WHAT TO LOOK FOR
TJM AIRTEC SNORKELS
TJM Airtec snorkels, made from Uv-resistant, low-density polyethylene for maximum rigidity, are 100 per cent Australian made using a proven method of roto-moulding and high-quality aluminium moulds. To ensure longterm serviceability, all snorkels utilise stainless steel hardware. “TJM Airtec snorkels are engineered to suit the individual requirements of each engine to ensure that the new intake system works with the engine in the harshest running conditions,” Brad Cooper said. To this end, vehicles with an Airtec snorkel fitted are tested to ensure it doesn’t affect performance. TJM’S unit is unique as it offers an option of air rams on some models. “This includes the traditional forward-facing ram, along with the Wedgetail design available for popular vehicles,” Cooper added.
SAFARI ARMAX SNORKELS
Safari Armax snorkel systems utilise Australian-made industrial spec Uv-stabilised polyethylene. “All snorkel bodies are rotationally moulded to Safari’s strict standards, using our manufacturing processes developed over 35 years to ensure every body fits perfectly and will last the life of a vehicle,” Jason Luxon explained.
“All Armax snorkel systems are thoroughly engineered to ensure the required amount of air flow is achieved for each vehicles application,” he added. “Safari utilises CAD software in design including analysis of modelled flow data, 3D printed models are then flow-tested on our custom flow bench. In addition, each system is tested on our all-wheel drive dynamometer to ensure the vehicle performs as expected in a controlled environment. Finally, all vehicles are road tested both on- and off-road.”
SHERPA 4X4
Sherpa 4x4 snorkels are rotomoulded, under strict quality control, using the highest quality materials including the UV absorber and carbon black UV blocker.
James David said it’s critical to use the best possible materials, regardless of cost. “Unfortunately, the good ingredients are also the costly ones,” he said. “We believe in spending a little extra during manufacturing process to achieve a higher quality end product and, as such, we don’t skimp on the expensive ingredients.”
Sherpa 4x4 also invest plenty of time and effort to ensure the product is moulded to be strong and impact resistant. The company no longer manufactures in Australia, but the low-complexity moulding can be done anywhere in the world thanks to the brand’s Quality Management Plan.
IRONMAN 4X4
All Ironman 4x4 snorkels use Uv-resistant polyethylene, and all mounting hardware is stainless steel. “We use LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) due to the excellent UV and impact resistance,” Adam Craze said.
“For the design we start with 3D scanning the vehicle, so we can ensure the perfect fit against the vehicle. We design the shape around the optimum airflow and vehicles features,” he said. “We ensure the snorkel doesn’t sit too high or too far out to ensure they are compatible with other accessories like side-steps with rails.”
The snorkel’s air intake is also higher and in front of the windscreen, and Ironman uses a four-inch head and intake to ensure sufficient air volume to the engine.
Ironman snorkels are then tested – from the dyno to the real world – before and after fitment.
AIRFLOW
Airflow snorkels employ 100 per cent LLDPE. “The material is compounded (remelted) with additives for UV, ductility, hardness, impact strength and processing features,” explained Airflow’s David Mellords.
Each snorkel goes through computer simulation and physical testing. “Taking into consideration the properties of the powertrain, design and structure of the vehicle, the snorkel is individually designed to get the best possible outcome,” he said.
The snorkel’s design produces a cold air induction effect, boosting power and improving fuel efficiency. R&D and manufacturing is done in a number of countries including Australia, and parts are sourced from all over the world.