The velocity stack actually works very well to direct the flow of air into the throttle body. Like this
Keeps the flow of gases nice and smooth.
Also the air box base works as a heat barrier too...it has been mentioned that a completely exposed set up like the one you pictured can mess with the intake air temp readings.
The factory design is very good, but choked by the bulky air box. You might be better off trying something like this...My set up