I have an 07 4Runner sport edition with the hood scoop. Just wondering if there is a trick to removing the solid piece of plastic that blocks the airflow. I know its not a performance boost, but in the desert cooler air into the engine bay can't be a bad thing. Any help is appreciated.

 

Lot's of 3rd gen 4runner owners dremel a hole in the plastic plug for the scoop to make it "functional." It's doubtful that it does anything useful though...

 

It does create a nice way for debris and dirt to make it's way into the engine bay and a dirty engine will just run hotter. IMO it's better to just leave it closed.