I just got my Compass yesterday and opened the hood today to show a co-worker. He pointed out the very small intake tube opening that takes air between the hood and front grill. I removed it and the resonator attached. We'll see how the tradeoff of warmer air vs. more airflow goes. I intend to get a K&N drop-in replacement when the OEM paper element is dirty. I've had intake kits on other vehicles that have also given little to no extra power or fuel economy.

Anyone else notice this small opening? See attached pictures.

Every car constructed up until 1970 just sucked air from under the hood. As it gets warmer in the summer you may want to put it back to capture cooler air.

Keep us informed of your findings.

Maybe you need a hood scoop. ;)

I suggest a Scangage to allow you to measure the effect you are trying to achieve. I use mine religiously! Taking the IAT and MAP readings will tell you that removing it has little or no effect whatsoever in performance. Don't mean to be a naysayer on this, but I have experimented and found the results firsthand.
hvac59

I suggest a Scangage to allow you to measure the effect you are trying to achieve. I use mine religiously! Taking the IAT and MAP readings will tell you that removing it has little or no effect whatsoever in performance. Don't mean to be a naysayer on this, but I have experimented and found the results firsthand.
hvac59

MAP? If a car does not have a blower, how can it have pressure in the manifold? Shouldn't it have vacuum?

MAP? If a car does not have a blower, how can it have pressure in the manifold? Shouldn't it have vacuum?

Not all pressure is positive :D

I regularly drive my Pat without the intake tube. Observations:

1. The engine breathes a little bit better going to red line, most noticeable after 5k rpm. I use the factory filter.

2. Slight increase in resonant noise in the lower rpms, but very slight.

3. No change in fuel economy.

4. All of the above consistent from summer temps to winter temps.

My internal butt-o-meter and sound-o-meter is very sensitive to my vehicles, so your observations may vary...