2005 Saturn ION Air intake anatomy

[Gary]

I was checking my air filter, and I was wondering what is the purpose of the
big plastic box between the inner and out fender.
The intake air goes through it, but what does it do? It seems like would
restrict the air flow to the engine.
I have leaves in the air filter box, and wonder what may be trapped
elsewhere.

 

[Oppie]

Designers often put these seeming insignificant bits of plumbing into
induction systems. The purpose is to tune the intake to damp out turbulence
which would otherwise restrict the airflow.

Take a shop vac and clean out the air passages between the air filter and
the air intake. There should not be any noticeable restriction. Keep clear
of the mass airflow sensor (if there is one) between air filter and throttle
body. They're fragile...

 

[marx404]

Where can one find a diagram of the air intake system? I was thinking of
modding mine but want to know what I am looking at before breaking out the
wrenches and dremel tool.