Captain Coop

Just tried to install a BHAF on my 03. It would look a lot better if I could get rid of that hard tube thing that has fins in it. What is that thing and what does it do, and do I need need to leave it there? And how did you guys re mount your mass air flow sensor with the BHAF. I cut the bracket off the stock intake and used it with the new elbow the best I could and it seems to work well but Id just like to see some other options.

Thanks, Coop