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

Yep, for certain
Mag wheels were the same. That is why they make a special cleaner, so not to remove the coating that protects the finish. I no longer use those cleaners, because I clean them with just dish soap and water every 2 to 4 weeks. The trick is, not to let them, including intakes, become saturated in filth. Clean often!!!!