I was thinking, if I could take out the air box and just have my filter there (secured tight somehow). Would that work and be safe for my car? Also, would I get better gas mileage? Sorry if this is dumb but I just got into cars.

 

nowadays you can get the cheap piping kits and k&n filters on ebay for around 20 or 30 bux

 

True, but this would be free