Commander Snorkel??

[keef_7]

This link is for a snorkel being developed in Vic for the diesel Grand. Any chance of one of the Vic based Commanders getting them to do one for us, given it's the same engine and would just need different body fit?
http://http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79802

[turbomart]

The thing with snorkels is that the motor has little to do with it, its all about the body & location/shape of airbox.
You could do what several people did with GC previously & find existing snorkel that fits body fairly well & adapt it to your airbox.
Several WJ's had navara snorkels adapted to fit.

[keef_7]

Hi Wanderer,
I have seen that and I guess it's practical, but I'd prefer something that looks a little better. :)

[keef_7]

Thanks Wanderer, that would be great.

[Bomber]

Hey Wanderer, love your car - some great gear on it.

Where did you get the drawers? I haven't found anyone who does them for the Commander and after having mine broken into I'm keen to get a "boot" now.

My CRD WG was going to be the mule for Airflow snorkel. Replaced the WG with the XH 21 months ago, so anyone relying on Airflow for a snorkel had better not hold their breath, cos not only do they still not have one (as far as I know) their website still shows it on the wrong side of the car!

[08crd]

I have been looking at the snorkel problem as well and I was wondering if he Landrover Discovery 3 idea of comming out of the fender just in front of the drivers door would be a good idea. Then the external work is minimal.

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

I put a post back in May last year ("Guess who's getting a bullbar") on an improvised snorkel set up I keep for deep water crossings.
I too would much prefer a permanent solution, but this seems to work OK and is cheap.
Takes me less than 5 mins to install and about the same to remove.
There's more photos in the earlier post. This forum won't allow me to upload the same photos again.
Bandicoot

[keef_7]

I'm happy to be a guinea pig for professionals, but I'm not sure I want to be a guinea pig for me doing it myself. :-?

[08crd]

Hi Wanderer,
Thanks for putting in the effort I will ring thhem tomorrow and give my support.:D

[Bomber]

CRD snorkel is a goer! Have just agreed with Michael Kirk Williams to use my car as the mule and all being well it should be available in 12 weeks or so.

Petrol versions desperately needed as the test mule, both 4.7 and 5.7. Give Michael a call asap.....

[Micfee]

persistance Always pays off top marks to you all

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

I'll definately be buying one.
Bandicoot

[Blue C]

I agree, excellent news. Well done to Wanderer & Bomber thanks for providing test mule. Look forward to hearing progress reports. Have put in my order today.

[keef_7]

That's great Wanderer, I just wish one of the Melbourne guys had contacted him when I started this thread in September.
Hopefully his time frame is correct, the Grand snorkel has certainly been in development for a lot longer than that.

[Bomber]

keef the Grand has taken so long because of an absence of test cars, the same reason as the WG one still isn't finished.

I didn't put my had up publicly last September but I did have a brief conversation with Michael back then. My issue at the time was time, I'm in retail and it was coming up to our busiest time of year - I didn't have a day off between 15 November and Christmas Day so I couldn't drive up and down back then.

There are only 3 Commanders in MJOC so enthusiastic owners in Melbourne are hard to come by for that kind of thing.

[jammy jeep]

good work to all. I rang and told them I was interested. I don't know if you guys got different info, but they didn't take any personal details, they just said thanks for the expression of interest and ring us back at the end of April.

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

I also rang today and was told he's waiting on a definite vehicle so he can get going on templates etc. Then at least 8 weeks.
Bandicoot

[Bomber]

I thought Bomber was a definite???

Yep, as far as I know :confused:, hopefully Part 1b starts next week, have sent Michael all the info he needs re the car already.

[keef_7]

I rang to register my interest yesterday (Friday), they took my email and said they'll keep me up to date and will also post on here. Said they're hoping to have it by the end of April.

[Bomber]

Car goes to Gibson's on Thursday for the mould fitout **).

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

So how does fitting go if you are interstate?
Do you buy the kit and it comes with templates and cutting instructions?
If will I be able to get it installed from a retail outlet up in Bne here?
I forgot to ask Michael when I was talking to him the other day.
Bandicoot

[08crd]

hi Bushtracker,
Airflow deal through O.R.E (Off Road Equipment) so there should be an outlet near you.:D

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

thanks 08crd. Am off to the Kimberlrys for 6 to 7 wks in Jun/Jul, 3 weeks to Cape York in Sep, so hopefully can get fitted b4 Jun.
Bandicoot

[Bomber]

Spent ther better part of half a day at Gibsons, very productive from their point of view as far as I can tell. Lots of typical Jeep issues to overcome in the design. We have some idea of what the final product will look like, but all I can say at this stage is imagine a functionality / beauty compromise. If you know your Jeeps well enough to picture another recently superceded model with a similar wrap around bonnet and A pillar you'll understand what I mean.

Next stage is engineering calcs and then a mock up, which all being well will be done in 3-4 weeks.

