RS4 MAF Modification

[prj]

In light of the Ross' recent OMNOMNOM problems, would you like to go big maf?

[Sonic]

I was wondering how long it would take you to post that

I'd be interested in the option yes, although the MAF i'm using is also brand-new, and i have a spare, they're clearly not cut-out to last.

I remember you mentioned it previously but it wasn't just an easy fit... what are the options for the big one, and i assume the car is good to run-in on its existing map with RS2 MAF?

[prj]

Yeah, the existing map will be fine...
With the large one, the obvious problem is, it's 87mm outer diameter.
With the smaller the problem is to get the housings. It has to be a batch order from china, and then buy the inner sensor separately from Bosch.

The problem with just buying the MAF with the right housing, is that it's an Alfa Romeo MAF, and it costs stupid money, plus the sensor is not the right one in it anyway.

[europeanme]

you can borrow mine and see if your happy with it.....and if your happy buy me a replacement one....

[Rusty]

What about getting some housings made?

I had a MAF blank made in case I went to a pressure side MAF and terry has had some alloy housings machined in the past for the stock MAF. What is a sensible price for an 80mm OD housing? Happy enough to draw it up if you have a suitable version to hand. Could also do some proper versions for the pressure side, if that's something you would need?

[prj]

I don't need pressure side ones, as I am working on the 3" Pro-M 2400kg/hr monster.
And once I get that done, I will use that and that only for any pressure side applications.

The housing price, I honestly doubt you can make it cheaper than the chinese.
They can do them for 20€ a piece. That actually includes the MAF element, but I am not using the chinese element, I'll be binning that and using the Bosch one.

There's no way you are machining up billet housings for 20 EUR a pop. Not even close.

[Rusty]

Yeah, you'd struggle to get the material for that nowadays Had missed the part on Chinese ones and just saw the comment on the Alfa one.

[prj]

Exactly, but I reckon the material for the housing can't be that bad on them, so I will just buy the chinese knockoff MAF's, bin the elements and use only the plastic tubes.

The Alfa MAF was something like 350 or 400 EUR and it has an element that does not read that high either.
The element, which reads the highest, from the RS4 MAF only costs between 60 and 70 EUR. And that's genuine Bosch.

So the idea is to make MAF's for about 100 EUR with this method.

[Thuppu]

Well, there could be use for some alu- or stainless billett MAF element fittings/holders you could weld stright on the 3" pressure pipings. No hassle with leaking joints...

[prj]

Well, there could be use for some alu- or stainless billett MAF element fittings/holders you could weld stright on the 3" pressure pipings. No hassle with leaking joints...

http://promracing.com/mass-air-meters/3-pro-tube.html

No, there will not be any use.
Come on, I have thought this through, the only thing I lack is time.

[Thuppu]

Ok, I'm sure about that. But what is the difference if you put the MAF element(and the bracket) straight on the 3 inch piping? Seems to be a simpple 3" pipe in the link also with the bracket welded on... You get two joints less and a more simpple look. Maybe this could be a option if the customer wan't to use it. This was only a idea, I have no clue if there is some problems with this..?

[Ross]

Forget it, too much hassle... I'm just going to use a toilet roll tube and attach the MAF sensor, and duct tape it in place

[prj]

Guys, let's not pollute Andy's thread.
I only have one solution now - RS4 MAF and the plumbing that goes with it.
You can do this, or you can go standalone ECU.

When other solutions will be available, I will take due care to inform you

[Sonic]

So we're looking at ~€100 for an RS4 MAF, what about actually fitting it between the airbox and hose? I assume it doesn't just drop straight in...? (Nothing ever does!)

[Ross]

No, Dmitri informs me it's anything but a drop-in. If the MAF is 87mm vs (I think) 82mm then it needs to connect to the MAF and intake hose. You do have the benefit of having a metal spacer between your airbox and MAF - you may just be able to mill it out - and then you have the other end to deal with. I'm thinking a short CNC reducer on each end of the MAF.

Then there's the connector to be sourced and replace the existing one on the loom, and Dmitri is required to make the ECU changes.

First thing to do is get one of these RS4 MAFs and see how to fit it without too much modification - Rusty might have a few more things to add to his catalogue