If you cut a hole through your hood and install a short ram air intake there would it act like a cold air intake and a short ram intake combined?
Would rain damage the engine if you have a hole cut through your hood?

Nice question. I never wondered this. ask this to Scotty

Lots of people cover up the hole when they are not using the car

Yeah, I guess so.

You could make a small scoop over the hole/intake, which would in theory take care of the rain problem