Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
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After some troubleshooing, I need a new MAF. After some TGO searching, I see the popular one is the Wells SU-145, which as been discontinued. I do not want an adjustable MAF.
So my options are:
-A new replacement Bosch (Wells SU-145) unit from http://www.wdautoparts.com/ ($182 with shipping). It says wells, but it is a Bosch in a Wells box since it has been discontinued.
-Micro Tech SENSOR MASS AIR FLOW (491018) unit from http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...pe=473&PTSet=A ($172.88). I believe this is the non adjustable MAF that is the closest to the Wells SU-145 according to Vader.
Anyone have experience with these? I was thinking of going with the Micro Tech SENSOR MASS AIR FLOW (491018) since Vader said this is the closest to the Wells SU-145. I just want to make sure this is the non adjustable version. Which I believe it is because the Adjustable MicroTech is over $300.
__________________ 1988 IROC-Z / 2007 R6 (Full exhaust | PCV | Flush Mounts |Tinted Windscreen | Fender Eliminator | Frame Sliders)
L98 with a little AFR, and a bit of comp cam (316 rwhp). - [Idle Clip]
Last edited by IROCThe5.7L; 05-20-2007 at 03:09 PM.
why wouldnt u want adjustable if its only 100$ more than a stock replacement, im gona go with a grannelli high flow thats adjustable for 300$ from summit, will flow enough air for my future 500hp 383 and allows me to tune it. i would go with that, any reason why u wouldnt want the adjustable?
__________________ In the process:
521cuin Big block ford
Ford C-6 trans
Ford 8.8 w/3.55gears, custom shorty Tq arm
Yes, I did some extensive searching before I made this thread. And it seemed a lot of people with a stock or close to stock engines had problems with adjustable MAF's. From bad idles, to throwing MAF codes. A few of those people switched to a non adjustable MAF and all their problems went away.
Last edited by IROCThe5.7L; 05-21-2007 at 09:55 AM.
The Micro-Tech you're eyeballing should be NON-Adjustable. I picked up a used one from a member here a while back, and there's no adjustments to be made on it. They do have the circuit board in them like the Wells SU-145, instead of the wire filament the Bosch unit has. I haven't used mine yet, but I do like the idea of the circuit board vs. a wire after hearing from other people how delicate/fragile the wire setup is. For the price, and the circuit board technology, I'd say go with the Micro-Tech. I too have heard about guys having troubles with the Granatelli adjustable unit.
__________________ 89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."
MicroTech 491018. It isn't just "close" to the old Wells unit, but is a carbon copy. For whatever reason, the Wells unit is no longer available with the thick-film TFT sensor, single flat metal matrix inlet screen,and larger I.D. body. The last one I installed was about five months ago and cost $168 and some pennies.
FWIW, if you need adjustment, do that in the program, and don't fool with the MAF output.
Sorry to Hi jack the thread BUT How do you know when the MAF is faulty ?
I was having a hot start problem that went away when I unplugged the MAF. I put a known working one in, and the problem went away. That's how I knew the MAF was bad. Here's my other thread on it:
[quote=Vader;3347719]MicroTech 491018. It isn't just "close" to the old Wells unit, but is a carbon copy. For whatever reason, the Wells unit is no longer available with the thick-film TFT sensor, single flat metal matrix inlet screen,and larger I.D. body. The last one I installed was about five months ago and cost $168 and some pennies.
QUOTE] The Micro-Tech is the exact same thing. I read a post on here about a year ago where a member said that Micro-Tech supposedly had the patent rights to that particular sensor, so that's why Wells had to quit making them. How true that is, I couldn't say, but it makes sense.
__________________ 89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."
does anyone know what the difference between an 88 tpi system to a trans am tpi system, i did a swap from a 305 tpi to 350 trans am tpi and ive realized i need a new prom, i recently broke my MAF, is there anyway to elimate the MAF cuz im leaning towards buying the granelli which is 300 along with the bbk throttle body anther 300, would these 600 bucks make a significant difference in my horsepower are these mods worth my pockets being empty for a while.
If both cars were the same year, there really shouldn't be any difference other than the prom. If both cars are MAF, the only way they would be any different is if the T/A was an 85 or an 89. 85 used a different ecm, and 89 didn't have the cold start, or 9th injector like the 85-88's. The only feasible way to eliminate your MAF sensor would be to convert to the 90-92 speed density system, which would require either re-pinning your existing harness, or getting a 90-92 harness, a 730 model ecm, and a 90-92 5.7 prom chip. Personally, I think it would be a BIG waste of 600 bucks to spend it on the Granatelli MAF, and a BBK TB. You probably wouldn't notice any difference at all by putting those on your car. The stock TB is probably good to about 400 HP or better, and as far as the MAF goes, the Micro-Tech unit mentioned in this thread is almost half the cost of the Granatelli, and probably works 10 times better. I had a guy rebuild my stock TB because the throttle shaft bores were worn out, and he enlarged it to 52 mm at the same time, and it only cost me about $145, which is half the cost of a BBK. Those parts will increase the "bling" factor of your engine, but will do absolutely nothing for a performance gain. Save your $600 for something that will actually make a difference in your power.
__________________ 89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."
MicroTech 491018. It isn't just "close" to the old Wells unit, but is a carbon copy. For whatever reason, the Wells unit is no longer available
The Micro-Tech is the exact same thing. I read a post on here about a year ago where a member said that Micro-Tech supposedly had the patent rights to that particular sensor, so that's why Wells had to quit making them. How true that is, I couldn't say, but it makes sense.
