Intake part cracked.
 

I found a crack in this black plastic part on my intake. I went to nissan to get a new one, but you have to buy the whole intake unit. Around $320.

So my question is.

1. What is it ?
2. Can i not just join the pipes without the plastic box ?

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/...d/IMG_1085.jpg

Why couldn't you repair with epoxy or silicone. I would look for a used one if possible

^ Yep just repair it with epoxy. And yes you can just connect the two tubes without the box but I believe the box acts as a resonator. In some cars, removal of intake resonators will actually decrease the engine's performance slightly (also may increase the intake noise).

A short interesting read on this topic here

This happened to me as well. I have the hps tubes. I took that box out and bypassed it with 2 plastic elbows and a piece of tube from auto zone for a total of about $9. It looks like it belongs there and the car runs fine. I dissected the cracked part and the box was hollow. It was also completely clean inside so I don't think it served much purpose. I have about 500 miles on the car since then and everything is fine. I can maybe take a picture tomorrow if anyone needs to see. Hope this helps.

I've not heard of these extensions being related to any performance before, however, what i do know about them, is that they're for refinement.

It's a noise thing, as someone said, if you remove them, you might find an increased intake roar when you get on it. Most sports car drivers appreciate this, the 350z has a completely sealed/straight tube.

Funny timing, just yesterday while checking my oil I noticed the same crack on the same side. I put hps tubes on last year and the fitment was tight. must of cracked the plastic on install. i just taped it back together for now with electrical tape until I get a new one or bypass it all together. . I did notice a little brass restrictor in the tube which kept me from getting new tubing. I doubt it really matters though.

I see that you have Stillen intakes. Om my R2Cs' that part was eliminated in the install, so I don't believe it does much to an aftermarket intake.

Remove it.. I deleted mine