'89-'90 Factory intake question

[ITA240SX]

Hey guys,

I have a question about the factory air intake for the S-13 with the SOHC motor. I currently race a '90 240sx, and the answer to this question may affect the way I set up the intake on this car. Also, the reason I'm asking is that my car hasn't had the factory setup on it for over 5 years, so I really have no idea. Anyway, here's the question: does the factory air intake draw air from outside the engine compartment? I know there is a tube that runs from the bottom of the stock airbox to a hole in the fender, and connects to a plastic box (silencer?) under the fender, in front of the left wheel well. But I don't know if that is where the air comes in, or if that is simply a silencer.

Anyone know for certain?

Thanks for the help!