Here's my quick and dirty interpulation, without a ton of detail, of the MAF sensor:

Back in the OBD1 days, there wasn't as much adjustability in the processors to allow for major changes like a meter or injector swap(it can be done, but it's no fun). Ford basically programmed the processors for the parts that were installed on the factory vehicle. This was especially true for the Speed Density(no MAF sensor) 5.0's and Gen1 Lightning's. Companies like ProM and C&L used tricks to beat the processor into submission and somewhat correct the issue.

With the OBDII processors, the tables in the processor can be rescaled to allow for injector and MAF changes. For instance, the same 90mm Meter is used on the Lightning and 03/04 Cobra. However, both vehicles have different size injectors. The Cobra has 39lb and the Lightning 42lb. Ford rescales the tables in the processor for these changes.

A MAF meter is really only a measurement tool with not a lot of logic, other than "metering" of how much air is going through it. The air heats an element and then the MAF sensor converts the heat to a voltage level. 0-5v is the reading. 5v is maxed out and it won't read any more after that. This is why there are both MAF Xtenders and also meters who have had the voltage to heat range changed. For instance, an SCT 2800 meter will allow the meter to read more air by changing the heat range to voltage scaling. You lose some resolution in the lower RPM range, but not enough to really affect drivablility.

The processor takes this voltage or A/D count(a number used relative to voltage) and figures out how much fuel should be used for the amount of air entering. This is the key, to have the MAF Transfer function correct. The MAF Function uses the base fuel table as the reference to how much fuel to add. If the transfer function is off, the base fuel table is totally useless and must be "hacked" to add more fuel. For instance commanding a 10:1 a/f to acutally read a 11.6:1 on a meter. That is not way it was designed to work and is very ineffective.

In a nutshell, tuning a MAF vehicle is 80% getting the MAF curve dialed in. Once that's done, it's basically changing timing and the base fuel table to build street and race programs.

 

I thought the air cooled the element. And the voltage required to keep the element at a certain temperature was the reading you get (0-5v).

--Joe

 

You're correct, there are two wires/sensors within the MAF meter. One is measures the temperature of the air and one is heated.

"Both sensors consist of very thin platinum wires wrapped around ceramic bobbins. One sensor is used to measure the temperature of the incoming air charge. The other sensor is heated to maintain 200 degrees C above the temperature sensing element. As air flows over the heated element, the element cools . Electronics in the MAF sensor vary the current to the heated element to maintain the 200 degrees C above the temperature sensing element. This change in current is directly related to the mass of air flowing over the sensing elements. The MAF electronics convert this current change into a voltage output reading which is sent to the EEC."

 

Thank you Eric, for your input and all you have done for me.

I am only asking these questions to the masses because I seem to be treading water and sinking fast. I have invested 20K in mods and have made stock numbers that I am to embarrassed to post. I have an obligation to people who have sponsored me with financing, knowledge, and products such as your self.

I believe my self to be good at what I do and seem to have reached my limitations of my knowledge base. There has to be someone out there who can help me with my issues. I come on these boards and help daily when I can and have been blessed with many who have helped me.
I am merely trying to find that person who maybe willing to help or has had a similar problem.

In closing I would like to say that this thread is not a slam or disrespect to any ones products or tuning abilities.

God Bless,

Jeronimo Gonzalez (Suavy)

 

Suavy , MAFs in the mail on your way.Best of luck.
Jason

 

Thank you kind Sir,

Peace,

Suavy

 

I'm not going to air this on the forums. I'll just put up this quote, and you should know what it means Suavy.

 

Looks like the prayer has been answered?

Now if only I could afford a tuner and tune from Sal i'd be all over it. From what ive seen lately Sal is an awesome person and tuner. But I know I dont have to tell anyone that for them to know around here.

 

Some times there is no need for words!

 

A little update for those who want to know...

I found these guy's here in Michigan that are going to degree and set up my cams for me I wish I would have went with them to start with. www.racingengines.com

I told him that I just installed the stage 3 Crowers and he said, "let me guess you can't make boost and you have no low end torque?" Make you sick don't it?

Just thought I'd share the info

God Bless,

Suavy

 

Geranamo
Let us know how you make out, if you do need a Mass Air Meter I have a super secret modified stock 90MM I can give you. Though if you having cam timing issues, and if you get them timed right you might start pegging the Mass Air Meter. If that happens go with a SCT Mass Air

hey I got a new e-mail
dhco60@comcast.net

 

Thanks Don, you always come threw for me! scott Dunn sent me one but I'm gonna send it back for now. I want to get my cams degreed then look out.

God Bless,

Suavy (Jeronimo)