VX Snorkel Kit... interest?

[VXorado]

*UPDATE*

No need to vote anymore. Due to the high cost of snorkels from manufacturers, I won't be getting a custom VX snorkel made. There is a snorkel model available for purchase that fits with a little modification. I have snorkel info in the link below. Thanks :)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3297/thumbs/IMAG0323-1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21970)
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=21927


I would like to get a quick tally on who would be interested in a snorkel kit. I've always wanted one & I know there's been member interest in the past.

Please vote honestly if you would purchase for a reasonable price, you won't hurt my feelings if you don't want one. :p

Details:
I'm in contact with an overseas seller to buy a plastic snorkel. Plastic is key so we can make slight changes to the shape if necessary.

Plan:
1.) Order several snorkels for different vehicles & pick the best match. This is where I would need plastic that can be heated & shaped.

Options:
1.) The re-shaped snorkel can then be sent to the manufacturer and made to spec. $$
....................................OR............ .........................
2.) I can bulk order the snorkel that was a close fit & do some molding for a nice match. $

Price would be between $200-$400 per snorkel, just depends on the option choice & the size of the order.

I'm going forward with this plan to build myself a snorkel regardless of member interest. If there's enough interest, I can order in bulk which will end up giving us a custom made VX snorkel or a re-shaped snorkel for a cheap price.

Please vote to let me know if there's any interest.

I would like to get a snorkel that looks similar to the ARB safari product line. These sell for $400+
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lphV4cjQjOs/TG3vlBEguEI/AAAAAAAAEMw/nX_B-ipEV4c/2010-08-19%2022.38.01.jpg

[tom4bren]

The problem with a functional snorkel is that you would use it ... & the altenator would H8 you for that.

There's been lotsa threads about snorkels. May want to use the search function & do some reading before you pull the trigger on it.

[vt_maverick]

You know for all the talk on this board about the bad alternator placement you would think someone would have designed a cover of some sort...

[VXorado]

The problem with a functional snorkel is that you would use it ... & the altenator would H8 you for that.

There's been lotsa threads about snorkels. May want to use the search function & do some reading before you pull the trigger on it.

There have been a few threads over the years about interest in Snorkels without a real solution.

Patrick Cooper wanted a snorkel and ended up making his own out of flex piping.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/1012.jpg

There was a Russian VX with a snorkel but I know there was fitment issues & it cost $300 from Russia before shipping. The snorkel is fiberglass & cannot be shaped easily.
http://www.ambox.ru/upload/medialibrary/693/%20isuzu%20vehicross%20t5w.jpg

That's all I have found and there was never a kit made for the VX.

The Alternator being at the bottom of the engine is an issue but not deal killer for water crossings. A splash guard helps tremendously, for me its the front kilby skid plate. Also, mud is the real issue for alternators & avoiding mud pits will help the alt last longer. I carry a spare alternator with me just in case as its always going to be an issue. I can't avoid every water crossing there is on a trail so a snorkel is important to keep water out of the intake just in case. Obviously there will be other issues with electrics if you go in really deep water but at least you wouldn't hydrolock your engine if you made a bad judgement call. Peace of mind my friend ;)

I've always wanted one (for the look too) & will definitely be pursuing it with more success than the past attempts.

[VXorado]

You know for all the talk on this board about the bad alternator placement you would think someone would have designed a cover of some sort...

That's what jeep guys do because the straight 6 found in Cherokees & Wranglers had the alternator on the bottom of the engine too. I could probably design a guard as part of the project.

[tom4bren]

I've always wanted one ...

That's what's important. Go for it!!!

[deermagnet]

We don't need no stinkin' snorkel!

http://www.wtv-zone.com/markg/mags/mags4/paragon.jpg

That's me back in '02 at the old Paragon Park in PA. I'm still on my original alternator at 262K miles. :yesy:

Mark Griffin (a VX lifer) :_steering

[VXorado]

We don't need no stinkin' snorkel!


Scary stuff :eek:. Water just creeping over the hood.

That's awesome that your alternator has lasted 262K miles.

[Ala5ka]

I am interested in one for its real application, dust. When traveling in convoy as most of us do pretty often dust can kill. In Australia they sometimes even use oil filled prefilters like the ones on some tractors. If you are into stuff that goes up to where your intake is you have more problems than just electrical, if you hit the water fast fan blades beat on the radiator, and a gnasty thing known as "hydro-lock" could happen which I could never put my precious VX through. How do I know this? I've done it, it sucks! (with an old fuel injected ranger) Water is our enemy (sometimes) snorkels help keep our filters clean, and some integrate breather hoses for other components as well like on naturally aspirated rigs. If its deep enough water can also get into the gas tank or sand and water can enter the axle via the axle vent tubes, or the engine via dipstick hole. Electronic things aside water is a fickle animal, alluring yet dangerous. In conclusion stay out of lakes and stick to the trails :)

[Ala5ka]

Also I like the forward swept vent like on the Safari Snorkel.

