Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: El Paso
Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks.
I'm not going to modify my engine other than a just-ordered Route 66 exhaust (which I might change for a touring if it's quieter inside, before it ships tomorrow; waiting for replies from the general side). Still, that screen doesn't make any sense, does it?
What's the purpose of it, if I'm going to keep the stock air filter?
Should I remove it or not? Any benefits?
Thanks guys.
JC
What's the purpose of it, if I'm going to keep the stock air filter?
Should I remove it or not? Any benefits?
Thanks guys.
JC
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
Most who remove it have no problems,but some do, maybe good for a couple of hp and better throttle response. ZO6s don't have it. But since you have to destroy it to remove, it is not a reversible mod....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 873
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque nm
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
If your talking Corsa touring and looking for exhaust on the mellow side during average driving and nice throaty sound at wot you will like them.
As far as MAF screens I took mine out of my 00 vert and replaced with Billet open end the same time I did a cold air intake. I believe it creates less turbulence without them, I can't say whether it make more power but combined with an after market intake you will make more power for sure.
Also keep in mind the 02 and after Z Maf comes stock less those screens. :D
As far as MAF screens I took mine out of my 00 vert and replaced with Billet open end the same time I did a cold air intake. I believe it creates less turbulence without them, I can't say whether it make more power but combined with an after market intake you will make more power for sure.
Also keep in mind the 02 and after Z Maf comes stock less those screens. :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,030
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
First let me say"Idon't know". I did remove it from my 2000 and my 2002. But I wondered about it too. Why would GM put a screen after the air filter? Besides if it was just a screen they could have made it a lot simpler. I'm convinced that the "honeycomb" is more than a screen. Maybe it has aerodynamic qualities-straightens the air flow?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: BLMVOR R160 [] HOCVOR R305 Switzerland BL
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
GRAY_VETTE, hi,
The purpose of the screen is (as far as a widely accepted opinion goes) : smoothing-out of the intake airstream (!!????!!).
Remove both of the screens by carefully prying them off from the MAFS-ends (flat screwdriver or similar). Beware from the very thin and exposed electronic wires besides the black center of the unit.
Or even better : keep your GM OEM MAFS as is and get one of those high-flow MAFS (WCC or even better : GRANATELLI MS recalibrated). I well know those have their price, YES, but you nicely collect some further RWHP (even it is only by little - but every little thing helps). That way you have a quick spare on hand if ever your aftermarket MAFS fails.
Despite many bad comments about the G-MS MAFS, I am a happy and convinced user of this unit. Absolutely trouble free, no codes, just more refined response from the drive-by-wire pedal........
Good luck, Brother, whatever your decision might be.
PS : I did not check it earlier => as you have a M/Y 2003 C5, you do not have any MAFS-screens, so do not even worry about. But you still might think of upgrading your MAFS.
Joe. :seeya
[Modified by SwissVette_Joe, 1:20 PM 3/4/2003]
The purpose of the screen is (as far as a widely accepted opinion goes) : smoothing-out of the intake airstream (!!????!!).
Remove both of the screens by carefully prying them off from the MAFS-ends (flat screwdriver or similar). Beware from the very thin and exposed electronic wires besides the black center of the unit.
Or even better : keep your GM OEM MAFS as is and get one of those high-flow MAFS (WCC or even better : GRANATELLI MS recalibrated). I well know those have their price, YES, but you nicely collect some further RWHP (even it is only by little - but every little thing helps). That way you have a quick spare on hand if ever your aftermarket MAFS fails.
Despite many bad comments about the G-MS MAFS, I am a happy and convinced user of this unit. Absolutely trouble free, no codes, just more refined response from the drive-by-wire pedal........
Good luck, Brother, whatever your decision might be.
PS : I did not check it earlier => as you have a M/Y 2003 C5, you do not have any MAFS-screens, so do not even worry about. But you still might think of upgrading your MAFS.
