Airflow Snorkel Installed [Text View]

VXorado

02/07/2012, 09:09 PM

This is a follow up thread to the snorkel interest poll I posted last month:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=21807

After hours & hours of research I found a snorkel that could fit with little modification. The snorkel is made by Airflow model #S029 for an ISUZU MU (Australian Amigo). The snorkel has already gotten a lot of attention in the two days it's been installed.

Fitment: The shape of the snorkel is perfect for the VX's window frame but the snorkel's base doesn't fit our fender flare as well as I was hoping. Using a heat gun, I reduced the snorkel base contour to fit the VX fender. Additionally, I used foam window seal to fill in the gaps between the snorkel and fender. Lastly, I had to use a heat gun to bend the top of the snorkel so the vent stands up straight.

I still have a little work left on the snorkel... like hooking it up to the air intake :)

I may still look into having an official Project ZU VX snorkel made but the initial estimates were too pricey. For now, this snorkel is a nice option.

Price: $350 AU + shipping from Australia.

Here's the link where I purchased the snorkel:
www.snorkels.com.au

And here are the pics:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3297/IMAG0323-1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21970)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3297/IMAG0324-1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21971)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3297/IMAG0329.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21974)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3297/IMAG0328-1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21973)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3297/IMAG0326-1.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21972)

LittleBeast

02/07/2012, 09:15 PM

Wow, that looks awesome!!!!! That is the best looking VX snorkel I have seen. Nicely done! I hope you can get it totally hooked up soon. Nice mods so far. Great work.

VXorado

02/07/2012, 09:31 PM

Wow, that looks awesome!!!!! That is the best looking VX snorkel I have seen. Nicely done! I hope you can get it totally hooked up soon. Nice mods so far. Great work.

Thanks dude :)

The kit comes with a flex hose that can easily be routed to the air box through the fender. I have a ram air intake and will need to get a waterproof enclosure for it first.

Vendetta

02/07/2012, 09:38 PM

pbkid

02/07/2012, 09:47 PM

hey jon, i have to be honest... every time i read your posts, i sit and think to myself that i hope that your like a lot of my friends, that love to build an amazing vehicle. Then reach the limit and get bored and sell to rebuild a new style....

if thats how you work, you should call me when your ready to get rid of project ZU :naughty:

(thats right, im callin dibs)

braaus

02/07/2012, 09:50 PM

Congrats, looks amazing, I'm jumping online right now to order mine!

VXorado

02/07/2012, 10:06 PM

Looks sharp. A couple of questions/observations though... Is there any interference with the driver door? It looks just a wee bit short - does the intake get in the line of sight in the upper left? I'm thinking intersections. Lastly, could you turn the intake around to face backwards and take a few more shots?

No interference with the door, the Amigo must have an identical door frame. I haven't noticed it blocking the windshield, I'll let you know if I have issues.

I might be able to take some pics for you. I know what you mean about the snorkel tube not going to the top of the windshield but most snorkels are like this, otherwise the intake will mount above the car. I've been thinking it would be cool to make a different intake that would go to the top of the windshield and wrap flat around the edge. Just a thought for now...

hey jon, i have to be honest... every time i read your posts, i sit and think to myself that i hope that your like a lot of my friends, that love to build an amazing vehicle. Then reach the limit and get bored and sell to rebuild a new style....

if thats how you work, you should call me when your ready to get rid of project ZU :naughty:

(thats right, im callin dibs)

Your 4runner is sweet but think it's time for you to get back into a VX... just not mine :p:bgwo:

RabidPony

02/07/2012, 11:44 PM

If you don't mind me asking, how much was it total? Shipping and all?

Ldub

02/08/2012, 06:39 AM

Wow, that looks awesome!!!!! That is the best looking VX snorkel I have seen. Nicely done! I hope you can get it totally hooked up soon. Nice mods so far. Great work.

Indeed...:thumbup:

Good Job!...:smack:.:_wrench:.:dance:

Scott Harness

02/08/2012, 07:35 AM

(thats right, im callin dibs)

Me too!!

vt_maverick

02/08/2012, 08:14 AM

Very nice work, looks professionally installed. Did you take any pics of the hole you cut through the fender? Wondering how much smaller the hole is than the snorkel base.

Nigel Caffiene

02/08/2012, 09:54 AM

Oye, that looks really, really good!

I as well would like to know the size of the fender cut-out. Cutting into the fender of such a rare, exquisite four wheel drive vehicle is a huge step for me.

