^i think it's the placebo effect more than anything. i did this mod before i got aem cai and it really only adds sound maybe 1-2hp on the top end. if you live where it's cold you may be seeing hp increases due to the cold temps from the fact you are taking in much cooler air. shifts points will not change, you auto tranny is controlled by a computer and shifts based on rpm and throttle position.

those ears and antlers... are you talking about the plastic snorkel type piece the draws air in from the front and send it to the intake. that is no longer necessary since when you remove the resonator it is now taking air in from the wheel well.