HMF Exhausts / Tech Resources / Snorkel Do's & Don't's

Friday, March 20th, 2009

Snorkel Do's & Don't's

Many riders are modifying their machines for deep mud riding as the popularity of the sport increases. The first modification for most bikes are snorkels on the intake, exhaust & transmission. It is important to remember that for intake & exhaust snorkels there are usually other modifications that you must perform besides the snorkel installation.
For intake snorkels, usually re-jetting will also be required. Unless you are running large tubing (3" or bigger) your snorkel is most likely going to restrict airflow into your engine. Jetting down a size or two will most likely be needed. Just remember, if the engine bogs when you open the throttle quickly it most likely needs to be jetted down & if it pops on deceleration, jetting up is usually required.
As far as exhaust snorkels go, HMF only recommends using our snorkel on the Swamp Series pipe. The Swamp Series endcap slides twice as far into the muffler body, allowing it to support the weight of a snorkel. The Utility Series pipes weren't designed to be used with a snorkel. If you are going to build a snorkel for your Utility Series exhaust, keep in mind that you will be voiding your warranty. If you still want add a snorkel to your Utility Series exhaust make sure you support the snorkel by other means than just the endcap. You need a strap or mount running to the frame or rack to support the snorkel. Otherwise you will tear the endcap off the muffler. Also the packing inside the Utility Series will wear out at a faster rate than normal when used with a snorkel because of higher temperatures inside the muffler. Repacking will need to be performed more often. The Swamp Series exhaust uses mechanical baffles instead of packing, so repacking is never needed.
If you are considering purchasing a new exhaust for mud riding, go with the Swamp Series. It has been designed from the beginning with mud riding in mind. You may spend more up front, but since it will be maintenance free it will be cheaper in the long run.