Really need a closer pic . I have seen something similar to that on the 351 clevealnd engines but it was on the other side when you take out the 2 bolts that hold this down and pull it out it will look like a small tube in a coil shape it was used as a choke heater . The hot air would heat the bimetal spring in the choke housing and the choke plate would open much like the electric version does now . This one sems to have a vacuum operated pull off or something going on there but like I said this unit is usually on the passengers side directly under the choke . There is an exhaust passage that runs through the intake in the middle where thats at so they may be using it as somesort of bypass valve to not let the exhaust through the intake to keep the air cooler as well . When its really cole the valve should open allowing hot air to flow through the intake passage which onse the intake is warm the air going through it will pick up that heat making cold weather running easier till the entire motor is warmed up . On the aluminum intakes I will take a thin piece of stainless shim stock and intentionally block off that passage before installing the intake to keep the intake air charge cool for the summer toys .
/emoticons/
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