Now that my front bumper conversion is under way (I can't wait to get the insurance details finished and order my V-bumper), I've been messin with the front end.

Anyway, I took off those black pieces that people thought will actually increase air flow through the lower opening of the front bumper into the intake and found out that its better that they be covered. I saw that those shields actually are used to direct air from the opening to the radiator, not to the air intake. Those black pieces seem to be protecting other components from rain, moisture and dirt.

It seems like removing those pieces only help you if you have the TonyA intake mod. Am I just off track, I did this in my garage a little while ago, it could have been too dark..

Is there any gain to taking those pieces off? I found them very easy to take off and slightly more difficult to put back in.

I did the TonyA mod last weekend and left mine off of both sides, but I also have the stainless lower grille (and upper grille) which protects the area from most debris. Rainwater will run out through pre-driled holes and plastic plug holes. Even if dirt defies gravity and eventually enters the airbox (not likely), the filter will catch it.

I did the TonyA mod last weekend and left mine off of both sides, but I also have the stainless lower grille (and upper grille) which protects the area from most debris. Rainwater will run out through pre-driled holes and plastic plug holes. Even if dirt defies gravity and eventually enters the airbox (not likely), the filter will catch it.

With the lower billet grill it would look better. I just did it and saw that it looked bad, as though it should be covered.

Even if dirt defies gravity and eventually enters the airbox (not likely), the filter will catch it.

All I have to say is good luck when you are driving though a rain storm, hit a huge puddle and end up getting something soaked that shouldn't be soaked. Dirt is all over the place, just open your hood. Dirt reaching the airbox wasn't the point I was trying to make.

All I have to say is good luck when you are driving though a rain storm, hit a huge puddle and end up getting something soaked that shouldn't be soaked. Dirt is all over the place, just open your hood. Dirt reaching the airbox wasn't the point I was trying to make.
I actually was a little concerned about this but will be monitoring the area behind the driver side panel to see what happens over time. If necessary, the panels are easy to re-install (perhaps with small holes drilled in them that will allow air passage yet minimize water threats).

I removed the panel on the left side a few months ago for the TonyA airbox mod and never had any problems. I've got a Volant now and will be replacing the panel just to "balance out" the front.