Are 3.5" MAFs any help...or is it a waste of money?

[Maltman]

It doesn't seem like the "flow" is that impressive compared to the 3"....so what is the big gain???

The only thing I can figure is that bumping up the intake size another 1/2" may help getting air to the turbo a "little" easier, but I can't find anything in the archives about actual performance gains.

I have the 3" LT1 maf......so I'm a little curious if I could get more ponies out of a 3.5".....

 

[77tech9]

More air = more hp can be made.
Every little bit helps. It does help you if your turbo is big, and your heads ported, etc.

 

[John Wilde]

I think another reason to consider the 3.5 inch MAF is because it comes on the LS1 Motors that are still in use. The 3 inch unit is from a LT1 Motor that is being retired. You should be able to get the 3.5 inch unit for a longer period of time . (in theory)

 

[1QWIK6]

Get the MaxEffort chip and use ur stock MAF sensor. OR get rid of your MAF sensor and get the MaxEffort R. Best $ you'll ever spend.

 

[J Banning]

Originally posted by 77tech9
More air = more hp can be made.
Every little bit helps. It does help you if your turbo is big, and your heads ported, etc.

Yeah, but what diameter is your inlet pipe and the inlet on your turbo? I agree in what John Wilde said, but aside from that I think the extra money would be best spent elsewhere. Can't imagine being able to see any improvement.

 

[TurboBob]

MAF size

Turbo spool is affected by very slight restrictions. I can tell the difference between the sensors, even with just a 3" MAF pipe. It's not a huge difference, but you can tell a little.

For WOT HP, I think thje difference becomes more noticable in the 11's. A 12 second ride will not suffer with the small MAF.

Availability: The 3" MAF is in current production on a lot of V6 cars, no problems there. Any if they discontinue it and all the other currently supported MAF's, we will just update our software to run what is available. No obsolencence planned.....

I run a 3.5", 3" MAF pipe, and a PT61. I hope to get it out this year, it's really running great.

Bob

 

[TR Custom Parts]

I have had a few customers lately request 4" MAF pipes to use with a Z06 MAF sensor. Take it that these come on Vettes? Anyone using these? Will the translator work with these? Works out great for those using a 4" inlet on their turbo.

 

[TurboBob]

3.75" Z06 & Truck = "85mm" MAF.

vettes, trucks, Cadillacs, ......

The truck sensor has a screen, the Z06 doesnt....

The sensor requires a wiring adapter. The translator works fine with them. They are the "85mm" MAF, base setting = 6.

I have one on my Twin Turbo Stealth....

Bob

 

[TurboDave]

As Bob stated, there IS a noticeable seat of the pants difference by doing nothing more than moving from the 3" up to the 3.5" and not even changing any of the other plumbing.
Most of the change is more noticeable in part throttle areas, but WOT will gain also.
Time slip showed the gain also

 

[smokin'6]

I would assume its like anything else, flow is only as good as your smallest diameter... ie, airfilter neck, MAF pipe, etc.

 

[Maltman]

Ok....so I have the 3" maf pipe and, of course, the 3" hoses to a pt52.

What do I need to make this conversion??? I'm guessing K&N makes a 3.5" opening....I can probably find 3.5 id hose....but that means I'll have too small a maf pipe and I'll need a reducer at the turbo.....

....??????

Thanks

 

[TurboBob]

I use a 4" neck K&N, when tightened down on a 3.5" sensor it makes a nice little "velocity stack", looks good, works good.

From the sensor to the 3" MAF pipe I use a $6.00 drain pipe coupler from Home Depot. Fernco brand, for 3" drain pipe fits the 3.5" sensor great, and squeezes down on the 3" MAF pipe nice and evenly making a smooth transition.

Works great. Been on there for many years.

Bob

 

[TR Custom Parts]

You could always use one of these!
http://www.buickgn.com/mafpipes3.5INCH.htm and hook it to one of these!
http://www.buickgn.com/bigmouth.htm

 

[matt87]

10.43@129 mph on a stock maf with 3" inlet on the pt-70. i think after mid 10s is when 3" becomes a restriction. would i go faster with all 4" inlet plumbing? i dont know.

 

[Maltman]

TurboBob....you have any pics of that you could email me?? It sounds like it works perfect, but I want to see what it looks like too....

Mark...I don't have a "bell" coming off the turbo like your pictures show...just a straight 3" opening casted onto the turbo. Your pictures show a close fit, so I wonder how that is going to go over given I'm about 2-3" longer without that bolt on bell...let me know what you think or if you have tested this before.

I like the idea of the "big mouth", but I essentially have the same thing except I ran the "ram air kit" that uses the front valence to collect air. I could use that kit and leave the valance in for getting fresh air up underneath the bumper where your filter sits.....hmmmmm...tempting. However, I'm still questioning the fit of kit from turbo to radiator support...so let me know if you can.

Thanks

P.S. Thanks for such a quick production on that switch panel....looks great

 

[Maltman]

...and I just got a price from the local chevy dealer for an ls1 maf

$154.....fair price for a new maf??

 

[TurboBob]

Fair, not great...

try this

http://www.fullthrottlespeed.com/Dynamic/items.asp?CartId=12923285LLGWO-EVEREST-79&Cc=MAF

 

[TurboBob]

Originally posted by matt87
10.43@129 mph on a stock maf with 3" inlet on the pt-70. i think after mid 10s is when 3" becomes a restriction. would i go faster with all 4" inlet plumbing? i dont know.

I would bet on it.

 

[Maltman]

Originally posted by TurboBob
Fair, not great...

try this

http://www.fullthrottlespeed.com/Dynamic/items.asp?CartId=12923285LLGWO-EVEREST-79&Cc=MAF

Those new or remans??

 

[JP87GN]

I think GMPARTSDIRECT has the cheapest price on LS1 MAF 's at $110 but you will pay some for shipping though