I have a 1992 honda accord. I took the bottom of the air box off to make it sound a little better. so the air filter is now exposed. Can i hurt anything by doing this. It seems that my car starts different now? why is that..

 

Did you change the filter when you removed the box? If not then your car starting different is probably all in your head.....Your filter is now being exposed to engine bay dirt, grime, moisture and heat. And maybe sounding a bit louder/like a vacuum cleaner. You'll probably also notice that it will get dirty faster and you'll have to change it more frequently now. Other than that it shouldn't hurt anything.

The lower box has a tube that brings in cooler, cleaner air from inside your fender/wheel well vs strait out of your engine bay. If you notice all of the dust/road dirt in your engine bay. That is now being sucked in by your filter/intake.

 

you want a different sound, sign up to ebay, get a JDM cold air intake, and install...presto, you now have an advertised 15+ hp and, that I've noticed, a hollow sucking sound, like a vacuum...

I would advise against trying to modify the factory box...highly advise against...all you'll do is cost yourself performance, fuel economy, and more importantly, money that could be put to something that can make a difference