My car seems to run really rich and idles pretty poorly. Would removing the screen cause this? I had removed the screen a long time ago because someone said it would be worth 10 hp or so. Well, I think I was a fool for believing that because I didn't notice any difference. But could this cause damage? Any info on this would be appreciated.

 

I have never had screen removal cause a rich condition and I've done it many times. If you damaged the little sensor wire in there during removal that could cause MAF problems, but generally no.

The screen on an old TPI MAF was just there to prevent objects from getting inside the MAF and doing damage. Later LT-1/LS-1 MAFs the screen is also an "air straightener" and I have heard of rare instances where it's removal has caused SLIGHT drivability problems.

 

Screen removal causes some problems fom the standpoint that you change the amount of air going into the thing and it is not accounted for in the ECM. However, EPROM reburning will fix it.

 

the gain is 1 HP, but you LOSE 2 TQ. isnt worth damaging a 300 dollar MAF over. if debris hits that wire in the middle of the sensor, its done for. id rather have 2+ TQ over a 1 HP gain anyday

 

Does the stock MAF allow you to take the wire out? That way you can port without damaging the wire. I know some MAF units do but not sure if the stock one will.

 

not a clue. i dont mess with the sensor... or any sensor for that reason

 

LiquidSkies is correct,
DO NOT MOD your MAF sensor.It shortens it's life and the cost versus the gain is not worth it.

 

Taking the screens out of the MAF won't hurt it at all, unless you damage the small element wire inside it. I've done it many times. No, the wire is not removable from the unit.

The common MAF mod that can possibly shorten the life of the unit is if you cut out the heat-sink fins inside it. They are a flow restriction, but they also serve an important purpose keeping the electronics inside the MAF from overheating.

If you're the nervous type then don't do any modifications to the unit. Screen removal is easy and I have never had any ill effects from it but the gains are slight.