We've been through this so many times, I can't count any more. In order to gain the maximum benefit and avoid problems, the MAF screen should only be removed when an aftermarket intake with cone filter is installed. Laminar flow is important. Without the aftermarket intake, the turbulent air won't be accurately detcted by the MAF, and you will run lean. You may gain SOME power, but not as much as you could.

Techinfo for more details.

After i gutted the front part of the air box, I chopped off the whole front and the side that is away from the engine. Seeing as how there was like a 1,1/2" diameter whole in the front of the intake and it eventually went to 3"+ I decided that was just stupid so i made some adjustments. I do have a K&N though.

If you're still running the air through a square filter, and especially if you're using the stock delivery pipe, you're turbulent. The ADTR style of intake is the ultimate solution for someone wanting to remove the screen.

Yes.. I would have to agree with Will.. that would be the best way to do it and will net you the most gains from removing the MAF screen.. but you will still gain some from just guttin the internals of the stock.. but won't be as affective and may run into inaccurate MAF sensor readings causing like he stated lean runs. And how many times have this been discussed?? hee hee.. as often as Will has fallen on the floor from too much hahaha...

but at the same time.. we have to give the doubt that some people weren't around for all the other times that this has been discussed before.... SO GO CHECK OUT TECH INFO.. Will didn't spend all those times workin on it just for something to do to keep him sober you know..hahaha jokes all..

Maybe you guys have answered this question a million times, but that'* the whole point of a forum to ask question. Anyways how do I know if I'm running lean.

I hope I didn't offend you on my previous post.. I meant it as a joke. and I do agree thats why we have forums to help each other. As for problems caused by removing of the MAF screen is inproper idling RPM and hesitation are the first sign. that'* usually caused from the air not being linear as it passes the MAF sensor..therefore giving the PCM reading spikes.. causing irredict RPM and lean conditions.

since we're on the topic of maf screen removal i have a question concerning mine.
When I start the car up cold and try and put it in gear it will die for about the first minute or so. I'm figuring this is due to the fact of the MAF screen removal and my car is running a lean mixture. The problem goes away after that, and the car runs great except for the occasional dying on startup. It'* never done it after it has warmed up. Any thoughts or comments?

The only way to know for sure if you're running lean is to use a scantool. You'll need to be able to trust your O2 sensor first.

This latest problem may simply be a dirty throttle body. Remove it and give it a thorough cleaning. If that doesn't help, put your MAF screen back in. Or do these two in the opposite order. Either way, you'll benefit from the TB cleaning.

is there a tech reading thing for hte throttle body removal/cleaning.

Hmm. You say remove it if you have an aftermartket intake? The diameter on my intake is 3 1/2 in and I left the rubber accordian hose in place, I also have a big ol' K&N filter on the end of the pipe. I was too worried that the screen was attached to the throttle body in some manner so I didnt monkey with it at all.