"Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I am trying to figure out why this would have been done. Could it be a band-aid to hide another issue?"

Off hand I'd say it's not a good thing. My guess it might be somebody's trick attempt at more power. It could make the mixture richer than it needs to be, and also means the extra pressure for acceleration would not be there when you want it for passing, etc.


Maybe a band-aid as you say, like misguided attempt at a fix of some kind. I'd say make sure that hose is still good (usually enough slack to cut a bit off), then reconnect it to the FPR and go from there.
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Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.