To install a snorkel requires the intake system to be run to the outside of the truck. Under the hood, the system is installed with ease. Before preparing to pick up and install a snorkel you need to consider where you want to snorkel to exit the truck.
Hood Exit: Running a snorkel that exits the hood is desirable for those who don’t want to cut up hard-to-replace sheet metal; hoods can be removed and replaced quickly. Snorkels that exit the hood only sit slightly higher than the hood though meaning they won’t increase the level of water a Tacoma can drive through like a fender exit snorkel will. They also look very out of place when installed.
Fender Exit: Running a snorkel through the fender is great for two reasons. The first is that it brings the point of intake to the roof of the truck. They are also designed to look much more natural to the truck. The drawback to these types of snorkels is that they require the fender to be cut into. You’ll also have to consider the following.
Cutting Sheet Metal: Cutting up the factory sheet metal is essential to installing a snorkel. Before tackling this job you need to make sure you are confident in your abilities to make sure the job is done right. You want to make sure your cuts are done with both accuracy and precision. If the job isn’t done perfectly, it will be a real eyesore.
Reverting to Stock: After a snorkel is installed, reverting the truck to stock form can be quite the process. Once a fender or hood is cut to accept a snorkel it will be permanently dedicated to the purpose. If you want to bring things back to stock, the cut components will need to be replaced. When resale value is a concern this factor needs to be taken into consideration before installation of a snorkel.