However, I am ordering mine.

VXorado

02/08/2012, 10:11 AM

If you don't mind me asking, how much was it total? Shipping and all?

$405 shipped.

Very nice work, looks professionally installed. Did you take any pics of the hole you cut through the fender? Wondering how much smaller the hole is than the snorkel base.

I as well would like to know the size of the fender cut-out. Cutting into the fender of such a rare, exquisite four wheel drive vehicle is a huge step for me.

The tube is 3" and supposedly stays 3" all the way through the snorkel. Airflow claims you'll get better performance with a snorkel because its a true cold air intake... we'll see.

I haven't cut the hole through the fender yet, instead I cut the tube off the snorkel base. I wasn't sure how much work I would need to make the base fit so I opted to cut the tube off so instead of cutting a hole in the fender :). I need to plastic weld the the tube back on & then I'll cut the hole when I finish the install.

For reference, here are some install pics for the same snorkel by Black98rodeo on the planet.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121/1BadTMaxx/brandontruck003.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121/1BadTMaxx/brandontruck007.jpg

I checked this under support on the VX and I'm pretty sure we won't have to cut it out to fit the tubing

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121/1BadTMaxx/brandon024.jpg

This is similar to how the snorkel will look without any window seal on the base edges.

Ldub

02/08/2012, 11:28 AM

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121/1BadTMaxx/brandon024.jpg

This is similar to how the snorkel will look without any window seal on the base edges.

You "should" be able to scribe the fender contour unto the snorkel base with a silver sharpie marker, then cut/sand to that line to make it fit perfectly.

"should" meaning, that I don't know all the particulars of it's construction with regard to internal mounting flanges etc.

pbkid

02/08/2012, 09:52 PM

Your 4runner is sweet but think it's time for you to get back into a VX... just not mine :p:bgwo:

i may or may not have a trick up my sleeve to get one :)

Bulldoggie

02/09/2012, 09:17 AM

I would use an angle grinder or Dremel before a torch throwing molten slag everywhere... But that's just me.

VXorado

02/09/2012, 09:48 AM

You "should" be able to scribe the fender contour unto the snorkel base with a silver sharpie marker, then cut/sand to that line to make it fit perfectly.

"should" meaning, that I don't know all the particulars of it's construction with regard to internal mounting flanges etc.

That's pretty much what I did with a heat gun by softening the plastic & shaping the contour to match our fender. Like you said, you can also cut the contour but then will have another hole on the base that will need to be filled. Even after shaping the base to our fender, the top & bottom edges still have a gap that needs to be filled by something. That's where the weather strip works nicely :)

VXorado

02/09/2012, 09:51 AM

I would use an angle grinder or Dremel before a torch throwing molten slag everywhere... But that's just me.

I checked again yesterday and we shouldn't need to cut the inner metal, but yeah an angle grinder seems much safer around paint & glass.

JHarris1385

02/09/2012, 05:47 PM

I like it a lot.

But...

How restrictive inside is that almost right angle at the bottom?

VXorado

02/09/2012, 06:24 PM

I like it a lot.

But...

How restrictive inside is that almost right angle at the bottom?

I would say... not restrictive. The entire base is an open cavity rather than a 3" tube making a 90 degree turn. Also the inside of snorkel is glossy smooth to promote better airflow.

I'm more concerned with the heavy duty wire twisted hose that goes through the fender. Seems like that could mess up the airflow a bit. Check out the pic of the Rodeo I posted and you'll see the hose on top of the engine.

I really want to keep my ram air cone filter setup but I need to find an enclosure to seal it. I'll report on the performance changes once I get everything hooked up.

Ldub

02/09/2012, 07:28 PM

Like you said, you can also cut the contour but then will have another hole on the base that will need to be filled. Even after shaping the base to our fender, the top & bottom edges still have a gap that needs to be filled by something. That's where the weather strip works nicely :)

No, that's not what I meant...with the old carpenters method, there will be no gap anywhere...even if it takes more than one attempt...:yesgray:

Place the snorkel in it's desired location, have a second pair of hands hold it exactly there, dead solid.

