Actually yes. Several people have already done this. Some have made an intake that sits at the bottom of the bumper or other places. A intake that is driectly in the air flow would of course give you more cold air, but it is then prone to getting water in. Water in your engine is not good at all. However, a pipe going into the tire well might be a bit less dangerous.
As far as the silencer removal, I just posted exact insturctions
here.