Which Snorkel fits your Defender?

Today, we’ll be unboxing and examining the quality and characteristics of various raised air intakes and snorkels for Land Rover Defenders. We'll be going in-depth on what makes a great raised air intake and snorkel, ranging from the budget heavy-duty metal snorkel to the Mantec version, weighing their pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• This article explores and compares raised air intakes and snorkels for Land Rover Defenders
• A budget heavy-duty metal snorkel is discussed, along with tips on how to improve it
• The Mantec snorkel is examined and compared, highlighting its advantages over the budget option

Raised Air Intakes and Snorkels Overview

Raised air intakes and snorkels are essential for off-road enthusiasts who want to improve their vehicle's performance. In this overview, we will discuss various options available for Land Rover Defenders, the importance of choosing the right raised air intake and snorkel, and some suggestions to upgrade and maintain them effectively.

The first option mentioned is a heavy-duty metal snorkel, which is budget-friendly at £86. It has an iconic design and is easy to fit. Despite its low cost, it is recommended to treat it with care by applying a coat of quality paint before installation to improve its longevity. With some additional modifications, this can be turned into a fully functional snorkel by ensuring a watertight seal on all joints and connections.

The Mantec version is a higher-end option, costing an extra £100, but it offers many advantages over the budget option. It is made of durable plastic and features a more refined finish that would last longer without corroding. The stainless steel bracket makes mounting easier, and the gaskets supplied help create a better seal. The larger mushroom top is designed to create a vortex that improves air intake efficiency.

When comparing these two options, the Mantec variant seems superior due to its longer lifespan, ease of installation, and better functionality. Its flange design also makes it a better choice for users who wish to turn it into a snorkel, as it provides a more secure seal against water ingress. Although it is pricier, it offers excellent value for money as it delivers superior performance and appearance compared to the budget option.

When considering a raised air intake or snorkel for your Land Rover Defender, remember to factor in aspects such as the cost, material quality, functionality, and ease of installation. Always choose a product that suits your specific needs and preferences, paying attention to details like finish and durability to ensure the best possible results.

Budget Heavy Duty Metal Snorkel

The Budget Heavy Duty Metal Snorkel is an affordable option for those looking to fit their Land Rover Defender with a raised air intake. Priced at around £86, it is significantly cheaper than other options on the market. Made from metal, it provides an iconic look for the vehicle, which many people appreciate. It is also relatively easy to fit, with some even installing theirs using a drill and a rivet gun on the beach.

However, there are a few drawbacks to this budget option, particularly when it comes to longevity. The quality of the paint finish leaves something to be desired, with areas left unpainted or poorly covered. To improve the durability of this product, users are recommended to repaint it using Raptor paint. This can help ensure that the snorkel lasts longer, even in harsh weather conditions.

Despite being an air intake, the Budget Heavy Duty Metal Snorkel can be modified to function as a snorkel with some adjustments. This will involve ensuring that all connections are watertight using high-quality mastic silicone, such as Tiger Seal, and modifying the internal pipework. Ensuring every join and pipe is sealed properly is essential for transforming this product into a dual-function air intake and snorkel.

One thing to consider is that investing in this budget option may require additional work and materials to ensure proper functionality and longevity. However, for those looking for an affordable, visually appealing raised air intake with the potential to function as a snorkel, the Budget Heavy Duty Metal Snorkel could be worth considering.

Improving the Budget Snorkel

When opting for a budget snorkel, it's essential to be aware of the areas that may require improvement. For instance, some parts might be missing paint, like the area where the paint is missing underneath the snorkel. One can easily enhance the longevity and appearance of the budget snorkel by repainting it with a product like Raptor. Applying Raptor paint can add a more robust and long-lasting protective layer on the snorkel.

Another aspect to consider is the flexibility of the flexi hose. Make sure it is of good quality and not too hard; this is because when exposed to extreme sunlight, low-quality materials can become brittle and crack. By choosing a flexible and soft flexi hose, one can ensure better durability and performance in harsh conditions.

Moreover, it is possible to transform a budget snorkel into a raised air intake and snorkel combination by ensuring all connections are watertight. This can be achieved by using high-quality mastic and silicone, such as tiger seal, to bond all joints and parts securely. Alongside bonding the external parts, it is vital to seal the internal ducting and airbox with similar attention to detail.

In conclusion, while choosing a budget snorkel may be cost-effective initially, investing some time and effort into improving its longevity and performance can significantly enhance the overall experience of using it on the vehicle. By addressing these points, the budget snorkel will not only add a visually appealing aspect to one's Land Rover but also provide the desired functionality without breaking the bank.

