DON'T: Port the Stock MAF
All our experts agree it's a bad idea. Here's why: A hogged-out mass airflow meter that hasn't been re-calibrated will likely cause all kinds of problems. For one, the metering element won't be able to communicate the difference in airflow. Consequently, the computer won't know there's actually more air entering the engine. The confusion between actual airflow and what the computer thinks is the airflow will likely cause drivability problems, and the computer will probably pull timing because it senses a lean condition. Less timing means less power.
'We've got turbocharged F-cars that make 500 horses at the tires running the stock MAF,' says Detroit Speedworks' Greg Banish. 'Cars with a few bolt-ons just don't need a higher-flowing mass air meter.'
Bill Strope concurs: "Trying to trick the computer just doesn't work,' he says. 'I usually refuse to tune a car that doesn't have the stock MAF, or at least, a correctly calibrated aftermarket meter.'
A MAF translator can help, but only with dyno-tested air/fuel measurements, says SLP's Brian Reese. 'And if you're going to all that trouble to port a MAF, just buy a calibrated 85mm meter,' he says. 'They're inexpensive any they work.'