[Sean]

I have a C&L CAI. It came with a plasitc shield that the filter sits in. The instructions said to install this prior to putting the air filter part on. What exactly does this thing do? I took mine off and seem to get better response without it. Has anyone else taken theirs off? Am I in the process of melting the filter or harming the engine in some way? Thanks for any advice.

[2oo5GT]

It's just a heat shield to keep the hot air from the engine bay to sort of keep it away and not sucked in through the filter.

[jwal]

as far as i know thats a heat shield to keep the engine heat away from your filter, and allow you to take in colder air.

[stlwagon]

Have no idea why the performance would seem better without the heat shield.

[MSTG Sally]

This is to keep the engine heat away from the filter and forces the cold air in from under the wheel well. I wouldn't remove it, the bottom plate also protects road grime from hitting the filter directly.

[amustangrocks]

if its anything like the jlt, besides the engine heat blocking, it is also there to support the cai and take the weight off the throttle body connection

[mustangcr8z]

cooler air is denser air and that = more HP

[jcvelli]

i don't see how it could hurt in any way... maybe you were just expecting mroe power so you felt it

[sixers007h]

You should definitely keep it, it provides support for the filter, works as a heat shield, and prevents water and road grime from getting into the filter.