MAF Screen. Is it needed?

[shark2000]

I was wondering if you really need the screen on the MAF?
Would it get any better performance without the screen?
2002 Grand Am GT /w Ram Air V6 3400.

[urweak]

Yes!!!

[Igovert500]

Keep it in

[shark2000]

What does the Granatelli MAF do to improve performance,
and increase air flow by 47%?
Isn't the screen restrictive? I put a K&N filter
on, but don't seem to notice anything. Is the
Granatelli MAF worth the money, or is there
something less expensive? I've seen other MAF
sensors on e-bay, what would be a good one
to replace the stock MAF to get better performance?

[Igovert500]

The screen is not restrictive, so leave it in, i believe it helps with directing the air. As far as this MAF, I am assuming that it is simply a larger one, and possibly has a more sensitively calibrated sensor or a sensor that is tuned to lie to the ecu and make the car run a little richer. Either way, any larger MAF would do the trick, and lastly I don't think that it is the most cost-effective upgrade. With the K&N, you wont gain a huge increase in power, but it should be a slightly noticable one, did you get the open-element cone filter, or just a drop in filter for the airbox, because the cone is the one that will make the difference. I would recommend putting your money elsewhere into the car rather then upgrading the MAF at this point in time.

[shark2000]

So I should do away this the ram air to use a cone?
I got the OEM replacement. I guess the tornado is
out of the question then? I have a tornado from me
car I traded in. I also have a cheap cone filter from
Autozone that I got for the other car to. All usless
now.
What about the ones I see that are upgrades
to other cars, that look right? LT1 G2, G3, G4's? Some where,
I thought I read one for a Caprice is right.

[Igovert500]

My fault, forgot your car has ramair. Hmm, in that case, take the advice of someone who knows your car better. Slipped my mind we were talking about ram air and got it confused with another thread I was answering in regards to an import. Anyways, Either way, A K&N filter wont give you a tremendous increase, as an OEM replacement, it will give a very minute improvement.(but it may last longer/filter better?) but in power I wouldn't expect much. The tornado I wouldn't get rid of, I believe they are car specific(I havent used them) but in theory, (if you can get it to fit in your car), it should help.
Next let me rephrase all that I wrote about MAFs, like I said I don't know completely about your car, so take my advice with a grain of salt, I did some more research on MAFs, actually because I am considering switching mine. On my car, 3000gt vr4 (twin turbo) you can switch in a ZO6 MAF for our stock ones. Now this apparently has been a very good modification and has the potential to shave a half sec, off our 1/4s. However, such a huge increase is also due to the fact that with this upgrade, you must also figure into account, the twin turbos, and the air/fuel electronics that allow us to tune our ratios properly. So as far as an NA v6, I don't think that switching MAF would be such a dramatic increase in power. I may be wrong. Chances are that the MAF you mentioned is a larger one similar to upgrading to the ZO6 MAF in my car. This will allow more air in the intake, and therefore dump more fuel and give you more hp. So as far as what to do, I would ask around more and find someone that has done that specific upgrade and check with them on their results. I was merely trying to say that IMHO I would go with some other upgrade, like headers or exhaust first. Perhaps even a supercharger if you are really going for power. Good luck, hope some of my rambling helps. ~ Geoff

[shark2000]

I've been looking around online at upgrades and have found that it's almost imposible to get headers for my car, and no supercharger or turbo abailable. From what I could see, it looks like a good MAF from a 3000gt would work for an upgrade. But it was specified as G4 as being the best. From what I saw on e-bay, it looked like it would fit. I just need the measurements to see if it would fit my car. Hay 500, maybe when you upgrade to the ZO6, just maybe you old one would work as an upgrade for mine? I saw a flow chart on CFM for the diameter of the MAF. I just measured mine. It's 78mm ID, and about 82-83mm OD. My tool didn't go over 75mm OD, so I had to hold my finger as far as it would measure and try to measure the remaining.
Why is any American car maker still making OHV when the DOHC makes so much more power??? Those other car makers are putting out engines with more power per liter, (C.I.). I wish now that I had the DOHC engine in mine. I probably wouldn't need any upgrade. But then agian, you always want more than what you have.

[Igovert500]

Damn right, I got 340hp and I'm gonna try and break 500 before I pay off the car, then...who knows. Honestly, I have no idea if my MAS would fit, I believe its 83mm. Headers for some cars can be difficult, but I'm surprised to hear that you can't find a supercharger for your car, have you tried jegs.com? even call them, because my friend found a supercharger for his 90something grand prix. And I would think they would offer one for yours somewhere.

[shark2000]

I read on a forum that someone was wanting to know it the 3800 supercharger would fit a 3400, and the answere was no, do to the fact the 3400 is a 60 degree engine and the 3800 is a 90 degree engine. So it would not fit. They said there was not one to fit. But there is a company that is suppose to be coming out with a header some time this year.
jegs.com didn't have anything for my car. Mostly V8 stuff. Some bigger V6.
60degreev6.com has some good info. I would like to have the new 3600.
$$$$$$$ Looks expensive.

[achievasc92]

leave the screen in, it staightens the airflow so the MAF can get a more accurate reading, and therefore make the engine run at its highest potential. You can get headers for the 3400 from S&S Headers, and I beleive The Other Guy's Headers.

[shark2000]

S&S only had up to 2001, but The Other Guys have everything I would need for my exhaust needs. Thank You.

[Markgase2000]

its funny , the screen dont do anything either way , a tec took mine out and you wont notice it at all. It does make it a lil louder in the front end though , espeacially if you got an open filter like a k&n , but as for a power gain , the k&n filter is known for robbing power cus it can gumm up your mafs coils and it robs hp and airflow it sends mixed signals to the computer and doesnt mix air/fuel properly. I use one and im on my second mafs , now i have a solution , since you shouldnt use a dry filter for open intakes you can move your air filter further away from the mass air flow sensor however it just slows the inevitable , so you have to frequently clean the coils with isopropyl alcohol on a thin peice of terry cloth. make sure its really dry before starting the motor. I also have to mention that over oiling the filter will make it gumm up sooner too. just my 2 cents.

[FormulaLT1]

The screen's don't really cause any adverse side effects by removing then and have been dyno proven to add a couple of horse's, So it won't give you a huge improvement but if your careful while removing them what could it hurt.

[Markgase2000]

really? i couldnt tell the difference with having the screen removed , i have a new mas and left the screen in it , maybe i should remove the new one too? only problem is the if the hp did increase theres no way that i personolly could tell the difference. two months ago i had my engine dynoed and the hp was 203 hp at 4100rpms and 236 lbs torque at 3300 rpms. i tell you what , im gonna scrounge together $40 dollars and do it again with the screen on then off and see for sure , i do know the screen is desighned to stop large debris from getting in and its main purpose is to straighten the intake air. This is very interesting , now its gonna bother me untill i dyno it again. btw , i removed the mas sensor from the car and took the sensor apart , its 3 pieces 4 lil bolts then pushed the screen out and reasembled the mas. remember the lil arrow stating the direction of flow so you dont put it backwards , itll act funny if you do.