniegy]

The Safari assembly itself is watertight, up to where it joins the OE components. The LR RAI is not watertight around the join to the guard, and obviously the same once it joins the other OE components. ( Thanks Gordon ) My pick is still the Safari.

Admiral,
I do not doubt you, but all in all it depends on the fitter i suppose.:)
If that person didnt do the job at hand correctly then such circumstances can arise.

From memory the Safari version replaces all existing plumbing from the guard to the air box & then it is also sealed(if done correctly).
Therefore creating a watertight "intake".
But from memory the D3/4 airbox has a duck bill (similar to the D2 airbox) below it to let water escape & if drowned enough, intake water also.

Cheers

[IvanR]

I have a sarfari snorkel fitted to my D3 and found there was a small increase in wind noise. However this can be reduced by rotating the intake scoop by a very small angle at a time until you find the right position to reduce the noise to a minimum. It would seem the edge of scoop influences the noise level.

[Disomania]

Re the pricing - prices quoted here usually include fitting where it would be a little pointless to quote that from the UK. I could be wrong, it's happend once before...

[RoverLander]

Hi Everyone,

I just collected my D4 after having a Safari snorkel (and a cargo barrier) fitted a couple of hours ago. Both look strong and durable. My wife and I are going on a LR Experience Day next Saturday and I will be in a better position to see how the new kit goes. The trip will involve highway driving as well as off-road work. I am interested to see (hear) if I get any wind noise on the highway.

Incidentally from my driving position I can't see the snorkel at all. It really fits very well.

To the person - I apologise I can't remember whom - who asked if the cargo barrier is removable the answer is yes (after removing 4 bolts from the floor and two from the roof) about a 10-15 minute job.

I can't praise OL Rockdale highly enough. They seem to have done a very professional job and they took all the time I needed to answer my questions about the kit (and my dealer-fitted dual battery system) that I wanted even well after their knock-off time. I never felt rushed nor hassled. Either they don't have a life or they are genuinely interested in LR vehicles. I suspect the latter.

Cheers

George
Hi George, I had the same work done at the same place. I had a few small issues but Gordon is doing everthing to get it all sorted. He loves Land Rovers and is very knowledgeable and committed to getting the job done right.

Did you say you had a dealer fitted duel battery system? Which dealer and how/where did they fit a battery? I got OL to do mine. I'll post some photos soon as I had two extra batteries installed.

Enjoy the drive day.

Peter

[ADMIRAL]

Admiral,
I do not doubt you, but all in all it depends on the fitter i suppose.:)
If that person didnt do the job at hand correctly then such circumstances can arise.

From memory the Safari version replaces all existing plumbing from the guard to the air box & then it is also sealed(if done correctly).
Therefore creating a watertight "intake".
But from memory the D3/4 airbox has a duck bill (similar to the D2 airbox) below it to let water escape & if drowned enough, intake water also.

Cheers

I don't think it really matters, as both are better than nothing at all, and the waterproofing only becomes a real issue if you happen to stop in water above wheel height. Keep it moving and there are no problems.

[trobbo]

Re the pricing - prices quoted here usually include fitting where it would be a little pointless to quote that from the UK. I could be wrong, it's happend once before...


Paddocks in UK list the safari snorkel at 185gbp = $321 aussie dollars plus postage.

ARB list the same unit at $565.

Factory rai from Duckworth Landrover is about 215gbp plus postage

All units need to be fitted which according to ARB is another $255.00 for the safari unit.

[MartyJB]

I have read that the LR RAI is actually very easy to fit and can also be removed quiet easily - so you can put it on for outback trael and remove if driving around the city... Can any comment on this?

[CaverD3]

Yes but it leaves a couple of riv nuts in guard.

I can remove mine but not as pretty as the OEM or even the safari but no holes in the guard. I just put it on for serious trips.

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Removable Snorkel (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic14190.html)

[trobbo]

Thanks Caver. It is a bit ugly as was said on disco3 uk but gee JamesWyatt was a bit rude. I appreciate the work you did to make it work for you and as a removeable item aesthetics are a very secondary consideration.

I have been thinking about the safari and OEM units and prefer the look of the OEM but this is another option that I hadn't considered so thank you

[CaverD3]

I recon you could easily make the OEM waterproof by replacing the hose like I did and sealing the connection. Or even removable with an adaptor plate. That would have been my choice if I would use it more often.

[Dorko]

That snorkel wouldnt be for me... i need style... but i am a y-gen. :angel:

Dorko

[DiscoWeb]

I recon you could easily make the OEM waterproof by replacing the hose like I did and sealing the connection. Or even removable with an adaptor plate. That would have been my choice if I would use it more often.

