Engine bay front rubber seal - is it really necessary?

[V1nny]

I have a "hot air intake" setup with huge cone filer, and always concerned with air intake temperature. Yesterday I removed the seal in front of the engine bay, and my P3 gauge tells me that intake air temperature went 10-12 degrees down. Any reason to put it back, or just keep driving without it, letting more air under the hood?

Picture is generic, just to show which seal I am talking about.

[glennda5id]

Keeps water out I assume.

[julex]

How solid is the hood when closed without a seal? Without a seal, the only contact points are latch and two bumpers on the side... This might allow the hood to rattle around. Seal is exerting constant pressure and creates continuous line of contact all around the hood.

Water in itself is non issue since if it is raining then the water gets in there anyway through radiator opening.

[V1nny]

How solid is the hood when closed without a seal? Without a seal, the only contact points are latch and two bumpers on the side... This might allow the hood to rattle around. Seal is exerting constant pressure and creates continuous line of contact all around the hood.

Water in itself is non issue since if it is raining then the water gets in there anyway through radiator opening.

Maybe I should add 2 or 4 more rubber bumpers on the front, so hood has few more points to rest on?

[julex]

I would keep the seal on.

HOwever, these work pretty well :