MAF or MAP?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
MAF or MAP?
Can anybody describe pros/cons with each system? I have the 85 ECM and am thinking of re-pinning and going with a ECM out of an 86 vette because of the baud rate issues.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: MAF or MAP? (GRX)
MAF
Advantages Simplier to program, will compensates
Disadvantages MAF replacements cost more, limited in Higher HP applications.
(MAF can read to about 350hp, and the ECM can be easily fool to 500hp)
MAT
Advanatges can be fined tuned better, cheaper, can be tuned for higher HP applications
Disadvantages Doesn't compensate as well (w/o programing) for air flow changes.
Advantages Simplier to program, will compensates
Disadvantages MAF replacements cost more, limited in Higher HP applications.
(MAF can read to about 350hp, and the ECM can be easily fool to 500hp)
MAT
Advanatges can be fined tuned better, cheaper, can be tuned for higher HP applications
Disadvantages Doesn't compensate as well (w/o programing) for air flow changes.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: MAF or MAP? (GRX)
why the 86? its still a MAF system, i forget what Jeff Kopp listed as the usual upgrade in ECM for us but you can do better than the 86 ECM.
Like dgoodhue said, MAP is better for high HP numbers where MAF is limited in its measurements. I may go MAP after my mods are finished.
Like dgoodhue said, MAP is better for high HP numbers where MAF is limited in its measurements. I may go MAP after my mods are finished.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Torrance CA
Re: MAF or MAP? (vader86)
It is better to think of the difference not as MAF vs. MAP, but as 86-89 technology vs. 90-91 technology.
Regardless of the theoretical/philosophical differences between MAF and MAP, the fact is, newer is better. GM engineers constantly refine and develop the ECM and accompanying software to the best they can make it at the time.
The newest ECM and software that can be easily retrofitted into your car happens to use a MAP sensor instead of a MAF sensor - some people get emotional over these sensors, I really don't understand why.
Years ago I converted my '85 to a 165 ECM, and it was an improvement. I recently converted my '88 to a 730 ECM and that was a further improvement.
The hardest part about converting my 85 to a 165 ECM was creating the MAF burnoff relay system. Converting to a 730 (MAP) system actually takes less wires and is slightly easier.
In conclusion - I recommend converting straight to the 730 (MAP) ECM as it is a somewhat simpler conversion, has newer software, and has greater potential in terms of tuning.
Good luck
Regardless of the theoretical/philosophical differences between MAF and MAP, the fact is, newer is better. GM engineers constantly refine and develop the ECM and accompanying software to the best they can make it at the time.
The newest ECM and software that can be easily retrofitted into your car happens to use a MAP sensor instead of a MAF sensor - some people get emotional over these sensors, I really don't understand why.
Years ago I converted my '85 to a 165 ECM, and it was an improvement. I recently converted my '88 to a 730 ECM and that was a further improvement.
The hardest part about converting my 85 to a 165 ECM was creating the MAF burnoff relay system. Converting to a 730 (MAP) system actually takes less wires and is slightly easier.
In conclusion - I recommend converting straight to the 730 (MAP) ECM as it is a somewhat simpler conversion, has newer software, and has greater potential in terms of tuning.
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 0
From: Gloucester Va
Re: MAF or MAP? (GRX)
I'm one for the map at this point. Can't say which is easier to tune. Have not really gotten into it the much yet. I can say I like the idea of no MAF to control your air intake path. I'm one who likes to re-engineer things. I've had a idea for a new intake setup on the car for years, but have been held back because of the MAF. So, converting to MAP, has opened up the door again. Plus there is always that $300+ price tag for the MAF vs the $50 for a MAP sensor. You'll also find more info, products for tunning, and help with a MAP system. I think the MAF is good, but just not a lot of people understand it (enough to tune that is). Good luck with what ever you do.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Torrance CA
Re: MAF or MAP? (GRX)
I did the conversion right after it was smogged, so it will be two years before I go again. But, this is a factory ECM with factory programming - there is no reason I can think of that it should fail smog due to the ECM swap.