[vt_maverick]

Speaking of using something for its real application... am I the only one who thinks this Trooper has never seen dust or water in its entire life? Look at that shine!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lphV4cjQjOs/TG3vlBEguEI/AAAAAAAAEMw/nX_B-ipEV4c/2010-08-19%2022.38.01.jpg

[deermagnet]

This is BBVX in the same spot as me, but hittin' it at ~25 mph.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/98puddle.jpg

BBVX in these shots also-

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/98dsc00780.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/98Dsc00102.jpg

And the famous Grandpa Bob shot-

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/36vxfording.jpg

Even Anita likes to swim-

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/7swimming_vx.jpg

Mark

[VXorado]

...and Patrick Cooper's trip up the river video. This is the video that got me into the VX addiction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ivM_tINlU&feature=fvst

[Ala5ka]

awesome pictures! love it, the VX always takes my expectations and smashes them into little pieces.

[pbkid]

i was gonna say that ive had my VX up to the headlights (maybe to the top of them) multiple times, with no issues to the alternator or engine seizing.... (had my Runner there too)


but i get where your coming from, i love the look too, its just a lot lower on my list than other items :)


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3290/8-26_32.jpg

[PK]

Biggest trouble is -

When you have snorkel, you tend to use it.

Follow this link -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLlQjsKIrJk

PK

[VXorado]

Thanks for the votes fellow VXers!!!! KEEP IT GOING... 10 members interested in a some sort of snorkel is pretty good but I we could use more. Honesty is key so thanks to all the members who voted no.

I am ordering some test snorkels this weekend...:dance:

[VXorado]

Biggest trouble is -

When you have snorkel, you tend to use it.

Follow this link -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLlQjsKIrJk

PK

:laughing:That is awesome... but please nobody ever do that with a VX :eek:

[Vendetta]

Qualifying my interest here in the custom snorkel, it'd have to a really good looking unit to get me to move on it. Also, do these things have an effect on cabin noise from wind roar over the piping? That'd be a consideration for me too.
-V

[VXorado]

Qualifying my interest here in the custom snorkel, it'd have to a really good looking unit to get me to move on it. Also, do these things have an effect on cabin noise from wind roar over the piping? That'd be a consideration for me too.
-V

I would never put something on the VX that wasn't high quality so if it looks like garbage, I won't offer it to anyone. Quality is one of my concerns because I don't have a test fit snorkel yet to judge.

Also, not sure on the cabin noise. I will try to get a finished unit first to demo so I can show it to everyone interested & go from there. This won't be one of those "buy without any details" situation. I really hope it works out...

[braaus]

Now that's a nice looking snorkel, i sent a message through Flickr, and i hope someone will reply me to tell us where he got that snorkel from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/150hp/5527567519

[VXorado]

I can't post the pic but it looks like a DIY snorkel. Interesting look, two square tubes conected by some sort of flex tubing. Not too crazy about the diamond plate rubber but the design looks pretty good.

Braaus, let us know if you get some more details.

[Ldub]

I can't post the pic but it looks like a DIY snorkel. Interesting look, two square tubes conected by some sort of flex tubing. Not too crazy about the diamond plate rubber but the design looks pretty good.

Braaus, let us know if you get some more details.

Here ya go...

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5051/5527567519_7dd4b4239c_z.jpg

[VXorado]

Here ya go...


Thanks, it was showing an "X" for me. I guess I'm still out of it from drinking my sorrows away after last night's bronco game :(

The pic is from Dan Hatton. Anyone here?

[braaus]

bad luck guys, got a message from the other flickr user: "150hp said:
Sorry but this is not my ride. I just saw it in a parking lot & took this shot. Good luck..."

[AlaskaVX]

BTT since I REALLY want one :yesy:

[VXorado]

BTT since I REALLY want one :yesy:

With around 10-15 members interested in a snorkel, I am now talking with a distributor and shooting for a $300 price tag to make everyone happy. If everything works out, I will post pics & specs of the snorkel installed on my ZU, followed by taking orders. If members are still interested, I should have no problem getting these snorkels pretty quick but everything depends on the price I can get & the size of order I can place.

Stay tuned.

