if I get an open element air filter kit and put that on my car will I still be able to get a cool air intake? im not the brightest person when it comes to engines but it seems to me that the open element is just what it says it is and its open to suck in all the air around it. Now cool air intakes flow into the air filter but if my air filter is open then there is no where to flow into right? Am I thinking right here or am I way off?

a cold air intake is ducting air into the engine from outside the engine compartment where an open element is just that an aircleaner where the filter element is open on all sides (except the top and bottom) to the air in the engine compartment. An open element is normaly more free flowing but the air it is sucking in is hotter , less dense
hope that awnsered your question
Ryan

yeah I think i understand it now.. thanx man!