Thanks to Skrapmot for finding this related post:
Need help on de-snorkel on 2003 Boxster
It seems the hard tube is able to come off... I will try this next. Not sure how reversible this will be. The rubber and mesh etc will remain back in place when I am done. Since the rubber covers a lot of the intake I am not really sure what this will all do tho from the other thread it sounds like it still might affect sound heh...
Edit: here is another link
http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/25174-2003-986-snorkel-or-no-snorkel/
Seems like the difference in a 2003 isn't that great. I have to admit mine makes a pretty good noise at around the rprms mentioned already... I really just need a proper exhaust... Heh.