I ordered, received, and installed my new intake hose. In the process I broke my oil filler neck. Luckily the cap will screw directly into the intake. I'll acquire a replacement here in the near future.
Anyhow, got it installed and seems to be working out. In another forum I went through my coolant temperature sensor and thermostat issue and change, and once I reset my CEL that came along with the thermostat change.
The intermittent idle issue has been a non-issue lately. Which I find as a good thing. So changing the plugs awhile back fixed the issue.
As far as installing an aftermarket cold air intake, nah, I don't like the way they sit. I may get with my brother and see if he can help fabricate one that'll sit into the passenger fender well next the the radiator cap. Main issue I've noticed is the MAF sensor placement. The wiring is to short, so I'd have to extend the wiring and fab the plug in tats on the OE air box onto the new intake.
Anyway, seems that everything is going well, just hope it all stays that way. Fingers crossed!!

 

ZZP sells an extended MAF sensor cable

https://zzperformance.com/products/m...ension-harness

 

Cool, thanks. They have some good items after going through the website. Lots of good products.

 

I have this on my HHR. Pretty good quality for the price although they do use staples to hold the fittings on the tube.Haven't had any problems with it in the year it's been installed.