removing ONE maf screen
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
removing ONE maf screen
i see a lot of people asking 'should i remove the high restricting maf screens??'
most of the time the answer is No, mainly for the reason of the screens stop bigger crap getting into the throttle body.
well i was wondering (i hope this isnt a really stupid question, but it may be) if i was to only remove one of the screens (say, the furthest from filter) wouldnt that still provide a good barrier from debree hitting maf wires and getting into the throtlle body, while at the same time, still alowing that much more air through.
surely air going through one wire mesh screen flows better than air going through two wire mesh screens??
what do you guys think??
most of the time the answer is No, mainly for the reason of the screens stop bigger crap getting into the throttle body.
well i was wondering (i hope this isnt a really stupid question, but it may be) if i was to only remove one of the screens (say, the furthest from filter) wouldnt that still provide a good barrier from debree hitting maf wires and getting into the throtlle body, while at the same time, still alowing that much more air through.
surely air going through one wire mesh screen flows better than air going through two wire mesh screens??
what do you guys think??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
This was taken from Vader86's webpage:
MAF descreening
The MAF sensor is the sensor between the airbox and the accordian intake. It has 2 screens on either side of the sensor element, and it'll flow about 200cfm extra air (total of about 650-700) with these screens removed. I would not, however, remove the heat sink fins inside it, youre taking a big risk by getting near the sensor element, and this is not a cheap part.
Some make the mistake of assuming these screens are for preventing debris from hitting the sensor....thats what the air filter is for, and why would they need a screen after the element if that was the case? They are primarily for straightening air over the element, but on Corvettes that shouldnt be an issue with our straight intakes.
Unfortunately, this doesnt seem to help LT1/4 that much, so I wouldnt bother with it.
MAF descreening
The MAF sensor is the sensor between the airbox and the accordian intake. It has 2 screens on either side of the sensor element, and it'll flow about 200cfm extra air (total of about 650-700) with these screens removed. I would not, however, remove the heat sink fins inside it, youre taking a big risk by getting near the sensor element, and this is not a cheap part.
Some make the mistake of assuming these screens are for preventing debris from hitting the sensor....thats what the air filter is for, and why would they need a screen after the element if that was the case? They are primarily for straightening air over the element, but on Corvettes that shouldnt be an issue with our straight intakes.
Unfortunately, this doesnt seem to help LT1/4 that much, so I wouldnt bother with it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
Ahh i see.
i was wondering why the screen was on the back? seemed sorta useless if it was to stop debris. so these screen are pretty much to stop me and you messing with the burnoff wires and the fins??
but say i still took the screens off, but left the fins alone (which i would of done anyway) is this ok? and does it only mean i just have to be very careful when handling the maf??
Thanks
i was wondering why the screen was on the back? seemed sorta useless if it was to stop debris. so these screen are pretty much to stop me and you messing with the burnoff wires and the fins??
but say i still took the screens off, but left the fins alone (which i would of done anyway) is this ok? and does it only mean i just have to be very careful when handling the maf??
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Yes, this is o.k. and you will gain 200cfm. The wires inside are very delicate and should not be touched. If you can descreen both and not harm the wires you should gain the 200cfm. I don't know what benefit you would get from removing one screen, first time I've heard this. Also as stated above this is not a cheap sensor, $200+.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
A stock 350 (especially a TPI that doesnt breathe) is lucky to use 550 cfm or so...Taking them off is a waste of time. Had one MAF descreened, the replacement wasn't, 0 difference in power.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
yeah, i originally had been told that they were to stop debris.... so i just figured that the rear screen was useless.... id take off both now that i know the real reason they are there
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
A stock 350 (especially a TPI that doesnt breathe) is lucky to use 550 cfm or so...Taking them off is a waste of time. Had one MAF descreened, the replacement wasn't, 0 difference in power.
Didn't notice a difference myself when I did this years ago.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
with Vader. Not there for debris at all...their there to change the air flow characteristics. I wouldn't be surprised to see the removal of screens actually hurt performance. You don't really think the Generalwas just trying to get rid of some extra $$$ do you.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I removed both screens on my '89, years ago. Corvette Fever magazine mentioned a 5 HP increase in midrange power(dyno testing). The air filter (if stock w/housing) will prevent any debris large enough to do damage to the elements. Just be very carefull with it when removed.
You won't feel extra seat of the pants push with this single mod. though.
....Sanche
You won't feel extra seat of the pants push with this single mod. though.
....Sanche
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
You might want to pick up July's Pontiac's Hi Performance and follow along as Real Performace Motorsports chucks a decreened MAF for a stocker. To me, more folklore than fact - an engine will only suck as much air as it's built to suck. Stock configuation is more than adequate for most. If there's a MAF problem, it's probably because the sensor wire is funky and the signal is wrong. With that said, my stocker (relatively new) went lean, so I'm using my original - descreened years ago when the myths started - with no problems, and relatively flat 128 BLM's in all cells. Cured the lean condition that suddenly showed up on my scans - though I'm still not sure it wasn't just the connector.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
I took the screen out of my LT4 MAF and got blasted for it here. I didn't take it out expecting and performance gains although I'm not sure it doesn't hurt performance. The screen on a 96 from memory was really thick and I can see where it MIGHT straighten air flown across the sensors, however when I just held it loosely in my first finger and thumb and blew through it you could feel resistance to the airflow.
I chose to take it out, I don't feel any problems or performance loss and my intermittent code P300 went away. Whether it was the dirty screen or just cleaning things up I don't know.
I really can't see how taking this screen out will hurt performance when the air has to make several turns before it goes into the motor anyway.
I think it's a personal decision if you want it out barring any codes or problems. I accept the fact that maybe someday the sensors will take a crap and I will have to buy a new MAF. If you're willing to take those risks I don't any problem with it out.
I chose to take it out, I don't feel any problems or performance loss and my intermittent code P300 went away. Whether it was the dirty screen or just cleaning things up I don't know.
I really can't see how taking this screen out will hurt performance when the air has to make several turns before it goes into the motor anyway.
I think it's a personal decision if you want it out barring any codes or problems. I accept the fact that maybe someday the sensors will take a crap and I will have to buy a new MAF. If you're willing to take those risks I don't any problem with it out.