• In 2019, Ford reintroduced its Ranger model after an 8-year hiatus.
• Ford equipped it with a 270hp turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a factory 4WD system.
• Borne Off-Road, a Mishimoto subsidiary, encompasses all aspects of the rugged off-road enthusiast, from product design and construction to branding and packaging.
• The bundle kit from Mishimoto includes the Borne Off-Road Snorkel and Mishimoto Performance Intake.

I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not an off-roader. While I may not frequent rock crawling, mud bogging, trails, or creek crossings, they are a fun time! I can also attribute some of my enjoyment to our Drivers Project: Off-Road last year. Much like attacking corners on a racetrack requires appropriate modifications to make it more enjoyable, going off-roading necessitates enhancements to road-going vehicles before leaving the tarmac. To aid the engine’s air intake approach during upcoming off-roading scenarios, we’re fitting a Borne Off-Road Snorkel and Mishimoto Performance Intake bundle (MMB-RGR-19) onto this 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat.

WHAT IS BORNE OFF-ROAD?

Borne Off-Road is a Mishimoto subsidiary. The label encompasses all aspects of the rugged off-road enthusiast, from product design and construction to branding and packaging. The team at Mishimoto has over 15 years of experience engineering performance automotive parts, combining thorough research and development with impressive design. The Borne Off-Road brand is responsible for transferring all of that history to the booming off-road market while retaining the Lifetime Warranty for which Mishimoto is known.

THE SNORKEL INTAKE BUNDLE

The 2019 Ford Ranger 2.3-liter EcoBoost bundle we’re discussing today (MMB-RGR-19) will provide additional power and protection to conquer off-road terrain with confidence, a real best-of-both-worlds package. The Borne Off-Road Snorkel (MMAI-RGR-19N) raises the intake location over 24 inches above its factory site and protects it from dirt, dust, debris, and water. Using precision rotational-molded UV-resistant cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), the durable tubing construction can withstand heat and debris on the trail.

The rotational-molded Mishimoto Performance Intake kit (MMAI-RGR-19) will improve the airflow to the turbocharger by up to 49 percent over the stock system for a noticeable difference in induction noise. It was designed in-house by Mishimoto’s team of talented engineers using the latest 3D CAD modeling, 3D printing, and flowbench testing technology. Lastly, Mishimoto’s Lifetime Warranty backs the whole bundle for excellent peace of mind.

A Fresh Air Duct Plug is included with the kit, too. While the intake kit itself pulls cool, fresh air through the vehicle’s grille, it negates any benefits the snorkel adds. This plug allows the snorkel to become the only intake source mounted high above the hazard area.

WHERE ARE WE?

Fortunately, we are positioned near the trusted technical wizards at R/T Tuning in Montgomeryville, PA. They’re responsible for installing nearly all of the modifications in our technical content. Typically, shops specialize in one aspect of automotive improvement, but the team at R/T does it all! Dyno tuning, engine builds, performance motorsport and road-going alignments are all part of the magic with this team. They even sell parts online out of their modern shop space.

WHY SNORKEL A 2019 FORD RANGER LARIAT?

It’s not just for river crossings. There are many reasons a snorkel benefits an off-road vehicle. For example, if you have a sportier car from which you’re trying to extract maximum performance, you move the intake filter out of the heat-soaked engine bay, right? Typically called a cold air intake system, the relocated opening draws cooler, dense air from the atmosphere by procuring it outside the engine bay. Similarly, moving the intake location on your off-road vehicle to roof height works two-fold. It becomes a de facto cold air intake system and, in the process, combats contaminants like dirt, dust, or water from entering your engine’s precious intake stream.

The design team behind this project ensured the material construction could withstand the elements and that its positioning didn’t deter any sight lines from the cabin. Making it functional and providing form to the outside of the new Ranger.

THE INSTALLATION

In line with most of the products we’ve covered in the past, this is a medium dog installation. It’s a fairly direct process but requires tools only the big dogs might have. We’ll start with removing all of the hardware and clamps holding the factory intake box and tubing components. This space gives a perfect sight to the snorkel’s route.

Moving onto the snorkel briefly, Pat from R/T Tuning removed the fender trim and guard to access inside the fender area. With those items removed, he could prep for the snorkel attachment by drilling holes in the fender (behind the trim badge) and the Mishimoto intake box, according to the template provided. Drilling the intake box will require a sizeable four-inch hole saw. This tool isn’t too common in everyone’s arsenal, thus raising the level of this installation.

Nonetheless, Pat finished the fender drilling and mounted the supplied gasket via two rivets included with the kit. After feeding the inner snorkel tube through the fender, he mounted the outer snorkel tube with all rubber grommets and bushings appropriately aligned.

Pat then reconvened back in the engine bay to finish equipping the Mishimoto intake box with all of the OE sensors, the new grommets, filter, and tubing included with the intake kit. Pat mapped out and drilled the top snorkel holes to reinforce the highest reaches of the kit’s structure to complete this installation.

Note: This snorkel alone will not increase the vehicle’s water fording limit. Fording water above the stock recommended limit may require modifying other components (like the alternator) to avoid water damage.

FINAL THOUGHTS

With everything fastened, the Ranger has a more robust intake system for off-roading duty. The extended snorkel will allow for cooler airflow, while its high perch will keep the engine’s intake free from typical hood-height hazards such as dirt, dust, debris, and water. In addition, the enhanced Mishimoto intake system provides a more pronounced intake noise, better fuel mileage, and the convenience of a washable filter element.

It’s a stout advancement for the new Ford Ranger and changes the truck’s profile while making it more capable. In all, it’s a great solution from the folks at Borne Off-Road and Mishimoto.

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