I'm thinking about removing this plexiglass piece in my hood so my new open element can get some fresh air , but I'm worried about water and other crap getting in there, Has anyone done this? is this a bad Idea? should i fabricate some kind of filter for it?

 

I've done it. Usually put it back during the fall/winter so I don't get leaves, snow and ice in the engine compartment.

Didn't seem to make a difference with 1/4 mile times or the heat the engine made. Woul probably need to make a fresh air box to link the air cleaner to the scoop opening to realize any significant gain in power.

 

mine is open and have an open element. I have yet to have a problem with and i have driven it through both rain and snow. When it snows, it usually tends to just pile up in front of the opening but nothing actually goes into the engine compartment. Im shure some rain gets in but nothing severe enough to hurt

 

Since your car has TBI why don't you install one of the ram air assemblies that was on carb'ed 83-84 Trans Ams? It should be a direct install and they seem to pop up in the junkyards and ebay a lot.

 

Let me add, while I did end up with both dead leaves, and ice in in the engine compartment, and even ice on the air cleaner, it didn't cause any harm.

Cleaning the engine of dead leaves and ice just isn't a hassle I need or want to deal with in the fall and winter.