This is that little so-called factory "ram-air" scoop that is optional to take out. I left it in, partly because I was lazy, and partly because I didn't see it doing any harm by leaving it in, possibly funneling colder air towards the intake as well.

BIG MISTAKE! I took a look inside the engine this morning just to look, and low and behold, there was quite a lot of dried salt around the intake area and the bottom of the intake filter itself, with some extra dried salt near the bottom of the batter tray

Ah well, @ least I know to take it out for the winter, and reinstall in the summer.

 

So we can conclude that it actually does scoup up and provide cool air into the intake.

 

I can do without it.

 

Well aren't you special...














j/k

 

Funny you should mention this, but last summer I had removed mine & a couple of times I encountered a a severe misfire during wet rainy days. I decided to install it again for this reason & the fact that it made the engine bay look less sparse. I hated how it exposed everything to the crud from under the car.
I say keep it, it acts as a little cool air helper, keeps the engine cleaner & may prevent water from splashing up where it shouldn't