MAF lb/min

Could the measure of lb/min from the MAF be used to reference the amount of airflow coming in from the air intake? I ask because I'm attempting to build a custom cold air intake box, but my filter is huge and makes the box look small...if I see a drop in my MAF readings (I get up to about 26lb/min at redline before shift) could that be accounted to insufficient flow due to poor box design?

you think 26lbs per minute is low? Thats 26 pounds of air you motor is consuming per minute. Realize what air wieghs and put it into perspective.

Throw the stock box back in there and do the text again. Would be interesting to see.

Sorry...I may have typed that incorrectly...

I don't think 26lb/min is low as I read it's roughly 9.5-10hp per lb/min...but what I mean is IF I see a drop, could that be accounted to poor box design/flow pattern? (I have not put the box in yet, that number is from open cone)

I put the box in...it's not super pretty or anything but it seems functional. I built the box with my short ram intake, sealed off all openings with thick closed cell foam tape and am routing air through a 3" piece of ABS from the fenderwell to the box itself. Today on a run my gauge scanned the airflow at almost 30lb/min at redline so I think there is no loss of air flow issues. I didn't see any losses in MPG from what I've observed thus far...and granted it was a chilly day (55F) but my intake temps didn't go above 72F with a few WOT full first gear runs and my gauge apparently says the car's running at 250hp (to the crank I assume)...it scanned it as 236 on a warmer day without the box.

I guess I'll see how it fairs when we get a +85F day...we're due for one soon. I'll be happy if my temps stay below 120F at a light...