[Micfee]

I think it is along the same lines as the bullbar issues. Everybody will have a different opinion { good thing } but in the long run functionability has to win . Once again top marks to all for the effort and time involved in getting this snorkel moving.

Micfee

[Bomber]

Hey Bomber,

If it looks like this Airflow KJ snorkel (http://www.snorkels.ashop.com.au/p/530938/snorkel-kit-kj-jeep-cherokee-37-petrol-28-crd-diesel.html) then I'll be more than happy. Beauty is a subjective thing I guess....Many don't like the look of the Commander but I love it so an odd A-pillar/bonnet bend isn't going to worry me....Damn sight better than some of the DIY tube ones that I've seen on some US rigs lately...Now they're ugly.


Lets just say the Commander and the KJ have virtually identical A pillar and bonnet curve lines ;).

[multihull]

Hi all, I've just joined your group. I'm the commander owner in Brisbane Keef mentioned who had a mate that does Porche conversions and fibreglass moldings etc and could make up a fibreglass snorkel. It became all too hard as I would have had to make up a mock up design plug for the mold. Too much work for too little return and the plastic snorkel is a better product. Well done on getting a snorkel kit under way. I'll register my interest with Airflow this week. Whats the expected retail price?

[Bomber]

Hey Bomber,

Any news on how it's going at Airflow??

Not yet, but I was planning on ringing Michael in the morning. Will report back soon I hope.

[Bomber]

Not yet, but I was planning on ringing Michael in the morning. Will report back soon I hope.

Still a few weeks away from the next test fit, hopefully will have dates by Easter.

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

Any news on the snorkel development program?
Bandicoot

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

I contacted Michael myself at Airflow. His response as of yesterday:

G'day Rick
The core master is almost finished.
We will be aiming to get the vehicle in next week for the final checks
before the tooling will start.
The air flow tests have come up ok.
Keep in touch
Regards
Michael

Bandicoot

[Bomber]

Car is tentatively scheduled for the next round of testing for Thursday 30th.

[08crd]

Hi Bomber,
I was talking to Wanderer last week and he seems to think the snorkel is progressing ok. Have you any more news, will the snokel go in through the front or rear of the fender?

[Bomber]

Car is definitley going in for test fit in the morning... 08 have a look at this thread for a pretty good guess as to what it will look like http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64859

[Bomber]

Car (and me!) spent 3 hours at RM Gibson today getting the next testing stage completed. All went well, needs one more test fit in the next week or two (hopefully next week) and then it will be 4-5 weeks before the first snorkel rolls off the assembly line.

Based on today's mockup (shape may change shape slightly once final engineering calcs are done) it is going to suit the car well. Can't wait :D.

Michael says to report in that all is going well and he's much happier with the progress than on the WG/WH and the fun they had with the JK. Of course it ain't finished yet :lol:....

[08crd]

Hi Bomber,
Thanks for the link, if our snorkel looks as good as that, it will add value.:D

[keef_7]

Excellent, thanks for the update Bomber.

[Bomber]

Update: Car is planned to go on the dyno for some "before" tests and final test fitting of the snorkel tomorrow (Thurs). If all goes well then the first XH snorkel should roll off the assembly line in about 3 weeks.

[mlcb74xj96]

thanks for the update bomber.
still watching with interest....

[Phunkeydude]

Are there any photos of the prototype held up against the Commander. You need to try and get some photos to post so we can see what it may look like.

[Bomber]

Are there any photos of the prototype held up against the Commander. You need to try and get some photos to post so we can see what it may look like.

Part of the deal is no photos until it is finished. Go and have a look at the KJ snorkel write up and you'll get a pretty good idea of what it will look like, the shape of the bonnets, A pillars etc have created a pretty similar looking snorkel.

[Bomber]

Update: Full mockup tested again today, will look great but they found one more coner they can streamline slightly to improve appearance.

Dyno test has 110KW at the wheels, so there's 50KW gone between the specs sheet and the blacktop. Michael is aiming for a new figure of around 130KW and a more even curve with the power available at lower speeds and for longer.

All being well the real thing will be fitted will be in about 3 weeks and then it can be revealed to the world :) :) :)

[Gojeep]

Normal drivetrain loss through a auto 4wd is 22% from flywheel to rear wheels. Also will loose more is running bigger tyres.

[jammy jeep]

Spoke to Michael this morning. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like this is going to be ready for my cape york trip at end of June. :-( but he's certainly putting a lot of work into it to make it a quality product

[Phunkeydude]

Any new updates on the snorkel?

[Bomber]

Not yet, just waiting on Michael to confirm a date for me to lose the car for another day and we have been shortstaffed at work with one on leave so I haven't pushed too hard I must confess.

