If you regularly drive on dirt roads, gravel, construction sites, or in dusty climates, installing the plug can help reduce the amount of dust entering the air box and keep your filter cleaner for longer.
If you primarily drive on paved roads in cleaner environments and want maximum airflow while hearing more of your engine and turbo, leave the plug out.
The choice is yours. Every S&B intake is engineered to perform with or without the air box plug, so you can choose the setup that best fits your climate, driving conditions, and personal preference.