Snorkel / RAI intake intake position

[Redtail]

I have a Safari snorkel. All fitted professionally and works as advertised. I've had water over the bonnet during creek crossings without issue.

This just came out from the inimitable "Christian und Vera von Land Rover Time" Snorkel Intake - Forward or Backward? Land Rover Discovery TDV6 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/HhMsKMXfsTk)
They claim an improved fuel consumption of nearly 1L/100km with the instake facing to the rear. That's with a usual cruising speed of 140kph (which is consistent with my limited experience of driving in Germany).

Has anyone tried this, or have other data to support their claim, here in Aus?

Methinks I may have to do the experiment.
I have already noticed that driving to and from work, all of 5km each way, my consumption is in the 14+ range. But when I'm fully laden, complete with tent, awning, fuel and some tables on the roof, it drops to around 11.5.
This is not from the car computer, but measured via the fill-to-fill method.

[Aussie Jeepster]

My original Discovery 1 had a 3.9l V8 and a snorkel with the head facing front.
I don't remember the numbers, but when I turned it to the rear, fuel consumption improved.
This was over 10 years ago, and I just don't remember the numbers.
Not sure if it helps, but if my current Land Rover D3 RAI faces backwards, so maybe there is a reason for it.

[Eric SDV6SE]

I have a Safari snorkel. All fitted professionally and works as advertised. I've had water over the bonnet during creek crossings without issue.

This just came out from the inimitable "Christian und Vera von Land Rover Time" Snorkel Intake - Forward or Backward? Land Rover Discovery TDV6 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/HhMsKMXfsTk)
They claim an improved fuel consumption of nearly 1L/100km with the instake facing to the rear. That's with a usual cruising speed of 140kph (which is consistent with my limited experience of driving in Germany).

Has anyone tried this, or have other data to support their claim, here in Aus?

Methinks I may have to do the experiment.
I have already noticed that driving to and from work, all of 5km each way, my consumption is in the 14+ range. But when I'm fully laden, complete with tent, awning, fuel and some tables on the roof, it drops to around 11.5.
This is not from the car computer, but measured via the fill-to-fill method.

A good test would be a long drive with intake facing fwd, and the same facing backwards. I have run my safari with both fwd and backwards, can't say it makes a difference. Only reason I turned it around and put a sock filter on it was a long run on dusty roads in convoy.

[Redtail]

A good test would be a long drive with intake facing fwd, and the same facing backwards. I have run my safari with both fwd and backwards, can't say it makes a difference. Only reason I turned it around and put a sock filter on it was a long run on dusty roads in convoy.
Yeah, I'm thinking same for a test on a long run, next time I do a trip at speed with multiple refills.
Watch this space ...

[SimmAus]

So in the video below the bloke looks at it from a performance perspective…my guess would be less performance, lower fuel use…

And I’m sorry, but facing backwards just looks wrong…


Forward vs Backward Snorkel Head Performance? - YouTube (https://youtu.be/4x6C6-t09-Q)

[Birdboy]

So in the video below the bloke looks at it from a performance perspective…my guess would be less performance, lower fuel use…

And I’m sorry, but facing backwards just looks wrong…


Forward vs Backward Snorkel Head Performance? - YouTube (https://youtu.be/4x6C6-t09-Q)


I wonder how many times he repeated the runs? One run each is hardly scientific. Also looks like he didn't even test from the same spot. When you are talking 1% difference just a slight change in road elevation or other factors etc would account for that.

Agree it looks wrong too! Haha!

[Redtail]

I wonder how many times he repeated the runs? One run each is hardly scientific. Also looks like he didn't even test from the same spot. When you are talking 1% difference just a slight change in road elevation or other factors etc would account for that.

Agree it looks wrong too! Haha!

Agreed. He is careful and quite scientific with his approach, but there are confounding factors such as air temp, altitude, wind direction to name but a few.

I haven't tried reversing mine yet because I'm about to get its 160k service, and that would have to be a big factor to consider, too.
When done, I'll start logging my long trips to see if there's any real difference.

[Tombie]

Forward vs Backward Snorkel Head Performance? - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x6C6-t09-Q)