I doubt that water coming into the air feed pipe would be a problem. When I had a ‘93 4/4 the intake was from the wheel arch via a flexi pipe that fitted over a steel pipe through the inner wing. It was about 18” above ground level so would need a deep water ford to be under water! I did have to replace and insulate the flexi though as even with the stock heat shield the exhaust manifold heat was melting it.
I have a nagging in the back of my mind to get a cold air feed for my Plus8 as tests have shown the air it sucks in gets quite hot. At least 20deg above ambient air. The surface of the stainless filter box with a K&N filter I have was measured at over 50deg C last time I tested, ambient was 15deg. Colder air would give a sharper response probably. I think the rule of thumb is +1bhp per 7deg lower temp. I fitted rear bonnet catch extenders to help get the hot air out but not done tests yet. I THINK they help as the rad fan doesn’t cut in quite as much, possibly due to easier air flow through the rad.
