C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

MAF Descreening

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 21, 2006 | 02:06 AM
  #21  
aaaaa's Avatar
aaaaa
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Default

I removed the screen on my C5. I didn't notice any difference good or bad. I haven't touched the C6-yet. This screen thing befuddles the hell out of me. It's more than a screen it's a honeycomb with some depth. The whole issue has been kicked around the C5 forum for years. If the idea was to protect the MAF a much simpler design could have been used. I don't think GM is right all the time but why spend money needlessly? Did the engineers think it was necessary (maybe for drivability) in the C5 & C6 but were willing to sacrifice for added HP in the Z?
My 2cents
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2006 | 12:07 PM
  #22  
Whiterock1's Avatar
Whiterock1
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by aaaaa
I removed the screen on my C5. I didn't notice any difference good or bad. I haven't touched the C6-yet. This screen thing befuddles the hell out of me. It's more than a screen it's a honeycomb with some depth. The whole issue has been kicked around the C5 forum for years. If the idea was to protect the MAF a much simpler design could have been used. I don't think GM is right all the time but why spend money needlessly? Did the engineers think it was necessary (maybe for drivability) in the C5 & C6 but were willing to sacrifice for added HP in the Z?
My 2cents
The same question has been kicked around on the F-body side for years. I've never heard enough positives to make me risk the negatives. I also remember the little dohicky that went into the throttle body of the L-98 to stop turbulence--and the hp claims for it which were found to be true, if only best case. In this case, I'll assume the engineers have it there for a valid reason, or GM would toss it and save the $5 it costs...
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2006 | 04:38 PM
  #23  
DIAMOND DAVE's Avatar
DIAMOND DAVE
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: debary fl
Default

Originally Posted by glennhl
I have always thought that the screen was a flow straightener in order to make the MAF more accurate. But then GM went and descreened the MAF on the C5 Z06, so heck, it must be OK.
I have always removed the screen the first chance and never an issue. I think the screen is to keep the birds out of the motor.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2006 | 07:01 PM
  #24  
timd38's Avatar
timd38
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by SpinMonster
Please.....

The 2002-2004 Z06 has the exact same MAF as the 2001 and they deleted the screen. So what was it then, the engineers changed their minds again? I have 2 in the boxes they came in. Same number, same size, no screen.

You oppose every mod
Only telling you my experience, but if you want to remove it, that's your choice.

I guess my exhaust, CAI, brakes and shifter aren't mods.

Last edited by timd38; Sep 22, 2006 at 07:04 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2006 | 09:02 PM
  #25  
GMRULZ's Avatar
GMRULZ
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: VA
Default

The screen is for driveability. So your car idles and runs smooth. On higher performance app`s where power is the main goal they delete the screen such as the Zo6. As long as the computer is tuned for the increased air volume it will pick up power under WOT. However under part throttle, corrections made by the pcm could be a little off. Slight hesitation off idle, that kind of stuff as an example. Nothing to really bother most people, but don`t forget some people want there Vette to run like a Caddy...
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2006 | 10:13 PM
  #26  
TTRotary's Avatar
TTRotary
Race Director
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Default

My understanding is that the screen remains in the MAF because our MAF is shared with numerous other vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. In these vehicles, the screen is essential to straighten airflow because the air does a 90deg turn right before entering the the TB and MAF area and would owtherwise be excessively turbulent. That is not the case in the Vette.

The LS2 intake moves less velocity than the LS6 intake did, because displacement has replaced specific efficency. So my take on it is that it is not needed in the C6, but does not apparently pose enough of a restriction at stock power levels to warrant removal, or in this case the expense of a separate MAF part.

The LS7 has the same specific output as the LS6 did. So I would expect to see no MAF screen in there if it obstructs flow. Question: does the C6Z (LS7)MAF have the same PN as the LS2 MAF? If not, does the LS7 MAF have a screen?
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2006 | 10:41 PM
  #27  
cbrf4i1's Avatar
cbrf4i1
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: az
Default

