With the stock airbox; Removing the boot would not accomplish much other than maybe let in some hotter air.
The small opening on the stock airbox is the big restriction point.

When you go to an open air filter make sure to make a heatshield for it.

2000 SVT #674 - Check it out!

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