Intake snorkel is the device through which air must flow at proper speed
As the term implies an intake snorkel happens to be an opening through which air enters and to ensure that the user gets enough amount of air flowing through the snorkel despite the existing throttle being applied, the intake snorkel must always be big enough and must also be calculated according to take maximum throttle. However, there is no need to have an automatic system in order to enhance the parameters of the intake snorkel even in case less air is needed, and in addition, the opening of the intake snorkel must only be as large as is necessary since an overly large opening can reduce the efficiency of the snorkel.
Proper Calibration Is A Must
In fact, when there are no special restrictions mentioned with regard to the amount of air that should flow through the opening of the intake snorkel it would be sufficient for the opening to be as wide as the diameter of the snorkels tube. In addition, with sufficient amount of resistance in the system there would also not be any need to have a larger opening, which in any case must be calibrated properly to ensure best functioning of the snorkel.
Sometimes, the functioning of the intake snorkel can be improved through use of a heat shield. Also, certain manufacturers of such snorkels make use of Carbon fibre in the making of their air intakes and the reason for using this material is that it has been found to be useful in making the final product look better and it also makes for improved temperature isolation and it can reduce overall weight as well.
It may also become necessary to size a replacement unit if your intake snorkel goes out of whack and in such cases it is not necessary to have a too large diameter intake snorkel because the need of the moment is to ram air through it and you won't get proper air flow when the diameter is larger than is necessary or when it is too small in which instance it would cause restrictions in the proper flow of air.
The ideal diameter for an intake snorkel should not be more than three inches with a similar cross-section size throughout the length of the snorkel. Another feature worth considering with regard to using a properly sized intake snorkel is locating the air pick-up at the best place and so you would need to apply the most exact aerodynamic measurements in order to get the location right. Finally, you must also deal with the problem that arises when using an intake snorkel that is forward facing because such snorkels are vulnerable to bugs, water, stones and other forms of debris.