Joe. :seeya
[Modified by SwissVette_Joe, 1:20 PM 3/4/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,234
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (SwissVette_Joe)
The screen served a purpose on the GM truck line where the MAF came from. It is my understanding that it was used to straighten the airflow that resulted from the odd air intake path on the trucks. The screen is just a carry over. I removed mine when I installed my Blackwing. There are probably little or no gains to be had by doing this, especially if you are going to keep the stock air intake anyway. The only reason I did mine is because the MAF was off the car anyway during my Blackwing installation (a GREAT little mod BTW). I have not seen any problems yet without the screen. One thing to note is GM removed the screen on '02 and newer Z06's, so I figured it was fairly safe to do. If you decide you want to remove the screen ,be SUPER careful not to touch the little wires in the body of the MAF while you are removing the screen or you may end up buying a new unit.... Good luck either way!
[Modified by Ragtop_Rob, 12:38 PM 3/4/2003]
[Modified by Ragtop_Rob, 12:38 PM 3/4/2003]
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
I took mine out, cant say I really notice a difference but the newer C5's dont have them. Its supposed to be go for a couple HP. Go for it!
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
The only people that I recall having a problem with the removing the screens are those that have an intake that does not provide a straight path for the air such as Halltech intakes. It does straighten out the air flow for those intakes. I removed the screen on a couple of cars where I was using a Vortex but have left it in place now that I am using the Halltech Sidewinder. Honestly, I noticed no difference in power either SOTP or on the dyno by removing it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (SwissVette_Joe)
Not sure about your note, but my 2003 C5 definitely have the screen. Having a Halltech T1C I might belong to the truck category :lol:
I left mine on for now.
/Nimo
---------------------
"PS : I did not check it earlier => as you have a M/Y 2003 C5, you do not have any MAFS-screens, so do not even worry about. But you still might think of upgrading your MAFS"
I left mine on for now.
/Nimo
---------------------
"PS : I did not check it earlier => as you have a M/Y 2003 C5, you do not have any MAFS-screens, so do not even worry about. But you still might think of upgrading your MAFS"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 51
From: New Milford CT
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (Nimo)
How does it affect cam and header cars? Maybe there is a small increase with them? Seems I read that it was factory removed from the Z06's for the small increase in power removing it provides.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,529
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From: Lost Angeles CA
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (CorvetteSS)
The only people that I recall having a problem with the removing the screens are those that have an intake that does not provide a straight path for the air such as Halltech intakes. It does straighten out the air flow for those intakes. I removed the screen on a couple of cars where I was using a Vortex but have left it in place now that I am using the Halltech Sidewinder. Honestly, I noticed no difference in power either SOTP or on the dyno by removing it.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (devo)
Do not get the Granatelli MAF if you plan to mod alot and get a custom LS1 edit as it will try to reteach the computer its preset instructions. I had to sell mine here on the forum when going FI.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
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St. Jude Donor '17
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (BLOWN IN NC)
the screen is there to stop turbulant air flow and let the maf wire get a better reading by directing the flow of air to the filament. The ones with out the screen have different programming to make up for it aswell as a different maf all together i believe.
Removing it may cause your idle to hunt due to the maf sensor trying to get a steady reading. Sure it is a restriction in air flow period. SO removing it will take the restriction away but it may have some consequences that may not even be noticed or may even hurt your performance slightly due to the maf sensor issue.
I know a mechanic that did some testing on this with an fbody and a tech2 and showed that it hurt performance on the tech2.
Removing it may cause your idle to hunt due to the maf sensor trying to get a steady reading. Sure it is a restriction in air flow period. SO removing it will take the restriction away but it may have some consequences that may not even be noticed or may even hurt your performance slightly due to the maf sensor issue.
I know a mechanic that did some testing on this with an fbody and a tech2 and showed that it hurt performance on the tech2.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 147
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From: UT
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (knowledgefreak)
Having an aeronautical engineering major...the screen is very similar to the inlets on windtunnels. On a technical aspect, the honeycomb mesh on the front of the MAF (as stated many times above), is to straighten the airflow out. The sensor in the middle of the MAF will have a more accurate reading with straightened airflow. However, there is a total pressure loss associated with the honeycomb mesh from a minute loss in velocity. Total pressure losses are bad as far as performance goes. I'd be extremely careful removing the mesh as you could possibly damage the sensor and be stuck buying a new one. Removing it, honestly, probably won't give you a noticeable difference. It's the synergistic effects from multiple mods that you're probably looking for with small changes like this. Good luck with it!
