that's good
MAF Screens
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 520
Likes: 6
From: Elverson PA
85_TPI My Vette stopped running and won't start now. I was thinking my MAF may be going bad but am not sure how to check it. How is this done and if it's bad, what's the best place to get a replacement?
I bought a rebuilt one at A&A Auto w/ a lifetime guarantee. Don't have to worry about junk hitting the wire with that, so ditch the screens! It it breaks, put them back in and go get another. It was $199 with a core, I think. That was about 4 yrs ago and it is still fine.
Also, that new CRC Mass Airflow cleaner is great. K&N filters seem to let some oil through that junks up the wire. I didn't notice the vette was too dirty, but my turbo volvo was VERY dirty. It looked like the wire was clean, but when cleaned over a white cloth all this black came out. Do not use other cleaners like carb or tb cleaner on your MAF unless it says it is safe on the product.
Dave
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Yes the MAFs are pretty delicate,I just cringe when I see that little piece of pipe that is restricting my much needed air so I took screens out and could feel a little diff.,Even went as far to take the heatsink down but still leave enough fin sticking up to grab some air.Removing part of the heatsinks were not as noticeable as removing the screens but Im sure It made some minor diff and I feel comfortable that Im still cooling the module better then having no sinks at all. You also have to figure that C4 parts are becomming very available because of end of service life on daily drivers and part outs. I have 3 MAFs and 4 ECMs.If you mess with something ALWAYS have a backup!! Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 0
From: Conyers Ga
Originally Posted by Aardwolf
Open up a beer with your can opener, then open up your MAF. 
The risk of damaging an over $300.00 dollar part for a small gain in HP isn't worth it. I look at it this way, after 18 years and 101K miles, I doubt my vette still produces the posted 245HP anyway. Why gamble just to get BACK to it?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville VA
Still if it is a gain, and I believe the articles I have seen where it is worth something, even if very little. Maybe not worth it to someone who is content to have a stock level car, but definitely something worth considering to those who want to get as much unimpeded flow as possible. Is there a chance it could let something get in and ruin the MAF? I guess so, but there is a chance that a airplane will crash on your house or that a rabid squirrel will attack you for your Starbucks and you manage to get by somehow.
If a little risk bothers you to where you can't sleep at night, then keep those nice screens right where they are. I'll take whatever the little gain is and run with it.
If a little risk bothers you to where you can't sleep at night, then keep those nice screens right where they are. I'll take whatever the little gain is and run with it.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 2
From: Richfield Utah
Originally Posted by JrRifleCoach
Leave it be. If your still convinced descreening will be an improvement, only remove the rear screen. This way the front screen will still protect the MAF wire.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 15
From: The light that never warms.
St. Jude Donor '12
There are a couple of things that need to be said. First, screens do not straighten airflow. One layer of wire that is round in cross section cannot straighten anything. If anything, it will introduce some turbulence.
Second, a little oil from your K&N, or whatever, is no big deal. There is a burn-off cycle which happens every time you shut off the car. There is a seperate relay just for this. The wire heats up, to burn off anything that has stuck to it.
The screens are there to protect the delicate little wire - from YOU! If you are careful with the MAF, you don't need the screens.
Second, a little oil from your K&N, or whatever, is no big deal. There is a burn-off cycle which happens every time you shut off the car. There is a seperate relay just for this. The wire heats up, to burn off anything that has stuck to it.
The screens are there to protect the delicate little wire - from YOU! If you are careful with the MAF, you don't need the screens.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 2
From: Richfield Utah
I think it is getting about time for me to disassemble a junk MAF, and look at the circuitry, and see what components need that size of heatsink. Only then will I know for sure about heatsink fin removal. 
I to agree pretty much with the screens being there to protect the sensor wire from your fingers...
I to agree pretty much with the screens being there to protect the sensor wire from your fingers...
Last edited by Steel Breeze; Nov 11, 2006 at 06:46 PM.
Guest
Posts: n/a
http://todd-vette.tripod.com/mycarpics/index.album?i=10
Heay guys check out these pics of the new maf replacement i found. It only has one screen which is about 1/16th inch thick. It is definately there to shape the air going in and only has one on the forward side. There is no wire that i can see in it like others. I swear that the funny u shaped peice of metal looks like the hall-effect sensor in my pinball machine! If that is indeed what it is then it raises alot of questions with me. Any-one else gotten one of these from Corvette Central as a replacement? I bought it from another forum member and am confused by it... But the one thing it does make clear to me is that there is a design behind shaping the air flow! Ever notice how exactly matched both ends are on the stock ones? From a production point of veiw that has got to be EXPENSIVE... for a part that's not needed??? I wish we had some-one from Bosche or Delphi chiming in on this. Because i would love to know their reason in going with screens.
Heay guys check out these pics of the new maf replacement i found. It only has one screen which is about 1/16th inch thick. It is definately there to shape the air going in and only has one on the forward side. There is no wire that i can see in it like others. I swear that the funny u shaped peice of metal looks like the hall-effect sensor in my pinball machine! If that is indeed what it is then it raises alot of questions with me. Any-one else gotten one of these from Corvette Central as a replacement? I bought it from another forum member and am confused by it... But the one thing it does make clear to me is that there is a design behind shaping the air flow! Ever notice how exactly matched both ends are on the stock ones? From a production point of veiw that has got to be EXPENSIVE... for a part that's not needed??? I wish we had some-one from Bosche or Delphi chiming in on this. Because i would love to know their reason in going with screens.