[nocturnalVX]

I've been lurking over this thread, and I can't wait to see what the result is. Though I am reluctant to have a hole cut into my VX, I love the look and function of a snorkel. I have had my VX in some deep water (up to & over the headlights) once or twice... however, I love the fact that even law enforcement can see that the VX can get through where most others can not. A snorkel would have been a nice thing to have when it was a little deeper than it looked! I can not commit to buying one yet... $$$ (and that hole thing), but never say never! :?:

[Ldub]

but never say never! :?:


Never...there, I said it...but I shouldn't have...:mbrasd:

[nocturnalVX]

I had a dream last night that I ran into deep water on a flooded back road somewhere. I remember wishing I had a snorkel when the water came over the hood of the VX. Premonition?

[VXorado]

I had a dream last night that I ran into deep water on a flooded back road somewhere. I remember wishing I had a snorkel when the water came over the hood of the VX. Premonition?

Well if you have a snorkel, the VX will never see another water crossing...and if you don't have a snorkel, you can expect massive flooding in your area. Just how it works ;)

Good news: I have a great looking Airflow snorkel on order from Australia. I ordered it last week so hopefully it arrives soon.

Bad news: I haven't heard back from the US distributor about a lower price bulk order. They haven't said NO yet, just need to call them once I fit my ordered snorkel.

[nocturnalVX]

Good luck working a deal with the distributor. Looking forward to seeing pics...

[braaus]

Nocturnal could you please let me know which model you ordered here from Australia? Thanks, Will.

[JoFotoz]

Yea mate...a pic or link would help me decide.


:thumbup:

jo

[nocturnalVX]

Nocturnal could you please let me know which model you ordered here from Australia? Thanks, Will.

Sorry there was some confusion, but I'm still watching this thread to see the end result before making a decision. However, I have always liked the look of 4x4s with snorkels and (after having that dream) am less shy about having a hole cut in mine.

[VXorado]

Nocturnal could you please let me know which model you ordered here from Australia? Thanks, Will.

Will, I ordered the snorkel. Not sure on the model # but can let you know once I get it.

[braaus]

oops, sorry guys. VXorado, thanks for that and remember if you need stuff from here i can have a looka round, etc. Sometimes people don't like to post overseas, so if needed be, send stuff to my address and i post to you, and if you don't mind doing the same for me, i would appreciate. I almost bought a tail light guard from ebay USA but the seller refuses to ship to Oz, so... I need a friend i could send parts to and have it sent to me. I can western union money or paypal to cover the costs. I found a tow (hitch) bar on ebay, but it's too big and heavy to ship here :( Looks like i could fit one from a Honda CRV without major mods. Also thinking about those tubular side steps... Thanks again.

[blacksambo]

Snorkel? Well, they at least look tough, so aesthetics means everything on this mod. Make it look great and I sure add one.

[VXorado]

...and guess what arrived in the mail today. Just need to test fit the new snorkel & take some pics for everyone.

[nocturnalVX]

Hope it fits well...

[LittleBeast]

How about take pics, then test fit while taking more pics, and load them here same day? :yesb:

[Vendetta]

Step 1 - take & post pics
Step 2 - test fit
Step 3 - take & post more pics

Get with the program, 'Rado. ;)

[VXorado]

I'll try to install the snorkel this weekend. I had a couple styles ordered and returned one of them earlier in the week.

The snorkel I have now should be the best fit. It's made by Airflow for an Isuzu MU (Amigo) but fits well on a Frontera (Rodeo) and hopefully our VX :)

http://www.snorkels.com.au/resources/73/4467/Image/S29A_webnew_a.jpg

The snorkel design is different but its growing on me.

...and this thing is pricey. $350 AU (~$360 US) + around $100 shipping.

My original plan to have a custom VX snorkel made fell through because the initial estimate was a bit too expensive.

If this snorkel fits & looks good, I will see if I can get the snorkel priced lower for a bulk order directly through Airflow.

First things first, lets get this thing installed to see how it fits & looks.

[Robbomaz]

That's what jeep guys do because the straight 6 found in Cherokees & Wranglers had the alternator on the bottom of the engine too. I could probably design a guard as part of the project.
During the build of my truck I made a bracket that puts the alt up beside the RHS cam cover. Alt pulley height is just below the idler pulley on the thermostat block, so the belt still engages there.
Where the alt used to be is another aircon compressor converted to air. All on the serpentine, uses the standard tensioner slightly indexed and a longer belt. Alt stays out of the crud, compressor has marine grease in the bearing (and is less susceptible to crap anyway)and I have massive amounts of compressed air too. Win-win :bgwo:

[VXorado]

Hey do you have some pics of that setup? I'm installing a york oil filled air compressor with a v belt but i would like to see a setup that moves the alt too.

