Is it better to have the filter for the cold air intake right next to the battery behind the headlight, or down lower where the resonator (black jug) was? I've seen pictures of it both ways, and the one that I bought came with an extra piece so it can be put in either way...

 

well down behind the bumper turn signal is a true cold air intake because it's away from the hot air of the engine. when it's right by the battery, that's a 'short ram' intake. I have had mine both ways and didn't notice a difference so i just have mine in the engine bay. You can hear it better, and get to it better for any reason.

 

It seems to me like it would be able to pull in air quicker up top, rather than on the bottom where it's all closed in. Is that true at all?

 

the reason that its better to have behind your bumper is because the air is colder down there, since it is away from your engine heat, therefore, colder air = denser air = more hp. although personally, i just got the short ram, cause i live in canada, and the thought of my intake sucking up water scares me, even if i did have a air-bypass valve thing.

 

Yeah I understand that how the air's colder down there, but how big is the difference in temperature? Isn't it easier for the intake to pull in air up on top where it's not enclosed? or am I just being dumb?

 

keep it as a short ram. its easier to get at and won't get as dirty and instead of CAI, construct a ram air so you still have that CAI effect...somewhat...and its safer there too!