Mantec Snorkel Comparison

In this section, the Mantec snorkel's features are explored and compared to the heavy-duty metal snorkel. By examining the differences between the two products, you can better understand their performance, value for money, and longevity.

The Mantec snorkel is made from plastic, which provides several advantages over the metal version. The finish on the plastic snorkel is high-quality and resistant to rust and rot, ensuring a longer lifespan. Additionally, the wall thickness of the plastic is substantial, adding durability and strength, making it suitable for off-roading.

The raised pipe of the Mantec snorkel comes with a one-piece stainless steel bracket, designed to mount to your Defender's windscreen. This design ensures accurate positioning and alignment, and being stainless steel, it will continue to look good over time without the risk of rust. The Mantec also includes more gaskets, which, although not providing a waterproof seal, do offer a tighter air fit.

Visually, there is a difference in the mushroom top of the Mantec snorkel. It is larger, lighter, and includes additional air inlets and a swirl function to create a vortex. In terms of functionality, this design proves more effective than the metal snorkel.

When it comes to fitting the snorkel, the Mantec model is relatively easy to install. The connecting rubber hose is slightly larger and made from a softer material, simplifying the process. The flange design, which locates into the wing recess, offers better sealing and waterproofing options. This is especially useful if you're looking to convert your raised air intake system into a snorkel.

At £186, the Mantec snorkel may be a more expensive option compared to the metal snorkel, costing around £86. However, considering the Mantec's superior quality, durability, ease of installation, and efficiency, it may be well worth the extra investment for those who are passionate about their Land Rover Defenders.

Advantages of the Mantec Snorkel

When it comes to selecting a snorkel for your Land Rover Defender, the Mantec snorkel stands out for its numerous benefits. Firstly, its construction material sets it apart from its competitors. Instead of using metal that is prone to rust and paint chippings, the Mantec snorkel is made of a high-quality, thick plastic that ensures durability and resistance to damage. Its neat finish and resistance to rust make it a more reliable option in the long run.

In addition to the quality of materials used, the Mantec snorkel comes with a well-constructed mounting system. The one-piece stainless steel bracket is designed for easy alignment and positioning on your windscreen, making installation simpler. Coupled with the gaskets provided for both the interior and exterior, users can achieve a snug fit that ultimately enhances performance.

While the Mantec snorkel's connecting rubber hose may not be considerably larger, its soft and flexible material guarantees fuss-free fitting. The mushroom top of the snorkel offers additional air intake and features a swirled design to create a vortex for better air filtration. Though this model might come at a higher price than its competitors, its longevity, advanced features and improved functionality make it a more cost-effective solution for Land Rover owners.

Converting your raised air intake into a snorkel usually requires ensuring watertight connections throughout its length. The Mantec snorkel's flange design offers users a better chance at achieving this goal, as it fits snugly within the wing recess, allowing for a seamless application of silicone sealant. Thus, for those seeking to use their snorkel as a raised air intake system, the Mantec snorkel presents a more viable choice.

In conclusion, the Mantec snorkel offers a reliable, long-lasting, and user-friendly solution for Land Rover Defender owners looking to enhance their vehicle's performance. Despite its higher price tag, the snorkel's quality materials, easy installation, improved air filtration, and better sealing potential make it worth considering.

Conclusion

In comparing different raised air intakes and snorkels for Land Rover Defenders, it is evident that there are various options to consider depending on one's budget and preferences. Fraser mentions two main options: the heavy-duty metal snorkel, which is a more budget-friendly choice, and Mantec's version, which is the original one developed for the military.

When opting for the budget metal snorkel, it is important to consider additional steps to improve its durability. For instance, giving it a coating of paint, such as Raptor, to prevent rusting and ensuring all sections are sealed can extend its lifespan. Furthermore, this snorkel can be modified into an air intake and snorkel combo with some adaptations, ensuring it is watertight.

On the other hand, Mantec's plastic raised air intake and snorkel offers a longer-lasting and more visually appealing option. The plastic finish is of higher quality, with a thicker wall around the entire piece. Mantec's design incorporates additional features, such as a larger mushroom top that allows for better air swirl and vortex creation, and a flange that locates into the wing recess, facilitating a better seal if one plans to make it into a snorkel.

Overall, the Mantec plastic snorkel is more expensive but offers increased durability, functionality, and visual appeal. The budget metal snorkel requires additional improvements and adaptations to make it an effective option. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consider personal preference, budget, and long-term performance expectations for the raised air intake and snorkel on a Land Rover Defender.