Air Gap intake back form media blast.. clear.. paint or run as-is?

Any kind of clear will yellow. Even powder coat. It'll be easier to touch up on down the road if you paint it. It needs to be coated with something, otherwise the bare aluminum will get stained quickly.

Yep. Always painted mine with VHT alum. Lasted very well, even on daily drivers. But, I usually pulled them before they needed a new spray job...lol