I had to install new battery cables, so to make the access to that area easier, I took out the air cleaner, and also this weird shaped air duct/box? It's right next to the radiator cap. It goes all the way to the air cleaner, it's connects to the air cleaner. Anyway, I took the whole assembly out. Do I really need this? Could my car function if I just leave it out? Just curious.

 

The only reason for all those extra plastic pieces are probably to route the cooler air that comes in from the front of the car to the intake, to route it to the resonator to create a quieter intake tone, and to confuse Maxima and I30 owners

 

So, should I leave it off, or put it back in? If I had a CAI, I think leaving it off would be an easier decision. I probably want to leave it off because I don't see any positive purpose of it.

 

If you leave it off, then the intake will be sucking in more hotter air from the engine compartment. If you put it back on, the intake will be sucking in cooler air that comes in from the front of the car. Either way, there will probably be no big difference

 

Leave that peice on your car.. Trust me I took that piece off my ride thinking it would be better.. But all it does is make your intake louder also it kinda slows your car down.. and decreases hp and tp...
I had my car dynoed with the air intake and with out it on.. and with it on you are bout 8hp more and 6 or 7 more in tp... its kinda wierd some how it does effect your engine.

 

Really? Wow, I didn't know that big piece of plastic would make that much difference. What if I get a CAI? Would I still need it?

 

What is a CAI I think you talking about a Cold Air Intake ? But if you do get a cold air intake .. you'll have more improvement in hp an tp aslo in your gas mileage. Last I checked they run about $200+