A couple weeks ago, I saw a pic of a so-called MAF sensor mod where the top half of the MAF filament support was cut off. I was thinking to myself, one of the most common complaints about MAF systems is the restrictive MAF sensor itself, and this probably makes a noticeable difference. So I decided to hit up a lab at RIM and run some flow tests.

I compared a regular one to one where the top support is removed. Suffice it to say, at the air ingestion rate of our VQ engines, you will NOT overflow the stock one (i.e. you will not find noticeable gains) until about 360hp.

So I sat back for a sec and I realized, NO ****! It all went back to my intake designing that I am always brainstorming on. The TB is only about 2.5". On the stock setup, that is connected to the accordion that is 2.5" on inlet and outlet, and hits the resonator. The resonator is 2.5" on the outlet and 3" on the inlet. It needs to be 3" because the MAF is 3". That .5" increase for the MAF section makes a HUGE difference, and is the reason why there can be that much plastic and have no effect. In fact, you are better off shaping the MAF filament supports. Although that would require WAY more dexterity.

Basically, cutting off the support yeilds no gains on a stock engine. No gains on a y-pipe, and intake. Hell, even no gains on a SC, TC, or nitroused engine, unless you are flowing about 330hp. At that point, you will begin to notice a difference. And even then, the difference will be minimal. The MAF won't be an issue till about 360hp. At that point, for every HP increase, there will be an exponential effect on just how much the MAF will make a difference.

 

Actually, good job. We need more people testing like this so owners an wade though the hype....