Air Cleaner Snorkel 1.8 --> 2056, Questions, is it worth the effort? Options

[TRP]

Hey Gang!

As I have shared, I'm having a 2056 built for my 914, bumping up from the 1.8. For this build, I upgraded to new casting 2.0L heads (stock 2.0 valve sizes), and the larger 'gowesty' throttle body.

- With the larger displacement, the larger valves, and the larger throttle body?
- Do I need to be concerned with the size of the intake snorkel from the 1.8 air cleaner?
- If I were to consider enlarging the diameter of the air intake snorkel, do I need to consider the shape (tapered from smaller 40mm opening up too 63.5/64mm at the air box?

Maybe I'm over thinking all of this and the impact would be negligible for daily driving/spirited back roads?

The intake snorkel is circled in red below:



Thanks,
Ted

[wonkipop]

if you are worried about air flow to the engine perhaps the air filter element itself might be the place to look. instead of the paper element you might be able to use a higher flow K+N style high flow cotton filter. these days you seem to be able to get them in a variety of sizes as flat filters you can insert into stock air cleaner housings.

they also have the advantage of being washable and with proper care last "forever".

i think these days there are even advanced hi flow dry elements that don't need oiling.

i run one in my renault r s. my filter housing and cold air intake are all stock. you would not know its there.

i think a fair few sizes are on offer these days from K + N and similar makers.
given the 1.8 filter is also used on the 924 and several other cars there is probably a size that fits straight in/

i don't think the snorkel diam would be a problem. the shape is tapered to accelerate air flow and the inlet is positioned near the fan air stream. basically as close to a cold air intake as they needed to do back then. standard VWs did use the snorkel but had direct cold air intake ducting. i think the snorkel would not be restrictive. the air will just run faster in it with higher intake demand. the filter element iitself is the biggest restriction on air flow volume and velocity.