Open air filter will out perform the stock paper filter in the choked off airbox in any situation besides rush hour traffic.

Solution.

Cheap heatshield ($2-3) to a full blown custom airbox ($20 self made - $60 range pre-made)

2000 SVT #674 - Check it out!

Whoever coined the phrase; "If it ain't broke; don't fix it" ~ Just doesn't get it...