I've decided not to go w/ a CAI for now, so I bought a drop-in K&N.
I've noticed a steel mesh at the bottom of the intake, it looks like its
there to prevent any big objects from getting through (why, I have no idea).
I figure that it is just impeading the flow and creating turbulence.

Do you guys know what exactly it is for and should I remove it?

 

the steel mesh on the k&n filter? thats to hold the filter together, dont take it off

 

No there is a steel mesh inside the intake tube below the air filter.

 

is yours a 5th gen? on my 92 when i took out the resonator i didnt see any steel mesh, it probably just helps in filtering out the big chunks in the air

 

is this a 5th gen?...if so just take out the resonator box that is in the front passenger fender and put a cap on the vacuum line that is used to control the intake butterfly...now u will have a cold air intake with k&n

 

It is a 4th Gen 96 SR-V. Yeah, I've been considering taking out the resonator but
when I saw this mesh in the bottom of the intake tube I was puzzled, I see no need for it.

My buddies who switched to CAI did gain some HP but at the expense of torque which I don't want. The H22a has got endless topend and anymore I'll be adding more speeding tickets.