[Tranzman]

Getting ready to build my air intake system and I have a question about MAF sensor placement. I see a lot of builds put the MAF sensor right at the end of the tube and clamp the air filter to the sensor itself.

Wouldn't you get a better flow measurement if the MAF sensor is in a straighter portion of the tube?
Am I overthinking the placement of the MAF sensor?

I can get 2 smaller length's of 102mm/4" tubing as cheap as I can get the 1 longer one with a bend. So how much this is going to cost is immaterial to what is just the best way to do it.
What does everyone think? I can put it just about anywhere. The MAF lead will reach the drivers fender!! LOL

 

[Rhotpursuit]

Once you account for the silicone connector/reducers, there isn't much too to get picky on placement.

 

[oldeerslayer]

I've read numerous discussions on trying to avoid turbulence, but have never seen anything definitive as to it making any difference. I seriously doubt it makes any difference as to how turbulence is going effect the cooling of the wire in the sensor. The volume of air will still be the same and the primary factor.
If you plan to have it dyno tuned after you're finished with the build any effect it has will be corrected for by the tuner since he'll be adjusting fueling and timing for the best performance regardless of what the MAF input is. Assuming the turbulence will be the same every time the engine is at a specific rpm. Don't see how it could fluctuate.
Putting it where it fits best is what you really want. Mine is a few inches above the air filter before it comes to the first elbow. Probably about the same distance the original was from the end of the air filter box.
The one thing I did was on the throttle body flange I put a wrap or 2 of Gorilla tape to better fit the silicone boot since silicone neither stretches nor compresses very much and that flange is not quite 3.50000". I was more concerned with a tight seal. Last thing you want is a leak after the MAF. I put in high quality intake gaskets for the same reason. The OEM ones on my LQ4 2500HD started leaking at only 180K. Made for a wild goose chase trying to pin down a couple missing cylinders. End ones, but at opposite ends. Happened when I hadn't started it for a couple months. They must dry out.

 

[poconojoe]

The more linier that the airflow is through the MAF, the more accurate the reading is going, since the wire is located in the middle of the airflow. Some MAF setups are designed to work in shorter spaces then others. I like the setup on some of the express vans. It's made to have a tubular filter put right on the end of it and has an elbow on the other side. It also has 3 mounting tabs on it.

 

[bk2life]

Yes, in a nice straight piece of tubing is optimal, but not always obtainable.
No matter what, it will need tuned when you're all done, as the MAF frequencies have to be recalibrated in the tune for all RPMs to ensure good idle characteristics. I always put mine donw and low where you cant see it, by the core support for example.

 

[poconojoe]

Another important thing is to keep the MAF away from the throttlebody, since as the blade opens and closes, it effects how the air flows through the tubing

 

[Tranzman]

Another important thing is to keep the MAF away from the throttlebody, since as the blade opens and closes, it effects how the air flows through the tubing

So far my plan is:
I start with a 4" 90 degree silicone elbow off the T/B/to a 6-8" long tube/ coupler/ MAF sensor/ coupler/ 6-8" long tube with a 60 degree elbow/air filter.
Build a couple of supports to hold it. This will allow me to run it, then I can work on a box later. If it runs, it can go for paint work. Then we can put my fenders, hood and door's back on. Right now I don't even know if my hood will close. HA HA

 

[S10dude]

mine is like this

pic sharing

 

[Tranzman]

Here is how it turned out. I'm going to paint it flat black, but not until I can put the hood back on. That way if I have to modify it to close the hood, I wont have to paint it twice. It's going to be close...

 

[GSettle]

Transman, what water pump is that? I have the truck one where the output comes out the top...gets in the way on my air intake tube.

 

[poconojoe]

Transman, what water pump is that? I have the truck one where the output comes out the top...gets in the way on my air intake tube.

LSx Watrerpumps and part numbers.

Courtesy of Krazy Ken.

www.s10forum.com

 

[oldeerslayer]

Looks like mine. I rearranged the upper rad hose so it went lower. Had to put a seam in it. But I was able to lower the air duct then. I also stuck a couple pieces of closed cell foam between the 2 hoses so they don't rub on each other. You can't see them unless you're looking for them.

 

[Tranzman]

Transman, what water pump is that? I have the truck one where the output comes out the top...gets in the way on my air intake tube.

I'm using the corvette spacing. It's the type 2 part # 89018052, 19180591. I purchased a GMB brand. GMB is the brand Advance Auto parts sells/uses in their Carquest branded pumps.

 

[Tranzman]

Looks like mine. I rearranged the upper rad hose so it went lower. Had to put a seam in it. But I was able to lower the air duct then. I also stuck a couple pieces of closed cell foam between the 2 hoses so they don't rub on each other. You can't see them unless you're looking for them.

I had to cut the upper water pump tube back to the second rib for hose clearance.

I placed the weld on tab I made for the 90 degree tube, so that it gave me about 1/4" clearance above the hose and alternator. It's tight under there and may rub a little when trounced on... If it rubs on the hood or alternator, a quick modification/adjustment with a 3" pipe and a dead blow BFH will take care of that.

 

[GSettle]

Wonder if there is truck space water pump with driver side outlet?

 

[Rhotpursuit]

Wonder if there is truck space water pump with driver side outlet?

Here's a chart of water pumps.

LSx Watrerpumps and part numbers.

Courtesy of Krazy Ken.

www.s10forum.com

 

[Tranzman]

Wonder if there is truck space water pump with driver side outlet?

Holley has a real good explanation for the spacing and water pump style in their instructions for the accessory drive kits.

 

[GSettle]

So according to the chart above that Joe and Rhot posted, the LS3 camaro pump uses same spacing as trucks??

 

[poconojoe]

So according to the chart above that Joe and Rhot posted, the LS3 camaro pump uses same spacing as trucks??

Yes

 

[tcmgb]

Getting ready to build my air intake system and I have a question about MAF sensor placement. I see a lot of builds put the MAF sensor right at the end of the tube and clamp the air filter to the sensor itself.

Wouldn't you get a better flow measurement if the MAF sensor is in a straighter portion of the tube?
Am I overthinking the placement of the MAF sensor?

I can get 2 smaller length's of 102mm/4" tubing as cheap as I can get the 1 longer one with a bend. So how much this is going to cost is immaterial to what is just the best way to do it.
What does everyone think? I can put it just about anywhere. The MAF lead will reach the drivers fender!! LOL

Getting ready to build my air intake system and I have a question about MAF sensor placement. I see a lot of builds put the MAF sensor right at the end of the tube and clamp the air filter to the sensor itself.

Wouldn't you get a better flow measurement if the MAF sensor is in a straighter portion of the tube?
Am I overthinking the placement of the MAF sensor?

I can get 2 smaller length's of 102mm/4" tubing as cheap as I can get the 1 longer one with a bend. So how much this is going to cost is immaterial to what is just the best way to do it.
What does everyone think? I can put it just about anywhere. The MAF lead will reach the drivers fender!! LOL

This is the set up I'm running. 2007? Tahoe 5.3 air cleaner.