No Air Cleaner?

[CatMan1]

I didn't know what else to call this topic. Anyway, when I got my '28 it didn't come with an air cleaner. I know & understand that is stock. What it does have is what would resemble an air cleaner, but it's hollow inside. Sort of a spark arrestor. How much of a difference does that make on engine performance? I don't know of may car backfiring through the car so would I be safe to remove this?