air intake question

Hi, me again.

When I got my '96 1.0L 5spd 3door metro in June it had collision damage on the right front fender (passenger side).

I replaced the fender, headlight assy, etc., and repainted it and it looks fine and runs great. The question I have concerns the large black plastic box and air duct assembly that was is mounted under the right fender (and was crushed in the accident). I never replaced this box - it was completely squashed. Instead, my aircleaner assembly simply picks up air from inside the engine compartment where the first flex hose from the air cleaner terminates - not unlike a 1969 Chevy Nova or something.

Here are my questions:

1. What the heck is the purpose of that black box / air duct assembly?

2. Shoud I care if it the black box is disconnected and gone?

Thanks,

Ren

Well, it's technical term is "helmholtz resonator"
It's there to..
1. Silence the air intake system.
2. Use a non-moving air source to take into the engine more easily.
3. Partially dry the air before it comes into your engine.

You will most definately gain power by removing/bypassing it, but you will also lose gas mileage. Taking air directly in from the engine compartment is turbulent, and hot.

Here's a good article on how to make a good "aftermarket" fender air intake with a piece of exhaust pipe.
http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?t=25955