does anyone have any suggestions for opening the airbox? opening the two clips on the front only allows the box to be opened like 1/2". After loosening the intake hose, the box tilted back a bit more, but appears to run into some electronics on the battery. Is it hinged at the bottom or just hooked?

It pretty much has to be removed. Check the tech section for several threads about this. It's pretty easy to do once you know how, and once you've got it out, it opens without problems.