By this stage you might have noticed a theme when it comes to the accessories I choose for the 300. In most cases, they are brands or products I've used successfully in the past.

The snorkel is no exception. My first Safari Snorkel was fitted to a 1989 Nissan GQ Patrol, while every 4WD I've had since has also been fitted with a Safari. Over the last 30 years, they've reliably protected the engines from water and dust in all of my 4WDs, and I wouldn't fit anything else to the 300. I most certainly would not install a cheap Chinese knockoff snorkel onto the 300. Aside from the typically poor fit and finish and the common problem of UV damage leading to fading and weakness, the major risk with the no-name snorkels is that they often seal poorly, which defeats the entire purpose of installing a snorkel in the first place.

Safari make two versions of snorkel for the 300. The standard V-SPEC SS98HF snorkel, and the larger ARMAX SS98HP snorkel. The V-Spec works with an unmodified airbox and delivers more than enough airflow for a standard engine. The ARMAX is designed to deliver even more air to suit engines which have been modified, chipped or tuned to produce more power. Installation of the ARMAX also modifies the factory airbox inlet, substantially reducing restriction and increasing the volume of air which can be drawn through the airbox.

Although I haven't performed any engine or exhaust mods on the 300 at this stage, it's possible I will do so in the future, so I've decided to go with the ARMAX version. There are two tradeoffs with the ARMAX versus the V-Spec: First, it's not compatible with all brands of side rails. I'm not concerned about that, as I don't plan on fitting any. And secondly, the installation is more complex, because it involves modifying the factory airbox.

Why not a stainless snorkel on the 300?

Stainless snorkels are quite popular currently. But I personally would not choose one for my vehicle. They are far noisier than a polymer snorkel, and result is a large increase in induction sound levels. This is particularly true because they usually have rear-facing intakes. With the passenger window open, the air inlet being located right next to the window generates so much noise under acceleration that conversation becomes difficult. Take a drive in a stainless-snorkel equipped 4WD and you'll immediately know what I'm talking about.

My other major concern with the stainless snorkels is the considerable weakening of the front guard. Rather than a single hole required for the Safari snorkel, a stainless version typically requires slot 2-3 times larger. And while the Safari reinforces the guard by being bolted to it around the hole and along its length, the stainless versions leave the guard in a substantially weakened state.