Factory Airbox Prefilter?

Doing my first oil change today on my new-to-me Taco, also inspected the air filter and some other PM items. Top side of the airbox has some kind of filter built in that seems to be plastic welded in place. Its heavily soiled and I want to remove but want some more experienced opinions as to if this may cause issues. ( i doubt it would but I'm new to Toyotas so )

pic for reference:

 

I yanked mine out years ago and haven't had any issues

 

It’s the secondary charcoal filter, really an emissions thing in trying to eliminate any backflow of engine gasses.

Probably won’t notice much of a difference removing it. Might be an issue if your state does inspections.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-secondary-air-filter-removal.2012/

 

Honestly, just leave it.

 

upon inspection the air filter that was in there had a separate gasket that was bound up and kinked, also the rear tabs werent secured. Top side of the airbox was pretty clean so im not concerned about debris getting into the engine but the bottom half of the airbox looked like it was full of mud.

I have since removed the charcoal filter, pulled the upper and lower airbox pieces, removed the MAF sensor and cleaned inside/out with simple green and an old toothbrush, air dried, and reinstalled with a new air filter. Sealed correctly and ass-gauge says it feels more powerful now at low rpm.