I have a SLP CAI and it comes with a rubber seal to cover up the stock intake area, But i have a functional SS hood, does the hood work with the stock intake area? So i dont know if i should use the seal or not.

 

your ss hood will only be functional with a ram air box or the original intake, however a cold air intake functions better as it gets cooler air away from the heat of the engine.but the ss hood is really just for looks, you wont see a big difference from a cai or the ramair style air box