How important is an air box?

[activematrix]

I have an old 1969 Sears Ted Williams air cooled 4 hp I recently picked up for $25. Condenser wire got ripped apart by the flywheel, easy fix.
Only problem is, it is missing the air box. I can see right into the carb! How important is the air box? Can I run it without it? Anyone know where I can get a cheap air box that'll fit?

 

[robert graham]

Airbox will help quiet the sound of intake, which on a 2 stroke can be pretty noisy.....I'd be prone to try and make/fabricate one....maybe out of a plastic box or container....drill a couple of holes, 2 bolts, etc....how hard could it be?

 

[F_R]

Are you sure it is even supposed to have one? I don't know the answer to that one, but can say for sure that many motors do not, by design.

 

[F_R]

No Title

OK, checking the service manual, there is no air box. In fact, there is no room for one between the carburetor and front panel. However, the front panel MAY serve as a noise eliminator to some extent.