Paul K
Well Known Member
I built an ECI IO360 with cold air ECI induction and now as I expected, the factory snorkel doesn't fit. Not even close!
For starters, the distance from the FI to the floor of the left intake ramp is the wrong distance, doesn't even come close to lining up, and there are several objects in the way such as a SkyTec starter unused mount and the alternator mount. I thought I would just be able to cut and re-fab small sections to make it fit but the more I look at it the more hopeless is appears to be. The flange isn't even on the same plane at the FI flange plate and the filter end doesn't come close to where it needs to be. So, I have choices and need advice from those who have gone before me.
Choice one:
a. cut the snorkel in two at the center point to lengthen it and correct the top filter alignment.
b. Cut and add glass to create a notch at the alternator mount, an indentation.
c. Cut and create another notch for the starter mount or remove the unused mount and possible void the warranty of the starter.
d. Cut off the flange and re-glass it parallel and in alignment to the FI flange.
Choice two:
a. Send the snorkel back to Van's or sell it on the web.
b. build a foam plug of the exact size and shape needed to fit my configuration.
c. Glass over the plug and build a matching flange for the FI mount.
d. dissolve the plug with solvent, clean up glass inside and out, paint outside,
d. Install new snorkel that will fit.
I like choice two except that I have no idea as to why the factory snorkel has bumps and bulbs where it does. In other words, what are the air flow dynamics of the inside of a snorkel? Can it be more or less a constant volume tube or an constantly reducing tube shape top to bottom?
I have searched the forums and can see where major modifications have been made and one that looks like a scratch built snorkel but direct comments on my choices would be greatly appreciated.
For starters, the distance from the FI to the floor of the left intake ramp is the wrong distance, doesn't even come close to lining up, and there are several objects in the way such as a SkyTec starter unused mount and the alternator mount. I thought I would just be able to cut and re-fab small sections to make it fit but the more I look at it the more hopeless is appears to be. The flange isn't even on the same plane at the FI flange plate and the filter end doesn't come close to where it needs to be. So, I have choices and need advice from those who have gone before me.
Choice one:
a. cut the snorkel in two at the center point to lengthen it and correct the top filter alignment.
b. Cut and add glass to create a notch at the alternator mount, an indentation.
c. Cut and create another notch for the starter mount or remove the unused mount and possible void the warranty of the starter.
d. Cut off the flange and re-glass it parallel and in alignment to the FI flange.
Choice two:
a. Send the snorkel back to Van's or sell it on the web.
b. build a foam plug of the exact size and shape needed to fit my configuration.
c. Glass over the plug and build a matching flange for the FI mount.
d. dissolve the plug with solvent, clean up glass inside and out, paint outside,
d. Install new snorkel that will fit.
I like choice two except that I have no idea as to why the factory snorkel has bumps and bulbs where it does. In other words, what are the air flow dynamics of the inside of a snorkel? Can it be more or less a constant volume tube or an constantly reducing tube shape top to bottom?
I have searched the forums and can see where major modifications have been made and one that looks like a scratch built snorkel but direct comments on my choices would be greatly appreciated.
