With the support bracket on my 2k2 Auto, the Apexi filter butts right up against a metal thing that is attached to the strut tower. As I'm sure everyone knows when you change gears it puts an incredible amount of strain on the intake and support bracket. A nut fell off where the support bracket attaches to the MAF and the bolt was almost unthreaded and falling out. When I took the support bracket off, the Apexi filter seemed to fall perfectly between the battery and the strut tower.

Is it safe to not attach the support bracket?

Has anyone tried putting the accordian looking OEM hose onto the intake manifold and the midpipe to allow for movement?

What should I do?