Here we go.
tl;dr - removed giant intake resonator and made a DIY short ram intake from existing intake parts.
Essentially just took off the huge stock intake resonator and used the original snorkel and directly stuck that into the rubber hose. Works like an SRI, though the intake location is still not as close as I want it to be for really cold air. I'll need to route a tube either through that hole at the side or route it from the front bumper grille. This is a common DIY upgrade for Element owners who do not wish to spend a fortune on a CAI/SRI, as the stock intake/resonator setup is extremely restrictive.
Bolted on an exhaust tip as a spur of the moment decision. Decided I didn't want to see that sorry peashooter excuse of a stock exhaust pipe anymore. Will do for now until I can afford a proper cat-back. Made sure to mount it as far back on the stock pipe as possible so it doesn't stick out from under the bumper, to avoid having my E posted in the hall of shame
This picture makes it seem like it's sticking out, it's not. It's flush with the bumper.
And last but not least...
