I am just wondering if there is any chance that an upgraded intake could slightly lower the engines operating temperature.

 

Like an AirGap intake would allow for cooler air, but should not effect operating temp...

 

no, it wouldnt. letting more cold air into the engine might make some of the parts like the intake manifold run a *bit* cooler, but only at wot when youre letting all that air in, and the extra power youre making would probably heat it back up to where it was before or higher anyway

 

A throttle body bypass can lower intake temperature on the LT1 engine.