I'm not the member who posted that, and I can't say that's why Wells stopped making its MAF, but on Micro-Tech's website, if you're able to 'read between the lines,' literally(because it's so poorly typed), it says it has a patent on it.
thanks pat 4 the advice, saved me a few hundred bucks i just kinda figured u add as many bolts ons as money will allow and they should make a difference, i figured i will go with the micro tech MAF since its receiving so much praise, i broke mines trying to dissamble it so i must buy a new one reardless so micro tech it is, neways where can i pick one up 4 the 170 price.
I am also considering this Micro-Tech MAF. My IROC wont run with the stock sensor plugged in, plus got a code 34 as well. Time for a new one.
My question is, with this new high tech circuit board MAF, does it still need to perform the burnoff function? You know, after you shut HOT engine off, runs that burn-off cycle to clean off the contaminents on the sensor wire?
Just curious about that....................
Yeah, since there's no actual burnoff function, the Micro-Tech has a deal built into the circuitry that tells the computer that the burnoff has been performed. I have to be honest though, it was a couple of years ago when I last replied to this thread, and at the time I was all stoked about the Micro-Tech MAF, but my opinion of them has changed. I've read posts on here from other members that have used one, and they said the calibration of it is a bit different from the OEM Bosch MAF, and that it can cause some issues with how the car runs, sometimes even causing the ecm to throw a MAF code. I personally can't chime in one way or the other since I bought a used, supposedly functioning Micro-Tech from a member here on the boards and the damn thing ended up being junk! It threw a MAF code as soon as I started the car. Luckily I had an original Bosch unit that came with a TPI setup I got from a running car, so I installed that one and my car runs perfect with it. So you might want to consider just getting a remanned Bosch unit instead of the Micro-Tech. It's too bad the Micro-Tech sensor didn't work out on mine because I liked the idea of the circuit card instead of the delicate wire on the original, not to mention they're supposed to flow better too. However, I'm running the original Bosch unit on a Super-Rammed, AFR-headed 355 and it seems to feed my motor just fine.
__________________ 89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."
Well I hope I did the right thing, since today just ordered the Micro-Tech from AAuto, will be here next day. Got it for $173. I did check out a new GM (Bosch?)one at local Chevy dealer, and they quoted me $800!!!! I like the idea of the new circuit board type.
Maybe you (Pat) got a bad one since it was used.
Also, I do my own chip programming, so i can make the MAF tables do whatever it takes to get it running right. Sounds like I might be in for some fun.
__________________ Best ET 14.413 @95.57 w/2.77 stock rear(10/01/2000)
NEW! Best ET 14.0474 @95.31 with 3.73gears(06/05/2011) and 1.8823 60'
Still stock valve covers & stock block, cam, heads.
Vigilante TC, tranny rebuilt, Spohn torque arm. Finally into sub-2.00 sec 60' zone!
Many other basic mods. Continuous PROM tuning. Got traction, need reaction!
Oh yeah, that's why I said I really can't give a good testimonial on them. Since mine was used I basically got shafted by a dishonest seller. I got my fingers crossed for ya! Looks like Iroc the 5.7 has had really good luck with his Micro-Tech for the last 3 years too. Damn, if they quoted you 800 clams for a Bosch it must've been an OEM one! I've looked up remanned Boschs on Autozone's website and they're only about $125 from that A1 Cardone company. I might still be willing to give the Micro-Tech a shot. I'll just make sure to buy a NEW one with a warranty next time around!
__________________ 89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."
A few years ago I hit the wrecking yard. 'F' and 'Y' body cars (mostly 'F's) were searched and $50 later I was off and running with a MAF. I had an 86 Vette then.
Jake
__________________ My son, Ryan M. Cameron, graduated from West Point on 22 May 2010! He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and I pinned on his first pair of "Butter Bars" PROUDEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!
I think you'll be ok. My microtech ran great with the stock prom. I went 14.0@98mph with full exhaust and a AFPR.
Well so far I am ok............sort of. Got my MicroTech MAF, and installed it late this pm. Went to fire it up, and would not start. I cranked a few times and nothing. I could smell gas, and I knew I had fuel pressure. Just for a hunch, I checked some fuses. Found the 15amp for my spark box blown. WTF??!! I been having some intermittant engine probs, and think the box is going. Replaced the fuse, cranked it again, fired right up. Took a few mins for it to smooth out. All this was with the stock PROM. After a few more minutes of running, shut down and put back in my custom chip. Ran ok. Then after a while, took her for road test, and picked up a sub for chow. As I pulled in to the store, she died. I got to park it, got my sub, then it wouldn't run. Checked codes, nothing. So went to my toolbox and proceeded to bypass my spark box, and run the coil right off the stock trigger. That worked, fired right up and drove home. I had planned the spark box bypass ahead, just in case it failed me out on the road. I had a feeling that would die alltogethor.
It just sucks when you have multiple things go wrong at the same time. but all are fixable.
On the MAF, i did see the reman Cardone unit as another option, and it was a bit less money. But it still is the old hot wire design. I am hoping this newer MicroTech gives me some improvement AND reliability.........
The Micro-Tech is the exact same thing. I read a post on here about a year ago where a member said that Micro-Tech supposedly had the patent rights to that particular sensor, so that's why Wells had to quit making them. How true that is, I couldn't say, but it makes sense. 
It threw a MAF code as soon as I started the car. Luckily I had an original Bosch unit that came with a TPI setup I got from a running car, so I installed that one and my car runs perfect with it. So you might want to consider just getting a remanned Bosch unit instead of the Micro-Tech. It's too bad the Micro-Tech sensor didn't work out on mine because I liked the idea of the circuit card instead of the delicate wire on the original, not to mention they're supposed to flow better too. However, I'm running the original Bosch unit on a Super-Rammed, AFR-headed 355 and it seems to feed my motor just fine. 
