How to install:

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The following is in relation to fitting a new Air Cleaner Intake (Snorkel) to the EF/EL. It is based on replacing the existing snorkel with the AU XR8 snorkel, which can be purchased from Ford for approximately $35.00 (part number TAUTVE 9A624 A). Replacing the original snorkel with this one will improve the air intake of your car and if – like me – you didn’t even have one, then you will notice a BIG improvement (see discussion at): http://www.trueblueford.com/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=1187

Items you will need:

1. The new intake duct (with all the scrap plastic edges trimmed up – gotta be tidy),
2. A drill, with metal drilling bit (same diameter as your existing screws – approx 3mm),
3. A screwdriver, and
4. Possibly a chisel – for cleaning up/trimming the edges.

Remove the old Snorkel by undoing the retaining screws at the front of the snorkel and twisting the snorkel back toward the engine and up to the right. There’s not much to break here, just keep an eye on the wiring on the right of the thermo fan. Once this snorkel is out, kick it against the wall or have a sacrificial burning (or keep it as a spare if you like). Once this is out, fit the new snorkel by reversing the removal instructions, so it looks like this (right):
	If you find that the new snorkel pushes up against the thermo fan (as it may in some cases), then your new holes may have to be drilled on the lower lip. If you’re lucky however, then you can use one (or both) of the existing mounting holes – I was only half lucky (see pic). Line up one of the holes and put a screw in – one of your existing screws (but don’t tighten it completely). Once this is done, work out where the second hole needs to be and mark the spot. Drill the new hole (make sure you’re using a suitable size bit). You won’t need too much pressure as the metal is thin here – and you don’t want to snap the skinny ‘bit’ into your eye. When you’ve done the hole, apply pressure to the back of the snorkel – to line it up (get someone to help if you can) and then put in the last screw. Once you are happy they are both in tight, congratulate yourself for a (easy) job well done. See picture (left):
Once in, you may find that the rubber seal around the underside of the bonnet presses down on the snorkel, causing the bonnet to sit a few mm higher on the right (passenger) side. If so, grab a chisel (I prefer a chisel to a Stanley knife as it’s easier to control and less likely to snap off in your face). Use the chisel to shave off a few mm around the lip of the intake opening – this should be sufficient to make the bonnet sit flush again (try not to drop the shavings down the intake – or you’ll be taking it off again). See picture (right):
And that is that. Like I said, if you are simply replacing the standard one – you may not notice a difference, but your engine will. If (like me) you are putting this on when you had none, then you should notice a big improvement. Mine runs about 300rpm lower in the 80-110km/h range. Any queries about this or similar things, make sure you sign up and post the question. Cheers, ROB.

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