alright I just installed the turbo xs short billet short ram intake (fancy for k & n open element air filter) so the stock air box is gone. Finally I can hear air being sucked into the turbo and when I let off I can hear the bov 300% louder. Hell you couldn't even tell it had one before. I don't detect more power or anything but the g-tech is seeing it:
here's an overlay of before and after the air filter: It appears to be worth 5 awhp and 11 tq on a bone stock car.. I imagine the gap could widen with more mods as the engine demands more air.