Originally Posted by TTRotary
Question: does the C6Z (LS7)MAF have the same PN as the LS2 MAF? If not, does the LS7 MAF have a screen?
no different part#, ls7 maf is made by hitachi, ls2 maf is made by delphi. if the software is written into the ecm with the screen there, and the screen is removed, the ability to measure the correct amount of air flow by the maf could have been alter, which would lead to incorrect a/f that would require the ecm to make st/ltft adjustments. again this adjustment by the ecm isn't exactly perfect since it relies on the o2 sensors (of course they are not wide band) if the "ability" to measure by maf isn't affect by the screen weather it is there or not, then without the screen, air flow will increase without any possiblity of incorrect a/f situation. of couse you can always fix this situation by rewritting the ecm software / tune.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:35 AM
  #28  
TTRotary's Avatar
TTRotary
Race Director
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Default

So, are you saying the LS7 MAF has a screen?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:41 AM
  #29  
SpinMonster's Avatar
SpinMonster
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by timd38
Only telling you my experience, but if you want to remove it, that's your choice.

I guess my exhaust, CAI, brakes and shifter aren't mods.
I did remove it both on my C5 and now on my C6 and get 30mpg and it runs quite smooth as per the tuning. What exactly is the thing I should be looking for?
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:44 AM
  #30  
cbrf4i1's Avatar
cbrf4i1
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: az
Default

Originally Posted by TTRotary
So, are you saying the LS7 MAF has a screen?
never stated that, if you are referring to me. ls7 doesn't, ls2 does.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:44 AM
  #31  
SpinMonster's Avatar
SpinMonster
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by GMRULZ
The screen is for driveability. So your car idles and runs smooth. On higher performance app`s where power is the main goal they delete the screen such as the Zo6. As long as the computer is tuned for the increased air volume it will pick up power under WOT. However under part throttle, corrections made by the pcm could be a little off. Slight hesitation off idle, that kind of stuff as an example. Nothing to really bother most people, but don`t forget some people want there Vette to run like a Caddy...
I removed it on my C5 and had to use the Z06 MAF table for the driveability. Since the car drove equally as smooth without the screen, I dont know what you guys are talking about. The screen was removed on the 2002-2004 Z06 and that cars runs smooth and has great driveability, what is your point?...other than to repeat another ongoing false myth.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 02:52 AM
  #32  
SpinMonster's Avatar
SpinMonster
Tech Contributor
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by cbrf4i1
no different part#, ls7 maf is made by hitachi, ls2 maf is made by delphi. if the software is written into the ecm with the screen there, and the screen is removed, the ability to measure the correct amount of air flow by the maf could have been alter, which would lead to incorrect a/f that would require the ecm to make st/ltft adjustments. again this adjustment by the ecm isn't exactly perfect since it relies on the o2 sensors (of course they are not wide band) if the "ability" to measure by maf isn't affect by the screen weather it is there or not, then without the screen, air flow will increase without any possiblity of incorrect a/f situation. of couse you can always fix this situation by rewritting the ecm software / tune.
Its incorrect since the screen is before the sensor and with the screen removed the MAF does read the increased airflow. Further, the car doesnt use the MAF as anything other than a prediction with the MAP and VE tables which are all wrong once you do ANY mod and dont do a speed density tune. Headers are the single worst thing that throws off the idle LTFT's. The MAF's predicted airflow is worthless since it compares it to a set non-variable VE table. If you unplug the MAF and you have a reasonable tune, you wont even know it isnt working unless you see a check engine light. That alone proves the screen an insignificant variable.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 05:33 AM
  #33  
timd38's Avatar
timd38
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

I go back to what I said previously, why would GM spend money on the screen if it didn't serve a purpose.

These are the same guys that took the hood lamp out in 2007 to save money.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 05:36 AM
  #34  
TTRotary's Avatar
TTRotary
Race Director
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by cbrf4i1
never stated that, if you are referring to me. ls7 doesn't, ls2 does.
Thanks. No screen in Z06. Therefore, furthers my assertion that the screen in the LS2 is a vestige from the truck origins of that MAF. That is to say, if given a choice, when max power is sought, the GM engineers get rid of the screen. So should we (with re-tune, of course).
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 05:42 AM
  #35  
TTRotary's Avatar
TTRotary
Race Director
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by timd38
I go back to what I said previously, why would GM spend money on the screen if it didn't serve a purpose. These are the same guys that took the hood lamp out in 2007 to save money.
It did serve a purpose, in trucks, which have a 90deg elbow in the intake bellows. The LS2 MAF is used across multiple engines, of which Corvettes are a minor part. Given the LS2's moderate output goals, creating a new MAF was not worthwhile, so they just reached into the GM parts bin and used an existing design.

