Gen 10 2005 z71 Snorkel install

[Tahoe fun 1]

Hello forum, Glad I found this site. I have a 2005 z71 4x4. I have done quite a bit to it and have loved the improvements. Currently researching installing a snorkel to it. From what I have found out, a specifically "made for" unit but no one seems to make one for a Tahoe or Yukon. I have found that unit for the 90 - 97 Land Cruiser 80 mounts up pretty cleanly. Does any one have any info to share?

 

[MassHoe04]

If you absolutely have to have a snorkel, I would want to be sure other components are able to tolerate full submersion in mucky water.

The computer (I'm not starting that argument, so I'll stick with the word computer...), hangs pretty low for one thing.
Can it and other stuff hold up to water submersion and potential corrosion after? The front diff, transfer case? All water tight?

Not telling you it is a crappy idea.
Just wanted to relay some things to consider if you go that route...

When I had my Jeep TJ, I heard stories of Jeep owners putting snorkels on. Mainly because they looked bad-ass driving around town. Then the horror stories of when they actually forded deep water and found out quick, that their snorkel system was not actually water tight. They sucked in water and had to deal with that mess.

If you get a snorkel. Whatever you get, you are going to want to make sure there is no doubt that it is 100% water tight, if you plan on fording water up to your hood. Even if it is plastered with RTV on every joint and pinhole, heat flexing and road vibration can make almost any attempt to seal out water fail. With air intake, even the smallest leak can be a huge problem quick.

One other thought... Better make sure door seals can hold back the flood waters too. Things like airbag modules and other electronic components GM placed on (or near) the floor probably don't like getting wet either.

I had a Jeep. I like adventure as much as anyone. But, If I were swimming through water deep enough to require a snorkel... I don't think it would be my stock Tahoe to do it in. I would probably look for something purpose-built for extreme off-road action with a not-legal-for road-use super high suspension lift and 35"+ tires.

Again, not dumping on your idea. Just want to make sure we don't see posts about how to deal with a hydro-locked engine or electronic issues later on.

Post pics of the project. We would all be interested in seeing what is done.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

I cannot personally help you with your question; however, other members on this Forum that are much more knowledgeable than me will chime in.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Those aftermarket snorkels look AWESOME. Adding one has crossed my mind before. However, I have some concerns.

1. Rain, is there a sump or something in the snorkel to keep rain out? I live in Southern Arizona where when it rains it rains like a waterfall. Even so maybe not quite enough to cause an issue? However, still concerns me.

2. You have vents on your differentials and transmission. You will trash the fluid going through water and need to change it more frequently. This is a problem with any intake, a bit unrelated.

3. Your engine won't run the same. It'll need some tuning. Kind of a minor detail.

4. The factory air intake is VERY carefully designed so as not to ingest rain, even to some degree going through water. I don't know exactly how deep it will tolerate. I think it pulls air from the fender / behind the head lights. Between leaky snorkels, and all their issues, I'd almost trust factory more than those snorkel contraptions. Although they do look damn cool.

If I was designing something I'd look to the military humvee design. It was designed by engineers with the whole system in mind and extensive testing to validate it works properly. You never know who designed the aftermarket stuff. In the least, they seldom have the budget to do the extensive testing to make sure the stuff works under most circumstances.

As far as the computer, it should be water tight. You can pull it and look if there's a vent, I don't think it has one.

Another place to look at is design of the new jeeps. I don't like their quality, however, they have an option from what I understand for jeep capable of water crossings from factory. I would be cool to know what parts are different on that jeep and if they can be purchased for our trucks or similar retrofit.

Trying to find it. I took my Tahoe in a canyon. Then a Monsoon flood hit. I had my gopro on the windshield and filmed it. The road was the drainage. It got probably a foot deep or more and I drove through it for a few miles. Happened to me a few times. This was all with the stock air intake.

There was another section I encountered around that time. a probably 30 foot section of road flooded. Where the creek crossed it. It was a GOOD two feet deep. The water was VERY swift (around 30' waterfall a short distance down creek). I was too nervous to cross it but stock light duty trucks were going across.

 

[MassHoe04]

Most of the really cool TV ads have really tiny disclaimers on the bottom of the screen about fording water. IIRC I have seen 14 inches as the general rule of thumb number not to exceed for most of them.

Like I said... No shooting OP's idea down. Just looking to mention some of the things to look out for if going that route with adding a snorkel of any kind. There is probably no system that could be guaranteed fail-proof in keeping water out of the engine.

You may be able to tell, I am not likely to be a huge risk taker to begin with... Would love to see some wild videos plowing across a mountain stream, if this happens.

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

If you absolutely have to have a snorkel, I would want to be sure other components are able to tolerate full submersion in mucky water.

The computer (I'm not starting that argument, so I'll stick with the word computer...), hangs pretty low for one thing.
Can it and other stuff hold up to water submersion and potential corrosion after? The front diff, transfer case? All water tight?

Not telling you it is a crappy idea.
Just wanted to relay some things to consider if you go that route...

When I had my Jeep TJ, I heard stories of Jeep owners putting snorkels on. Mainly because they looked bad-ass driving around town. Then the horror stories of when they actually forded deep water and found out quick, that their snorkel system was not actually water tight. They sucked in water and had to deal with that mess.

If you get a snorkel. Whatever you get, you are going to want to make sure there is no doubt that it is 100% water tight, if you plan on fording water up to your hood. Even if it is plastered with RTV on every joint and pinhole, heat flexing and road vibration can make almost any attempt to seal out water fail. With air intake, even the smallest leak can be a huge problem quick.

One other thought... Better make sure door seals can hold back the flood waters too. Things like airbag modules and other electronic components GM placed on (or near) the floor probably don't like getting wet either.

I had a Jeep. I like adventure as much as anyone. But, If I were swimming through water deep enough to require a snorkel... I don't think it would be my stock Tahoe to do it in. I would probably look for something purpose-built for extreme off-road action with a not-legal-for road-use super high suspension lift and 35"+ tires.

Again, not dumping on your idea. Just want to make sure we don't see posts about how to deal with a hydro-locked engine or electronic issues later on.

Post pics of the project. We would all be interested in seeing what is done.

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

I cannot personally help you with your question; however, other members on this Forum that are much more knowledgeable than me will chime in.

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

Thank you for a friendly welcome. I like your 2007. It looks good. My whole idea with my 2005 is that I am upgrading the existing systems in order for them to work the very best they can. For example, Instead of just replacing the brakes, I installed ported and slotted performance rotors and ceramic / metallic pads for better braking. By far the best $69.00 I have spent has been the polyurethane sway bar bushings. They firmed up the ride incredibly. Instantly stopped the top heavy roll in corners and rides better.

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

Those aftermarket snorkels look AWESOME. Adding one has crossed my mind before. However, I have some concerns.

1. Rain, is there a sump or something in the snorkel to keep rain out? I live in Southern Arizona where when it rains it rains like a waterfall. Even so maybe not quite enough to cause an issue? However, still concerns me.

2. You have vents on your differentials and transmission. You will trash the fluid going through water and need to change it more frequently. This is a problem with any intake, a bit unrelated.

3. Your engine won't run the same. It'll need some tuning. Kind of a minor detail.

4. The factory air intake is VERY carefully designed so as not to ingest rain, even to some degree going through water. I don't know exactly how deep it will tolerate. I think it pulls air from the fender / behind the head lights. Between leaky snorkels, and all their issues, I'd almost trust factory more than those snorkel contraptions. Although they do look damn cool.

If I was designing something I'd look to the military humvee design. It was designed by engineers with the whole system in mind and extensive testing to validate it works properly. You never know who designed the aftermarket stuff. In the least, they seldom have the budget to do the extensive testing to make sure the stuff works under most circumstances.

As far as the computer, it should be water tight. You can pull it and look if there's a vent, I don't think it has one.

Another place to look at is design of the new jeeps. I don't like their quality, however, they have an option from what I understand for jeep capable of water crossings from factory. I would be cool to know what parts are different on that jeep and if they can be purchased for our trucks or similar retrofit.

Trying to find it. I took my Tahoe in a canyon. Then a Monsoon flood hit. I had my gopro on the windshield and filmed it. The road was the drainage. It got probably a foot deep or more and I drove through it for a few miles. Happened to me a few times. This was all with the stock air intake.

There was another section I encountered around that time. a probably 30 foot section of road flooded. Where the creek crossed it. It was a GOOD two feet deep. The water was VERY swift (around 30' waterfall a short distance down creek). I was too nervous to cross it but stock light duty trucks were going across.

This is early in the research stage right now, I am not going to buy a snorkel right now. I have been through some high water in my Tahoe in its life, going down a rain flooded streets, in town!! Once the water got above the fender I was pretty puckered up trying to get to the next high spot, hoping the engine didn't choke out. Yes the snorkel looks very cool, no I don't intend to go for a drive down any creeks or rivers. Having the intake air coming in from above the cab is cleaner, by far. Currently the air is sucked in from inside the fender right above the wheel, behind the headlight as you stated, sucking in all the road dust and crap from the road. If I install one I will first make sure it is sealed completely. I wish the aftermarket world would create on for these trucks. As for rain getting in, that's a valid point that I have had on my radar the whole time. I guess you spin the intake piece around so rain and snow isn't ingested into the pipe. I don't intend to go river driving but I also like the good points of a snorkel. cleaner, cooler air ingested into the engine. Right now I have the factory sealed box and modified the intake by getting rid of the baffle piece that took up so much room in the engine compartment and have the AIRAID straight tube from the filter box to the engine intake. It helped with peddle responsiveness and allows the engine to breath really well. An exhaust system modification is also on the list of things to do. That's a different conversation. As I said, this is early in the research stage of this project.
Take care for now,

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

 

[swathdiver]

Someone made a snorkel for these years ago, also fit the 900s. Look at the Avalanche forums, those guys used lots of them.

