Stock VR6 Intake

I just recently bought a 1998 Jetta GLX VR6.

I had the intake apart and was just lookin around and learnin 'bout the motor and such.

There's two inlets on the stock intake box before the filter. There's the dome mesh thing which I've found out is a snow catcher and isn't very useful for anything but snow. And there's a spring loaded valve/flapper thing on the opposite side of the intake. Whats the purpose of that?

Can both of these pieces be removed without harm to the engine?

Also I've got plenty of 3in tubing laying around and I'm thinking about building my own intake for this vehicle. I built intakes for both my 97 S-10 and built an UICP for my 90 Eclipse for MAFT. I want to make one for the Jetta but i don't know what to do with some of the connections on the intake.

The small hose that connects to the front of the air box, is that for the air pump? Does it pump air into the intake or take it from the intake or what? I've never had a vehicle with an air pump before. Also, the connection to the bottem of the intake that connects to the head and has that check valve on it, what is it? Can the connection be removed from the intake and a filter placed over it or will the intake I make have to have provisions for this tube?

Thanks

could you maybe post some pictures of your intake box?? as i dont have your car, im not sure of what you mean, and some pictures will remind me...its been a while since ive worked on one too.

I've got all my questions answered but one now.

What's the little tube on the front of the filtered side of the intake? Picture below, the little tube on the headlight side.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/613000-613999/613579_39_full.jpg

Also, what's the little flapper on the unfiltered side on the back of the factory box?

Thanks

dats the air breather u can buy a little air breather for like 10 dollars. intake breaths from there....