Thanks to OP for the idea, @
shiv@vishnu recommended removing the intake snorkel completely, but I started to rethink the idea after seeing the risk of heat soak.
Figured I'd open the snorkel a bit, but keep on the tab that bolts up the frame. A dremel will be your best friend with this mod.
Picture of back-side
Top-view, I shaved down the edges
Test-fit of the modified snorkel. With the snorkel lined up, you can peak through and see some open space leading into the engine bay. I took the snorkel a step further following the picture below
Added weather-resistent weather stripping around the snorkel to block-off any potential air seeping from the engine
Snorkel bolted to the factory location. You can see how snug the space is with the weather-stripping. I removed the plastic panel sitting below the snorkel and drilled MOAR HOLES. Why? Well, why not?
Not the best job on lining up the holes, but you get the idea. I'm sure the Toyobaru Engineers were cautious when designing the intake system, so I see no harm in making mods similar to factory specs. I haven't noticed any loss in performance/hesitation, nor can I really feel a difference? I don't want to flash my system back to stock to test this config, though the engine does growl quite a bit when I'm on it.
It's a relatively simple mod, and it will make your intake louder. Lastly, I've flashed to 1.31 beta from Vishnu, great tune.
.ck