[jammy jeep]

Michael sent me an email earlier this week to say they are expecting something back from the foundry at the end of this week - so hopefully not long now

[Bomber]

Yep, probably about 10 days away for mine so a bit more than that for everyone else's. Blank now due out of the foundry Mon/Tues next week and after that it's just a matter of producing the first one from the mould and then me leaving my car there.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas **)

[Bomber]

'Nother update....

Mould from the foundry had a crack in it, so we've been pushed back a week and possibly three because if things don't go well with the next mould, due "early next week" it gets put on hold for a couple of weeks due to staff on leave at Gibson.

[Bomber]

Great news at last.

Snorkel is being fitted next week, hopefully, car should be at Gibsons Wednesday and Thursday. I'll have pictures Thurs evening, they'll be on the Gibson's website a day or so after that and once the instructions are done full production can happen.

Initially they will be available exclusively from www.snorkels.com.au contact them directly for price & purchase details. Later production runs will be more widely available but someone has to get them first.

[OzAdventure4x4]

Hi all,

These should be available from us very shortly - I will update the vendor post when available :)

Cheers,

[Bomber]

Well folks, it's finally happening. Next time I see my car it will have the world's first Commander Airflow snorkel, probably the world's first commercially produced Commander snorkel.

Should have pictures from Airflow to post some time tomorrow, but i won't get the car back till Thursday as they will attach the snorkel and send me the photos then do all the piping and instruction writing / user documentation over the rest of Wednesday and into Thursday.

[Blue C]

That's great news Bomber -you must be really looking forward to getting it back all finished. Thanks for being the test mule. Look forward to seeing the pictures shortly.

[Bomber]

First pic! Saw it held in place last night, it looks really good. Angular and chunky like the car but not over powering.

http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/598358977_XgDLx-XL.jpg

[Gojeep]

Nice lines. They have done a great job by the looks of it.
New head as well. Will that be for all kits from now on or just the new ones?

[Bomber]

Nice lines. They have done a great job by the looks of it.
New head as well. Will that be for all kits from now on or just the new ones?

The new head has been on all kits for a little while now I believe, certainly I haven't seen any of the old shape lying around the factory.

I am wrapped with the appearance. Somehow seeing it all in the real black plastic makes it look so much better than the mud they used for the moulds, somehow that made it look chunky and while I'm generally pretty good at visualisation it's even better than I imagined.

[Blue C]

I agree looks excellent Bomber. It looks like the indicator light on guard has been kept too (I expected that would have to go or be moved).

[keef_7]

Looks good but that's got to make a big blind spot now. Will they be redoing the power tests etc to see what the final figures are?

Thanks for running with it bomber.

[Tasar]

looks great bomber - another first well done - can do the goulburn river crossings now on the snow trip :)

[Bomber]

Looks good but that's got to make a big blind spot now. Will they be redoing the power tests etc to see what the final figures are?

Thanks for running with it bomber.

I'm a bit worried about the visibility issue too, have never had a snorkel before but i decided the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. It was on the dyno again yesterday immediately before fitment and will go on the dyno again twice more, once in the next few days and once when the replacement airbox and air filter in develpment are also completed.

[Bomber]

looks great bomber - another first well done - can do the goulburn river crossings now on the snow trip :)


Just going through big puddles with a little less fear will do me for know.

Are you going to list a second convoy for the Mt Skene trip? - at the moment I'm only on the waiting list.

[Tasar]

Just going through big puddles with a little less fear will do me for know.

Are you going to list a second convoy for the Mt Skene trip? - at the moment I'm only on the waiting list.

you can have my spot for saturday - won't be there till sat arvo - oz kick presentation day will head up after that - i'm sure the club will cater for all those wanting to go ;)

[OzAdventure4x4]

Hi all,

I'm pleased to annouce that the Commander Snorkel is now avialable after much hard work from Michael and the team at Gibson RM. A big thanks must also go to Bomber for his patiece and use of his Commander as the mule :)

The RRP for the Commander Snorkel is $525 plus postage:see vendor post :D http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78479

If anyone has any additional questions or would like to place an order please drop me an email: sales@ozadventure4x4.com.au

The snorkels will start to go out next week and there are plenty in stock ;)

[Bomber]

Got the car back today. Initial discoveries / thoughts:
* It looks awesome, really suits the car
* Can't see it from the driver's seat, A pillar is too big so no additional blind spot
* Minimal wind noise with window up, clearly audible with window down. Engine still noisier.
* Heaps more power, especially in the sweet spot of the curve at 70-90kms hr.
* No turbo lag, especially from a standing start.

It really is a performance addition, far more than I was expecting it to be.

Pics
http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/599465609_SqqZL-XL.jpg

http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/599465494_qb9o6-XL.jpg

http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/599465385_dWRfi-XL.jpg

http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/599465915_oaDnP-XL.jpg

http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/599465684_rsa6X-XL.jpg
http://millerz.smugmug.com/photos/599466144_cjFp5-XL.jpg

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

Is it an installation that can be done by DIY type of person?
Roughly how long would it take? Special tools?
Does the manufacturer have agents that install them for the client?
Bandicoot

[08crd]

Hi Bomber,
Any chance of getting a picture a bit further away to show the balance of the snorkel overall. By the way thanks for all the effort yourself, Michael at Gibsons and Wandered have put in to make it happen.

