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The MAF sensor I ordered has a small tab which prevents me from sliding the coupler all the way up against the largest part of the sensor body, as pictured below (tab is on top, the rectangular piece to the right of the circle. Also, what is that circle for?).
When I do install the coupler, it looks like this. Note the gap. These are 4" to 4" couplers, however this side of the MAF is smaller (the other side is the full 4"). The couplers came with a small rubber piece to step down in size and the clamp is able to tighten down the difference. I have read on the forum that others have used this technique successfully.
Here are both sides put together. Something about this doesn't look quite right. I've tried searching other pictures on the forum but I'm not seeing this gap on other people's MAF sensors. Maybe they are using a different brand, I'm not sure, or maybe I'm just missing something. I feel like the coupler should slide all the way up, but I'm not sure how it would.
Here's the finished product. Fortunately, I didn't have to glue any pieces together. Is this gap normal or OK?
You're using a generic coupler, you can't expect it to fit like factory because it's meant to fit many different applications. If it were me I would trim a small notch out of the coupler. Its rubber, a razor blade should be all it takes.
Thanks. I really wanted to hide the MAF sensor under the box next to the air filter. I really prefer the look of just a tube. I read a lot of threads on the forum about MAFs, and though there were lots of opinions, the consensus I gathered was that it is best to be several inches away from the throttle body, not right up against the air filter, and have several inches of straight pipe in front of it. These are not absolute requirements, but that the best operation is achieved under these areas. Since this build is most about practicality I decided to follow function over form. I mounted the MAF a little further up the tube (toward the throttle body) than I wanted to. If I could have moved it down some more I could have turned the MAF over and hid the box and connector, but as it sits now I think if I turn the connector down I may run the risk of the wires getting caught up in the belt drive by accident. I was glad I didn't end up having to glue any pieces together. I don't think I would have been happy with the results I would have gotten if I had attempted that.
Gotcha. Perhaps a time to get the dremmel out. If the little round part might be to hold wires, what is the purpose of that tab?
so the maf is clocked correctly when assembled with the intake tube. sensor housing up i would guess so that moisture or stuff doesn't accumulate in it.
so the maf is clocked correctly when assembled with the intake tube. sensor housing up i would guess so that moisture or stuff doesn't accumulate in it.
So do you think I should clock it up as well? I was hoping to put it down to hide the ugly parts, but if it might cause trouble I'll turn it up.
Yes, it should be clocked "up." Look at pictures of any new car engine bay. Some are off to the side a little, but they are mostly up. You can probably get away with being 90 degrees to the side, but no downward angle. Kind of the same rule as mounting O2 sensors in the exhaust.
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MAF sensor alignment to coupler 
