Greg, They open and close to distribute the air flow depending on throttle position, air flow etc. Removing them will actually cause worse performace as there wont be even airflow throughout the manifold.

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Dennis
2006 E320 CDI Black/Black Leather. Nav, HTD Seats HK stereo 32000 miles.
2000 VW Passat 1.8t 300,000 miles as of Dec 09, 2009 original owner
1997 E300d Silver 300,000 miles As of Jan 05, 2010
3rd owner SOLD