[Bomber]

Installation was real easy. Left the car at Gibson's on Wednesday, picked it up on Thursday with a beautiful new snorkel :D.

Seriously though, go to their website, the install instructions are there now. With my DIY skills driving it to Dromana was about as much as I was capable of. Make your own mind up about drilling big holes in your sheet metal.

[Chumby]

Looks great Bomber.... well done mate!

Will keep people informed when I here the WJ CRD one is ready for fitting...

Cheers
Chumby

[eksjay]

Although the installation and finish looks good, I somehow feel that I might be the only one who thinks that the snorkel detracts from the vehicle's lines.

In comparison to the snorkel available for the D3 from Landrover, I feel that this particular snorkel looks like it belongs to a different make or model vehicle - like a Toyota or Nissan perhaps??

I probably wouldn't put it on my car unless I was contemplating a lot of creek crossings.

Having said that, I maintain that the Commander is the best looking car in the modern Jeep lineup. Hope the New Chrysler continues to make it, and in doing so, there are more after market parts available.

[Bomber]

I totally disagree with the look of the official D3 snorkel. A huge black blob behind the wheel arch, it looks awful I reckon. At least Airflow have shaped the XH one to the same basic lines as the car.

Photo Courtesy Gibsons, if I get time to get some of my own in the next day or so I will but in the meantime...

http://www.gibsonrm.com.au/pdfs/Jeep%20Commander%20Finished%202%20Web.jpg

[Fouros]

well done bomber

another good job by Gibson

[keef_7]

I was speaking to Gibsons last week about how involved the install was and they reckon it's reasonably simple and about 3 hrs.

[Micfee]

Top marks to all involved & a welcomed addition to the aftermarket parts list for these fantastic vehicles ...Great job Bomber & thanks again for your continued effort.

[keef_7]

Mine arrived today. :) Now I just have to get it fitted.

[Bomber]

Bomber "International man of mystery"...now on http://www.journaldu4x4.com/?Airflow-snorkel-Jeep-Commander.

Love that second photo (taken by the Airflow guys), makes the car look like it's got a smoke stack as well :D.


Any feedback on how yours performs??


Turbo lag is almost completely a thing of the past. My wife drove the car for the first time the other day (she rarely drives it) and couldn't get over the difference.

I don't do high kms anymore, usually only put 30bucks worth of juice to last 10 days or a fortnight so it's still a bit hard to tell fuel consumption but I reckon it's down by about 10% which makes the free snorkel pay for itself pretty quickly ;).

It has heaps more power in that sweet spot of around 70-90kms and from standing start. Very hard to quantify of course until it goes back on the dyno which will be in the next week or two. Talking to Michael yesterday he seems to think he's got around 15% increase in horesepower in my car but as it's lifted and has 70series tyres that's throwing the calcs a bit (his calcs show the gearing has been changed by about 9%).

All in all I couldn't be happier from a performance point of view, it has certainly improved the responsive of the engine. I had a Tunit in the WG which I sold and I'd never chip a diesel again (car was an embarrassment to drive with all the extra fumes and de-riching it took out the benefits of the chip). I can honestly say the snorkel has provided much the same economy and performance outcome and vastly improved environmental behavior for significantly less cost (if purchased not a freebie ;)).


All we need now is to convince someone to make a decent winch bar for it. I know J&J Bullbars make various alloy bars (no winch and not that fussed on their other offerings). Getlost4x4 in the US make a tough looking winch bar (doubt if it's ADR approved or able too) .. Come on Aussie Aftermarket...We need one. The numbers got the snorkel going so let's get their ear. ECB is a probably a good place to start the campaign : http://www.ecb.com.au/dhtml/index.htm

I'm not convinced about the need for a winch bar for what I want or where I go but that may change in the future. The Getlost bar is waay illegal here as it exposes the corners of the car and the front of the tyres.

I have tried several times to get ECB interested but always to no avail. Is there no way that we can J&J to integrate at least a low mount winch, after all the ECB winch bars are alloy anyway not steel.

Next step for mine will be the drawers & fridge slide I hope, it's two years since my XH was broken into ($10K worth of camera gear pinched) and I'm still nervous every time I have to leave the car with my (new, replacement) gear in it. Bullbar some time next year, but I'll probably fly to Brissie to discuss options and design mods before getting it built.