The LS7, being a maximum effort with a $25K pricetag increase, warrants a screenless MAF.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 07:53 AM
  #36  
davekp78's Avatar
davekp78
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 134
From: merritt island fl
C1 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2016 C1 of the Year Finalist
2015 C2 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by TTRotary
My understanding is that the screen remains in the MAF because our MAF is shared with numerous other vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. In these vehicles, the screen is essential to straighten airflow because the air does a 90deg turn right before entering the the TB and MAF area and would owtherwise be excessively turbulent. That is not the case in the Vette.

The LS2 intake moves less velocity than the LS6 intake did, because displacement has replaced specific efficency. So my take on it is that it is not needed in the C6, but does not apparently pose enough of a restriction at stock power levels to warrant removal, or in this case the expense of a separate MAF part.

The LS7 has the same specific output as the LS6 did. So I would expect to see no MAF screen in there if it obstructs flow. Question: does the C6Z (LS7)MAF have the same PN as the LS2 MAF? If not, does the LS7 MAF have a screen?
Please explain the "moves less velocity" and "displacement replaced specific efficency" statements. I don't understand what you are getting at.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 07:54 AM
  #37  
Vette960's Avatar
Vette960
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 12
From: Rye N.H.
Default

It's Saturday morning and I've nothing at the moment to do - so
in support of SpinMonster and TT Rotary, here's my experience regarding the MAF discussion.

1. My C5 and C6 MAFs have the same part #s.
2. I replaced C6 MAF with my desreened C5 MAF ( same as ZO6)
PRIOR to dyno tune. No changes in drivability.
3.At the dyno, initial pull revealed LTFTs were out of wack -
-8 t0 -18.( Car has LPE intake, Callaway exhaust and 1 3/4" AR
headers).Note: Tuner using HP TUNER's program
4.After tune; 374 RWHP and 371 RWT.
5.Car runs great from idle to WOT.
6.Conclusion;if DESCREENING you'll need a proper tune. The descreening
probably helped the top end, keeping in mind that at WOT you're
NOT using the VE table - it's essentially a SD tune.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To MAF Descreening

Old Sep 23, 2006 | 08:09 AM
  #38  
Zig's Avatar
Zig
Safety Car
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 5
From: stafford country, va. Avatar: Me on turn 3 @ Bristol (The World's Fastest Half-Mile)
Default

Originally Posted by SpinMonster
.. If you unplug the MAF and you have a reasonable tune, you wont even know it isnt working unless you see a check engine light. That alone proves the screen an insignificant variable.
huh, you did this ?? i accidently left the maf unplugged once, and it didn't like it at all. bunch of bucking, and finally died. but then again, that was with the 'stock' tune.
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 08:18 AM
  #39  
rtg's Avatar
rtg
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 45
From: Connecticut
Default

Unless I am missing something here, I would have expect the LTFT to be positive. With those mods the AFR should be lean, ergo the LTFT should be positive, adding fuel....

Rob
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2006 | 08:35 AM
  #40  
GMRULZ's Avatar
GMRULZ
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: VA
Default

Originally Posted by SpinMonster
I removed it on my C5 and had to use the Z06 MAF table for the driveability. Since the car drove equally as smooth without the screen, I dont know what you guys are talking about. The screen was removed on the 2002-2004 Z06 and that cars runs smooth and has great driveability, what is your point?...other than to repeat another ongoing false myth.

If you noticed I said some have experienced some loss of drivability. It seems to be a hit or miss thing. My LT1 F-body drove like crap w/ it out. It would hesitate when taking off so forth. Put back in wala all better. Go search cz28.com it happened to a lot of LT1 F-bodies. In my LS2 Vette it didn`t cause any problem at all. It leaned the fuel out slightly. Which actually was a good thing. The LT1 has a lot of bends in the air intake on a Fbody so perhaps thats why the screen was important. I just know there are some people who have very minor driveability problems and those that don`t.

My 2 cars 1 did and 1 didn`t. So don`t act like this doesn`t happen as it does on some cars. If yours was like my LS2 then great. Bottom line, its not a myth, just because your 2 cars haven`t had a problem. Do you disbelieve that some Ls2`s are losing their crank bolt just because yours hasn`t???
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:05 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE