Intake bolt on question "dumb newbie Q"

My stock intake on a 98 civic DX has an eletrical wire attached to it, So my question is if I upgrade to a short ram what do I do with this wire and what is this wire a sencer of some sort ? While im at it will the chepo ebay intakes make any difference over the stock setup if yes will a brand name unit be even better thanks........

Brand name aftermarket intakes come with a hole and rubber grommet to fit that plug into. Chepo intakes are the same as any other one, but are emission-wise illegal because unlike AEM they don't get them CARB tested. That's why AEM's are so expensive.

Almost all intakes are about the same. Though Ricochet is right. As for me I prefer to open up the hood and see that big AEM logo.