I've been thinking on how I can possibly improve my intake set-up. I currently am running my 3.5 with the stock 3.0MAF, which I will be modifying again to bond it to a 3'PVC.

I started thinking about how I might be able to reduce air travel and at the same time get more air in... so I was thinking about reducing the length on the piping as short as possible to create the shortest ram air possible by placing the MAF as close as possible to the throttle body....

My question is:
Does anybody know if the MAF will work properly placing it so close to the throttle body or will it damage/fault the MAF!? How about readings!? Does anybody know if the MAF will get good readings!?

Is this a dumb question/idea!?!?!? LOL

 

heres mines as close as the maf can be:

 

either way placement is not the concern.. its laminar flow through the sensor.. thats what makes a diff in readings.. laminar = flat, direct flow (not turbulent).. just in case.. now onto your problem of "reducing air travel with more air in".. do an upgrade on your MAF housing diameter.. normally a 3 in ID housing is what most do.. you have to chop up your old MAF a little but it can be done trust me. although you will need a apexi a/f ratio controller of some sort for tuning purposes.. but in theory the larger housing will slow air down around the sensor making the motor think that its receiving more air than its reading.. more air in (even after tuning)..

moving the sensor closer to the engine, increases throttle response. and the increase in MAF housing diameter increases fuel economy (so ppl claim, havent proven this yet) and increases hp (~9-11 on a 3.5)
goodluck.. hope this answers your question

 

This is very true. Turbulent airflow through the maf affects both gas mileage and power. A filter placed right before the MAF without some sort of velocity stack to smooth the airflow out is public enemy #1 when it comes to that.

 

I can see how it would be bad... no room for the airflow to smooth out.
I'm beginning to think that I might get a better throttle response if I was to relocate the MAF right next to the throttle body and then create a velocity stack to about 6-12 inches, and then the popcharger/filter. Of course, this will all be done using a 3inch PVC pipe to modify the MAF and have only one straight piece.
What's your guy's take on this?

 

The pop-charger has a velocity stack built into the filter and it's right around 3" wide.

 

even so the velocity stack will promote a more laminar transition for the airflow to meet the sensor.. having a 6 inch (minimum) piece between the two will guarentee that this has occurred (aka.. dont do what the guy in the picture did).. either that or put some sort of screen in the pipe like i have done.. man did that make a diff.. best intake mod ive done.. and it cost me nothing.. but now youre at least thinking on the right track now in your last statement.. oh yeah.. dont make the mistake i did.. fix your intake tubing (if running a short ram intake setup) dont let it flop around.. it cost me 100 bucks to realize that.. yeah.. the MAF is a delicate piece of equipment and it gave me the finger after a little while.. ahhh.. live and learn.. lol

 

Nothing I said has been in disagreement with your viewpoint.

 

Have you eliminated the PCV system? In your setup there's no way to run a hose from the front valve cover to the intake (post MAF). Arent you concerned about having a vac leak?

 

i taped it shut

 

haha.. wasnt arguing.. i was agreeing.. bad choice of words.. this happens when i dont get enough sleep.. no worries

 

Been thinking about replacing my cattman w/ KnN cone with a pop. Any idea about pros and cons?

 

You should be all set unless it suffers from heat exhaustion and shorts out! Please do NOT install PVC piping onto your car that stuff is for home plumbing systems not cars lol. If u get desperate buy some 3inch or whatever inch aluminum piping, tuning or a generic intake system ANYTHING but PVC! LOL