Lay the marker on the fender flat, with the point in contact with the snorkl base, "draw" the contour of the fender cross section on the front & rear of the snorkl base, then cut/grind/sand everything outside the line...:smack:

Repeat until a perfect match is achieved...:dance:

VXorado

02/09/2012, 09:03 PM

No, that's not what I meant...with the old carpenters method, there will be no gap anywhere...even if it takes more than one attempt...:yesgray:

Place the snorkel in it's desired location, have a second pair of hands hold it exactly there, dead solid.

Lay the marker on the fender flat, with the point in contact with the snorkl base, "draw" the contour of the fender cross section on the front & rear of the snorkl base, then cut/grind/sand everything outside the line...:smack:

Repeat until a perfect match is achieved...:dance:

...and wipe on some CF for good measure :thumbup:

Now I get ya, I thought you were just referring to the very front of the snorkel base. With some ":smack:" as you described the snorkel could fit perfectly. I was surprised how well the weatherstrip worked and was happy to throw my hands up and call "done" on this project. Oye mate, cheers. :smilewink

RabidPony

02/09/2012, 10:50 PM

Any chance you have any before and after pics of the reshaped parts and how the snorkel mounts?

VXorado

02/10/2012, 02:37 PM

Any chance you have any before and after pics of the reshaped parts and how the snorkel mounts?

I really didn't do much to the snorkel, just made the front a little more rounded. I'll post some more pics of the entire setup once the hose & airbox are installed.

Mile High VX

02/10/2012, 03:17 PM

I'll post some more pics of the entire setup once the hose & airbox are installed.

What are you doing for the airbox?

I have a full airbox from a 1999 Civic in my basement if you need it. I replaced the OEM stuff with a cold air intake and I have all of the parts/hoses/clamps, etc.

VXorado

02/10/2012, 05:06 PM

I replaced the OEM stuff with a cold air intake and I have all of the parts/hoses/clamps, etc.

Me too, I'm just trying to find a way to put a box around the cone filter. I saw that F-150s have a circlular airbox, maybe I can get one at the local Pull & Pay? :_confused

http://cdn100.iofferphoto.com/img3/item/206/957/616/gznL.jpg

JoFotoz

02/10/2012, 06:47 PM

Here ya go ...

Me too, I'm just trying to find a way to put a box around the cone filter.

Cone filter holder..
.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Cone_filter_holder_.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21982)
.
.
Filter holder in place....
.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Cone_filter_holder_in_place_.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21983)

.
.

I forget where I got these pics..but I think its from the set up our Irish friend Patrick has.

Hope it helps

Jo

VXorado

02/11/2012, 10:11 AM

Here ya go ...

Cone filter holder..

I forget where I got these pics..but I think its from the set up our Irish friend Patrick has.

Hope it helps

Jo

Thanks Jo, thats exactly what I need.

I'm ordering one today :thumbup:

braaus

02/12/2012, 03:42 AM

VXorado, have you seen this page?
http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/mods/mods.htm
looks like the type of you you like to do. I went to buy 2 jerry cans todays and 2 lockable carriers like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/260849003226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
but i'm buying a more "square" shaped can so it doesn't stick out too much on top of the roof rack.

nocturnalVX

02/12/2012, 10:10 AM

VXorado, have you seen this page?
http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/mods/mods.htm

That is Bart's VX. Kewlness!

Ldub

02/12/2012, 02:26 PM

That is Bart's VX. Kewlness!

Yep...that dang ol' Bart has become a well known instigator of Isuzu kewlness...:yesgray:

VXorado

02/13/2012, 05:50 PM

LittleBeast

02/19/2012, 12:14 AM

LittleBeast

02/19/2012, 12:57 AM

Alright I went ahead and ordered half of the "kit":

http://autoplicity.com/products/2043815-kn_rc5051as_kn_apollo_closed_intake_systemsilver.a spx

$100 for an enclosed cold air intake seems like a good deal :-) now I just need to order the snorkel itself

nocturnalVX

02/19/2012, 10:59 AM

I scored a red K&N Apollo universal cold air closed intake system from Ebay for $90! I have never done anything to improve airflow except remove the plastic elbow from the stock air box. We shall see if the butt dyno notices any improvement. The snorkel may or may not happen, but I too am "half" way there...

Ldub

02/19/2012, 12:59 PM

VXorado

02/19/2012, 06:50 PM

Can you post some more pics of the install points around the door frame, I am more than likely going to pull the trigger on this mod asap, but I want to have a little more of an idea of how that area works.

