Aftermarket Air Flow Sensors and Descreening

[JennaBear]

I frequently get questions regarding aftermarket MAF sensors/descreening and what gains they will net. My answer to that question 9 times out of 10 is: NONE as the OEM unit can handle ~550HP.

The aftermarket MAFs are not calibrated the same as the stock MAF. So, for a given volume of air, the aftermarket MAF will underreport that volume, this causes the PCM to increase ignition timing slightly, which is the resulting increase in power.

When tuning for an aftermarket MAF, the PCM will be recalibrated so that the MAF reports correctly (or close to correctly), thus leaving no real benefit to the aftermarket MAF. Descreening has the same effect as an aftermarket, and has no benefit other than underreporting the incoming air.

[Jimmiee]

I frequently get questions regarding aftermarket MAF sensors/descreening and what gains they will net. My answer to that question 9 times out of 10 is: NONE as the OEM unit can handle ~550HP.

The aftermarket MAFs are not calibrated the same as the stock MAF. So, for a given volume of air, the aftermarket MAF will underreport that volume, this causes the PCM to increase ignition timing slightly, which is the resulting increase in power.

When tuning for an aftermarket MAF, the PCM will be recalibrated so that the MAF reports correctly (or close to correctly), thus leaving no real benefit to the aftermarket MAF. Descreening has the same effect as an aftermarket, and has no benefit other than underreporting the incoming air.

Thanks for clarifying that. I've seen lots of posts claiming an increase in power,

One question thought. Do the aftermarket MAF sensors self clean or stay cleaner than the stock sensor?

Thanks!

[JennaBear]

Thanks for clarifying that. I've seen lots of posts claiming an increase in power,

One question thought. Do the aftermarket MAF sensors self clean or stay cleaner than the stock sensor?

Thanks!

No they don't self clean or stay cleaner. I know of one aftermarket sensor that actually uses the OEM sensor and just throws their sticker on it.

[Jimmiee]

No they don't self clean or stay cleaner. I know of one aftermarket sensor that actually uses the OEM sensor and just throws their sticker on it.

LOL, probably SFI approved too!

[Marcus]

I descreened mine on my 05 and really haven't noticed anything. It wasn't that dirty though to begin with. I have never thought to much of getting an aftermarket one.

[grimreapersshadow]

i have an aftermarket one not much of a difference my factory one went out and it was cheaper to get the aftermarket one kinda like those shorty headers that leaked all time i use to have you get what ya pay for xD

[JennaBear]

Yeah I try to sway most folks into getting the long tubes, as the shorties are just as efficient as the stockers.