Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Difference between 5-wire and 3-wire MAF?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 14, 2016 | 11:23 AM
  #1  
Ozz1967's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 3
From: St. Cloud, MN.
Default Difference between 5-wire and 3-wire MAF?

I did a search but wasn't able to find the difference or why people swap. Lots of install and wiring info though.

So what is the main difference between the two? I'm doing an LS Swap into my 3rd Gen Firebird and is there a reason or an advantage for why I should go with a 5-wire MAF over a 3-wire MAF? is it size? If it matters, I'm keeping the LQ4 78mm cable throttle body so I can run my 700R4.

Last edited by Ozz1967; Oct 14, 2016 at 11:40 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2016 | 11:51 AM
  #2  
EFIHARNESS's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
Default

The 3 wire is maf only. The 5 wire also adds air temp. Steve
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2016 | 11:56 AM
  #3  
Ozz1967's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 3
From: St. Cloud, MN.
Default

Originally Posted by EFIHARNESS
The 3 wire is maf only. The 5 wire also adds air temp. Steve
what is that benefit?
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2016 | 12:05 PM
  #4  
JoeNova's Avatar
Restricted User
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 7,192
Likes: 109
From: Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Ozz1967
what is that benefit?
You don't have to mount a separate IAT sensors somewhere.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2016 | 12:20 PM
  #5  
Ozz1967's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 3
From: St. Cloud, MN.
Default

Originally Posted by JoeNova
You don't have to mount a separate IAT sensors somewhere.
Makes sense. Wasn't sure if there was another tangible benefit to it or not.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2016 | 08:45 AM
  #6  
gofastwclass's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 28
From: KCMO
Default

There are also different style mass air sensors. Some come built in the tube and some (LS3 style) slide in a slot. The card / slot type are often the easiest to install in the tight confines of many swaps if you have fabrication skills, but the tube style (trucks usually) are the simplest if you don't.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2016 | 07:12 AM
  #7  
ryeguy2006a's Avatar
TECH Addict
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 728
From: Ruckersville, VA
Default

Stock LS1 MAF is 75mm.
Stock LS6/Truck MAF is 85mm.

If you change MAF's from what the computer you have is programmed, it won't be calibrated correctly. Make sure that if you switch one way or another that your ECU is programmed appropriately.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:04 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 14:55:56


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE