Intake/Air box Question

Hi guys ! I've just bought a K&N air pod. I will be replacing the standard air box with this pod. My question is regarding a small sensor inside the airbox which is held in place by a rubber grommet. I'm wondering what this sensor is (air temp?) and what i can do with it using the new air filter. I may need to make a hole in the new air pod to make room for this sensor. Has anyone came across this? thanks

What year Miata do you have? I'm not sure what the sensor would be (intake temp maybe), but you should be able to remove the entire airflow meter (looks like an aluminum "D" with outlets) off of the top of the air box, and toss the air box. Your K&N should just be able to be attached directly to the intake end of the airflow meter. A quick note about the airflow meter, there's a wiring harness that plugs into the side of it. If you need to remove this, there's two screws on either end of it. You'll be tempted to unscrew it because it's a pain to get off, but DON'T UNSCREW IT. It's just bad, mmkay? If it helps, here's a recent article on the installation of a Racing Beat intake (which also uses a K&N). It may help you out a bit. http://www.speedoptions.com/news_tipsfrompros.asp?aID=262 8&ref=default&v=6&pg=0