I have been de-snorkeled for a year now. Through snow, sun, and rain. No problems! There has been great debate as to what this part actually does. Some say it brings in cooler outside air...but the way the airbox already is already sealed it can only get cooler outside air anyhow. Some say it is there to keep water and large debris (cigarettes) out of the intake. I never had water or debris problems but some do glue a screen over the air intake to lessen the possibility of this from happening. Search to find info. Still others (like me) say it is there to comply with noise level requirements. Removing this snorkel will only increase the engine intake sound. Heck, thats why I did it! To uncork the sound from this beautiful engine!
Another thing you may do (and I have) is to remove the foam part of the air filter. Just tear it off. This also increases sound and many people have done it without problems. Good Luck!
