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There is a thread on C5 Tech about a '97 air cleaner question.
I have made this mod on our '02 and it has made a difference.
I just didn't do as neat a job as this person!
I used a DREMMEL with the ceramic cut off discs. You'll go through a bunch of the thin discs. I found thicker discs at HOME DEPOT.
I did the same until I found a little metal/diamond wheel that Dremmel sells. Thin, about the same diameter as the bigger discs, quicker cutting, and one will do several covers. (gets a little gummed up after two covers)
The screen is cutting at least 50% of the airflow.
You'd be better to leave it completely open or maybe use a metal with large holes that make the panel 80% + open.
You can also simply cut 1" round holes in the plastic lid to get more airflow.
The workmanship is great.
I guess you could put in a more open screen that would just catch the really big stuff. The size of the opening certainly has the potential and it looks stock. I cant see any advantage to aftermarket "CAI" over this unless you go with a vararam. Most of the rest of them get the air from under the hood anyways.
IMHO drilling holes just looks like a hatchet job, ok for a beater but not a vette.