[QUOTE=Wobble Goat;10927826]Those 2 "air veins" smooth the air over the Mass Airflow Reader. If you remove them, you will have idle issues. (I know this because years ago I did the infamous "de-screening" on my GTO.) To resolve the issue on my GTO I went maf-less and got a Speed Density Tune.
GOOD aftermarket intakes keep those fins.
https://youtu.be/gYdRNjFof8U?t=406
I certainly accept that explanation on the existing "air veins" intent. However my (very old) memory of fluid dynamics leads me to also consider the shape of the veins, as both ends appear by photo to be blunt. And blunt increases turbulence. Turbulence decreases efficiency. Granted not by a lot, but since the Dremel is out anyways, why wouldn't some taper of the leading/trailing edges be considered?
My thought here is wouldn't tapering the leading and trailing edges preserve the design intent, but also decrease potential for added turbulence caused by the blunt edge faces in the airstream one is trying to optimize? I get it for production cost and ease of manufacturing purposes, but thinking that a shape like an airplane wing or propeller may be more efficient vs. a blunt leading and trailing edge in a device meant to increase airflow. Just a random thought from a retired engineer...