How restrictive is the stock mass air sensor?

[Calgary ZR2]

I removed me mass air sensor to clean it and noticed it has a large deep screen on the front of it. I can see how this may restrict air flow.

Would it be wise to replace the sensor with a aftermarket sensor that has no screen?
If so, what brand should I use?
Would it really make a difference?
What purpose does this screen serve?

[ZL1power69]

The screen is there for 2 reasons: to protect the sensor and to straighten out the airflow for a better reading. it only restricts airflow by a very small amount. you will see little to no gain by removing it and you would risk damage to the sensor. Granatelli is they only aftermarket sensor for the s-series that i know of. It cost about $250 but the gains are very minimal for the amount of money you have to spend unless you are using some type of forced induction (turbo or supercharger). just keep your stock sensor clean and the screen on for best operation.

[Calgary ZR2]

Great advice.
My dealer claims my MAF failed once before and fixed it under warranty, after arguing that my K&N filter contaminated it (Talking about passing the buck). This dealer has a reputation in Calgary for pulling things like this.
I know the MAF can be very self destructive as well and is a real pain when they fail. So I will take your advice and leave the screen on.
Thanks

[blazee]

Actually, your dealer was correct, K&N's are one of the leading causes of MAF problems. The oil from the filter passes through and gets on the sensor wires causing improper readings. It's a well known problem.....

[blazes9395]

Originally Posted by blazee

Actually, your dealer was correct, K&N's are one of the leading causes of MAF problems. The oil from the filter passes through and gets on the sensor wires causing improper readings. It's a well known problem.....

I agree. I learned the hard way on my camaro. I just couldn't find a intermittent stalling problem. Turns out the K&N was the culprit, oil getting on the MAF causing problems, but I still use them, I just have the extra task of cleaning the MAF every so often...

[Calgary ZR2]

Good to know
The issue I had with the dealer was that they sold me the K&N filter in the first place. When it came time for the service they were very rude with me for having one in my Blazer and only assumed it had fouled up the MAF before they even had it booked it. They were already telling me how much it will cost to fix and how K&N is a wast of money. I had to wait for her to stop talking, then tell her how her parts manger told me the complete opposite to sell me one. She then told me there was no way I bought the filter there, so I had her call the parts department (50 feet away). When she got of the phone her tone changed and she dropped the subject.
My family and friends use K&N and we never had a problem with the MAF. However what you say does make sense. I'll be sure to be more mindful when re-oiling the filter just in case something is going on.

Thanks again.

[johnhutchinsusa]

A little brake parts cleaner and a soft toothbrush made my MAF error codes go away. Just don't be rough with it.

[Calgary ZR2]

Great advice, thanks.
I have been using a MAF cleaner in a spray can. It seems to be working good.
Bosch claims that MAF fail when the seal on the sensor becomes loose and allows the resin the drip over top of the sensor. I remember back in my high school days having to change MAF on cars only a few years old.