MAF screen.... good or bad?
MAF screen.... good or bad? Wondering if the MAF screen is a good thing to remove HP wise. It looks restrictive, but ive heard it helps because it straightens the airflow comming in. So is it worth removing, or should i just leave it in? Thanks! 
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 9,246
Likes: 3
From: Troy, AL
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? Yank it. That whole "straightens the airflow out and that's why it's there" thing is 
The problems occur when people damage their MAF while removing it...and you gotta be pretty damn careless (or clumsy) to do that. For every person that has done it wrong there are a hundred that have done it right. I can do it with a small screwdriver in literally about three seconds once the MAF is removed.
The problems occur when people damage their MAF while removing it...and you gotta be pretty damn careless (or clumsy) to do that. For every person that has done it wrong there are a hundred that have done it right. I can do it with a small screwdriver in literally about three seconds once the MAF is removed.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 9,246
Likes: 3
From: Troy, AL
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? It's good to not PORT the maf it's an A4 because it reduces the reported load to the PCM which can effect the tranny line pressure. Desreening it won't hurt a thing. You will lean the mixture and raise the timing advance by porting regardless of what tranny you run (this in itself may be a good thing or a bad thing depending on if your particular car needs the mixture and timing changed in these ways.)
People all too often confuse descreening with porting the MAF. One decreases the reported load substantially (porting) and one doesn't (descreening.)
People all too often confuse descreening with porting the MAF. One decreases the reported load substantially (porting) and one doesn't (descreening.)
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 0
From: Friendswood TX
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? Ah i always heard not to yank out the screen after i already did it. For that same reason with deals with line pressure. So porting it is the problem not the screen, thanks Colonel
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Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? This is true when the airflow is evenly distributed
across the entire MAF face (like on the F-bodies,
where the tract is fairly straight). However, if
the airflow is biased (such as by high velocity /
flow that has to make a turn) the MAF can be
misled.
I think the screen makes the flow go nonlaminar
and increases its resistance at high velocity, and
forces this not to happen (by adding substantial
resistance, which makes the flow redistribute).
If you take the screen out cleanly (like by using
paint stripper overnight and an X-acto) you would
have the option of putting it back neatly should
you wish.
across the entire MAF face (like on the F-bodies,
where the tract is fairly straight). However, if
the airflow is biased (such as by high velocity /
flow that has to make a turn) the MAF can be
misled.
I think the screen makes the flow go nonlaminar
and increases its resistance at high velocity, and
forces this not to happen (by adding substantial
resistance, which makes the flow redistribute).
If you take the screen out cleanly (like by using
paint stripper overnight and an X-acto) you would
have the option of putting it back neatly should
you wish.
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TECH Junkie
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? Get rid of the screen.I yanked mine and have had no problems-just be careful you dont damage the MAF itself while doing so.Use a small screwdriver and pry it off. 
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley, CA
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? I would say remove the screen, but don't port the ends. I ported mine when I forst bought my car, and eventually switched back to stock ends with no screen. It feels better now (and I see better mileage). Just be sure not to damage the actual sensor when you take the screen out. For what it's worth, I believe the stock ZO6 maf has no screen. No first hand experience with this, but it's what I heard.
Jeff
Jeff
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? Ok. Are aftermarket MAF ends similar to ported stockers then? I'd like to get some Anodized MAF ends because they look great but I have an A4 and no way to tune the car right now.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Savage, MD
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? Well I have about the same qeustoin. I just put my cam in and I'm going to get my car tuned next week. Do you think ported ends would be good to get? Even if it throws off my tune now it will be retuned with the ported ends on there.
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? I've descreened the MAF on my 02 SS, 99 T/A, and 98 Z28 with no ill after effects. I recommend taking the MAF apart (using a star bit screwdriver) then just pop the screen out with your thumbs. This way you don't run the risk of touching the wires and damaging your MAF. Also I'd say to get a well fitting aftermarket lid and filter first. You don't want any bugs or anything getting sucked into your intake.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, Australia
Re: MAF screen.... good or bad? Why not rip the MAF out altogether. Have the car tuned in speed density mode and get rid of that restriction. I did and it is awsome.
Surely someone over there can tune the PCM in Speed Density and solve your problems.
Surely someone over there can tune the PCM in Speed Density and solve your problems.