It does a little. All that "crap" as you put it, are important sensors and hoses. The one the plugs in right behind your MAF is the IAT, the plastic tubes that run off to the valve cover are the PCV system pulling crankcase vapor into the intake system. Your best gain on modiying that box would be to remove it from the bay, then take off the small snorkel that goes into the fenderwell. It's a little small, you can open it up a little or replace it if you are handy with parts from Lowes/Sutherlands and then re-install your factory air box. I wouldn't waste money on CAI yet...(unless thousandths of a second in the 1/4mi are worth 200 for you). You could replace that MAF with one that doesn't have the screen or pole in the middle.
Your factory MAF does cause air restriction (somewhat), but, do not do any of the physical mods to it. There are a couple posts floating around about yanking the screen and cutting out the post on the inside. This will distort your MAF readings on Air Flow and you will be kicking yourself, because you will then have to buy a new one, as the old one will make a good paper weight.
---just my opinion
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// 1998 GT-Steeda Conversion \\ -- Sold
// Now own 2001 F-150 SuperCrew 5.4L \\
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