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MAF Sensor Upgrade for GM MAF Translator


Fuze
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For the MAF TRANSLATOR CARS:

 

This time I'm covering a GM MAF sensor modification that is commonly done on Corvettes. I did one on my 99 Vette and had a spare Delrin MAF housing so I decided to upgrade the 3.5" GM MAF sensor I have in my 87 Starion. I'm sure these are also available in 3". I'm thinking most may not have heard of this mod, but it's cheap and worth it.

 

The "upgrade" MAF housings replace the stock aluminum housings, and eliminate the metal honeycomb in the process. The upgrade housings are machined out of Delrin, a hard plastic composite. The new housing has a larger inner diameter, better flowing center blade, and will not absorb or retain heat very much at all. Heat is a big enemy of the GM MAF sensors in general, and the steel honeycomb will hold onto heat even though it's mounted in an aluminum body. Obviously, this setup flows better, and they claim it can flow up to 55% better than stock.

  

http://waste-nj.com/d2/sensor_label.jpg

This is the sensor body, I got it from Corvette America for $39.99, PN: X2404, but they are sold elsewhere.

 

 http://waste-nj.com/d2/stocker.jpg

Here's the stock sensor with the new housing and blades to the side. Look at that honeycomb intake restriction!

  

http://waste-nj.com/d2/stocker_apart.jpg

Here's the stock sensor without the aluminum housings. Be extremely careful not to damage or bend the thin metal sensor assembly.

 

 http://waste-nj.com/d2/divider.jpg

Here's the new blades snapped onto the sensor body. They are keyed, they only go on one way so don't force it.

  

http://waste-nj.com/d2/sensor_done.jpg

Here it is back together again. The housing bodies are keyed like the stockers and only fit one way. You may have to open up the holes in one housing to make it a little easier to thread the bolts back in.

 

Since the install my car is running more consistently, most noticeably at that magic 2500-3500 rpm part throttle area that can be an issue with the MAF translator if not tuned perfectly. Basically it works well and the improvement is similar to the Corvette as far as smoother running and better response.

Edited by Fuze
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This is pretty kick butt and I think I will give it a try as well. Thanks for the info.

 

After a quick search Ive only found the one you have and I have a 3" maf. Im not familiar with what cars had what size maf. There is one at jegs but its about twice as much. Would this work for the 3"?

 

http://www.jegs.com/i/Granatelli/467/350000/10002/-1

Edited by 89PalermoSHP
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After a quick search Ive only found the one you have and I have a 3" maf. Im not familiar with what cars had what size maf. There is one at jegs but its about twice as much. Would this work for the 3"?

 

http://www.jegs.com/i/Granatelli/467/350000/10002/-1

 

That looks like the same thing but a different color. You may be able to find it cheaper from a more generic brand. I got my 3.5" LS1 MAF sensor off EBay for less than $100, and the stock 3.5" sensor will outflow the 3" sensor with the high flow housing... food for thought.

Edited by Fuze
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  • 7 months later...

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but could we just dremel out the honeycomb on these?

 

Turns out the honeycomb pops right out, no dremel needed

 

Edit: also if anyone is looking for the 3" version, this eBay store sells them

 

http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_3130wt_1112

Edited by leesfer
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Sorry to dig up an old thread, but could we just dremel out the honeycomb on these?

 

Turns out the honeycomb pops right out, no dremel needed

 

Edit: also if anyone is looking for the 3" version, this eBay store sells them

 

http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_3130wt_1112

eliminateing the honeycomb portion of the stock mas is hit or miss----some cars respond well and others do not--- good working stock mas are getting tougher to find so if its good i would not hack it cause someone else may need one and could be sold and help out a fellow member ;) --just my thoughts--i run a 3"gm mas amd maf-t and have had good luck with its versatility :D

gig out

 

Edited by DMNDSTAR87
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Sorry for this dumb question...what adapter do I trim to fit the maft translator into the air filter adapter.....the oem adapter or the maft adapter?????...thanks

 

hack the factory mas plug----just slice the sides of the plastic housing and line up red wires and slide it in(on my 87--not sure if 88-89 is the same plug configuration)---be gentle and dont mash it on there make sure it is fitting nice---i put some elec tape around it just to be safe---

gig out

Edited by DMNDSTAR87
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eliminateing the honeycomb portion of the stock mas is hit or miss----some cars respond well and others do not--- good working stock mas are getting tougher to find so if its good i would not hack it cause someone else may need one and could be sold and help out a fellow member ;) --just my thoughts--i run a 3"gm mas amd maf-t and have had good luck with its versatility :D

gig out

 

All you're doing is replacing the aluminum pieces. You aren't cutting or modifying anything.

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eliminateing the honeycomb portion of the stock mas is hit or miss----some cars respond well and others do not--- good working stock mas are getting tougher to find so if its good i would not hack it cause someone else may need one and could be sold and help out a fellow member ;) --just my thoughts--i run a 3"gm mas amd maf-t and have had good luck with its versatility :D

gig out

 

We are talking about removing the honeycomb from the GM maf, not the Starion stock mas... I don't think there will be any issues since anyone using this either has a maf translator or standalone to tune with

 

Not sure about the 3.5" maf, but the 3" that I have just has a ring holding the honeycomb in... just pulling the ring out and the whole honeycomb pops out... no need to modify anything and it can be put back any time

Edited by leesfer
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We are talking about removing the honeycomb from the GM maf, not the Starion stock mas... I don't think there will be any issues since anyone using this either has a maf translator or standalone to tune with

 

Not sure about the 3.5" maf, but the 3" that I have just has a ring holding the honeycomb in... just pulling the ring out and the whole honeycomb pops out... no need to modify anything and it can be put back any time

i guess i was confused when i read honeycomb---i would have used the word screen---my bad--

gig out

Edited by DMNDSTAR87
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  • 3 months later...

Not sure about the 3.5" maf, but the 3" that I have just has a ring holding the honeycomb in... just pulling the ring out and the whole honeycomb pops out... no need to modify anything and it can be put back any time

 

FYI, My 3.5" MAF has the honeycomb glued into the stock housing. I didn't get any negative effects from losing the honeycomb and upgrading the housings on the Starion, or the Vette.

Edited by Fuze
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  • 7 months later...
  • 1 year later...

i feel anything is better then stock. more of a personal preference.

on the other hand 1/2 inch more flow in to the turbo.

 

Yeah that's why I went with the 3.5, thinking it was just less of a restriction. I doubt it would really matter though between 3" or 3.5" .

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