Bob O and Burg, thanks for the replies. I thought maybe it was a noise abatement device. And yes Bob O, it is tricky getting the "T" installed perfectly with the gaskets and clamps lined up and tightened just right. I too would have had an issue if I hadn't double-checked before turning the key.
Bobiam, I just buttoned it up yesterday and only drove for a couple of miles to see if I had any air leaks or other problems. Fortunately, I did not, at least not yet. I won't have time to drive the car any this week. The earliest I can get enough miles on it for the DME to adjust will be the weekend. I will definitely post my views once I've had enough seat time.
As far as getting rid of the noise abatement part on the intake tube, I took care of that yesterday as well. First just let me say that Pedro's solution is probably the most cost effective and just as good as any. I'm not as resourceful however and went another route. A couple of weeks ago I read a thread on PPBB from "The Voxster" (thanks for posting it Voxster) about a smooth intake tube from AFE Power. I installed it yesterday while I was in the area. Unlike the OE tube it doesn't have the flexible ribs or the noise abatement device. I'm pretty sure the ribs are there to ease installation and removal of the OE tube. It is a bear to install the rigid AFE unit. The ribs may disturb the smooth flow of air but I doubt they have a very big negative effect.
Like I said earlier, I've only driven the car a couple of miles. I didn't get the temperature warm enough to stand on it, so I can't say anything about any power gains. I will say the combination of the TT2 and AFE tube definitely affected intake noise. In my short test drive I noticed a big difference! I guess that noise abatement device works. I'm looking forward to adding more miles and running up the RPM's to see what it really sounds like.
Bobiam, I've been meaning to list my mods in my signature and will do so now.
ddb
