Sorry to bring up an old topic but what is the latest concensus on this issue.

Assuming one "thinks" they have a relatively smooth air inlet, is it better to take it out or leave it in :?:

Is it worth the 2 hp potential gain or is the risk of inaccurate MAF readings resulting in power loss at high rpm outweigh the benefit. :?:

I still have mine removed and don't think there is a problem.

Paul, I get higher MAF readings (more air) without the screen and no ill effects whatsoever. Mine will never go back in. Can't wait to try it with my gutted TB soon.

I have heard of others having bad effects, so I guess it'* on an individual basis. I suggest leaving it for a couple weeks to 'settle in' if you don't like it though. The O2 can help relearn the curves even if it 'adjusts' the MAF slightly. In the long run it IS restrictive. Whether you can actually use that extra little bit of air may still be a question.

Bill lets think here tho.

You're getting higher MAF readings but are you benefiting? I ask because many of the highest performers still run with the screen in. I personally have everything running "just" right and don't wanna be tempted by YOU to remove it and screw something up.

I need to see proof.

We haven't had the MAF screen in the SSEi in at least 2 years, and it still has the stock intake tube. It runs really well. The GTP doesn't have one either and hasn't for a little longer than the SSEi and it runs decent as well. (of course the intake tube isn't stock either)

Shawn

With a smooth intake, you are CAPABLE of getting more air. With the screen out, you get slightly more. I think we agree that it IS restrictive, but the jury is still out on whether you NEED that little bit extra, right? Easy as pie:

1. I get higher MAF readings with it removed. That means more air.
2. More air = more fuel, and as a result, more power or at least improved throttle response.
3. No ill effects.

Why wouldn't you try it? Autotap it. Watch your MAF and timing numbers. But give it time to learn after removing the screen.

My idle never settled down with a modified stock intake setup, but after the ADTR and cone filter on the intake, it re-learned idle in about 2 minutes. Why did it have to learn? More air flow is my bet. And with my intake, I know the airflow is laminar, so the screen is pointless.

i personally think that the screen is pointless if u have an aftermarket intake on it...the whole point of the screen is to straighten the air as it goes thru the throttle body, and with a new intake on the car that is pointless...


idk but thats just my 2 cents

The air isn't that straight though going through an AM Intake though either. I don't think?? I'd Highly doubt it?

The air is VERY laminar with an aftermarket intake setup like mine.

Deleting the 'serpentine' airbox and accordian tube in favor of a smoothwall pipe and a cone filter makes a huge difference in laminar flow, and with laminar flow, more air can move in the same sized pipe.

I personally believe that my MAF sensor sees more laminar air than it did with the stock box setup and screen installed.

I've had the screen out of mine since I joined here. Stock tube, gutted and opened box. She runs just fine...