Small holes on side of engine air intake hose?

[rcx132]

This is the air intake hose on my jeep. It goes from the airbox into the wing cavity (not sure why), it's the part marked below. The foam on it is perishing so I thought I'd take it off and possibly replace it. Under the foam are holes. Any idea what they're for?

The hose on the parts diagram:

 

[rtcosic]

Sound management. Similar purpose as those odd protuberances on plastic air intakes - changes the natural resonant frequency to avoid 'booming' or whistling sounds at certain air velocities.

(I think! Probably turns out to be to let condensation drain out!)

 

[hermetic]

pressure relief if it backfires?

 

[Barking Mat]

To drain out condensed moisture?

 

[cheb]

Weight saving. Every little helps.

 

[Migmac]

How would condensation get out? Look to me if they’re nearly on the top.

Backfiring, my two SJ’s were terrible for it. Maybe the holes are something to do with that

 

[dobbslc]

Is it to prevent hydrolocking if you submerge the intake, it'll suck air in through the holes and not draw water into the engine?

 

[Pete.]

I think they are to allow pressurised air to expand the foam sleeve during the assembly process.

 

[sg66]

Put there to encourage conjecture

 

[Pete.]

I'd like to change my vote - I think they are for putting a vacuum in the tube to shrink the foam sleeve down so they could fit the ends over it.