Well, it worked.

I went to a boneyard and got a MAF connector, along with about 2 feet of attached wiring, from a '91 Maxima.

Got back and cut the original MAF connector off, and soldered the "new" extension/connector on using silver solder. (has both greater heat resistance and greater conductivity)

Took 'er for a spin, and viola'!, it works!!

NOW, with the slightly relocated battery tray, I can run an intake tube *directly across the front of the engine bay, and into the front fender/bumper shroud well.

MUCH shorter, mui less bends. Should be good.

I got a 1 foot X 3" length of beautiful polished stainless from McMaster-Carr for 16 bucks. I wanted to finish the run to the fender well in stainless, but it SO heavy. I may go the rest of the way in PVC, but we'll see.