MAF Sensor removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 104
From: Stafford Va
MAF Sensor removal
I have a LT4 /OBD 1 computer in my 64 Corvette. What is the impact on performance if any if I remove the MAF sensor and the code in the computer? Can I do it? Street & Performance says I can then I can use their short air cleaner which is what they do and they retain the temp switch that was in the rubber snorkel. What does the MAF do for me?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
You cannot remove the MAF. It is the computers only way of knowing the volume of air coming into the engine so it can adjust the mixtures properly.
If I am wrong, please, someone correct me on this...
If I am wrong, please, someone correct me on this...
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
Sure, you can remove it...then you'll be back here asking why your car runs like total crap.... Like Bogus said, without the MAF the ECM is blind, won't know how much air is entering the engine and won't know how much fuel to add to make it run right.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Ithaca Michigan
What about speed density cars? They dont have a MAF. But if you went to speed density your luck would pivot on your tuner so get someone who knows there s*** MAF cars are more forgiving to mods like bigger cam, ported intake etc...
Don't lose the MAF
Good luck to ya, Tom
Don't lose the MAF
Good luck to ya, Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,153
Likes: 1,731
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
You cannot get rid of the MAF or O2 sensor, they are the most integral sensors of fuel injection.
Switching to SD wouldnt be worth the expense, but if you REALLY want rid of MAF, you'll have to change to an earlier computer from SD cars along with proper wiring. (90-93) Once you do that, any real modification to the engine will require a PCM flash/chip change as SD has a harder time adjusting to mods.
Switching to SD wouldnt be worth the expense, but if you REALLY want rid of MAF, you'll have to change to an earlier computer from SD cars along with proper wiring. (90-93) Once you do that, any real modification to the engine will require a PCM flash/chip change as SD has a harder time adjusting to mods.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: des plaines, il
If you're talking about an LT4 engine and PCM combination that has been installed in your '64, then you have a '96 PCM.
IIRC, late model PCMs are setup to run both a MAF and MAP calibration in parallel, with the MAP routine being a stand-alone fail-safe in the event of MAF signal loss. This is similar to the LS1 engine control design that immediately followed in '97.
As such, that PCM will run without the MAF connected. Take a look on the HPTuners forum for further discussion. You might want to talk to Alvin at PCMforless (or someone else with accurate knowledge of the '96 PCM) about cleaning up the calibration and MILs if you are doing away with the MAF permanently.
HTH
IIRC, late model PCMs are setup to run both a MAF and MAP calibration in parallel, with the MAP routine being a stand-alone fail-safe in the event of MAF signal loss. This is similar to the LS1 engine control design that immediately followed in '97.
As such, that PCM will run without the MAF connected. Take a look on the HPTuners forum for further discussion. You might want to talk to Alvin at PCMforless (or someone else with accurate knowledge of the '96 PCM) about cleaning up the calibration and MILs if you are doing away with the MAF permanently.
HTH
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: des plaines, il
You're welcome. The 94-95 PCMs are similar to, but with a little less installed memory than, the '96 model. I'm not really familiar with the differences in programs between those years. You may find some general background reading on a forum at a site like LT1Edit. Another possible resource might be tjwong who posts on CF.
In any case you'll want to discuss the work with someone who has an actual technical background in GM computers, rather than gather more uninformed speculation.
Good luck with the project.
In any case you'll want to discuss the work with someone who has an actual technical background in GM computers, rather than gather more uninformed speculation.
Good luck with the project.