Ok, first of all, the screen does smooth out the air flow. I don't really know how to explain it, but the "experts" say that the screen is nessecary for max hp and flow. I'm sure there is a thread on it somewhere in here. Its been talked about a lot. Second of all....I cut only the cone off of the stock filter and glued it on the capped k&n. I did this to minimize turbulence, because instead of the air slamming into the capped end of the filter, the cone helps to dicipate it around the fitler, to flow over it and keep it cooler. I didn't want an inverted or non capped filter, because they don't flow as well because air coming in the end and on the sides causes turbulence, even though there is greater surface area. Again, the point of the cone on the end is to help direct the incoming cold air around the filter to keep it cool.
