I'de like to replace my stock airbox with K&N's but i've heard if you ride in the powder a lot your carbs will ice up is this true, and do they actually add much if any power. If not what about gutting the airbox.

It should add more power..more airflow to the carbs..i think

i am pretty sure you would have to rejet for either on the air filter or gutting the box

The KnN filter pods draw hot air from under the hood and thus make less power.
If you want a little improvement in power, then gut the air box and maybe look to a can or pipes.

if you go with k&n filters make sure that you put sox over the filters. they make sox for filters that will not let the snow clog the filter well any way gl I have K7N filters on my sled the air box was to restrictive for my mod motor so it is gone

assuming you are talking about your RMK, i would not change anything with the airbox. if you do, the high altitude compensating system will not function propperly. your jetting will be all over the place and you'll loose power. you can't really make a bunch of power with the small carb XLT anyway. but if you want power, upgrade to the 38mm carbs, ditch the HACC and put on some triple pipes. reliability goes down and tuning gets touchy, but it will make 25-30 more hp. i would leave it alone and enjoy headache free riding. Brian.