Originally Posted by SSDiv6

I will bet if they remove it, there will not be any performance degradation. The factory FI setup has a restrictive outlet as shown in the picture. In addition, the inlet portion, as shown in the picture, is restricted and even when you remove the panels, the grills are small and are not pointed forward, they are pointed downwards.

If it was so effective, why racers with FI remove the whole assembly and use a straight K&N air filter directly on the throttle body?

The drop down carburetor base is more effective since it distributes the air more efficiently at the carburetor entry.