snorkels... pros & cons
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: mazatlan, sin. mexico
snorkels... pros & cons
ok, so i want a snorkel, i wanna get the river raider aluminium snorkel. but i have a bunch of questions about...
is it the same ride as without it?? i mean, will it affect speed?what about hot weather? rain while riving?? how deep can i go with it?(i have a tf 2.5" lift installed) is it maintenance free? what things should i be aware of?
thanxs for the help...
is it the same ride as without it?? i mean, will it affect speed?what about hot weather? rain while riving?? how deep can i go with it?(i have a tf 2.5" lift installed) is it maintenance free? what things should i be aware of?
thanxs for the help...
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 3
From: Lancaster Pa
Pros:
In addition to allowing water crossings with less chance of hydrolocking, a snorkel will draw the air from outside of the engine compartment where it is much cooler. This may add the benifet of a bit more power and MPG, however if at all, it will only be a slight amount. Looks good. In addition to the ram entry style of most units, AEV also has the prefilter style. This is a very good point for AEV, as less dust and debris is able to enter the stock filter box, so the air entering the engine intake is cleaner.
Cons:
Cost is a major drawback here. Snorkels run from around $300 to $400. In addition to cost, in order to install, you must cut a hole in the body panel. The new AEV does not require a hole in the panel, however you do have to cut a small section out of the hood. Any of these modifications must be done carefully, and correctly. Resale value of the vehicle could be decreased once the snorkel is installed. Were I to do this modification I would much rather go with the AEV, and cut a section from the stock hood than bore into the body panel. I think it would be easier to replace the hood then to repair the body panel. For those that have the $$$, an AEV hood can be purchased at a price of about $800. Add another $200 or so for painting, and you now have a very good looking all steel custom hood that not only allows better cooling of the engine compartment, but also removing the expanded metal plate on one side allows for a perfict fit for the AEV snorkel. Many do not like the looks of the prefilter , as it looks like a coleman lantern. I on the other hand think it has a rugged military look. In fact painting the clear ABS prefilter cover might add an even better look.
In addition to allowing water crossings with less chance of hydrolocking, a snorkel will draw the air from outside of the engine compartment where it is much cooler. This may add the benifet of a bit more power and MPG, however if at all, it will only be a slight amount. Looks good. In addition to the ram entry style of most units, AEV also has the prefilter style. This is a very good point for AEV, as less dust and debris is able to enter the stock filter box, so the air entering the engine intake is cleaner.
Cons:
Cost is a major drawback here. Snorkels run from around $300 to $400. In addition to cost, in order to install, you must cut a hole in the body panel. The new AEV does not require a hole in the panel, however you do have to cut a small section out of the hood. Any of these modifications must be done carefully, and correctly. Resale value of the vehicle could be decreased once the snorkel is installed. Were I to do this modification I would much rather go with the AEV, and cut a section from the stock hood than bore into the body panel. I think it would be easier to replace the hood then to repair the body panel. For those that have the $$$, an AEV hood can be purchased at a price of about $800. Add another $200 or so for painting, and you now have a very good looking all steel custom hood that not only allows better cooling of the engine compartment, but also removing the expanded metal plate on one side allows for a perfict fit for the AEV snorkel. Many do not like the looks of the prefilter , as it looks like a coleman lantern. I on the other hand think it has a rugged military look. In fact painting the clear ABS prefilter cover might add an even better look.
I pretty much could see the benefits, but not all of the drawbacks. Glad to hear I won’t have to worry about ripping it off.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Lake Arrowhead,Ca
I understand the argument of drawing in cold air outside of the engine compartment but question the increase in hp due to the fact that increased length of intake pipe would seem to have the same effect on a runner trying to breath through a long straw while running a marathon.I would expect a decrease in performance.Just my 2 cents. That being said it is your jeep and it really is a matter of opinion so go for it. Good luck, JJ.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 943
Likes: 2
From: Hangin in the sunshine state....staging forum..
If you are looking at buying a snorkel for engine preformance thats NOT what they are made for. I think they are made so I could do this and not worry about hydrolock 
yes my jeep is in there
yes my jeep is in there
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JK Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Hill, TX
I understand the argument of drawing in cold air outside of the engine compartment but question the increase in hp due to the fact that increased length of intake pipe would seem to have the same effect on a runner trying to breath through a long straw while running a marathon.I would expect a decrease in performance.Just my 2 cents. That being said it is your jeep and it really is a matter of opinion so go for it. Good luck, JJ.
Snorkels are the ultimate in cold air intake systems. They draw air into the engine from outside the engine compartment where it is significantly cooler. Cooler air is more dense, and as a result has more oxygen and is therefore more combustible. Also, where as a runner breathing through a straw is limiting their ability to take in air by narrowing the air inlet (ie, the straw), a snorkel maintains and in some instances opens the air intake, often with the side effect of vehicle speed creating a "ram air" effect thereby forcing more air into the engine. This can improve MPG and horsepower. Its not gonna win you somebody's pink slip at the drag strip, but with unleaded at nearly $4.00 a gallon, every little bit helps.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Snorkels are the ultimate in cold air intake systems. They draw air into the engine from outside the engine compartment where it is significantly cooler. Cooler air is more dense, and as a result has more oxygen and is therefore more combustible. Also, where as a runner breathing through a straw is limiting their ability to take in air by narrowing the air inlet (ie, the straw), a snorkel maintains and in some instances opens the air intake, often with the side effect of vehicle speed creating a "ram air" effect thereby forcing more air into the engine. This can improve MPG and horsepower. Its not gonna win you somebody's pink slip at the drag strip, but with unleaded at nearly $4.00 a gallon, every little bit helps.
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: calgary alberta
volant
I think volant has it figured out, where you can easily remove the CAI cover and simply have a CAI and when the cover is on its mud amd water here we come lol but with that previous post saying that having the snokel gives more power is interesting hope you are right !! Then I leave it on all the time