I have an '85 Vanagon with a 1.9 in it.

What I'm missing is the fiberboard "wall" that seems to seal off the air
intake channel / vent area and has the hole in it that the intake snorkle
passes thru.

I would assume that it would need to be there, so the motor is drawing
fresh air from the intake, and not pulling additional heated air from the
engine compartment.

The two questions are,

1.)Will I see any symptoms of less than optimal performace without it, and

2.) how can I fabricate somthing similar to achive the purpose of the
original piece ?

Thanks guys..