The MAF system may be more self-adjusting as engines degradation over time, i.e. as rings wear and start generating blow-by, valve deposits, valve spring changes over time and even a unmaintain air filter.

 

heres a link to a post with a pic of my ride

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...44#post4403044

 

forget the MAF. start looking at the catylitic converters. reason being the gas smell. suonds like they are not doing thier job. or possible O2 sensors. remember , the O2 's is what meters fuel and air ratio.

 

would all that extra pressure in the gas tank be adding to that, forcing too much fuel through the system?

 

that would be an EVAP issue.the regulator would keep the pressure at bay.how many codes are present in the computer?

 

The EVAP system has nothing to do with the pressure build-up; your gas tank has a pressure relief valve; might be clogged or defective.

 

Make sure the heat shields between the exhaust and the tank are still there. People will drop the tank to replace the pump and not replace the shielding. Result - boiling gas in the tank and causing a rich condition. It happened to me. the tank kept making rumbling sounds if you drove the car long enough and when you took the cap off, the pressure would rush out - that is fuel vapor so it's not Marlboro time....
If the shielding is not there, either get replacements or make them. I made them out of 20 ga sheet metal I had laying around and no more problems. I would check the shields before replacing the MAF. You might need to replace the charcoal canister as the gas fumes will contaminate it over time.
Just my 2 cents.

 

I think that may be the case, mechanic thought the pressure relief in the gas cap was clogged, but when I checked, its not supposed to vent through the cap, so I bet thats part of it.
I'll have to check the heat sheild too, I notice the gas gage doesnt work, which makes me think someone replaced the fuel pump and didnt put it back together properly