Intake question

[jonseyq45]

In my earlier days, one of my friends dad asked that we improve 90 Z/28 Camaro. We started out chipping it. Added a Banks rear cat back system. Installed 5.7 injectors in it (5.0l stk).Pinched, old trick on non-adjustable regs, fuel regulator (increase fuel pressure). And lastly cut out the screen out of the mass air flow sensor after installing a K&N.

The last item is what I am curious about. The screen is there for protection, however we went the extra mile to make sure the system from the air filter to the MAF was tight and sealed. We found on a flow bench the removal was worth close to 5% improvement. The car felt sharper and more responsive.

My question is this applicable to the Q?

Jonsey....
Modified by jonseyq45 at 8:09 AM 3/21/2008

[maxnix]

And lastly cut out the screen out of the mass air flow sensor after installing a K&N.

The last item is what I am curious about. The screen is there for protection,

I think you will find the answer in Q45tch's posts on CAI and intake restrictions in the VH45DE.

5% on the flow bench doesn't mean a thing unless the intake is restricting the total flow to less than optimal.

K&N are known to damage the hot wire sensors and not filter as well as OEM paper elements.

Reading the previous posts will make you a more informed car owner.

[jonseyq45]

Thanks.......

[Haitian_King]

Thanks.......

One thing I've learned is that VH45DE's aren't American engines. They're needy, demanding, and oh so tight assed about the different things that can be done.

[goody90q45]

5% on the flow bench doesn't mean a thing unless the intake is restricting the total flow to less than optimal.

Unrestricted air flow is key to engine performance and Brian is correct. The Q's intake path has been upsized to 90mm diameter and from what I understand ours is one of the largest TB on the market. There's also baffles built into the airbox and the intake path in the headlight area to meet the demand for air under heavy load.

The reason a turbo works is because it pumps large amounts of air through the intake path and the MAF adjusts by adding more fuel. Removing the screen will absolutely work but whether or not it will be noticeable is debatable. The only way to really tell would be before and after readings with scan software.

If you weigh the pros and cons you should come to the conclusion that the screen and air filter are there for good reason and the intake path is properly sized. Unfortunately for the Q, the only way so far to get a meaningful amount of additional (clean) air to the intake is with a turbo.

Now that I've had my say, give it a shot. If you can get a MAF for a reasonable price what have you got to lose? Try it for a few days (unless you do all your driving on dirt roads) and give us your impressions. It would be great to log some active tests using consult software and compare the results. Good luck.

[Q45tech]

One of the mistakes some make is thinking a higher MAF voltage created after a MAF [screen] or the airbox modification actual means more air flow thru the MAF. It may mean your mods just screwed up the MAF housing calibration.

On a Q, notice the tuned horn inside the air filter housing, the screen is there to protect but also to dampen reflected acoustic waves

The manometer measurement method tells the tale, as to what the REAL restrictions are.

How much the WOT pressure rises inside the plenum from any reduction [modification] in restiction prior to the throttle body is all that counts.