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MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 06:30 PM
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Default MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

I read on this board is add maf ends, and get a maft to make it work or edit it with LS1 edit?

and a lot of messing with the maf problems that arise.

What is the limit of HP (or grams/sec, #/min on a stock MAF before it becomes a restriction.

What amount of air needs to go through it before it get pegged.

and 3rd, why not just use a stock screened maf, and adjust the tuning leaner to get more power, and not "trick" the computer.

Ryan.
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 08:00 PM
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Default Re: MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

Descreened w/maf ends = more room to flow (or a ported maf) air... more air = more power.

However, more air + stock electronics will generally lean a car out because it wasn't calibrated to flow that much air.

Aftermarket MAFs are supposed to be calibrated to report accurate flow numbers to the computer

MAFT will let you correct for a lean condition and kinda let you fine tune the entire power band.

Dunno about the limit.

Leaving the stock screened MAF lets less air in and I believe the the screen can cause turbulance? Regardless, the stock maf wont flow as much as a ported, descreened one... it's like asking why not just keep stock heads? They work but the flow is the key. The more air in the more power out (provided proper a/f ratio)
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 11:15 PM
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Default Re: MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

agreed flow is good, but a bolton car, i dont see maxing out the stock maf, am i correct, or am i wrong.

I dont like to trick the computer, i would rather program the computer to run correctly. Af is one good item to know, but there are load tables, and other PCM related variables that are based off the maf flow (ie. A4 tranny problems) The 1/4 mile is not my 100% goal for the car, so the 1/10 that porting a maf will give is not worht it. But long term drivability, and tuning are what i do want to be able to control.

Screens normally straighten out airflow, to allow for better maf readings.

Does anybody have flowdata/flowtables for the stock mafs, and aftermarket mafs?

Ryan.

I
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 11:42 PM
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Default Re: MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

well i dont have flowtables but ive read on this board time and time again that the best maf is a stock descreened one. FWIW, george c who runs 10.0 runs a stock maf and a few others do also. the stock maf doesnt max out until about 600rwhp or close to it so its not really a big deal. spend that money on a ported tb instead. btw, i run a stock descreened maf also. the screen isnt a problem for a4 cars but fully porting it or maf ends is a problem. another option is buying ends and keeping your stock maf and if they dont work you can swap em back.

<small>[ November 18, 2002, 11:43 PM: Message edited by: hondakiller ]</small>
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Old Nov 18, 2002 | 11:48 PM
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Default Re: MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

thank you.

I assumed it would do 550 w/o porting.

Removing the screen does not bother me, as it does not effect the readings a lot.

I dont think ill see 600 hp to max it out for a long long time so im good.

Ryan.
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Old Nov 19, 2002 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

Your 3rd point is exactly right. "tricking" the computer into running leaner is definitely not the correct way to do it. I still maintain that the front 02's will simply learn that the car isn't producing the A/F ratio that it should be and will calibrate fuel delivery to compensate, regardless of what the MAF is saying. This is why a lot of people (like me) use a Predator or LS1Edit to reprogram the ECM's fuel trims and timing on a dyno using a wideband 02. Honestly, I don't think modding the MAF is necessary until you reach ultra high HP levels (like 600 RWHP as stated above), including descreening. The amount of power you MIGHT gain just doesn't seem worth it to me. I think screens not only straighten out the airflow, but also act as a second line of defense against incoming engine debris. I know that air filters are supposed to catch everything, but they are not always 100% effective. Myself and many others have found small bugs that have somehow wiggled their way in and entombed themselves on the MAF screen. <img border="0" alt="[kaboom]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_bomb.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
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Old Nov 19, 2002 | 08:17 PM
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Default Re: MAF, why mess with it? Need real answers

thanks, thats the same line of thought that i have.

I dont have LS1 edit yet, so i cant really mess with it.

But do have access to countless dyno's and have access to a portable wideband setup.

Ryan.
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