Rick V-
Good thing you zipped up that flame suit. Hope you put the helmet on too
j/k
You are correct that de-snorking does make a different sound. Does it also increase airflow? I'm sure a little. However, you are wrong in saying de-snorking brings in engine compartment hot air.
De-snorking does nothing but remove the sound muffler from the intake box. The air itself is still coming from the same place - outside the car - not from w/in the engine compartment. Now, if you remove your OEM box to add a K&N intake, then yes you will be bringing in hot engine compartment air
unless you build a new sealed box to encase it w/ a lead to the side intake.
hjkim550-
Welcome! Sorry I do not know the intimate details of the '04 550S but it sounds like previous owner already desnorked as the screen/mesh netting and contact cement is what some owners do to give them piece of mind nothing big will get sucked in w/out the snorkle in place. Also could be that w/ all the extra HP from the 3.2, Porsche decided not to snork ya in the first place. That being said, if you got the collar, tabs and grill off, the snork is just inside there and easy to remove. If it ain't there, then you're already done
.
Here's a link to a good DIY w/ pictures:
De-Snork Instructions
post #3 has a picture of the snorkle once it's been removed.