BlackPuff_Gone

There is a flimsy peace of foam used as a seal between the stock air cleaner housing and the flimsy intake panel. The seal came loose got all nasty. Do I try to replace it or remove it forget about it?

Seems like it would get more air without it, but it's hot air. Isnt cold air better? I'm considering going to the hardware store and getting some closed cell foam to trim and glue in there.

Anybody dealt with this?