Is there anything to preclude a remove/replace of the Vanagon air filter
housing with something more direct?  The AFM seems to be connected, or at
least adjacent to the stock air box in my vehicle (an 84 with an inline
Jetta gas engine mounted diesel style, using the stock vanagon air filter,
etc)   I'm toying with the idea of devising a more effective intake
tract...smoother, longer and less restrictive.  I have not been inside the
airbox to actually see how the AFM functions, or whether it's proper
function is dependent on it being attached in a specific orientation and
calibrated to the standard Van filter housing..hence the question.

  My thought was to use one of my 'sock' filters (I have 8 leftovers, 3
1/2"x 12" long, oiled foam filter element, over a spring inner cage) l from
my racecar.  I'd like to mount that up inside the D-pillar, connected with
either PVC or aluminum and silicone intake tract, configured to be less
restrictive and to supply cooler air to the motor..

  Most other engines I have owned and modified have responded well to
'freeing-up' the intake and making sure the incoming air is as cool as
possible...especially after the "other end" of the system has been
improved.  There seems to be more room in the engine bay, what with the
inline motor,  to 'mess around' with the intake tract..

  Can I do that without upsetting the AFM?

  Don Hanson