Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I did a bit of an experiment over the weekend. Travelled to Brisbane from Gladstone. I fuelled at Gladstone before leaving, and refuelled in Gympie. I put in 44.5 litres at Gympie.
On the way home I refuelled in Gympie, and again when I arrived home at Gladstone. Here, I put in 39.5 litres.
Driving style and speeds were roughly the same, travelling time virtually the same. What caused the better fuel economy, I unclipped and removed the front of the air cleaner canister.
Now I run a snorkle, 2 1/2 inch diameter. I've often wondered if this could be a bit restrictive, even though its actually larger than the standard air intake. I realise that not running the complete air cleaner canister doesnt allow the air cleaner to work as designed, eg cyclonic action, so this would not be suitable for off road work, or when its raining, but it does allow more air in to the air cleaner itself. It would be great to take the left headlight out, put a bit of mesh there, and see if it improves even more, as I would then have virtually a 6 inch direct intake into the air cleaner. I could do something with one of the spare ends off another canister I have.
What do others think. Anyone else tried this and got an improvement?

Never tried it... will do in two weeks on the next run to lithgow...

Don't forget a head wind or tail wind can make a huge difference when you're driving something with the aerodynamics of a brick!