Ask any experienced GU Patrol owner what the most debated detail is when speccing a snorkel, and the inlet direction tends to come up quickly. Rear facing, forward facing, low cut. Each one has its own reasoning behind it, and the right choice depends on how and where the vehicle is actually used. For owners who have settled on a forward facing inlet for their Series 4 GU Patrol, we fabricate a dedicated snorkel for exactly that configuration.
The Radius Fabrications Forward Facing Stainless Steel Snorkel for the GU Patrol Series 4 is a 4 inch 304 grade stainless snorkel, CAD designed, CNC cut, and TIG welded in-house at our Capalaba, Queensland workshop. It's built specifically to suit the Y61 Series 4 body lines and is available in a polished stainless finish.
What Forward Facing Actually Means for Your Intake
The inlet direction on a snorkel is more than a style preference, though it does influence the look of the build. A forward facing inlet points the head toward the front of the vehicle, which means the opening faces directly into the airflow when the vehicle is moving.
At highway speeds, this creates a mild ram-air effect where air pressure at the inlet is slightly elevated compared to a static or rear-facing setup. For owners who spend a lot of time on open roads and highways, this can contribute to improved engine breathing at speed. The trade-off is that a forward facing inlet collects more direct water spray in heavy rain or during water crossings compared to a rear-facing configuration, which deflects water away from the opening. For most general touring use in dry to moderate conditions, this is not a significant concern, and the airflow benefit at highway cruise is a practical advantage that many owners prefer.
The forward facing configuration also has a distinct visual presence. The snorkel head faces out and forward rather than tucking away, which gives the vehicle a more aggressive, purpose-built appearance that suits builds where the snorkel is meant to be a visible feature.
304 Grade Stainless Steel Construction
The Series 4 forward facing snorkel is fabricated from 304 grade stainless steel throughout. This grade is chosen for the combination of strength, workability, and inherent corrosion resistance it provides. The resistance comes from the material itself rather than from any surface treatment, which means it doesn't depend on a coating remaining intact to stay rust free over years of outdoor exposure, track use, and water crossings.
Every unit is CAD designed, CNC cut, and hand fabricated by our team. This process gives us precise control over the bend angles and dimensions that determine how cleanly the snorkel sits against the Series 4 guard, which is fabricated to a different geometry than earlier GU body generations. Getting those angles right is what produces a snorkel that looks factory rather than like something forced to fit.
Polished Finish
This snorkel is available in polished stainless. The polished finish brings out the natural quality of the 304 grade material and develops a subtle patina over time that many stainless enthusiasts consider part of the appeal. It suits builds where the snorkel is intended to stand out rather than blend in, and it pairs well with other polished stainless accessories or bare metal fabrication work on the vehicle.
Our snorkels are not classed as seamless as standard. The finished snorkel will show a small but visible TIG weld join at each bend, which is a normal characteristic of fabricated stainless snorkels rather than a defect. If a fully seamless external appearance is a priority for your build, we offer seamless finish options on other GU Series 4 snorkel variants.
Engine and Airbox Compatibility
This snorkel suits TD42 and ZD30 powered GU Patrol Series 4 models and is compatible with the standard factory airbox, a Radius Fabrications airbox, or aftermarket 3, 3.5, or 4 inch airboxes. Standard shipping includes silicone to suit the standard airbox unless you specify a different configuration in your order notes.
For TB48 petrol engine owners, the snorkel can work but additional piping will be required to connect to the factory airbox. Before ordering, measure your inner guard diameter and the inlet size on your existing airbox to understand what extra components you'll need. TB45 owners can also run this snorkel, though some modification to the supplied piping may be required depending on your setup.
GU and GQ Patrols were not factory intercooled, and we cannot guarantee compatibility with custom intercooler piping configurations. If you're running an aftermarket intercooled setup, contact us before ordering so we can talk through your specific fitment.
Fitment and Guard Modification
A small trim to the inner guard is required to fit the silicone join for this snorkel. The fit is intentionally tight to produce a secure, long-lasting seal, so the guard trim is expected rather than an indication that something is wrong with the fitment. We recommend using an air hacksaw for the guard cut, as it consistently gives the cleanest edge and leaves the least cleanup work before the silicone join goes on.
The kit includes the snorkel, fitting template, silicone joiners, hose clamps, mounting brackets, and installation instructions. The template makes the guard cut significantly more straightforward and should be used as the primary guide for the cut rather than measuring by eye.
Pairing With a Radius Airbox
If you're looking at a full intake system upgrade for your Series 4 GU rather than just replacing the snorkel, this snorkel pairs with the Radius Fabrications GU airbox range, which currently includes four models suited to different engine bay configurations and battery setups. Getting the snorkel and airbox matched from the outset simplifies the installation and ensures the components are aligned correctly without custom piping work between them.
Contact us if you want to discuss which airbox suits your specific GU build before ordering.
Made to Order in Capalaba
Every snorkel we produce is fabricated to order at our workshop in Capalaba, Queensland. CAD design, CNC cutting, and TIG welding all happen in-house, with quality control sitting with our team at every stage. Because of the made-to-order nature of our products, lead times apply and are updated regularly on our website.
We operate a no change of mind policy in line with the custom fabrication nature of our business. Replacement shipping for incorrect selections is payable by the customer, so confirming your airbox configuration and checking the product page for current availability before ordering will save time on both sides.
If the forward facing inlet is the right choice for your Series 4 GU build, the Radius Fabrications Forward Facing Stainless Steel Snorkel is built specifically for your vehicle. Head to the product page to check current availability or get in touch with us if you have fitment questions before placing your order.