Well, I also thought that when the 03 KnN comes out, you could likely retrofit your existing box, and likely save $50-60 over a new one. I have looked at them the only diff I found was bolts sticking up out of the bottom of the box and a the lid did not have that great storage compartment LOL. Worst case scenario, you screw up, then go buy a new box.

 

I'm not sure I am getting what the concern is of this post. Is it the area of the filters or the restriction of the air box design that you are trying to change?
I put a 6 sq inch breather hole with a 2" flange around it on the flat part of my 02 cover.The air filter is always dirtest directly under this vent.You can actually hear it sucking in the air as you give it WOT.
R.