Okay, so call me a geek. :cool:
Okay, so call me a geek. :cool:
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 644
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From: Oklahoma City OK
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
As I understand it, it was indeed needed on a truck that uses MAF for the purpose of stablizing air flow. They figured the corvette used the same one and it did not hurt anything to leave it so they did. As they try to squeeze a little more ponys out of the car each year, this is something that was removed in 2002 or 2003. I removed mine on 2000 and have not had any problem. The car seemed faster and more responsive when I removed the screen, but this was one of the first mods I did and part of the seat of the pants might have been a little louder engine roar. :D
Tod :seeya
Tod :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GraveDigger)
a lot of vehicles make use of the turbulance stopper air screens.
I would rather have an electronic companont give an accurate reading than hunt or be off one way or the other. I have seen dynos on fbodys show a loss in power on a dyno and some a gain of 1-2hp the years with the screens removed has a different maf and programming alltogether. With out the programming, it is about as good as putting in a different thermostat and not having your fan turn on insync due to not changing programming. I hope that is a good anaology.
But the buttometer seems to always feel the small changes=)
I would rather have an electronic companont give an accurate reading than hunt or be off one way or the other. I have seen dynos on fbodys show a loss in power on a dyno and some a gain of 1-2hp the years with the screens removed has a different maf and programming alltogether. With out the programming, it is about as good as putting in a different thermostat and not having your fan turn on insync due to not changing programming. I hope that is a good anaology.
But the buttometer seems to always feel the small changes=)
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Riverside CA
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (knowledgefreak)
The screen was worth 3 dyno proven horsepower on my friends 2002 Z-28. i thought it was a mistake but it was backed up. More than likely you'll ruin the screens by taking them out. I toke mine out and have had no driveability problems, although I've heard a few guys complain about driveability problems on their cars. Good-Luck either way.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,484
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From: Morgan Hill Ca.
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
I removed mine and also cut out the little bar and polished and cleaned it up. You have to be careful to not mess with those little resistors and when you cut that little bar out, you need to support the resistors so they don't vibrate around. It really cleans up the air flow. I did it with a Hall Tech install and did notice a nice increase (dyno) don't have the numbers handy. But it was a few ponys. By it's self, don't know! Oops forgot to say I used the Hall Tech Maf ends also.
Jer :D
[Modified by BlueDragon, 5:09 PM 3/5/2003]
Jer :D
[Modified by BlueDragon, 5:09 PM 3/5/2003]
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: El Paso
Re: Why a MAF screen? Should I remove it? Thanks. (GRAY_VETTE)
Thanks a lot for all the responses; very interesting comments. Gotta love this place. :cheers:
I think I won't mess with it. BUT, is it worth installing billet ends I saw somewhere (where???) that eliminate the middle bar altogether; they looked NICE. I think these pieces retain the OEM MAF. Would it require reprogramming of any kind? Is this mod worth if leaving stock air filter? I'll leave the stock air filter. I used to use K&Ns in all my vehicles until I saw first hand what seems to be common sense: bigger holes flow more air, but more dirt as well. I couldn't feel any difference when I went back to stock filters, and haven't looked back. Maybe on highly modified cars, which need the extra air flow, but most stock elements are enough if you leave the engine alone. Even if a racing filter (like K&N) gives more power, I rather have the protection.
Take care.
JC
I think I won't mess with it. BUT, is it worth installing billet ends I saw somewhere (where???) that eliminate the middle bar altogether; they looked NICE. I think these pieces retain the OEM MAF. Would it require reprogramming of any kind? Is this mod worth if leaving stock air filter? I'll leave the stock air filter. I used to use K&Ns in all my vehicles until I saw first hand what seems to be common sense: bigger holes flow more air, but more dirt as well. I couldn't feel any difference when I went back to stock filters, and haven't looked back. Maybe on highly modified cars, which need the extra air flow, but most stock elements are enough if you leave the engine alone. Even if a racing filter (like K&N) gives more power, I rather have the protection.
Take care.
JC