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

Got the new snorkel fitted to the Commander last week. Since I really didn't want to do it myself (or have the time), I rang TJM and they were prepared to do it on hourly rates ($80 per hour). They fit snorkels all the time and have all the right gear etc.
I thought $240 probably was reasonable for my peace of mind and to get the job done professionally.
As it turned out, it took TJM over 5 hours although they only charged us for 5 hours ($400) for the installation. However, they do look like they've done a good job on it. It looks smart and makes no impact on driver vision as the Commander already has the world's biggest A pillar!!
I think if they'd done a number of them, they'd probably get the time down, but I wouldn't count on doing the job in 3 hours yourself as a once-off.
On another small note, I rang Jeep a few days beforehand to buy the "11 plastic rivets" that are required for the job. I ordered them over the phone at about 11 am and they were delivered to my house by courier (for about $5) at 2 pm the same day!!

[Bomber]

Got the new snorkel fitted to the Commander last week.

This thread is useless without pics :D. Show it off BB.....

Glad it went well, not surprised at the time it took as that's pretty much what Gibson's reckoned to me.

[keef_7]

I had mine fitted last week too. The instructions said 3 hrs so that's all Ritchie charged me. Haven't done photos yet because the car needs a clean, will probably do it over the weekend.

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

You're a hard taskmaster bomber. Must be foreman material! I actually thought the piccies earlier in this thread were pretty good, but I'll try to get out there tomorrow and get some of mine!!
Bandicoot

[Bushtracker Bandicoot]

Took the Commander up Cape York over 17 days arriving back a week ago. Did all of the Old Telegraph Track (well, I chickened out of Gunshot, although did it last time 3 years ago in 2006!) but everything else was done. Plenty of very rough track work with wheels poking up in air and some definate "crunches" from underbody.
Some deep-ish water crossings--about top of bonnet.
There's nothing like having a snorkel on a diesel to give you peace of mind!!
That was my seventh trip up Cape York, dating back to 1981 when there was no road other than the OTT and you had to cross the Jardine via the "ford" which was a good 200 m wide and bonnet deep! And if you had problems, it meant getting out in croc-infested water! Almost everybody (except the Army) use the ferry these days.
One of the other vehicles put a fan through the radiator (late model petrol Prado), but I always idle down for a few minutes before deep water, which allows the visco static fan to cool down and the fan clutch then allows plenty of slip when it contacts with the water, rather than trying to drive itself like a propellor into the radiator.
No problems at all with the new snorkel.
Slightly more induction noise when the turbo kicks in when sitting in the driver's seat but I quite liked it (and I already have plenty of noise from the Cooper STs anyway).
Back in 1998 I did the Cape (that was trip #5) and one of the other diesels (a Nissan pathfinder or similar) got water in the donk going across a lagoon on Kalpower. I had to wade out in croc-infested water to hook him up!--he bent a con rod so we had to back-track to Lakefield and I then had to tow him all the way back over the very steep and windy Battle Camp road to Cooktown--that was a hairy tow with the tow rope catching on trees as we went around some very tight corners and the other driver with no power steering or power brakes on steep hills. So my advice, if you have a diesel and intend to do any water crossings, put on the snorkel! You might think it's only going to be 500 mm deep, but it's easy to drop a wheel into a hole you couldn't see, or misjudge the water depth!
Bandicoot

[Bomber]

Bomber & Bandicoot how about a long term test report on your snorkels??
I wish my report was as exciting as BBs but alas the wilds of Chadstone car park is as hairy as it has got for me since the snorkel went on.

I don't do many long trips these days and 80% of my trips would be less than 2kms - in fact the only reason I don't walk to walk is the thought of walking home after a day in the shop ;). It's taken a while to get up some decent ks but it's definitley smoother around town and on the freeway. Turbo lag is not there really and economy has improved 0.5-1.0l/100k so about 5% I guess. It would be better if I did more long trips, that I am certain of.

It went on the dyno again last week. There were a few hiccups with Gibson's new wind tunnel design and I still have the oem airbox so it will get retested either late this year or early next year when that is finished and installed (hold up now will be my availability not Airflows, with 8000 sets of Santa photos to take I'm going to be somewhat tied up from mid Nov :confused:).

Results from last weeks testing indicate, at 70km/h, a 24% increase in power and a 16% increase in torque. We now have around 200kW and around 600NM **).

I'd love to see the difference with the van behind me but alas that is unlikely to happen for another 12 months or so now thanks to the GFC's impact on our business revenue.

[PWE]

Wanderer

Gary and Peter agreed to install my snorkel when they install the rock slides and under body protection.

The new snorkel installation instruction do not cut into the side tension bars, as I assumed before, so sorry if I cause any confusion.

Regards

[PWE]

There is no comparison (in my view) between the before power response and after power response. The turbo lack is almost gone.
I am curious to see how the economics will be after a few km.

We first fitted a Safari inlet (it is smaller than the Airflow one and looked better) with no notable changes. I replaced the Safari inlet with the Airflow inlet (Wanderer point out to me that the Airflow inlet is design for the Airflow snorkel) and the performance was immediate.

I strongly recommend a snorkel, fitted by a professional, to all Commander Drivers.