CaverD3,

1. Do you find yourself using the home made piece often ?

2. Is it the "plate" that you inserted into the air intake that makes it removable ?

3. When not in use can you simple put the "dress grille" back into place ?

4. Thank God we do not have a JamesWyatt, what a fool.

Regards,

George

[CaverD3]

1. Do you find yourself using the home made piece often ?

No, not very often, I made it as insurance on trips where I was likely to encounter deep water crossings. Just haven't done that many, maybe three or four times a year.

2. Is it the "plate" that you inserted into the air intake that makes it removable ?

Yes and more importantly how it is attached to the vehicle (via riv nuts within the opening rather than in the wing) The plate is what allows this.

3. When not in use can you simple put the "dress grille" back into place ?

Yes just slots back in.

4. Thank God we do not have a James Wyatt, what a fool.

Yup, but he is from the southern U.S.A. :angel: I don't think he got the village idiot bit either. (at the time G.W. Bush had just gone and returned to a small town in Texas) :Rolling:

[GeorgeK]

On a previous post I said I had a Safari snorkel fitted and I would post about wind noise.

I have just completed about 200kms at freeway speed and some off-road stuff with the snorkel fitted and I can say that it does make some additional wind noise especially at speeds above about 70kms. Also cross winds make the wind noise louder. So saying that I travelled at speeds between 100 - 120kph with the window up and down at alternative times to gauge the noise. With the window down you get some noise but not enough to seriously interrupt conversations in the cabin ask my wife. With the window up you could hardly discern the wind noise at all such is the cabin sound proofing. On the way back to Sydney from the Southern Highlands my wife had no trouble talking to me (lots).

Due to a rising river and a careful driving instructor I did not get to really test the snorkel in a serious water crossing (phew). More about the driving day in another post later

Cheers

George

[Dorko]

Thats for the update George!

I'm thinking I would lean towards the LR one, seems slicker :angel:

Dorko

[SWH]

GeorgeK (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/georgek.html) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/10/1290.jpg

Who fitted your cargo barrier and what was to cost?

Did you have the cargo barrier fitted in the forward position, that is behind the front seats? If so, any issues with removing it?


Thanks

SWH

[CSBrisie]

I just fitted the genuine LR "dog guard" today (imported from USA - good exchange rate) and it cost me $350 plus p&h......but whilst its a 20minute job to fit its not Australian compliance (but it is everywhere else in the World)..so up to you I guess.

[Preacher]

I recon you could easily make the OEM waterproof by replacing the hose like I did and sealing the connection. Or even removable with an adaptor plate. That would have been my choice if I would use it more often.

your thoughts - if I was bying for a D3 would it not be a better idea to purchase a D4 RAI instead with the upmarket part included.
Aren't the D3 & D4 units the same?????

dj

[rmp]

a few comments....the LR 'snorkels' are indeed RAIs. The air tube is not waterproof. If you remove it and pour water on it it drips through. Done that.

The LR RAI is much better than nothing for water crossings, in the same way a lifejacket is better than a lifeboat.

If you do waterproof the RAI (as mine is) you get some soft induction noise, only noticeable with the window down. I quite like the noise, sounds a bit cool and turbo-blow-off ish.

No snorkel turns your D3 into a submarine. Consider them insurance.

D3s have axle breathers already, in case anyone was wondering.

Even if other factors limit the wading depth, a snorkel much reduces the chances of the engine ingesting water in the event you stop or go a bit deep. Repairing a waterlogged D3 isn't cheap, repairing one that is waterlogged and has a broken engine due to breathing water...well, I doubt that would be repaired at all. Electronics have been known to dry out and work again, bent pistons are not known for their self-repairing properties.

Wind noise - don't worry about it. The D3 is well insulated, even roofracks don't worry it overmuch. If you have a Safari rotate the head to see if it changes, even 180 degrees.

The 700m depth is for still water and a flat bottom. Flowing water means it'll be say 800 one side and 600 the other. All the more reason to get a snorkel.

Once you're in deep and the water is cascading gently over the bonnet, the engine revs start to drop, you realise you're not even in the deepest part yet, the car starts to slide and your sphincter closes up then you will appreciate what I mean. You may decide never to try such crossings, but the offroading world is full of people who never intended to do things and end up doing them by design or accident.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi rmp,
IIRC you have a D3 and, therefore, probably used the original air tube.

LR have brought out a new air tube for the D4 (which, I believe, is retrofittable to the D3). I believe that this new air tube is waterproof.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[rmp]

I do have a D3. Be suprised if the design has changed as the induction noise to which I referred was as a result of making it waterproof and LR wouldn't want production cars with that. Maybe they've found a way around it.

[CaverD3]

Robert, I think you will find they did change the fabric hose:

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Waterproof RAI? (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic50219.html)

Still call it a RAI so I doubt the connections are waterproof but better than the fabric hose and 'religious' elbow. :D

[rmp]

Fair enough, and good improvement! I tend to agree Caver, still be cautious about it, but I applaud any and all improvements in bushability.