Intake Filter Important?
Intake Filter Important? A friend of mine recently pointed out that I don't have the filter that sits inside the neck cylinder of the intake manifold, which is directly behind the airlid cover of the LS1.
Is this piece important to have? If so, what exactly is this filter called, and where can I get it?
Thanks.
Is this piece important to have? If so, what exactly is this filter called, and where can I get it?
Thanks.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 63
From: Knappa, Oregon
Yes, someone has de-screened the MAF on your car. There normally would be a screen in the metal piece that your air lid fits to. Some people take out the screen hoping for better air flow. The down side is that if you suck anything past the filter it will probably destroy the MAF sensor.
OK, that makes sense because the plastic wall behind the Ram Air entrance has two holes drilled out. I can't figure out why he/she was so desperate for air intake. It doesn't even make that much difference under 60MPH. Ironic thing is that this person didn't realize that the holes are actually distorting air flow. The Ram Air scoops are higher than the air box; hence, the dual walls behind the entrance to direct the air down into the box. 
Where can I get a new MAF filter besides the dealership?
Where can I get a new MAF filter besides the dealership?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 63
From: Knappa, Oregon
I would not worry about the de-screened MAF. Just be aware that it has been done in case you have a future problem. They also removed the baffles behind the hood, it sounds like. The gains in power are mostly just a feel good thing.
If you are going to drive it daily that also opens up another way to suck in crap. Like you have said, increased air flow only goes so far. I would look into your throttle body and see if it has been ported. Because most people who de-screen and remove the air baffles would do that too.
A ported throttle body IS a worth while mod. If that has been done then it will make a difference.
If you are going to drive it daily that also opens up another way to suck in crap. Like you have said, increased air flow only goes so far. I would look into your throttle body and see if it has been ported. Because most people who de-screen and remove the air baffles would do that too.
A ported throttle body IS a worth while mod. If that has been done then it will make a difference.
Eh, that's just it. I have to drive it at least 4 days out of every week. So I'd feel better with an MAF foil in there.
Can you get these separately from dealerships? If so, how much can you expect to pay for one?
Can you get these separately from dealerships? If so, how much can you expect to pay for one?
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What you will need is a stock, or screened, MAF. You can't buy just the screen, AFAIK. I recently picked one up in the used parts section of this forum. If you look into MAF theory, it also performs another function.
I pulled this off another forum, so it is only third hand info at best:
"The function of the honeycomb [MAF screen] is to create a laminar flow across the entire surface of the MAF and throttle body, so that air flow is uniform and homogenous. The MAF sensing element is "spot checking" the airflow in one spot inside this area, and for accurate airflow measurement, the airflow in this spot should not be high or low relative to the rest of the area. Without the honeycomb, turbulence could make that spot reading inaccurate. What you don't know is whether it's skewing the reading higher or lower. If higher, it'll make the engine run rich. Lower, and she'll run lean."
I have read similar information elsewhere. Just an FYI.
I pulled this off another forum, so it is only third hand info at best:
"The function of the honeycomb [MAF screen] is to create a laminar flow across the entire surface of the MAF and throttle body, so that air flow is uniform and homogenous. The MAF sensing element is "spot checking" the airflow in one spot inside this area, and for accurate airflow measurement, the airflow in this spot should not be high or low relative to the rest of the area. Without the honeycomb, turbulence could make that spot reading inaccurate. What you don't know is whether it's skewing the reading higher or lower. If higher, it'll make the engine run rich. Lower, and she'll run lean."
I have read similar information elsewhere. Just an FYI.
The above post is the best info in this thread. The screen is not there to act as a backup air filter, although it sometimes acts as such. It is there to help get an accurate reading from the MAF. Removing it is a non-mod, it is in no way restricting airflow unless you have a VERY extreme high horsepower setup.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,285
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From: Elgin, Il
Wow I can not believe some of you guys are recommending he leave the screen out. For those that did, I suggest you stop giving advice before you aid in the destruction of some poor guys engine. The screen smoothes out air flow for the MAF and if there is some sort of tear in the filter or sealing of the lid that you are unaware of, it is your last line of defense against debiris getting in your engine.
Descreening a MAF, ****** hilarious. I've found little sticks and leaves on my MAF before, as well as a tiny rock stuck in the screen. Its NOT only there to distribute air evenly, its a SCREEN, just like the screen on your patio, sure your patio will have nice even distribution from the breeze, but you're not gonna get eaten by ****** mosquitos either 
Its the same thing with the K&N air filters....people say they gain 1-2 hp on the dyno, yeah whatever, but they are slowly destroying their engines from debris....debris that CANNOT get by the much better paper filters. I guess if you descreen the MAF and use a K&N filter, you'll have a beast of a car.
Its the same thing with the K&N air filters....people say they gain 1-2 hp on the dyno, yeah whatever, but they are slowly destroying their engines from debris....debris that CANNOT get by the much better paper filters. I guess if you descreen the MAF and use a K&N filter, you'll have a beast of a car.
I really think you need a new MAF if you want the screen. I doubt you can put a new one on there.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 1
From: Elgin, Il
Descreening a MAF, ****** hilarious. I've found little sticks and leaves on my MAF before, as well as a tiny rock stuck in the screen. Its NOT only there to distribute air evenly, its a SCREEN, just like the screen on your patio, sure your patio will have nice even distribution from the breeze, but you're not gonna get eaten by ****** mosquitos either
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: Just This Side of Damnation
The MAF screen is there to straighten airflow. While it does keep out sticks and bugs, it is not there FOR that.
There are some air intakes that turn a corner right before the MAF. In these applications it does the job of straightening airflow before the MAF. In straight flow applications it does the job but is not so important. There have been GM applications where the MAF screen was not used in LS engines. I have a book that includes an entry from an engineer that was in on the design of the LS engine(s) and his opinion was that the screen can be canned in a straight application.
The important thing to take away from this conversation is to have your intake and filter RIGHT, so that bugs and sticks don't make it past the filter. Duh.
There are some air intakes that turn a corner right before the MAF. In these applications it does the job of straightening airflow before the MAF. In straight flow applications it does the job but is not so important. There have been GM applications where the MAF screen was not used in LS engines. I have a book that includes an entry from an engineer that was in on the design of the LS engine(s) and his opinion was that the screen can be canned in a straight application.
The important thing to take away from this conversation is to have your intake and filter RIGHT, so that bugs and sticks don't make it past the filter. Duh.