[jammy jeep]

haven't noticed a bit of difference myself, except now I feel better crossing water

[Midnight Blue]

Hi
Got my Airflow fitted by ARB. Works great, better power and security with water.
Anyone else get a huge open gap between radiator and side in front of airbox after installation, and if so how did you fill the gap?

Cheers

[multihull]

Where is the best place to buy the new AirFlow Commander Snorkel? Can i buy it direct from AirFlow or should i buy thought a local distributor?
I plan to install it myself, i've read the installation instruction and it seems pretty straight forward and i'm OK doing this type of stuff.
Has anyone had an update when the new airbox will be ready as it was due early Feb?
I look forward to your replies.

[Bomber]

Airbox is, in part, waiting on my car's availability - and at the moment I'm waiting for it to be restored to it's original length:wall: ... not that the damage from the RAV4 is that bad but as I didn't know when it would be needed by the panel beater i haven't been chasing Michael post Christmas.

Who's car is this (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Airflow-Snorkel-Kit-Jeep-Commander-Petrol-Engine-S003P_W0QQitemZ200427733230QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eaa6c80ee)?

Usually it's my car on the Ebay ads (without my permission) but this is a new one and I don't recognise it.

[OzAdventure4x4]

Airbox is, in part, waiting on my car's availability - and at the moment I'm waiting for it to be restored to it's original length:wall: ... not that the damage from the RAV4 is that bad but as I didn't know when it would be needed by the panel beater i haven't been chasing Michael post Christmas.

Who's car is this (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Airflow-Snorkel-Kit-Jeep-Commander-Petrol-Engine-S003P_W0QQitemZ200427733230QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eaa6c80ee)?

Usually it's my car on the Ebay ads (without my permission) but this is a new one and I don't recognise it.

If you look at the 5th photo you can see that it is a LHD (dash shape through the windscreen) - so probably a US Commander.....

[Bomber]

If you look at the 5th photo you can see that it is a LHD (dash shape through the windscreen) - so probably a US Commander.....

Missed that one, probably due to the ASSumption that it was a woman in pic 2 :rolleyes:.

[multihull]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep this in mind. One reason I’d prefer to do the installation is I’ve picked up on some pretty cheap and nasty workmanship when I’ve gone back and done maintenance on aftermarket installations on my Commander. Such as drilling through plastic panels with hole saws to get to hidden bolts instead of spending another 10 minutes un clipping the plastic panel for access.
Any idea how much more the new airbox will be on top of the exist snorkel price?

[Bomber]

All this chatter made me feel guilty :p so I rang Michael today. The pattern is finished but his schedule and mine make it look like it will be mid Feb before he can get my car again so more news for 2-3 weeks at least i expect.

First step is to make sure it actually fits! after that he needs to schedule in the test box production.

Don't know on any price change once airbox is ready, I only talked technical and also business (as two small businessmen are inclined to do)....

I am really relying on MIchael's expertise here, I've been very nervous about a non-genuine filter ever since Jeep blamed K&N for the grit in JJs KJ that killed the engine :-x.

[jammy jeep]

I haven't had any real problems with Swann, and they paid for quite a bit of work for us. Have never said boo about the snorkel - not that air intake was in question in regard to any repairs we've had done. It's a bit different to having a K&N filter. Everyone knows not to use one on a diesel cos they let so much dust in.

[keef_7]

You might be getting confused Wanderer, Jammy Jeep is not the JJ refered to in Bombers post, he has never owned a KJ. Whilst Jammy has been getting his moneys worth out of the Swann Extended warranty none of the problems have been related to any of the mods, so it's hard to say how it would go if they assessed a vehicle themselves and decided that mods did play a part in the problem.

I've been looking at the extended warranty this week due to getting the letter from Jeep and there is some interesting stuff ..... but we should probably reinvigerate the extended warranty thread instead of using this one.

[Bomber]

You might be getting confused Wanderer, Jammy Jeep is not the JJ refered to in Bombers post, he has never owned a KJ.

JJ was President of MJOC for 3 years and was President during the '04 Melbourne Jambo so was well known to many Oz Jeepers. He died suddenly of a heart attack in his mid 50s on 3 Feb 2006 :cry:.

He's still the subject of many a campfire yarn on MJOC trips.....

[multihull]

All this chatter made me feel guilty :p so I rang Michael today. The pattern is finished but his schedule and mine make it look like it will be mid Feb before he can get my car again so more news for 2-3 weeks at least i expect.

First step is to make sure it actually fits! after that he needs to schedule in the test box production.

Don't know on any price change once airbox is ready, I only talked technical and also business (as two small businessmen are inclined to do)....

:-x.

Thanks Bomber, i'm keen to buy and fit the snorkel ASAP but i definately want the new air box so i'll wait for updates. Thanks and eager to hear more.

[Bomber]

Finally got to make use of the snorkel today - in the Melbourne "floods" :D. About time I found a puddle somewhere.

