Like Airportable I cut mine out but can't quite remember why, I think it may have been the captive nut located front N/S corner? not having a Dremel at the time I used my angle grinder, effective but care needed!
Not a number if I misled you earlier when I said early cars, I should have said early TF's as these went on sale Jan 02, a quick google tells me the air box was fitted up to vin 612108 (Thanks Rimmers) and was a Xpower Grey 135 built on 22/10/02 (Thanks MGOC) I LOVE RETIREMENT