RPM Airgap vs. non-Airgap?

Heating of the intake really does make a big difference in cooler climates. Several years ago when I was a kid I read in a Hot Rod mag that a cooler intake would make more torque so I made block off plates for the heat cross over and installed them and it did make some more power but it was in the fall and when winter came along here in Illinois man was that thing cold natured. The fuel economy also went out the window. I finally took the block off plates back out and enjoyed a much smoother running car that was 3-4 mpg better on gas. I don't know if these results are typical but that's what I experienced. I tried to make up for things by re-tuning but really didn't gain anything back as far as drivaiblity.