_XJ

First I want to say thank you to dukie564 for posting this thread. I know he can't take full credit for this idea, and neither can I. In reading his thread somebody asked about using the build your own Spectre pieces you find at most Auto Parts stores. I decided to find out since I just so happen to work at one.

Parts needed:
2 60* 3in elbows
1 45* 3in elbow
1 22* 3in elbow
1 3in mounting plate
2 3in couplers
Tube of silicone (optional)
3 nuts and bolts with 2 washers each

Tools needed:
3in hole saw for metal
Screwdriver
Hex keys

So first I took the top and air filter out of the air filter box. I then made a cardboard template of the mounting plate so I can determine where and how much of one corner I should cut off. I transferred this to the real mounting plate and cut away. After that I took the hole saw and cut a hole in the stock air inbox.


\

I then put a bead of silicone gasket maker around the mounting plate and pushed it into the hole and then added some more for a nice seal. After a while I finally got around to putting in some nuts and bolts to keep it held together (not pictured)


Then I did a rough test fit to see where the hole in the cowl needed to be and then cut accordingly. The hole needed just a little more of the sides taken off so the pipe could fit through.

After that I put everything together piece by piece until it all came together. The air filter and top went back on just like stock with no changes.




Here is the order the pieces fit for me:
Mounting Plate-> Coupler-> 60*-> 45*-> Coupler-> 60*-> 22*
(At least that's the way I remember it. Will double check tomorrow to confirm)

Adventure

Whats the actual benefits of doing this?

The air is maybe a little cooler but the length it has to travel is increased and the bends also create resistance.

Either way looks like good workmanship and I like the DIY aspect. Cheers

JEEPsk8

x3...benefits???

perpetual

Nice work!

nick_n_ii

"If you have water over the hood you have worse probs."

Other than being loud in some older XJ's this si a great system and have seen first hand it save motors in Deep water and mud.

JEEPsk8

oh alritey.cool

WarMad

.

CobraMarty

I like the smooth chrome look better than the black corrugated tubing.
Did you block off the opening in the front of the air box? If not maybe you have an air 'vent' to the cowl with air going the wrong direction.

Adventure

From the conversation so far.. I have gleaned that the only advantage is the increased elevation of the air intake point being beneficial in water crossing/mud pits. So this is basically an undercover mini snorkel?

Red82

Yup it's called a Cowl snorkel. They are highly effective and depending on the materials you choose, dirt cheap.

Skittle

Ya it is a 'mini' snorkel that looks stock soon as you close the hood. Its pretty easy in deep water to dip the headlights, as well as fill up the stock intake. Doesn't take as much water as some people think.

However, with this, you must have water over the hood in order to have a chance of water entering the intake. Even then, people have said that a garden hose full blast directly at the cowl where the intake is doesn't result in a wet filter... So it might have more protection that simply being higher as well.

My plans defiantly include this mod soon.

_XJ

I didn't want the intake going over the valve cover, and this is the most direct route to fresh air.

I plan on blocking it off, still trying to figure out what I have laying around the house to seal it up with.

_XJ

I barely even hear it. My exhaust is louder than this so I don't even notice its there. But there is something that feels different driving the Jeep now.

holycaveman

Your largest restriction is your air filter by far. The bends in the snorkel have no effect. That is why good air intakes have a chamber in front of the air filter.

Not only does it help against water. It greatly reduces the amount of dirt and dust going into your filter. In other words your air filter stays clean.

pwb

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi2yo4...3DgCi2yo4UqPI#