MAF sensor location

[Curtb1971]

Hey there, I'm wondering if there is a certain min/max distance the mass air flow sensor needs to be mounted from the throttle body. I'm running a 2008 truck base and a ls3 style MAF. Just wanting to make sure I did or didn't put this in an ok spot. Thanks, Curt

[mongocanfly]

My early styles are real close to the throttle and I've had no issues...my LS3 one has yet to be mounted.
So I'm not sure on it

[lutronjim]

My 'connect and cruise' LC9 engine wanted the MAF censor centered within a straight 4" diameter pipe of at least 12". It also had to be some distance from the throttle body which I can't remember.

I had bought an aftermarket 3 1/2 chrome pipe that was curved with boss on ebay - I figured that was good enough. Wrong - it kept throwing codes - finally bought some 4" aluminum pipe and connectors and made my own. Codes went away and runs great.

However I have seen many different configs that apparently run ok.

I can take some pics if you want

[Curtb1971]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

My early styles are real close to the throttle and I've had no issues...my LS3 one has yet to be mounted.
So I'm not sure on it

Thanks Greg, keep us posted when you get yours installed

Originally Posted by lutronjim

My 'connect and cruise' LC9 engine wanted the MAF censor centered within a straight 4" diameter pipe of at least 12". It also had to be some distance from the throttle body which I can't remember.

I had bought an aftermarket 3 1/2 chrome pipe that was curved with boss on ebay - I figured that was good enough. Wrong - it kept throwing codes - finally bought some 4" aluminum pipe and connectors and made my own. Codes went away and runs great.

However I have seen many different configs that apparently run ok.

I can take some pics if you want

Thank you, I'm not throwing any codes but haven't had a fine tune yet. I guess I'll know for sure if its location will work when we get some data uploaded.

[AZ 67 C10]

There is a thread or posts somewhere in the ls swap section about MAF location and issues related to it being in the "wrong" location. Seems like it can be hit or miss as far as having issues with location, but i've also heard having it within a straight 4" diameter pipe of at least 12" is ideal.

[siggyfreud]

Makes sense it would need to be in a certain spot, as they're essentially having to calculate when THAT air being measured by the MAF will be in the cylinder. Too long and you get the fuel too early, too short, and you get the fuel too late.

[lutronjim]

Here is pic of mine. The cross flow enabled me to go across radiator to driver side.

Another thing documentation said was to mount maf at 12 oclock on tube. I had to fudge a little to keep cable from hitting hood.

I put a 90 on end going down to filter with fresh air hole cut through to grill. .

[Curtb1971]

Thanks guys, I think mine is in the wrong spot. I ran the truck with maf hooked up and it spit and studered in higher rpms. Disconnected maf and ran in speed density and it came alive. Need to come up with a better intake tube and try again with mounting the maf. Sorry about the first pic being rough on the neck

[87chevy.com]

You probably dont need a better intake tube, you need to calibrate your maf to the intake you have. I had problems using the universal maf housing which was a different diameter than stock gen5... idled poorly, long term fuel trims maxing out, timing retarding... hptuner forum pointed me to fix the maf calibration, I did and runs great now.
Clint

[First c10]

Originally Posted by 87chevy.com

You probably dont need a better intake tube, you need to calibrate your maf to the intake you have. I had problems using the universal maf housing which was a different diameter than stock gen5... idled poorly, long term fuel trims maxing out, timing retarding... hptuner forum pointed me to fix the maf calibration, I did and runs great now.
Clint

I agree with 87chevy!!!
If you don't have access to re-calibration of MAF you will need to find out what the MAF and intake tube size is that your ECM was originally programmed and try and replicate it!!!
My sons truck had a 3-5/8" intake originally and when I put a 4" it did what you described. fuel trims out of wack and didn't idle or run well. Put a reducer around the MAF from Spectra to the stock size and everything went back to normal like flipping a switch.
Good luck and let us know what you do!