Can anyone tell me if it's okay (advised or not advised) to run without the stock intercooler cover/air deflector?
Does the stock one actually do anything other than perhaps dress up the engine bay?

Part #2 on this image:


I'm aware of the aftermarket ones and their function, it just looks like the stock one is useless and I want to see my SC horns.
I'm only driving on the street. No autocross or track.

 

Run it...
Like you said, without it you can see the sc horns....
Air follows the path of least resistance....the cover helps force the air through the ic...as opposed to letting it go around it...past the horns....

 

Run it, esp. in the summer, if you just want to see the intake horns more, take the dremel to it on the part over the horns, just make sure you leave the scoops, and to keep it functioning like stock, add some foam to the hood where you removed material, just to keep it sealed.

 

Thanks guys. I've just placed an order for the DDM deflector.