but these cone filters with the metal shield (see pic) are they 100% legal? Is the shield enough to be 'Fireproof' or whatever the sticky point of law is?

Illegal

in QLD an exposed pod is not illegal so it depends on where u are

unless he has moved recently he is in NSW, where is is illegal to have an exposed air filter.

All air filters must be in a fire retardant box, this goes back to the days of carbied cars and the air filters catching fire after backfiring,

Not so much of an issue these days with the injection systems.

Besides the legal issue, not trying to start another debate.

But a Air Filter feeding on hot air will not be as benificial as one feeding on Cold Air.

FULL STOP

Thanks guys - it was just a thought - turns out maybe not a very good one!

What happens if the air filter is not in the engine bay?

according to a TMU(or TOG) police officer that i was working with, only one air modification is allowed in victoria, so a pod is good(well, ok), but a pod and a intercooler is bad.