I blocked mine and removed the plug and it felt like I had an improvement. it was around the same time I removed my baffles and cats from the std pipes (see my budget standard pipes uncorking).

Im onto a new project xtr now and was wondering how you would go plugging the airbox and totally removing the pipes and AIS assembly altogether? I could just make up a little plate to go over the hole on the head.

surely all that rubbish wouldnt be needed if your disabling the system.

I plan on running aftermarket headers with no balance pipe and uncatted powerpipes. Ill be riding it overseas where theres no emission hassles and I can have it dynoed here before I send it.

so what do you think Kev and me mates? just remove everything and plate the hole?