Wrapping a manifold will always help. keep the heat where it should be. A very cheap thing to do as well.
Ive got the downpipe of my RST wrapped as it sits very close to the starter motor and they have a tendancy to get knarky when they are hot.

The only trouble of removing the airbox for a cone filter to draw more air, if the st170 engine runs hot, pulling away will probably be worse as the cone is gonna slurp up all the hot air which doesnt do any engines any favours performance wise.

Take the tuners advice and get a few bits looked at then when you are all done with whatever he has reccomended get it down there for a RR check up. That will iron out any little creases left in performance etc.