Any down side to removing those restrictor fins in the airbox ?

[ninsei]

Hi. I went to install my K&N filter and noticed this plastic insert of fins restricting airflow. I removed it. Drove the car twice since, no fault codes.

[roadrunner_oz]

It is a snow-grate, so not unless you live in an area with snow. It is restrictive.

[14S4GWM]

If you have an open element air filter it definitely helps keep the engine bay clean.

[ninsei]

I see. I do live in an area with some snow. I'll try driving once in snow (with it removed) and check if any water got on the filter itself...

[crc]

[markn1689]

If you have an open element air filter it definitely helps keep the engine bay clean.

how would the part pictured above help keep the engine bay clean?

[14S4GWM]

how would the part pictured above help keep the engine bay clean?

I was thinking it was a snow screen like on the S4. I don't see how that thing in the pic is a snow screen.

[markn1689]

hmm i think im gonna goto my garage and remove that thing. im in cali and have no need for a snow shield. nor do i see how this would keep snow out anyways

[coolwater]

hmm i think im gonna goto my garage and remove that thing. im in cali and have no need for a snow shield. nor do i see how this would keep snow out anyways

Let me know how that works out with the stock air filter.

-cW

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[m3brad]

Let me know how that works out with the stock air filter.

-cW

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I'd also like to know.

[markn1689]

before i remove it i was wondering: does this plastic part hold the filter in place? does it have any other function other than to restrict and prevent snow.

[Mark Day]

It would like to know it's purpose, Audi did not place it there for no reason.
Any one know if it is for sound deadening?

[roadrunner_oz]

It is a snow-screen. See 13 in photo.

[markn1689]

It is a snow-screen. See 13 in photo.

ok thanks. heading to the garage now

[coolwater]

Any more feedback on this? How did it work out?

-cW

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[markn1689]

no i actually did not remove it. im still wondering how this part helps to keep snow or water from going anywhere. if it sits under the filter wouldnt the filter get wet anyways?
what is the deal with this part. how does it prevent snow?

[MathildaS3]

Removed mine months ago with no issues. I really can't think of a good reason for the part being there...considering Audi's nomenclature for 'restrictive plastic screeny thing'.

[three_quid]

Are there even any noticeable benefits to removing it?

[roadrunner_oz]

no i actually did not remove it. im still wondering how this part helps to keep snow or water from going anywhere. if it sits under the filter wouldnt the filter get wet anyways?
what is the deal with this part. how does it prevent snow?

Because air enters from the bottom, then filtered and exits at the top. It is there to stop the air filter from getting wet (like a splash guard). I drove in very heavy rain for a few days last week and no water gets in.

[roadrunner_oz]

Are there even any noticeable benefits to removing it?

None

[coolwater]

Sounds like there isn't any benefit to this mod then...
Most intake mods are for show and sound anyway.

-cW

[roadrunner_oz]

Sounds like there isn't any benefit to this mod then...
Most intake mods are for show and sound anyway.

-cW

Agree. The intake isn't a bottleneck on most turbo cars.

In theory you'll get more airflow and a bit more sound, but not 'noticeable' IMO. I just left it removed.

[onequick4door]

I pulled mine this weekend and dropped in an AFE filter. I do have a little more intake sound, but it's been so cold and my commute is so short, I haven't been able to really stomp on it to see if I notice a difference in any way.

[KevinM.]

I removed the "snow grate" on my S3 with a stock air filter and I wouldn't say there is any significant performance benifit, but it is noticeable (to me at least). One thing I have noticed is that the boost guage is showing a little more boost throughout the RPM range than it did before the modication.

Overall, if you're living somewhere where it won't snow, I don't see any reason not to make this simple modifcation.

[onequick4door]

I pulled mine this weekend and dropped in an AFE filter. I do have a little more intake sound, but it's been so cold and my commute is so short, I haven't been able to really stomp on it to see if I notice a difference in any way.

Finally was able to jump on it and I felt slightly better response and oomph from the motor.