Just for kicks I modded my stock box and put it back on
 

I had a cheap cone filter which was too small to begin with and no real heat protection. I was just trying it out.

well the car ran great (for a auto) when engine was not fully warm but I figured that after all the exhaust and engine got to operating temps then I was sucking in a decent amount of hot air and most likely loosing any benifits.

I took my old stock box & panel K&N and cut off the part on the inside that looks like an extension of the snorkel and I added the same number of holes( as posted on this forum before) in the front corners of th top to let in a little air from wherever.

I got to go home from work.

not much difference really. at times it actually felt more torque but hey who knows.

I think I will not be sucking in as much hot air as before.

unofficial verdict so far: not better BUT not worse either....


It will do for now. keeps me from spending another $40 on another K&N cone

Line it with a little insulation and you'll be good to go.