[Robbomaz]

Hey do you have some pics of that setup? I'm installing a york oil filled air compressor with a v belt but i would like to see a setup that moves the alt too.
The head has threaded bosses that the engine lift hook bolted to. I made a simple bracket that picked up those and the alt mounts, and added a jockey pulley. The alt mounts upside down compared to its normal position. I chose this height so the belt still picked up the idler on the thermostat housing ribs down. Could have gone higher, but then the idler would have needed to be a smooth one running on the back of the belt - easy enough I just didnt think it neccessary on mine.
The belt tensioner is the stock unit with the fixed point indexed about 10 degrees. You can see the aircon/air compressor at the bottom, which are not as susceptible to crud and has marine grease in the bearing. Works well! I was set on getting a York but this one came up brand new for $50. If you didnt want the air compressor the jockey wheel would go down there - just low enough for the tensioner to exert its pull

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0181.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22023)

I have still lost an alt with it up here but I bent 4 rods in the engine in the same bog-hole too so it was an extreme circumstance!

[VXorado]

The head has threaded bosses that the engine lift hook bolted to. I made a simple bracket that picked up those and the alt mounts, and added a jockey pulley. The alt mounts upside down compared to its normal position. I chose this height so the belt still picked up the idler on the thermostat housing ribs down. Could have gone higher, but then the idler would have needed to be a smooth one running on the back of the belt - easy enough I just didnt think it neccessary on mine.
The belt tensioner is the stock unit with the fixed point indexed about 10 degrees. You can see the aircon/air compressor at the bottom, which are not as susceptible to crud and has marine grease in the bearing. Works well! I was set on getting a York but this one came up brand new for $50. If you didnt want the air compressor the jockey wheel would go down there - just low enough for the tensioner to exert its pull

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0181.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22023)

I have still lost an alt with it up here but I bent 4 rods in the engine in the same bog-hole too so it was an extreme circumstance!

That's awesome :thumbup:

I need to look into this, the VX has less room in the engine bay but I might be able to mount the alt a little higher and like you said, run a different idle pulley.

Currently my plan has been to relocate the battery (done), and put the york compressor in it's place. The york will connect to the alternator with a serpentine/v-belt pulley and also have a spring loaded tensioner on the v-belt that will allow belt stretching with engine movement. It should work but isn't ideal and unfortunately was the only place I could put the large york compressor. Looks like I need to look into another option :)

[RabidPony]

Any pics of that bracket by itself?

[Ldub]

That's awesome :thumbup:

I need to look into this, the VX has less room in the engine bay but I might be able to mount the alt a little higher and like you said, run a different idle pulley.


Dude...yer making this WAY too hard...:_wrench:

Just fab up the bracketry to mount the alt high center...:smack:

Then cut a hole in the hood...:yesgray:

[Cobrajet]

Dude...yer making this WAY too hard...:_wrench:

Just fab up the bracketry to mount the alt high center...:smack:

Then cut a hole in the hood...:yesgray:

Fab up a fancy cover and make it look like a 6-71 blower!!

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee275/EVIL85SSP/85BlownHatch.jpg

[Ldub]

DUDE...SWEET!

I wanna ride...:yesgray:

[VXorado]

Dude...yer making this WAY too hard...:_wrench:

Just fab up the bracketry to mount the alt high center...:smack:

Then cut a hole in the hood...:yesgray:

:) Thanks, I gotta start using my head. I'll go get a torch & a hammer for the hood.

Just need to remember the old saying: measure once, cut twice. I think that's how it goes...

[VXorado]

I need to look into this, the VX has less room in the engine bay but I might be able to mount the alt a little higher and like you said, run a different idle pulley.


I checked this out today, should be enough room for the alternator to sit next to the oil fill. I'll try pick up a spare alt and do some measuring.

[Robbomaz]

Any pics of that bracket by itself?

I have pics only if youse promise to excuse the mess...??

Bracket, with super-race-spec lightening hole. 10mm plate. Tools: Chop saw, angle grinder, MIG, assorted drills, beer

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0202.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22031)

Alt & air compressor. This was the test-fit to see if my idea was feasible. The bracket for this went thru several prototypes getting lighter each time. In hindsight a comp with the 'ear' type mounts would have been a LOT easier, but this one was new and $50.......

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Picture_0212.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22032)

[VXorado]

I have pics only if youse promise to excuse the mess...??

Bracket, with super-race-spec lightening hole. 10mm plate. Tools: Chop saw, angle grinder, MIG, assorted drills, beer

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Picture_0202.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/22031)


Nice bracket, I would have guessed plasma cutter for sure.

[RabidPony]

Do you by chance have measurements or a diagram for it? Looks really good and like it would be pretty easy to duplicate.

[VXorado]

So yeah... Can a mod please end this poll? Otherwise I fear this thread will be bumped for eternity with people voting. I'm getting sick of this thread... it's SOOOOO 6 months ago.

:yeso: