Hi. First posting here. I have a Super Six in a 1979 Volare which I bought about 9 months ago. Back in the day I had a Slant Six in a 1977 Aspen and a 1976 Volare. I recall that there should be a flexible corrugated hose running between the air intake and the exhaust stack--on the curent car; however, that hose is gone and the place where it should connect on the exhaust is gone and blocked off with a steel plate. I would post a picture but I have'nt figured that out yet.

Questions I would appreciate help on: what is that exhaust piece/assembly called?
I assume it has something to do with emissions but might help a cold start. Am I better off without it? (The car starts easily on a warm day but it's a fight after heated up and when it's cold) so planning to go to the flexible gas line as suggested elsewhere.

Finally, I see that it's blocked off by a hinged plate, but should the opening for the hose on the air intake be closed off more tightly?

Thanks in advance for your time and help.