I made sure the holes are away from the heat. Intake temps are the same. I didn't want any holes in the bottom close to water. I'm also using the stock 1" thick paper air filter. But yes, a bit more turbo sound. I can't "feel" anymore power, but I wasn't expecting to. But its obvious its getting more air since it did not knock before. But you have to consider I'm running a big catless exhaust too.
Me personally, I still have my heart set on fabbing up an air intake like 2j racings race car where the filter goes inside the cowl above the turbo. So ghetto cutting holes in the stock air intake is just a temp quick mod for me.