You'll be fine, just make sure you don't go though and deep puddles. If you are really that concerned a 1 inch piece isn't going to make much of a difference when you accidentally hit a deep puddle. Go SRI if you are that concerned.

I just cut the dimensions out stated in the instructions. I think it was 5" x 5".

I honestly don't see any huge danger in removing the battery shield, but as stated by someone above if a leak happens (don't know how likely that would be) then you could cause a fire which would be bad.

Sorry I have no pics of that area, but I may be converting the CAI into a SRI this weekend to see how it goes so if I get a chance I'll take some pics and post them.

The pushpins were VERY annoying to get back on because you can't really see what you're doing. You just have to feel your way around down there.

One thing I've found out about my CAI is that if you leave it sitting in a blacktop parking lot on a 95 degree day for a couple of hours DO NOT ACCELERATE FAST FOR A LITTLE WHILE! It sucks in all the hot air trapped around it and triggers your Service Engine light because all the hot air really Leans out your Air Fuel Mixture. When it happened i took it the Mitsu dealer and thats what they explained.

By leaving that side pannel off does it make it any easier for splashing water from rain puddles to wet the filter?

that's bull**** they are feeding you

i haven't had a check engine light and we hit 35c here

-joe

It DOES make it easier, but not by a lot because there is another panel there seperating the filter from the open. It's probably safer to leave it on however.