What's better Air Induction: Open Element or Stock with a Duct?

[TIMSPEED]

Well, I have both an open element Chrome Air Cleaner, as well as the stock one. BUT, my stock one has been modified. I cut off that little plate that's on the inside of the round portion (I guess it's called a "air director", Swervin did the same mod), as well as cut out the guts for the Heat Choke Stove valve. Here's a pic with the current 3" Cold-Air duct.

Would that work better than just a normal open element cleaner, or would it work worse? I'm using a K&N Filter (fits both stock and open element)