1986 Samurai, stock engine, stock carb.

So, maybe I'm misunderstanding the way a carburator works, but wouldn't it be better to get air from outside the vehicle rather than from an air intake inside the engine compartment?

While I admit a hood scoop could very well look silly on my truck, maybe a smaller one over the side vent would be a little more discreet and do the same job.

Maybe I'm just missing the point of the air cleaner or some other part of that system. Let me know if I'm just being stupid here.

-The Dread Pirate Crosby

yes, colder air is "better" (google and wikipedia can explain why).

IMO, get a thermometer, and measure the Intake Air Temperature (aka IAT). A cheapo outside thermometer can help indicate if FOR YOUR DRIVING SITUATION the IAT/ underhood air temp being sucked in is excessive compared to the ambient air.

Hint, some BBQ thermometers have a way to "probe" under the hood while displaying the temp remotely
You could also get a real resistance based IAT and monitor it via a meter.
And of course if you have a ODB based vehicle (with an IAT), "there's an app for that".

For example, on a 70* day cruising around at say 25-30 MPH, I'd be surprised if the underhood/IAT temps are more that 80*-90*.
But, get on a LA freeway in bumper-to-bumper (e.g. 5MPH) with it 90* outside, your underhood/IAT temps are likely to be 200*.

Note: in the LA freeway example, a hood scoop aint going to help much! An auxillary fan tho might help blow away some of the heat buildup more efficiently!

or you could move from where it is hot like LA more north Where it is almost cold in the summer time like Redding.

LOL, we had a "cold" summer, never got above 110 

if you place the filter near the front and off to the side so it isnt directly behind the rad, that should be optimum as far as underhood sourcing. There are many ways to make it better depending upon your fab skills. 

singing Dana ave, Dana ave, yes they have milk shakes to keep you cool.  Lol

Crosby you have to have an air cleaner, your engine will be toast after your first trip off road you'll suck in a few pounds of dirt.

               Ed

With a open element like a cone type K&N filter, make sure to get a prefilter to cover the filter and keep the majority of debris off.

I bought some cheap aftermarket air cleaner hose from Autozone and ran it from the stock air box to the side of the radiator right behind the front grill. Don't know if it works better but it makes me feel like it does. LOL   

That will be a great help in delivering a fresh ambient temp air supply

Snorkels are an excellent way to get "GOOD" out side air !!
Here is a pic of mine. Sorry, don't know what it's FOR or FROM....
Oh, "From"...... yeah it was "From" a swap meet !!  It just looks COOL TOO!

Sorry about the seat belt hang'n out the door....My Spotter "Bailed Out" in a hurry.....
I told him; Hey Hey where are ya going....once we get over this rock ridge, and make a REAL HARD RIGHT, we are GOOD......
......IF NOT; well it will be a SOFT WATER landing into Ruby Lake 5,500 ft bellow (Cass House Peak Run to 10,693 ft 7/11/2010)

After he said; Oh I just wanted to get a picture of a Sammy that could fly !!

CAPT