I pulled my stock dual snorkel air cleaner off my 81 to give it a fresh restoration (new paint, OEM decals etc...) I was also going to replace the paper filter with a good K&N when I notice inside the filter around the carb there is what looks like a smaller "filter element" bonded to the air cleaner base. I am new to Corvettes and have not seen this setup in any other vehicle I have had. Is this a necessary piece or can I just pitch it? It seems to me it would defeat the purpose of having a high flow filter with that blocking most of the element...
Thanks in advance for any info.

 

A K&N filter sits on the top. I would think the bottom stays stock exept the removal of the old filter.

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