Purist need not apply! Can it be done(&worth it) Cowl Induction no hood cut

I was watching a trackday event hosted by the Shelby Club (fords everywhere) and I saw a mustang that looked like it was using the fresh air cowl to feed the air intake.

I didn't take a pic, too bad because it was done nicely, small connection and color matched so it looked like it belonged there.

So what do you all think?
Here are some pics of some not so subtle ones I found on the web: