landcruiser 4.5 v8 air inlet gause

I agree with Rosco.
I am not familiar with the finer points of the V8 cos I have found Toyota frown on me visiting the dealers and pulling one apart.
From what you have said it is between the airfilter and the airflow sensor, is this correct?
If it is, it is probably there to prevent damage to the airflow sensor and to prevent ingestion of mechanics rags they forgot was in the air intake, if and when the vehicle is started without and aircleaner in place.

It would also tend to break up, to small metered out droplet size, any water which may find it's way into the intake from whatever source.
If fine droplets, rather than big gobs of water, the engine may be able to survive a bit of H2O in the intake.
Also if the droplets are big then that might just cause hydro lock in one or two cylinders, doesn't really matter the engine will be stuffed then anyway.
The gauze breaking up of the water glob might also mean the turbo compressor wheel doesn't get a really big hit on one zone of the wheel and damage the scroll fins. Really fast spinning fins would hit hard and suddenly a bit like you driving into a 20L drum of water at 100km. The only thing which won't get damaged is the water.

If the compressor wheel goes from say a typical 70,000rpm to zilch in a short time the exhaust turbine end is still going like the clappers, I doubt if the turbo shaft/wheels and housing would tolerate the twisting decelleration torque which will happen, something it was NEVER designed to do.

Most likely Toyota did fink a bit about this. You can of course always tear it out and try your luck you might pick up a couple of horsepower.
When Toyota V8 diesels become/are, a dime a dozen, then I might be prepared to experiment without due consideration.
mydmax

g.day ross thanks for you input yes mate its between the air filter and air sensor about 6 inches to the left of the sensor inside the hard molded section right where the ringclip holds the flexible section of air box tubing on. Good comments on rags and water entering engine I cant think of any thing else getting past air cleaner if properly sealed with denso tape . I dont remember seeing this in the old 1hz or any other deisal machinery but thats not to say its not there .I have worked previosly as an underground and suface machinery operator in mines for over 25 years and all machinery turbo charged and ran in the worst conditions . But no doubt it has its purpuse and I wont be removing it in a hurry just interested in its purpose as it must have a big affect on air flow as it is so fine. If you have access to one off these vehicles all you have to do is unclip the top of the airbox 4 clips and look down pipe you cant miss it only takes couple of seconds I dont think anyone would mind .I think you will be supprised at what you see .all the best.