Had a chat to Michael today, the new airbox is at the foundry but he's aboyt to go into hospital for a shouler op that will have him basically out of action for about 4 weeks. He's hoping the box will be done when he's up and about again and then he needs to check the design of the filter inside it. It looks like he'll be ready about the time I'm one staff member down so it could be another 5-6 weeks before we can advance this.

[multihull]

It looks like i won't have a snorkel for my birthday maybe fathers day. Any idea what air filter elements is being used in the new airbox?

[CRDSTU]

It looks like i won't have a snorkel for my birthday maybe fathers day. Any idea what air filter elements is being used in the new airbox?

Its a UniFilter. Michael has been working on the box with them.

[Bomber]

Have just talked to Michael, airbox is at the foundry & 3/4 finished, it should be done early next week and then it's straight to Unifilter for filter fitment. Final product now very close he says.

[multihull]

Thanks for the update, any word of the price for this new package yet?

[nickwalk]

Hi

Been reading this thread as I've just come a Commander owner having had my Wrangler Unlimited written off and looking at getting a snorkel. I'm wondering what will the actual improvement be by waiting for the new kit with airbox against buying what is already available? Is fitting just easier or have I missed something else?

Just as a side note, has anyone experienced rattle issues with this snorkel as I has a Safari fitted to my Wrangler and it rattled like hell?

Thanks

[PWE]

Wanderer
Just to clarify are you considering the snorkel before the new filter is develop or are you no longer interest in a snorkel because the Swann warranty is against it?
Regards

[Bomber]

I'm intending to fit the snorkel for sure...A diesel without a snorkel is asking for puddle trouble.

SNIP

Bomber may be able to shed some light on this...He's is the test vehicle last I heard.

SNIP

Anyway paranoia is just a precaution when owning a Jeep.

I'm just back from a week in the "desert". Car performed perfectly and the snorkel was extra piece of mind as we played in the puddles at Barmah Forest (on the Murray) before venturing up to Mungo, Menindee Lakes and Broken Hill (regrettably the floodwaters hadn't come far enough south to test the snorkel around Menindee ;)).

What bothers me now is a combination of Wanderer's musings (already mine as well) and my own. Everything we own is caked in dust and we only had short spells in convoys. Most of my "off road" driving for the next little while is likely to be adventures such as the one just finished and I really don't want to worry about oily air filters clogging up with mud.

[08crd]

My two cents worth. I had a unifilter replacement filter panel on my 300tdi land rover. When I first bought it i put the car on a 4 X 4 dyno and compared the unifilter to the original paper. The result was the unifilter was down 2KW. I still used it when going bush as I could clean it and re oil it the land rover used to pick up a lot of dust and with W.A you cover a lot of gravel distances. But as Wanderer says the paper element filters a lot better and these engines are a lot more expensive to repair than a 300tdi.

[multihull]

Has anyone heard on the update and the due date for the release of the Airflow Commander snorkel with the new airbox and filter?

[Bomber]

Not me but to be honest haven't asked since I'm not yet convinced i want it.

[CRDSTU]

I believe the Cyclonic Airbox being developed by Airflow will be a superior unit in fuel economy and filtration as Airflow is adament about its performance VS the standardised Jeep Airbox unit.
I'm pretty sure from memory the Cyclonic Airbox is going to have paper style filters, I'll double check that today.

[Bomber]

I believe the Cyclonic Airbox being developed by Airflow will be a superior unit in fuel economy and filtration as Airflow is adament about its performance VS the standardised Jeep Airbox unit.
I'm pretty sure from memory the Cyclonic Airbox is going to have paper style filters, I'll double check that today.

Based on what Michael told me while my car was the test mule it's a foam one. If it's paper I'll stop worrying but be very surprised.

[CRDSTU]

There are many different version's of that foam to, you can go much finer I guess.

[multihull]

There are many different version's of that foam to, you can go much finer I guess.

I phoned Airflow 5 weeks ago and asked about the air filter and was told it will be a 2 stage foam filter that will filter finer than the OEM paper element. From memory he said it will filter to 20 microns and the element can be cleaned and re used. This suits me and i can take spares when on long off road trips.

[als008]

This has been a great post to read and follow the developement of the Commander snorkel. Now i cant wait to get one fitted to my car!!

[08crd]

Don't forget to take notes on the does and don't, and post with pictures.
Also let us know how it performs, you have been running the Commander for ages so any performance differences should show fairly quickly. By the way enjoy the trip, you should try spending some time at home.:D

[als008]

Any under bonnet shots to see how the plumbing looks under the hood??

[08crd]

Hi Wanderer, What is the inside/outside diameter of the offending hose. we may be able to source something.

[08crd]

I'll see what I can find. Earliest will be next week.

