Will that mod causes attention to smog technicians when you
bring your Vanagon in for a smog check? Every time I did a
smog check they seemed to do all they could to see if anything
is modified from the original. I am talking about California.
I think it may be OK else where.

I have wanted to get rid of that air box too. I can no longer
find air filters locally for Vanagons. Perhaps a better solution
is to get air filter available then modify the filter to fit.
It should be fairly easy to do than modifying to use a different
air filter box.

David