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If you're refering to the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF meter), then it depends on who you ask. Many members have reported gains and the mod is extremely easy (just disassemble the sensor and push out the screen with your thumbs). If I'm correct, the later C5's came with no screen, including the Z06. Otherwise, I don't beleive there's any type of "screen" on the air temp sensor.
Some have experienced driveability problems, others report SOTP power increases. As a low budget modifier, I plan on removing mine and porting it best I can, as well as porting the throttle body. I guess it's a gamble. I might end up with problems and have to replace the modified MAF. It's a chance I'm willing to take to try to open up the flow a little more. The 'screen' is a honeycomb flow straightener that really blocks the flow. I imagine it'll take 40-60 miles of driving for the computer to re-learn for the new flow, similar to a new air filter/intake.
Removed mine in 10 minutes, noticed slight improvement in top end and no difference in drivability.
From previous threads, it is a bit of a crap shoot.
I think most of the 5 hp came from the change in the intake to the Z06 manifold... Lots of threads on removing the screen; you can search all night long. I suppose it depends on where you drive and how often. I use my car every day, to and from work on good and not-so-good streets. When I recently removed my stock airbox for an aftermarket replacement, I found the screen covered with all kinds of crap that had missed the filter. Glad I had the screen after seeing that!
That means an idle re-learn sequence (after a mod) so the computer can sense the newer or bigger MAF. Kinda rebootin' and plug-n-play. There are some Tech Tips here on the procedure if I'm not mistaken...I had to do it.
As far as the screen thing, I think it's all BS. Does anyone really think they're going to gain anything significant by taking out a screen? Only deep pockets work with Vettes and the like (IMHO).
The later model C-5s got updated intake manifolds and exhaust manifolds that are Z06 items. You can see a picture of the Z06 exhaust manifold on
the "West Coast" forum vendor site. Compare it to your exhaust manifold.
The difference in the intakes are almost impossible to see without a side to side comparison.