Clearing the air: Do snorkels really increase performance and fuel efficiency?
Do snorkels really help increase performance and improve fuel economy? We jumped onto the topic to clear the air.
Published on: 2 December 2022
Alongside a decent bar, lift, lights and tyres, the snorkel would have to be one of the first modifications 4WDers make when setting up their vehicle.
A niggling debate that occasionally pops up amongst the 4×4 community is ‘do snorkels really help increase performance and improve fuel economy?’. We jumped onto the topic to clear the air.
The right investment
Think of the snorkel as long-term insurance. It’s most commonly fitted to a 4WD to protect the engine and owners’ life-savings. The snorkel allows vehicles to pass deep water crossings like rivers and creeks without water or anything contaminated getting sucked up and finding its way into the engine.
However, the snorkel also helps drivers gain a few extra benefits that are usually overlooked-improved fuel economy and engine performance.
A little more oomph for your dollar
Okay, we’ll try not to get too technical here. A factory air intake usually resides under the front guard or under the bonnet. By installing a snorkel, you’re simply eliminating most hot air and impurities from entering your air induction system. Keep in mind that a vehicle with a front grille air intake is begging for a snorkel upgrade before driving through any sort of deep water crossing.
A well-designed snorkel brings in the cooler air at the windscreen and roof level through what is called a Ram or Vortex head. The head of the snorkel helps separate heavy particles of dust and water. They are then removed through the snorkel’s filtration system. The cleaner air is then rushed through the body of the snorkel and towards the air induction system of the vehicle. This is where the magic happens. Well, sort of.
When the air is cooler (and cleaner), it contains more oxygen. The more cooler air and oxygen that run through the air induction system, the more ‘good air’ the engine management system (EMS) allocates to the engine.
This essentially allows for more efficient combustion and how well the fuel is burned-increasing performance, torque and fuel efficiency.
But there’s more to it
Installing a snorkel doesn’t mean massive numbers and less time at the pump. For example, a naturally aspirated engine (non-turbo or supercharged) cannot take in more air than what is needed for fuel combustion. You’ll need to combine the snorkel with the right programming through an EMS, and a turbocharger or supercharger (standard on some 4WDs) to force even more air in, therefore increasing fuel efficiency and power output.
Does changing the direction of the snorkel head help? Some drivers believe it can affect the performance of the vehicle, especially when driving through heavy dust. But remember, installing a snorkel is all about elevating your air intake and improving air quality. Every part of your air intake system contributes to a better-performing engine.
There are plenty more ways to increase numbers and fuel efficiency through quality aftermarket parts and tuning. For example, removing the restrictive factory exhaust and adding a custom one is a good starting point. You might also want to look at a custom remap or ECU upgrade, and a larger intercooler if your vehicle is running a turbo.
It’s settled. Snorkels help (a little).
If you were looking to break the next land speed record with just a snorkel, we’re sorry to disappoint you. But facts are facts. Snorkels do help a little in that department and we hope we provided you with enough firepower to kick off the next campfire debate.
Want to learn more about snorkels? Check out the Safari Armax and V-Spec range.