Also please let me know what you figure out as far as under the hood, I have some ideas but I want to know what you come up with :-)

I took a pic with my phone & it was really hard to show the bracket so I'll explain. There is a fixed nut in the bottom of the snorkel for a frame bracket. The kit comes with a bracket (see S29 pic) which fixes the snorkel to the door frame. The bracket was a little big, so I cut the bottom section off, leaving only the long sliding bolt hole. Then I drilled a hole underneath the door weather strip, bent the metal and bolted the bracket to the VX and snorkel. When I finish the snorkel-intake install, I will bend the bracket a bit more so it doesn't push up the weatherstrip when the door is closed.

http://www.snorkels.com.au/UserFiles/4467-Files/image//S29_web_b.jpg

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/IMAG0334-1.jpg

I ordered an Apollo intake last week for $85 (:bwgy:)... well $102 after shipping. Once I receive it, I'll finish the install and post more pics of the hose, intake, fender bolt mounts & bracket.

Robbomaz

02/20/2012, 07:21 PM

The tube is 3" and supposedly stays 3" all the way through the snorkel. Airflow claims you'll get better performance with a snorkel because its a true cold air intake... we'll see.

They all say that but you wont :(
The Isuzu stuff sold here is all intended for the diesels. I have an Airtec on my Rodeo ute, which looks a lot like this except the under guard pipe is hard plastic too.
You DO get the cleaner cooler air, but they dont flow enough for the V6. Just unclipping the airbox top off the lower on our dyno leaving the filter in place gained 7hp over breathing via the snorkel, and 12hp on the supercharged 3.5.
So I run two airbox entries for the street and close one and use only the snorkel for the dirt. I'm usually in low range anyway so it doesnt matter

LittleBeast

02/21/2012, 09:46 AM

New K&N part numbers:
http://www.knfilters.com/universal/apollo.htm

VXorado

02/21/2012, 05:57 PM

They all say that but you wont :(
The Isuzu stuff sold here is all intended for the diesels. I have an Airtec on my Rodeo ute, which looks a lot like this except the under guard pipe is hard plastic too.
You DO get the cleaner cooler air, but they dont flow enough for the V6. Just unclipping the airbox top off the lower on our dyno leaving the filter in place gained 7hp over breathing via the snorkel, and 12hp on the supercharged 3.5.
So I run two airbox entries for the street and close one and use only the snorkel for the dirt. I'm usually in low range anyway so it doesnt matter

Thats good info. I can't comment on how this one affects performance since I haven't completed the install but i'm eager to find out.

Another possible option to increase airflow:

http://www.airflowsnorkels.com/Air%20Ram%203_5%20Web.jpg

From the Airflow website:
"All our current Cold Air Induction Snorkel kits are supplied with this Air Ram, which provides 3.8 times free air to the engine. However, some customers prefer a lesser performance to the benefit of a more pleasing look� So, by popular demand, we have re-released the square Air Ram. Despite its lesser free air performance (only 1.85 times), this Air Ram may be more pleasing to the eye when associated with a �squarish� vehicle. So the choice is yours, looks or performance, Airflow Vector has it all!"

Since the VX isn't square, the new style air ram could be purchased to increase air flow & change the look. I'm thinking about for it myself...

VXorado

02/21/2012, 05:58 PM

New K&N part numbers:
http://www.knfilters.com/universal/apollo.htm

My Apollo is back ordered for 1-2 weeks... yay :(

nocturnalVX

02/21/2012, 06:50 PM

Looks like the seller that I got my Apollo kit from has at least 2 more for sale (in black or blue)... same price I paid plus free shipping. :dance:

Robbomaz

02/21/2012, 08:58 PM

Thats good info. I can't comment on how this one affects performance since I haven't completed the install but i'm eager to find out.

Another possible option to increase airflow:

http://www.airflowsnorkels.com/Air%20Ram%203_5%20Web.jpg

From the Airflow website:
"All our current Cold Air Induction Snorkel kits are supplied with this Air Ram, which provides 3.8 times free air to the engine. However, some customers prefer a lesser performance to the benefit of a more pleasing look… So, by popular demand, we have re-released the square Air Ram. Despite its lesser free air performance (only 1.85 times), this Air Ram may be more pleasing to the eye when associated with a “squarish” vehicle. So the choice is yours, looks or performance, Airflow Vector has it all!"