[08crd]

All the hose I can find with 75mm I.D seems to be quite heavy if it is spanning 600mm and only supported at both ends. It would probably brake the plastic elbows that it attaches to. I suppose this is the problem Airflow had to overcome and therefore went with really light weight hose. Is there any way of suporting the weight of the hose under the guard ?

[08crd]

Would it be possible to splint the tube with say 4 splints and tape every 100mm or so?

[08crd]

Another possibility may be the light weight wire reinforced plastic tube cabinet makers use with their dust extraction systems.

[multihull]

What about the fancy air pipes and elbows you can buy at Super cheap? They're about 75mm id.

[Bomber]

Hahaha Wander, glad I got mine installed for nix :D.

[multihull]

I finally gave in and bought the Air Flow Snorkel. I couldn't wait any longer for the air box to be designed and finished though.
I fitted the snorkel myself, the instruction were pretty straight forward. It's still a bit scary centre punching the side of your love shinny guard and then drilling huge bloody holes in it. It all worked out well, no problems and the job was done in 4 hours. The worst and trickiest part is assembling the flexy pipes to the end fittings. They’re a tight fit and with the Mastic you get black sticky s#*t everywhere. It could be a 3 hour job in total but I was being very careful. It's the old story, measure twice, check again then drill, cut or grind once.

The Snorkel looks great, the fuel economy has jumped about 1 litre around town. I haven't tried and highway run yet. Regarding power there's a lot more GRUNT and a bit better take off. Yes I spun the front wheels on one take off. You can certainly hear the turbo sucking away and gurgling on a back off (not a quite a cackle). I do have a slight whistling noise from the hose clamp which holds on the big top vent but this can be eliminated with a few minor adjustments.

Over all I’m very happy, I just can't wait for the super dupa air box to be available.

Thanks AirFlow

[08crd]

Hi Wanderer, Which tyres did you have on for the last trip, 245x75/17?

[08crd]

Hi wanderer, I'm in Cue bush camping will give a report when I get back to Perth (work Tues).

[08crd]

OK back to the snorkel. Mine has arrived, what is the best way to drill the 79mm hole in the fender? Hole saw, small holes and file, small holes and burr any more suggestions i don't want to stuff up?:hammer:

[dblaj]

Use a hole saw.

[multihull]

OK back to the snorkel. Mine has arrived, what is the best way to drill the 79mm hole in the fender? Hole saw, small holes and file, small holes and burr any more suggestions i don't want to stuff up?:hammer:

I just used a big hole saw in the drill on the slow speed as per the instructions. Be very careful as the saw will grab when you're 2/3rds through as it catches on the top edge of the last section your cutting through. (Don't use high speed or it might take off and tear across your bonnet or guard.) I also used some CRC to cool and lube the hole saw cutting process. I couldn't buy a 79mm hole saw so i used a 76mm one i already had and then used an air tool to reem the hole to the final corect size.

A word of advice make sure you tighten the snorkel fastening nuts before the last long piece of ducting goes on as you will have no hope of tightening them once all the ducting pipes are in . The trickies job for me was connecting the last long ducting pipe to the back of the snorkel. Wanderer said they had trouble connecting the ducting to the elbow. I found this connection easy but maybe i was just lucky. As I've mentioned before you get that black Mastic everywhere and make sure you wear gloves and old clothes.

Good luck

[08crd]

Cheers for the heads up.:D

[08crd]

Which size tyres are you running wanderer and have you adjusted fuel calculations to actual distance traveled.

[Bomber]

Gave the snorkel a real workout this week, Crooked River Tk near Dargo. 31 river crossings in the end including several unexpected and flooded ones on the way out of Talbotville. 3 times had water up near bonnet, rest were mid wheel arch or lower. So nice to just point the nose where I needed it and go :mrgreen:.

[08crd]

Hi Bomber, how did the Commander go with door sealing. I know my old Disco series 1 used to leak like a sieve through the door seals in deep water

[Bomber]

Hi Bomber, how did the Commander go with door sealing. I know my old Disco series 1 used to leak like a sieve through the door seals in deep water

Nary a drop inside. The WG would have leaked through the rear doors but the XH was fine.

[Bomber]

Hey Bomber good to see your on forum again...I gave my snorkel the thumbs up last weekend on the flooded roads around my house and along the Sunshine Coast...Got that one right; a damn good investment.. Comforting "snorkel" feeling with water up over the wheels and not knowing if a dip or washout is under the water.. I had smiles instead of a cold sweat.

Been lurkin' (apart from a few days off over the past couple of weeks), just haven't had much to say...

[57 HEMI]

Guys, I'm probably gonna sound thick as two bricks (probably because I AM thick as two bricks :hammer:) but could the Commander's petrol engines match the diesel engine through a river crossing with a snorkel fitted? I know they don't run ignition leads anymore, and the coil packs are directly on top of the spark plugs, but would they still work under water? :confused:

[57 HEMI]

Yeah, it did Wanderer, thanks heaps! :)