Air filter box anmd extra trunking etc

[nrxx]

Hi
1987 Autohomes 1.9 DG
I've long suspected that my air filter box was missing a flex hose that linked it to another intake/box behind the rear light. This has a valve of some sort operated by vacuum from the carb (via the vairbox), that I assume allows more air in as requied. My question is, how important is all this gubbins (bear in mind it's not been connected for a year), what exactly should it do and is it really worth it.

Reason for question is that I was planning on sticking a normal sized starter battery in here and using the drivers seat one for leisure (please don't tell me about leisure v traction etc, I lived on a boat for seven years!), as I'm fed up with crap starting and this was going to be my secret weapon after new earth straps etc.

Thank
Nick

[nrxx]

apologies for...bump. Anyone?

[kevtherev]

this other box is OE
it develops a ram air effect for higher speeds.
the "gubbins" is the air dam for easier cold starting, the flap is operated by vacuum from the carb and redirects warm air from the exhaust

put the battery on the other side.. diesels do

[Ian Hulley]

The box with the flap etc is the 'warm air' unit which pre-heats inlet air to prevent carb icing and has a trunking that comes off the front right exhaust downpipe. This isn't needed in this country.

Ian.