Since the VX isn't square, the new style air ram could be purchased to increase air flow & change the look. I'm thinking about for it myself...
Yeah I have seen that too.They talk so much $%#t on the snorkel sites its hilarious :bgwo: They really should stay away from pseudo-science....3.8 times what....? And it still fits to the same tube so how does flow increase exactly?
Sorry for the rant, pet hate of mine!

Every one we have had come thru has dropped hp on the dyno when using the snorkel too :mad: but performance is not their purpose. What it WILL do is put the intake up in cleaner air, above water ingress, and (in the case of some Airflows, some Airtecs and almost NO Safaris)look cool too :bgwo:

If I could get my Airtec in a RH version I'd have one on each side - that'd solve the flow issue as well :bgwb:

Dunno if youve seen them but you can get 'socks' that go over the scoop and others that go down inside the snorkel tube as a pre-filter too.
http://www.uniflow.com.au/
Most folks I know here just have the sock - easy to pop on & off for washing etc

Agree the big round tip would suit the Vx better too :winky:

VXorado

02/21/2012, 10:03 PM

Looks like the seller that I got my Apollo kit from has at least 2 more for sale (in black or blue)... same price I paid plus free shipping. :dance:

Yeah yeah... show off :p.

We'll see who's laughing in 2-3 weeks when I get my intake... that I ordered a week before you....:upsetgray

Yeah I have seen that too.They talk so much $%#t on the snorkel sites its hilarious :bgwo: They really should stay away from pseudo-science....3.8 times what....? And it still fits to the same tube so how does flow increase exactly?
Sorry for the rant, pet hate of mine!

Every one we have had come thru has dropped hp on the dyno when using the snorkel too :mad: but performance is not their purpose. What it WILL do is put the intake up in cleaner air, above water ingress, and (in the case of some Airflows, some Airtecs and almost NO Safaris)look cool too :bgwo:

If I could get my Airtec in a RH version I'd have one on each side - that'd solve the flow issue as well :bgwb:

Dunno if youve seen them but you can get 'socks' that go over the scoop and others that go down inside the snorkel tube as a pre-filter too.
http://www.uniflow.com.au/
Most folks I know here just have the sock - easy to pop on & off for washing etc

Agree the big round tip would suit the Vx better too :winky:

The round air ram produces 3.8 more unicorns than the square one. It's science... don't question it.

I got the snorkel for off road use & looks. From what you've said about performance, I'll just add another inlet to the air intake for street use.

...and I need to get one of those socks. they're nifty ;).

Robbomaz

02/22/2012, 06:12 PM

Looks like the seller that I got my Apollo kit from has at least 2 more for sale (in black or blue)... same price I paid plus free shipping. :dance:
I was watching a 2 year old second-hand Apollo on FleaBay here - ended up closing at $32 more than the new one from the US including shipping that came up in the same search! :confused:
I just don't get people sometimes....usually it's Americans I dont get, but this time its Aussies :bgwo:

Robbomaz

02/22/2012, 06:20 PM

The round air ram produces 3.8 more unicorns than the square one. It's science... don't question it.

I got the snorkel for off road use & looks. From what you've said about performance, I'll just add another inlet to the air intake for street use.

...and I need to get one of those socks. they're nifty ;).
Ahh, I didnt realize Unicorns were involved. I'll shut up :smilewink
Nothing says 'I'm a deadly serious off-road type' like a snorkel sock. Add a K-Mart inclinometer to the dash for full Chuck Norris Approved hardcorenessness

Ldub

02/22/2012, 06:31 PM

I was watching a 2 year old second-hand Apollo on FleaBay here - ended up closing at $32 more than the new one from the US including shipping that came up in the same search! :confused:
I just don't get people sometimes....usually it's Americans I dont get, but this time its Aussies :bgwo:

It all goes back to the fact that there are no pre-designated qualifications for reproduction...:yesgray:

Gotta have a licence to drive
Gotta have a licence to be a doctor
gotta have a licence to cut hair
Gotta have a licence to pull teeth
Gotta have a licence to FISH...in lakes, at least...here
Gotta have a licence to dispense all WORTHWHILE meds...:upsetgray

Freelancing in any of the above can land your butt in the clink, yet...

Any f'n moron with genitalia can bring more stupid people into the world...:slap:

Makes perfect sense...right?

