Safari snorkel update for D4 V6

[Noel's D4]

For those interested, my vehicle is being used by Safari next week for testing/trials on what will be a dedicated D4 snorkel. Although they are aware that their D3 snorkel is being fitted to the D4 by some, the D3 unit and inlet hardware was only ever designed for the 2.7 ltr. They will be doing full air flow testing on my 3 ltr to ensure that the new snorkel provides more than enough air to the mighty V6.

Although the actual body of the snorkel itself may remain the same, the fittings/pipework will change to suit the need of the 3 ltr. As my car has the original factory "raised air intake" they will also do air flow comparisons between the two which should be interesting!!

The Safari snorkel will be cheaper than the factory unit and more importantly won't let the water in!! I will keep you posted when I get the car and the results back.
Cheers Noel.

[Duck's Guts]

Hooray!
Thank goodness someone has come to the rescue to provide Safari with a test rig. I figured that it would eventually be someone from this forum.
Good on you Noel.

[Lobster]

Hi Noel, congratulations for your contribution.

As there is no real snorkel made for the Range Rover Sport, while you are there could you please ask if they could make a version for the RRS, or at least an adaptor kit. I believe that the A pillar and body are very similar. I am sure they would be better than a modified genuine RAI.

[fatnold]

As there is no real snorkel made for the Range Rover Sport, while you are there could you please ask if they could make a version for the RRS,
and a LH one for my V8 D4. :wasntme:

[Dorko]

Look forward to the feedback.

Dorko

[CSBrisie]

I wonder if this time (D4) they will try and make it look a little better - ie like the factory LR RAI which is one of the best I've ever seen in terms of design (looks that is!)

[Noel's D4]

Hi guys,
Got the car back from Safari with their snorkel now fitted instead of the standard RAIntake. After air flow and dyno testing several interesting things were found;

The D3 snorkel will be used on all D4's with just some minor fitment modifications in relation to the supplied templates etc.

The internal air ducts are sufficient to supply the V6 with enough air so the kit will not change.

The Safari unit makes approximately 4kw more than the L/Rover RAIntake across the entire rev range due to increased air flow.

The quality level in the L/Rover RAIntake was sub standard! It relies on only 2 bolts to hold the main body against the guard and as such could never form a true seal around the perimeter. We all remember the intake hose that is pours and we found that under heavy acceleration that the rubber elbow and joiners would squeeze in dramatically reducing air flow!

It only has one 6 mm bolt that holds the whole length of the snorkel to the car and it is attached to the plastic trim that runs beside the windscreen. This bolt does not go into the body and as such could easily be ripped out.

We found a (can you believe) 10mm gap between the snorkel intake tube and the inner guard!!! This also highlighted poor installation and poor quality materials.

Although people may think the original looks better, I would strongly advise against fitting it. Not only is the Safari a lot cheaper but it actually gives more power and torque. The safari is also well secured and fitted to the vehicle and won't let in water!!!!

Cheers
Noel

[Brick]

Noel,

Did they give any indication when the new template would be available? Interesting results of the comparison.

Cheers

[chuck]

After just having a Safari snorkel fitted to my D3 & watching the process I can vouch for the quality of the kit - if only they had designed a more aesthetic head piece.

I could not justify they price of the LR RAI - it was nearly twice the price!!!

Regards

Chuck

[GeorgeK]

Hi Everyone,

As I said in a previous thread I have had a Safari D3 snorkel fitted to my D4 for about 8 weeks now. I have put about 5000 kms on the vehicle since the snorkel was fitted. I have used it in light off-road conditions, freeway driving and while towing a heavy caravan. Apart from some increase in wind noise, especially in cross winds, the snorkel is hardly noticable. It works well and looks good too IMHO.

Interestingly ARB contacted me a few days ago and said that they have now been 'authorised' to fit the D3 snorkel to the D4. I am not sure what 'authorisation' was required as I thought I owned my car and I could fit any mod I wanted to it as long as it was legal.

Enjoy the Safari.

Cheers

GeorgeK

[CaverD3]

Probably from Safari as if it doesn't work in can come back on them.

If you buy it and fit it then it is your risk.

[jonesy63]

It only has one 6 mm bolt that holds the whole length of the snorkel to the car and it is attached to the plastic trim that runs beside the windscreen. This bolt does not go into the body and as such could easily be ripped out.


The RAI fitting instructions on the LR Owner site shows there should be a 7mm hole drilled into metal, and a rivnut at the top. Sounds to me like a dodgy original install!

There are also two locating lugs at the bottom of the flange, in addition to the two bolts, which hold the RAI against the guard.

FWIW, I will have my RAI apart this weekend to seal against the guard and maybe replace the hose and elbows.

I got my RAI cheap off fleabay - so I'm not complaining about it. :angel:

[gavinhirst]

At the risk of asking a stupid quesiton, is the engine in quesiton a petrol or diesel engine and to your knowledge is there any difference as far as teh air intake and snorkel are concerned?
Kind regards,
Gavin