nitto99

iTrader: (3)

I'm putting together a102 set up, so my question is should I or should I not use a maf? I don't know which is better. So I ask you guys, which way is better and why?

98TADRIVER

iTrader: (36)

I could be wrong, as Im still new to the tuning part of it, but i think i heard tuning is easier with a maf compared to running no maf (speed density) since you have to tune each individual cell with SD

jrob56

iTrader: (39)

Maf is going to be preferred always I believe.

nitto99

iTrader: (3)

Thanks guys, I just got confused. One tuner told me I need one and the other said I didn't. So I guess I'll need one of those? More money, this gets crazy sometimes. Any othe advice would help.

ls1 1990 VN

You don't need a maf, my engine has never had one since 02. just get a maffless tune.
Sick of hearing the uninitiated say you need one.

jrob56

iTrader: (39)

No one in this thread said "need' but the OP, from my experience it is preferred among all the tuners Ive talked to personally. And if you can run a maf, I dont know why you wouldnt want to.

raysadude

iTrader: (11)

With SD you can run a straight piping to your lid, which means less restrictions, but I believe SD would cost more time and thus more expensive cost in tuning as opposed to MAF.
It really depends on what power level you're shooting for, maf wouldn't be a restrictions up to 500 rwhp I think

6ltr

Here is a quick break down and thats my own opinion

If you're Forced Induction its easier to go SD tune to get better results than tricking the MAF to read what you want it to read.

N/A or nitrous, use MAF since it will be a restriction in the tune.

I know i will get flamed for this... But thats my own opinion

gto866

Mass airflow gets better milage if that's a concern

ls1 1990 VN

Yes it can! But aren't we running High Performance cars here? those who worry about fuel usage should by a 2ltr.
As for maf, why the hell would you put an obstruction in your air intake?

10secZ28

iTrader: (6)

if tuned correctly one will never really know the difference, most good tuners will go the SD route, but again this is just preference.

raysadude

iTrader: (11)

^ I disagree, most good tuners would go by what their customers goal..why would you want to make your customers spend more on something that they don't need?

10secZ28

iTrader: (6)

i have had both Maf cars and SD and most have been SD and I can be fairly certain that one did not really cost more than the other to have done, and I can not tell the difference between the two if done correctly as far as drivability and performance. I do agree that the tuner should defiantly be in touch with the customers needs. Again I have spoken to a lot of the well know tuners in the lsx community and from what they have mentioned to me is given the opportunity most prefer the SD route, but again as I have stated it is personal preference I believe. FYI My last car was a high 8 sec car and had a maf on it, but I never had any issues with it. The car I have now will run in the same neighborhood and is a single plane/4500 tb, the only difference so far is the new cars throttle response is a little crisper, but that could just be the setup itself.

STFU racing

iTrader: (13)

I personally do not run a maf with my 102 and this is why...

It made no sense to me to put a 102mm tb and intake and then put a 90mm restriction on it. Now if I found an affordable 102mm maf then I would probably put one on. But it's way too expensive(for me) when my SD tune works great. I run a 4" piping straight to the intake with no restriction.

pros for a maf
better gas mileage
easier and quicker to tune(usually)
a sudden change of temperature or climate won't affect tune.
I'm sure there's more.

cons
possible restriction unless 102+mm maf
cost money to buy the 102mm maf
Unless your boosted, I can't think of really any more cons.

nitto99

iTrader: (3)

You guys are cool and helped me understand what some of the differences are. I like the thought of no maf, it makes sense about the restriction. This may not be the spot to ask about a tunner but after I get my parts together I will need one. I'm in Illinois and I don't mind to travel for a well respected tunner. I have speed inc in my area and they have always been cool and helpful but I'm open to some suggestions. Thanks again for the help!

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

100 maf's can be made cheaper than most think. The sensor itself is 50 bucks new, and the adapter harness and bung is 20 ish. All you need is a 4 inch diameter pipe and someone to weld the bung in. My maf was built for less than 100 bucks.

nitto99

iTrader: (3)

Where can the parts be found? Any part# available?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

Not off the top of my head. I'm on my phone at work, but do a search for "card style maf" and it should net you all the info you need to make one.

Also, keep in mind, that maf card you need was used of almost every newer GM vehicle from cobalts to equinox's. If you absolutely have to go on the cheap, you should be able to find one at a junk yard...you will just have to make a tube and get the adapter harness.