that plastic black heater box, the one that goes over the heater core location, is it necessary to have? because im in the middle of a headgasket job, my ratchet slipped and i accidently punched a hole in it. do i need it or can i just remove completely?thanks for the info guys!

 

Won't have any heat if you permanently remove it, or defrost, or any heater control functions - the blower motor is in there. You'll also need to cover that big hole to keep critters out.

 

thanks for the response!! i see theres an a/c component in front of it which makes removal or replacement diffuclt, is there a trick to it?