O-T rant = OFF...sorry...:mbrasd:.:flower:

Robbomaz

02/23/2012, 07:32 PM

It all goes back to the fact that there are no pre-designated qualifications for reproduction...:yesgray:

Gotta have a licence to drive
Gotta have a licence to be a doctor
gotta have a licence to cut hair
Gotta have a licence to pull teeth
Gotta have a licence to FISH...in lakes, at least...here
Gotta have a licence to dispense all WORTHWHILE meds...:upsetgray

Freelancing in any of the above can land your butt in the clink, yet...

Any f'n moron with genitalia can bring more stupid people into the world...:slap:

Makes perfect sense...right?

O-T rant = OFF...sorry...:mbrasd:.:flower:
I have two much-loved T-shirts
"Your village rang, they want their idiot back'
'I'm allergic to stupid people.......AH-CHOO'

nocturnalVX

02/28/2012, 10:04 AM

I scored a red K&N Apollo universal cold air closed intake system from Ebay for $90!..

This "universal" kit isn't... I had to order a bracket and an adapter from K&N. The VX is scheduled to go back in the shop on Thursday. I'll keep you posted...

VXorado

02/28/2012, 10:17 AM

This "universal" kit isn't... I had to order a bracket and an adapter from K&N. The VX is scheduled to go back in the shop on Thursday. I'll keep you posted...

I surprisingly got mine yesterday and installed it. I already had a simple bracket for my old ram air intake which made things very easy to hook up. I just used a silicone coupling to attach the filter to the MAF housing.

I'll hook up the snorkel soon & post some pics. I also started water proofing all of the electrical engine terminals & fuse box. Should be ready for some deep water in no time :).

nocturnalVX

02/28/2012, 04:48 PM

The silicone adapter from K&N will not get here until Friday... Yeesh!

nocturnalVX

02/29/2012, 10:01 AM

Because I do not have faith in the skills and knowledge displayed by the crew at the shop that was supposed to do my install, I've decided that I'm taking my VX to Espo's once I get the silicone adapter from the shop that ordered it. Once it is done, I'll post a separate thread with part numbers & cost... plus pics!

Ldub

02/29/2012, 10:19 AM

nfpgasmask

02/29/2012, 12:32 PM

I gotta say, snokels on VXes usually look like poop, but that looks damn good. Nice job.

Bart

nfpgasmask

02/29/2012, 12:34 PM

That is Bart's VX. Kewlness!

Yup, but that's my old page!!!! I need to take it down and redirect the link here:

http://www.isuzugeek.org

I need to move my mod pics and build stuff over and I just haven't figured out how I wanna do it on the new site yet.

EDIT: I just remembered, I moved all the mod info over to my Blog.

Bart

yellowgizmo99

02/29/2012, 12:39 PM

You need to update your site with the addition of the '89.

nfpgasmask

02/29/2012, 12:42 PM

You need to update your site with the addition of the '89.

Have you looked at it lately? I uploaded a section for it yesterday.

:) Bart

yellowgizmo99

02/29/2012, 05:33 PM

Missed the About section and was reading the RS Dreams section.

VXorado

03/15/2012, 09:09 PM

Update: picture with new filter & snorkel tube

Backside of snorkel base. You can see the weather stripping I used around the edging and the silicone around the tube to waterproof it.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/IMAG0345.jpg?t=1331864070

Here's the carnage done to the fender :eek:. The snorkel is a long term commitment...

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/IMAG0344.jpg

You will need to cut a hole in the fender structure otherwise there won't be enough room to fit the snorkel tube.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/IMAG0347.jpg

The mounting bracket for the window frame- I used the provided bracket and just cut it shorter to fit the way I liked.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/IMAG0353.jpg

Here is the K&N Apollo sealed filter that I have setup for street driving. With a rubber gasket & hose clamp, the snorkel tube & Apollo can be connected with a water tight seal. The snorkel tube easily runs through the fender to access the engine bay and fits above the wheel well liner.

http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/VXorado/IMAG0362-1.jpg

VXorado

03/15/2012, 09:24 PM

The snorkel isn't a cheap modification but it's one of my favorite. The VX get way more attention now that I have the snorkel mounted... I get a new compliment almost everyday. :)

Here's the final price breakdown for this setup:
Snorkel+Shipping: $430.00
Apollo Sealed Air Intake: $100.00 * Thanks for the tip Jo ;)
3" hole saw: $15
Weather Stripping: $5
Silicone/glue: $10
Total: $560 ...and about 6 hrs of your time.