Almost lost my motor once, went into a stream and took a nose dive, water splashed over the hood and up the windshield. About a year later I nearly did it again when the truck fell off a submerged rut and water almost came inside the passenger side window that was open.

Those outdoor pics are great!

Where did you get the underhood insulation with the logo?

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

Hello,
The under hood insulator is out of LMC Trucks.com. about $300 for the piece, $750 for the custom paint job. I think it looks GREAT!!! I have not seen another one yet. It's a nice detail under the hood. The photo's were from an overlanding weekend in the Tobacco Root Mountains in Montana. That place is paradise on earth.

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

The inconspicuous winch installation was the result of three years of research of how to get a winch mounted cleanly. Have pulled numerous people since the installation. I didn't realize how handy having it is. Does anybody know if there are any Overlanding groups or clubs in or near Dallas Tx.? I rode with a group while in Montana, had alot of fun but it was a Toyo club. Sadly most were obsessive about their trucks to the point of being snobby. It was funny when my Tahoe pulled four of them out of the deep snow that weekend. They all talked crap about my Chevy until I pulled the first one of them out of a snow bank. Suddenly the appreciated it......

 

[Sparksalot]

The inconspicuous winch installation was the result of three years of research of how to get a winch mounted cleanly. Have pulled numerous people since the installation. I didn't realize how handy having it is. Does anybody know if there are any Overlanding groups or clubs in or near Dallas Tx.? I rode with a group while in Montana, had alot of fun but it was a Toyo club. Sadly most were obsessive about their trucks to the point of being snobby. It was funny when my Tahoe pulled four of them out of the deep snow that weekend. They all talked crap about my Chevy until I pulled the first one of them out of a snow bank. Suddenly the appreciated it......

Look on Overland Bound. Lots of overlanders in DFW.

 

[Doubeleive]

Snorkels (in general) are not intended for water treading they are designed to keep sand and dirt out, just something to ponder
as mentioned above I wouldn't go in anything much above a foot deep about the bottom of the door seals after that you risk water intrusion into almost everything
ya maybe you could splash across something deeper real quick but these trucks are not made for that, take a look at the military hummers for instance they can forge up to 30" because of the high suspension and larger tires and solid bottom, after that they take a special kit.

Humvee Info – What Does The HMMWV Deep Water Fording Switch Do? | Gear Report

Humvee Info – What Does The HMMWV Deep Water Fording Switch Do? What is a Deep Water Fording Kit? The Deep Water Fording Kit (PN 5705693, NSN 2990-01-319-5435) for Humvees is installed to protect components from water intrusion and subsequent damage. Stock HMMWVs without the Deep Water Fording...

gear-report.com

 

[Fosscore]

Some research to add for you. May not be Tahoe specific although 2nd link sort of does.

^^Guys have good points to consider.

Almost every other 4x4 in Australia runs a snorkel for the dust and the rivers. They actually have packages from the dealers and plenty of 4x4 shops to outfit them.

Toyota Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol and Mitubishi Pajero are king there. Plus the Hi Lux, Ranger, Triton on the mid size.

https://www.4wd.com/v/chevrolet-tahoe-2005/air-intake-snorkel/engine-air-intake-snorkel/_/N-1svibZcl7xxZ1z0uuot

Chevrolet Tahoe 1992 - 2000

arbusa.com

Safari - Snorkels

Forced induction & Snorkel systems manufacturer with expertise in Turbocharging, Supercharging & Intercooling 4x4 diesel/gasoline engines with Safari product range.

www.safarisnorkel.com

4WD Snorkels | Buy 4x4 Snorkel Kits | Outback Equipment

Upgrade your off-road vehicle with a high-quality 4WD snorkel from Outback Equipment. Protect your engine from dust and water crossings with ease.

www.outbackequipment.com.au

Might give you some ideas, further info or at least helpful knowledge.

Nice undertood bowtie BTW. Nice touch!

 

[Tahoe fun 1]

The under hood insulator / liner is from LMC Trucks. $290, custom paint job $750. I have not seen another one yet. And yes there is heat insulation behind it.

 

[Montevic24]

Hello forum, Glad I found this site. I have a 2005 z71 4x4. I have done quite a bit to it and have loved the improvements. Currently researching installing a snorkel to it. From what I have found out, a specifically "made for" unit but no one seems to make one for a Tahoe or Yukon. I have found that unit for the 90 - 97 Land Cruiser 80 mounts up pretty cleanly. Does any one have any info to share?View attachment 371084

 

[Montevic24]

Toyota FJ40 snorkel and then filled south sand and a heat gun

 

[Fless]

Toyota FJ40 snorkel and then filled south sand and a heat gun

"filled south sand" (?)

 

[MassHoe04]

"filled south sand" (?)

Took a few minutes for me, but I think I got what he meant...

Filled tube with sand to hold the round shape of the tube while heating with the heat gun and bending.
Sand would keep the softened tube from collapsing in or creasing while being bent.

Pretty crafty solution to make that work, I would say.