MAF Problem Weird to unrestricted?

[Thrasher068]

I have been trying to get my SR20 running for a few weeks when i have time. I have Greddy 300zx setup that is to a t28 but am still running the KA MAF because i cant aford the tune. I have stock injector and the stock KA maf but pistons are 20 over BC cam 264. I go to start it but it putters. I was under the hood of my car and when i covered the MAF restricting it the car would start and idle perfectly. I was woundering if anyone elce had this problem and how they fixed it I know there needs to be air threw the sensor but i never knew this could happen. Fixes and info helps thanks