With that being said.....the cone allows for more air flow..hence more power.....however an air box sealed will also provide good air flow as it comes in the box and doesn't leave and only goes into the engine.

However.....with THAT said....the sound that the CAI gives about 4k is awesome!! It's also NOT a cold air intake either.....as there is too much warm or hot air in the engine bay to say cold air.

My .02.

 

So we could put this to rest peacefuly lol to each his own. What was the OP question anyway lol

 

Food for thought...read up on exposed so called CAI's for off-road vehicles,
the same basically applies just many $$$$ more if you have a catastrophic failure!!
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/fa...intake-558437/