K&N Intake vs Water?

I got in one of those moods- and stuck a full K&N intake on my supercharged 99' 4Runner. Of course, with my luck, they sent me an over-oiled filter. Needed to clean, eventually replace my MAF sensor.
Just realized something finally getting out of that car mood- my filter isn't sealed anymore. Is it going to get soaked when i go through mud and puddles vs the sealed box?
Anyone else running the open intake?

 

Yep, that'll slurp up water even easier than the factory intake, which is at least designed to drain. Ever wonder why factory airboxes pull air UP through the filter and come out the topside?

Years ago, AEM made a bypass rig for 'cold air' intakes that stopped them from drawing water. I wonder if it's still around.

 

Would that be called a bypass valve? It would be a shame putting the stock one back considering the new MAF sensor and work

 

Yes indeed, a bypass valve. Apparently they still make them. I remember when they came out with them, they demoed it by taking the intake on a running car and completely submerging the filter. Bypass opened, no dead engine.

Not sure how much it'd help you, though - your intake piping is pretty close to level. Intakes should really pull UP unless they're high enough that submerging them isn't a fear. But if one will fit your piping, $40 is cheap insurance compared to an engine.

edit: keep in mind though, that this only really matters if you're planning on fording rivers and stuff. If you're not getting water up close to that height, you'll be fine.

 

Filter is about the height of the headlight. I feel like i'll only know until it's too late. A lot of people are pretty hesitant on the bypass valve because it lets hot air in from the back of the engine. I'd say the deepest puddles i go through are maybe 1.5 feet? I really don't know how the water gets around the engine compartment