[kennymac35]

Does anyone know the purpose for the foam inserts at the front and rear under the intake? It seems that they would hold heat around the intake.

 

[SSnova]

foam inserts

They are for insulating the manifold from the engine. Doesn't seem like much but every little bit helps. The cooler the intake,the better the density of the air coming in.
Kinda chintzy overall, but I'm sure some engineer got an atta boy for the idea.