Thread: Pvc pipe snorkel?

Originally Posted by GuyG

Couple of questions

Does fitting a snorkel increase the amount of fuel used due to the extra drag on a classic rangie?

I've got a snorkel (sitting on the verandah) think its 3 inch pipe which has the inlet facing towards the back - I see Pete has his facing the side - What are there any reasons for or against the directions in which people have the snorkel openings?

ps I've also got a pair of plastic tube snorkels which fibreglass bends that came with a project vehicle - based on the comments in this thread, maybe they'll stay in the back of the car

Cheers

Remember that it is a 4WD essentially the front on profile is a box and unless it is profiled at the front roof chopped and suspension lowered considerably. IMHO I think the void of air inbetween the bumper and the ground would destroy more aerodynamic qualities than a snorkel.

Does fitting a snorkel increase the amount of fuel used due to the extra drag on a classic rangie?

I recently had a bit of rush of blood where I filled in the gap between the bonnet and rad with rubber strip , blocked up the vents in the spoiler, and took off the snorkel and added air management tabs to the rear of the car.

I didn't notice any observable difference. I recently took it all off, as I was afraid my spoiler would bend on river crossings, and that the engine compartment was getting hotter. ( I had a problem with a blocked fuel pump intake, and thought it may be vaporisation, until I found out the real cause)

If you have the snorkel facing forward, you can get the filter paper wet in downpour and you end up with lots of bugs etc on the filter. On the other hand, there is a small but measurable positive pressure at cruise so the car feels livelier. I face mine forward, as paper filter is usually OK when it dries out.
If it is facing back, I feel that you lose a bit of power , due to the negative pressure at the face of the intake.
Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by dobbo

Remember that it is a 4WD essentially the front on profile is a box and unless it is profiled at the front roof chopped and suspension lowered considerably. IMHO I think the void of air inbetween the bumper and the ground would destroy more aerodynamic qualities than a snorkel.

That is spot on. These days when manufacturers chase aero gains they clean up the underside first. The Lotus Elite achieved .29 in 1957 without the aid of computers! When you look at one the underside is completely flat.

Originally Posted by dobbo

Remember that it is a 4WD essentially the front on profile is a box and unless it is profiled at the front roof chopped and suspension lowered considerably. IMHO I think the void of air inbetween the bumper and the ground would destroy more aerodynamic qualities than a snorkel.

I understand this, but the only thing that would be getting changed is the addition of the snorkel, I can get reasonable fuel consumption figures for a 3.9 V8 - well I'm happy with them.

Does anyone have a comparison of before and after figures for fuel consumption when the only thing that was changed was the addition of the snorkel?

Hey Guy,

I dont have comparisons on a v8 but after fitting a safari snorkle on my td5 there was no determinable difference in economy but a slight (but noticeable) drop in power.

Just to add, the reason I guess people have them facing back is that if they enter water too quickly it doesnt run up the screen and into the opening. I just went for the side, about 30cm in, as it was the easiest and on the off chance I tipped it onto its side in a river it wouldnt run in!

Cheers
Pete

A friend of ours fitted a snorkel to his d2 4ltr v8 and he noticed slightly better fuel consumption and maybe a slight increase in power

CHEERS TIM.

I always thought a snorkel would increase fuel consumption but in the recent test done in 4WD Action, they noted a decrease in fuel consumption when a snorkel was fitted. (although very small decrease). I can only assume this is due to the fact a snorkel increase the likelihood of cold air intake rather than warm air.

I have a proper moulded fibreglass snorkel for my Rangie project but I think I am going to use just some 3" tube. I think the moulded snorkel will restrict the air flow too much. I have no proof of this and I might be totally wrong but some stainless tube looks tougher anyway.

Originally Posted by walker

I always thought a snorkel would increase fuel consumption but in the recent test done in 4WD Action, they noted a decrease in fuel consumption when a snorkel was fitted. (although very small decrease). I can only assume this is due to the fact a snorkel increase the likelihood of cold air intake rather than warm air.

I have a proper moulded fibreglass snorkel for my Rangie project but I think I am going to use just some 3" tube. I think the moulded snorkel will restrict the air flow too much. I have no proof of this and I might be totally wrong

but some stainless tube looks tougher anyway.

see now why weren't you just honest in the first place