I have a 1997 TJ and i decided to make my own intake. I bought a piece of air duct hose. I then wrapped it in electrical tape to stiffen it. I unclamped the bulky air hose from the trottle body and air box. I clamped the duct hose in place. It made a world of a difference. I can now feel a little power out of the little 4 banger. Has anyone ever done this?  

Never tried it...... are you still routing it through a filter? Im interested in getting  a little more kick outta my mule (XJ 4.0L) Could i get the same results with my 4.0L?  

Yeah i kept the stock air box and used the air duct between there and the trottle body. If your air intake was as bulky as mine was then I'm sure it could help.  

Nice! ill give it a try.  

I made a custom air intake for my 97 buick lesabre w/3800 v6 out of a 17" pc of stainless steel flex pipe 4" and used the rubber boot from a chevy 5.3 intake to mount my air temp sensor then mounted a 4" k&n cone filter to the other end and MAN what a difference...  

Thats awsome it really does make a difference.
I thought about putting a aftermarket cone filter on it just havent done it yet. I made mine out of flex pipe but it wasnt stainless steel.  

I added this to my TJ and got not only a seat of the pants but an increase in MPG...not much but something.  My write up and pics:

http://www.savagesun4x4.com/enter/jeep_installs/cold_air_fab_and_install.html  

I made an entire snorkel out of 2" pvc for my xj. Just connected to factory rubber intake tube and used K&N on top.Just going to have a bigger one bent out of 3" pipe for more air flow.it runs a little rich wide open with the 2"