Snorkel heads.

[Portal Pat]

Hi,
Has anyone done any definitive flow tests on various snorkel heads? I am not so concerned with pipe diameters etc to the airbox, just the snorkel inlet. Thanks in advance.

[Tombie]

The inlet isn’t the restriction.

The diameter of the snorkel is, as is its length and transitions in direction etc.

It has been shown that the “Patrol style” pipe snorkels facing backwards perform worse than forward facing versions.

[mrb505]

Test Results: Donaldson Precleaner vs Safari RAM vs Toyota Head
Recently I tried a Toyota mushroom head on my 130 300tdi egt raised from around 620 max with a ram head to 650 with the Toyota one on the same hills similar weather and load. Around here your either going up a hill or down a hill, seems to be more uphills though in the tdi.

[Baytown]

It’s interesting isn’t it.

I see on the replacement Defender, that the snorkel induction is rear facing, but vertical in its execution. I’m sure the team at JLR have a fair idea of what their up to, as do Safari. Chances are they have or have access to a pretty effective flow bench.

Obviously it’s a way safer/more efficient and cleaner looking option than a three inch piece of pipe bent backwards as a fashion statement.

[Tote]

The factory snorkel on my Puma also draws from the rear of the head.

Regards,
Tote

[Tombie]

Factory Puma and Disco 4 RAIs are very restrictive.
By comparison to forward facing offering from Safari.

Even with the Safari, Nuggets filter and pipe work we still generate vacuum on intake of the 90 under throttle.

[Portal Pat]

I took the plunge and changed out the cyclonic style head for a Safari type head. Whilst I can't quantify any difference as I don't have a flow bench, it HAS made a difference. The intake roar has increased, so am assuming less restriction and torque is marginally better.

[W&KO]

Even with the Safari, Nuggets filter and pipe work we still generate vacuum on intake of the 90 under throttle.

Is there a speed where is changes from neg to pos?

[trout1105]

The MAIN reason I like to fit a snorkel/raised air intake is to lessen the amount of dust getting sucked into the air cleaner..
Having the ram head facing forward to me makes sense as having it facing back would suck more dust due the the head creating cavitation..
A forward facing ram head would also assist with the airflow into the engine.

[scarry]

All snorkels have some sort of restriction, even the Safari Armax.

There have been many tests on the Ram effect, but it has been found to be negligible.