rubber

I was wondering if anyone has taken off the rubber pieces on the under side of the scoops. They are on the bottom where it fits over the carbs. They kinda stick out and I think they look like shit.....Do these really serve any purpose ? I was thinking of taking them off but wanted to ask...

Hey guys, i was syncing my carbs and i noticed cracks in the rubber boots in between the carbs and intake manifolds. I sprayed starting fluid on them and didnt notice a change but the cracks look pretty bad so im gonna go ahead and order some new ones. The ones for the vboost look fantastic...