Tools required:
Drill & drill bits
Heat Gun
Hole Saw
Metric Wrenches & Sockets

For water crossings, consider water proofing the fuse box & wire connections with silicone & electrical moisture seals. A spare alternator would also be smart.

nfpgasmask

03/15/2012, 10:17 PM

The VX get way more attention now that I have the snorkel mounted... I get a new compliment almost everyday. :)

No offense, but I hope you didn't cut a hole in your VX just to get attention!!

Bart

VXorado

03/16/2012, 03:44 AM

No offense, but I hope you didn't cut a hole in your VX just to get attention!!

Bart

Not offended, I take the VX offroad more than most around... I got the york on board air compressor project going on now... next the winch install... next finish the SFIFS kits...

So, no the snorkel isn't just for looks. I can't wait to ford some deep water crossings, just need to figure out how to keep the TOD ECU dry.

I scared myself a couple years ago when I crossed the mud hold and it was a bit deeper than I was expecting. Just after we took this picture.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/thumbs/mud2.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=17521)

Still, I love the way the snorkel looks and I try to make all my exterior mods functional & aesthetically pleasing (to me). I mentioned it because I find it funny after everything I've done to the VX, the snorkel seems to be the eye catcher. It's true, tons of attention recently.

Researching & building projects for the VX is my favorite hobby and spend a lot of time working on them. I definitely don't mind the compliments & appreciation.

Here, I wrote this in my first snorkel thread and I'm happy with the results. :)

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

nfpgasmask

03/16/2012, 09:38 AM

So, no the snorkel isn't just for looks. I can't wait to ford some deep water crossings, just need to figure out how to keep the TOD ECU dry.

Cool! That's what I want to hear!! I can't wait to see pics/video of you doing just that! :)

Bart

Marlin

06/29/2012, 04:08 AM

nfpgasmask

06/29/2012, 09:29 AM

Gotta find a rodeo to get the factory airbox out of:(

That shouldn't be hard. I saw about 6 of them at Pick & Pull a couple weeks ago.

Bart

VXorado

06/29/2012, 11:10 AM

Man, being out here in the Gulf is killing me. Looks like I missed some great threads! Definitely gotta move the alternator and then work on the snorkel project. Looks like I will have an Injen Cold Air Intake available once I do this. Gotta find a rodeo to get the factory airbox out of:(
That setup looks pretty good!

I'm still hoping to use the snorkel this summer for a deeper water crossing. Unfortunately, Colorado is super dry and the water crossing I had in mind are just puddles this year.

pbkid

06/29/2012, 07:09 PM

I'm still hoping to use the snorkel this summer for a deeper water crossing. Unfortunately, Colorado is super dry and the water crossing I had in mind are just puddles this year.
Just have to find a way to get you out on the trail :p, i think i know of a good LAKE on argentine pass ;Dy;

VXorado

06/30/2012, 02:39 AM

Just have to find a way to get you out on the trail :p, i think i know of a good LAKE on argentine pass ;Dy;

Maybe we should do some trail testing the third week of July :yesgray:

VXorado

08/14/2012, 04:57 PM

I wanted to run a trail with a water crossing to test the snorkel... unfortunately this crossing wasn't deep enough. Arcobarco was in the Ebony VX and was easily able to cross it.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/501/DSC03777.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22732)

The search continues for a deeper water crossing. I'm looking for a water depth at least up to my headlight. :bgwb:

Triathlete

08/14/2012, 07:43 PM

The creek crossing on Fordyce trail (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ3R69b5aN0&feature=youtube_gdata_player) will test it out nicely! :)

VXorado

08/15/2012, 10:25 AM

The creek crossing on Fordyce trail (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ3R69b5aN0&feature=youtube_gdata_player) will test it out nicely! :)

:freek:

I don't know about that... although we would probably have an easier time because we're wider & heavier than a CJ/willys.

There should be plenty of crossings like that next spring if Colorado get a good snow pack. I'm still hoping to find one this year...

Patrick Cooper up-the-river video is the benchmark for the VX. :thumbup:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8ivM_tINlU

evillecutter

08/15/2012, 10:31 AM

vxorado did you move your alternator to a higher spot?

VXorado

08/15/2012, 10:43 AM

vxorado did you move your alternator to a higher spot? you might have already answered this but i didnt feel like reading through 8 threads with 4 pages each to find out

No I didn't. I don't think there's enough room to install it in the VX without cutting into the wheel wheel. For now, the front kilby skid plate is a good shield to protect the alternator from water/mud/dirt. Maybe some day...