Yes. Since I am using a 14" filter instead of the original 12.5", I needed to remove them. Since I am not using the oval openings in the base as the only air intake, I do not need them. The 14" filter covers where the air dams were and since the ID of the base is 17", this leaves 1-1/2" all around the inside for air.

I added a poor quality phone picture to show the new filter. Notice the height difference from the first picture.