Air seal between lower cowling and engine air fliter on Archer

[Baron62]

63086-00 seal- air filter

How important is this air seal? Mine is dry rotted and it does not seal at all. Am I giving up some ram air engine performance or should I just not worry about it?

Is there a lower cost source than below at $90?

https://www.airpartswest.com/63086_00_seal_Piper_Aircraft_NEW_p/63086-00.htm

 

[Baron62]

 

[N47438]

 

[propjoe]