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Topic: Does a bigger MAF give you more power? (Read 2524 times) previous topic - next topic

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

So my question is will upgrading to a bigger (ie 70-76mm) MAF sensor really give me any noticeable power gains? From what I've seen on dyno tests of stock cars a MAF upgrade adds maybe 3-5 hp, not enough for me to actually feel. I just don't want to spend $130 on a C&L 73 mm MAF and be underwelmed when I could have spent the money on something else for the car. I'm guessing that the stock 55mm MAF I'm running might be costing me a couple of HP on my combo but really when I put my foot to the floor the car runs just as fast if not faster than it did when it was SD.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

Reply #1
At your power levels I wouldn't go to an aftermarket MAF yet. A lot of people have idle issues and lean spots with the aftermarket MAFs, because they don't have very good transfer functions compared the Ford MAFs  It's not worth the couple of HP on the top end to have drivability problems.
1988 Thunderbird
306 HO w/ A9P processor
AOD w/ Transgo Reprogrammer
Full Digital Dash w/ twin Cyberdyne A-pillar gauges 
245/50/16 Tires on Snowflakes
Engine swap - CA smog compliant

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

Reply #2
What about the C&L MAF sensor that uses the stock Ford electronics? That one seems to be the best option to me if I went with an aftermarket MAF.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

Reply #3
Upgrading from the restrictive 55mm should give you 5+hp,a worthy upgrade.

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

Reply #4
Check my add dumpin stuff,I got a c+l 73mm for 19# for $60 + shipping.I can through the 19's in for 20 more.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

Reply #5
Quote from: thunderjet302;219254
What about the C&L MAF sensor that uses the stock Ford electronics? That one seems to be the best option to me if I went with an aftermarket MAF.


That's the route I took when I converted over to MAF. C&L meter with stock electronics. Runs great with no issues. There really is no sense in having a smaller air meter compared to your bigger throttle body. Get rid of that bottleneck area and be done with it.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]http://www.fquick.com/slicksport88
88 Sport - 5.0HO, Mass Air, A9L, 73mm C&L meter, BBK CAI, 255 lph pump, 1.7 roller rockers,Professional Products damper, Chuck W motor mounts, BBK shorties & H-pipe, Flowmaster 40 series, 8.8 rear w/3.27's, 93 Cobra M/C, BAER 13in. drilled/slotted rotors front and back, cobra calipers, Russell braided brake lines front & back, C/C plates, 03cobra rims, 255/40/17 Nitto 555's all around

Does a bigger MAF give you more power?

Reply #6
73 MM C&L MAF with stock electronics and calibration tube for 24 pound injectors here!  Works perfect!

Some guys will say too big is bad.  This goes for throttle bodies as well.  It's debateable as shown HERE 

Whatever the case You should try to run a MAF housing at least a hair larger than the throttle body.

I MAY be making a change myself in this area shortly.  80mm MAF & 75 mm TB.  Not sure yet though.  I'll be doing a custom chip if it happens.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!