custom airflow meter

lvporschepilot · 01-10-2006, 09:36 AM

Hello enthusiasts,

I was surfing the S. Wong website and noticed they constructed a carbon fiber MAF with the newer Bosch HFM5 airflow sensor. How wonderful were my first thoughts. I have to wonder now if such a modification can be done much more easily and not nearly as costly at home. I am no electrician nor do I have any knowledge on how wiring a new technology sensor would work but, a simple way to do it might be as such.

One could first purchase a HFM5 sensor, then construct a housing that would both fit onto the intake arm(deleting the old "barn door" meter of course) as well as making an air-tight seal for the new MAF. I suppose a cone filter could be fashioned at the end of the home made housing to save on more customizing for a stock style filter to mate onto. The next step would be to configure the old MAF harness wiring to work on the new HFM5 sensor. One of my largest curiosities is whether or not the harness can simply be changed to fit the new sensor in a plug and play application or, will the new sensor need some type of "go between" modification to make it so the old technology can be compatible with the new.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? How would the old wiring harness need to be changed to allow compatibility with the new sensor?

many thanks,

John

lvporschepilot · 01-10-2006, 10:29 AM

anyone know how to wire one of these things?

RickM · RickM's Garage

I think physical configuration and flow characteristics are very critical....?

lvporschepilot · 01-10-2006, 11:22 AM

I would think that the diameter should be equivalent to that of the elbow that turns into the throttle body and ultimately the engine. The goal of this project is to get more airflow as opposed to the constrictive "barn door" which is stock. I just want to know how in the world to wire one of the new tech AFM's.

lvporschepilot · 01-10-2006, 11:59 AM

I had a chance to speak with Steve about his system. The product they developed is truly amazing. There is a go-between digital to analog cpu that translates the new Bosch HFM5 MAF sensor language into analog language that the 3.2 DME can recognise. IMHO this product brings the 3.2 into the 21st century. As soon as I pick one up I will let you all know.

Bill in OKC · 01-10-2006, 12:12 PM

My car came with one of these installed by the PO

http://www.coolblueperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=252

I don't think they offer a part for the 3.2 anymore - but they must have at one time. It runs great, the down side is I don't really know how it works or how to tune it...

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lvporschepilot
IMHO this product brings the 3.2 into the 21st century. As soon as I pick one up I will let you all know.

Any before / after dyno figures?

lvporschepilot · 01-10-2006, 12:25 PM

no dyno figure's but, Steve claimed 20bhp at the real wheels, and a fantastic throttle response increase. I believe Steve, he makes some wonderful products.

jbrinkley · 12:47 PM

I think the wevo G50 shifter just got put on hold. on second thought, 2700 is a lot'o'cash.
then again taxes are comming
can't wait to hear some feedback.

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

I'm trying to see how SW justifies the price. This one from the UK is half the cost. The only difference I can see is the fancy carbon fiber airbox. (Assuming the price is listed in "Pounds". If it's Euros, it's an even better deal.)

lvporschepilot · 01-10-2006, 02:36 PM

I think you may be right about the price ZOANAS. The carbon fiber airbox is not cheap. It looks like this one you found from the UK is using the exact same Bosch HFM5 sensor too. Good find.

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

I'm wondering if there is another MAF unit out there that will work with the 3.2. It seems to be a simple 0-5v circuit that appears to be a common theme in many of the MAF's of many different makes of car. If the Temp sensor can be easily duplicated, the MAF conversion might be very inexpensive indeed. I am interested in the MAF for it's longevity and fewer moving parts than the AFM. I don't really care about horsepower.

DW SD · 01-10-2006, 05:11 PM

Why not use one from a 3.6 along with the digital to analog computer?

Doug

DW SD · 01-10-2006, 05:11 PM

Why not use one from a later 3.6 along with the digital to analog computer?

Doug

Carrera3.5L · Carrera3.5L's Garage

I have some first hand experience with Steve's unit.

He was kind enough to one down to me for a few days to get my impressions of it on my big 3.5L twin-plug. Here it is installed (before fastening it down of course):

What is really cool about this is it is a total plug & play and takes all of 15 minutes to install. It fits perfect and weighs literally nothing. Simply remove the air flow meter and airbox assembly and fit the MAF tube/box and reattach the sensor. You reuse the original airbox lid & filter (I have a cut airbox lid & K&N filter). Steve also said this unit is real easy for him to tune (unlike some of the other universal MAF kits he's encountered) so that is another plus.

The motor runs even better! The big motor makes in the mid 240's for power anyway, but driving with it seat of the pants the motor runs much smoother and there is certainly a power increase. One dyno test will be worth a 1,000 expert opinions. Steve says it feels real strong on his own modified 3.2L as well.

Steve is coming down to the OC soon and we will put it on the Vision Motorsports dyno for a before/after test and see what it actually does. Sure, this is a big bore motor with lots of other mods, but the power increase will give you a general idea as to what to expect.

If the dyno numbers confirm what I think it does seat of the pants, I will buy one.

Ralph