Singletrack

So why do this? Well, several other people's tests have shown that it both eliminates a pressure drop in front of the turbo as well as increasing airflow a small amount. I wrote this message up to help people with the process, not to debate this issue : ) So do a search and check out the past posts on the same topic.

First off, here is a shot of the left side of the engine with the cover removed. The MAF housing is the thing with the adaptor plugged into it. Remove the plastic clips on the three hoses running over the airbox so that you have more room to work.


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01205.jpg">

The MAF housing has two clamps that need to be undone before it can be removed. Here is a picture of the one on the left side. As you can see it is sort of under the three hoses we have previously moved.



<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01206.jpg">

Here is a shot of the right side clamp.



<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01207.jpg">
Here is an overhead shot of both clamps.



<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01208.jpg">

Once you undue the clamps, the MAF housing will pull straight out towards the engine block. Be careful, as there is a small rubber ring to help seal the connection that will pull out as the housing is removed. It is shown in the foreground of this picture.

Then you must unscrew the clamp on the right downstream side of the MAF to fully remove it from the car. Don't forget to unplug the wire running to the sensor : )

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01209.jpg">

Here is a picture of the plastic flow straightener and the screen behind it that we will be removing. REPEAT: We are removing the metal screen, not the plastic flow straightener.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01210.jpg">

A shot from the inside.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01211.jpg">

Next you will need a security torx 10 bit to remove the sensor from the housing. You can't always find them in stores, but you can order them online from a number of places.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01213.jpg">

Put the MAF in a plastic bag. Make sure not to touch the sensor itself.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01214.jpg">

This is a crappy picture of me getting the tearing started on the screen. You can start it out with a small screwdriver.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01217.jpg">

Then finish it off by pulling out with some needle nose pliers.

Some have popped out the the plastic flow straightener and removed the metal screen without damaging it. It's up to you which way you would like to do it.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25380/dsc01218.jpg">

Just reverse the process of removal to put it back in minus the metal screen.

Do this at you own risk, and if you screw up don't blame me : )

-st

GIACUser

Could you tell a diff?

Singletrack

Could be placebo effect, but I really think it did make a difference. Should take some time for the ECU to adapt to the airflow increase as well I believe.

-st

Milpitas2.7T

I have a Bosch MAF that has been de screened already. You just borrow it plug yo own stuff in and off you go. Will let folks borrow for a week if your local to me in NorCal.

Singletrack

Have you done any data logging?

-st

AudiByNature

Will this void the warranty? What would happen if you left the sensor connected (at least for service visits)?

(sorry if these are unbelievably idiotic questions)
I sure hope Stoney doesn't read this ;-)

TIA

oops

he only removed the screen. everything else went back on as it was.

AudiByNature

protect it while you're working?

GIACUser

Correct... very sensitive piece, a few flecks of crud or oil could really cause problems.

Bollinger

Yes, this modification will void your warranty for problems it causes. What problems will it cause? Personally, I can't envision any. Perhaps the person who put the screen there in the first place knows.