quick question..
 

how 'needed' is the alternator ventilation tubing? More directly, can I leave that **** off?

not needed... It might help on those 100º+ days though.

thanks. consider it pitched into the back of the garage. :D

I pitched mine, no difference :)

My personal opinion is the Porsche engineers know what they are doing, they put it their for a reason. My guess is during testing the alternators were failing prematurely due to heat, so they vented fresh air to it. Yes your alternator will continue to work but I think it will last longer if you keep the fresh air to it. Everyone knows electronics and heat don't mix. Just my .02

I'm with mscromer. Porsche engineers are pretty smart and the alternator will last longer if it's left there.

Well to put an end to this thread, it's not there anymore. I kept it though. I have a squeeling alternator bearing on startup... really bad even. It's probably because the thing was on there, actually, as I found the front part of the vent tube was kinked in the front end with the accident.... whenever that happened. So taking it off at least for now is a good thing.