I can assure you guys that the temperature of the intake air IS important; the equation is not linear, but you DO have a cooler compressor flow when the intake air is cooler, just the same way as a CAI. It's not because that the turbo will heat up the intake air that it becomes unimportant to bring it cool air; the compressed air will indeed be cooler if the intake air is cooler.

 

Theoritically, a cooler intake charge is better. But depending on the amount of boost you run and how good the intercooler is... it maybe negliable. Many of the Japanese tuner don't run a cool air intake... of course many of them don't use an air filter either.

 

The easiest way to get the best of both worlds is to simply fit a cone filter onto your intake pipe , right next to the MAF.
Now fit a bell-end in the airflow at the front of the car,maybe behind the grille, & run flexible piping of at least 3" to 4" dia. back from this, ending 4" from the filter.
Remember that, on a Hyundai, it`s easy to make a couple of brackets that let the top of the radiator lean backwards by 2.5" & free up space for piping to go round the side of the rad..

 

actually, you are talking about more than 1-2 WHP.

BryFx is correct. You want the coldest air possible.

The difference between engine compartment air and outside air can easily be more than 50 degrees F. In a hot turbo engine comparment, the temps can be even more severe.

You want to place the filter someplace it will get cold air, but also be "safe" from water and road spray. The Fenderwell is a good location ONLY if you keep the fenderwell liner in place.

If you suck in 150 Degree air on a 70 degree day, that is an extra 80 degrees your intercooler has to cool after the air is compressed. If you suck in 70 degree air on a 70 degree day, your intercooler doesn't have to do any "extra" cooling.