intake modification

Hi, I have a 2003 elantra GT. I decided to remove the intake that
connects the air filter box to the resonator box. It was an easy mod.
I feel that it increased power a little and it makes a louder sound.
The filter box is open to the side of the battery and seems to be
isolated form the engine. However, it does not get air directly form
outside. It seemed that removing the resonator box and leaving the
intake in would be a better mod. The resonator is located by the wheel
well, and by removing the resonator, the intake would pick up air from
outside. However, removing the resonator is kind of complicated.
First, there is a screw that I cannot get to unless I remove a bunch
of stuff. Second, the resonator box has a hose attached that loops
around and ends up next to the engine and I have to loosen up a clamp
which is also hard to reach.

My questions are: should I try to get the resonator box out, or shall
I stick to the current, easy mod. Will removing the resonator make a
big difference in getting colder air or is the filter box getting
enough cool air? Also, why does the resonator have a hose connecting
to it that loops up towards the engine? I could also try to attach a
tube to the filter box that will end up at the wheel well. However,
because of limited space it will be slightly narrower. Would this
help?

Thanks for the answers

Andres