3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

I have an 87 IROC Z with a Lingenfelter 383. I bought the car like this and have been trying to get it street legal. The MAF that was on the car looked like someone took some plyers to it and ripped everything out. Check engine light on. Code for MAF is showing. So I got a MAF from a guy on this site. Plugged it in and the check engine light is now off. The only problem is the car runs like a scalded ape with out it but with the new one I cant even put it in drive with out it dying. Getting very frustrated. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

700R4, stock rear.

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

Does it have a custom chip in the ECM? Someone may have changed the MAF calibration tables when they gutted the factory unit.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

In a pile of paper work that came with the car there is a UPS slip from Lingenfelter that says the contents is a chip. How do I know for sure if there is a chip though? I have pulled the computer but I am not sure what to do next.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Ok, I took the casing apart to see if there were any aftermarket "chips" but it seems stock.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Bump

Anyone else? Car runs great with gutted maf, runs horrible with functional one. Problem is the check engine light is on with gutted maf.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Gut the functional one install and enjoy, remove the screens and aluminum fins.
If its truly a John L set up its prolly tuned properly and needs the maf a certain way.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

What is the difference between the two? Is it just the screens and the fins that are removed? I don't think that would cause the car to run that bad, or bad at all.

I had the screens and fins removed on mine when it had bolt-ons, the car didn't idle any different.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

The MAF that is gutted is completely gutted. Even the wires. I dont understand why they didnt just put a straight pipe on there.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

I just dont understand how the car runs so much better with the maf that is completely gutted wires and all but the check engine light is on.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

New question. What do I need to get the check engine light off so I can get her inspected?

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

If the MAF is completely gutted that means its not properly reading the amount of air coming into your intake. What happens when you just unplug the gutted one? Doses the car stumble stall out?

This will tell you if your MAF is even sending any flow readings to the ECM.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

It doesn't change plugged in or not. Only the new one affects it, plugged in, runs like crap. Unplugged = awesome

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

That means your car must be custom tuned somehow. MAF cars don't run without the MAF. Something else is going on......

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Will one of those tuning kits allow me to turn off the check engine light so I can get it inspected?

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

From what I understand, they do not let you clear codes. They allow you to see what the code is, but not clear it.

Someone my want to chime in if I'm wrong.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/...stZ/Camaro.jpg

I can't figure out how to attach a photo but this link should show the mangled MAF.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Okay, yeah that's not functional at all. It seems that its only there for tubing purposes, not for the ECM to read air mixture. What ECM is in your car? Are you 100% sure its a stock tune?

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

What I found on the computer was "1227165 ACXT". I found a UPS slip that said contents of package was a chip. That's pretty much all I know. <-- And it was from Lingenfelter.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

I just found a picture of an untouched computer and mine is missing the cover over the PROM. So it has definitly been messed with.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Yep, it's been custom tuned to not read the MAF. The hand held Scantron OBDI programers can clear codes, they have those at Autozone for $40-$60. But, I think the codes just pop on again once you turn the car back on.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

I'll get some pics after work. Thanks for helping me out with this.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Sounds good, no prob.

1killerolds

iTrader: (1)

I don't see how it could be a 100% stock tune if it is running without the MAF, and MAF cars don't run without the MAF. Not sure about '87 tpi maf setups, but newer cars will run on speed density backup with the maf unplugged. It sound to me like it has been converted to speed density. I'm curious also what ecm is in it. Can you try taking a picture of the prom/memcal and posting it? I think you'll need another prom in order to have the maf work properly and the light stay off. How confident are you that the replacement maf you bought on here is good? Not trying to imply someone sold you junk, just that things happen.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

http://photobucket.com/3rdCoastZ

You would think as much as I paid for this camera it would take better pictures.
I hear about people tuning out their MAF. Is this different from speed density?

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Guess who figured out how to post pictures? This guy, that's who.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

yowza! I didnt think you ment that the maf was raped!!! lol
post a pic of the mafs if you can!!
I have no clue y someone would tune the maf out.. well I do but..

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Honestly, that's a stock chip with the stock code for a 1988 Camaro. Did you see my earlier post about a scan tool from Autozone?

Might be the best way to go seeing that the gutted MAF is working....

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Do you think the check engine light will stay off long enough for inspection?

How would I know if it was converted to speed density and if it was why does it run like crap when I plug in an unmolested MAF?

I will check out the scan tool also, won't hurt to have one anyway.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

I really don't get why someone would do this.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Holy hell!!!!!
Just 4 inspection can you remove the bulb? or do they need 2 see it working??

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

lol, it's brutal.

One of my buddies told me to just unplug it but I would think they would still know from plugging into the computer for the inspection. Or I could just wait until next year and it will be a classic. Then I only have to pass safety inspection and not enviromental.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Looks like the MAF monster went right thur that poor thing!!

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

I believe that the code will come back on once the car is re-started.

I really don't think it's been converted to speed density. The ECM looks exactly like mine. I think the MAF was just tuned out.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Im thinking that your "new" maf may be bad???

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

I thought so too, but if it was it shouldn't be throwing a code. right?

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Thought about that too. Maybe I can find somebody locally to let me try theirs to see if it has the same affect.

Alright, I got to get some shut eye. 0400 comes quick.

Vader

Time for a data scan with the engine running. The backup resistor chips should not allow it to run that well, but an improper tune with a MAF could be worse, thus the noticeable improvement with essentially no MAF installed. A custom PROM is likely in your future, and S/D is probably the way to go with that many cubes.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

What do you guys think about Tuner Cats? It looks like functionality and price is the best.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn18gy8DW_Q

This is a short vid of my car. Not very good quality but this is without MAF. My friend driving.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

I use TunerPro RT, its free and it works great for me.....just throwing it out there. Plus, there's so much tech support on this forum for it.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Yeah Id say try a known working MAF..

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

So, with Tunerpro RT all I need is a ALDL cable and my laptop? Seems to good to be true.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

Here's a list of what you need:

1. Laptop - TunerPro RT (tunerpro.net)
2. ALDU1 Cable combo (moates.net)
3. Burn2 Chip Programmer (moates.net)
4. GP1 Eprom adapter package (moats.net)
5. Download proper "bin" files, definition files, etc..(moates.net or this site)
6. Patience, and a lot of freaking time!!!!!

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

That's not to bad. Another paycheck or two. I wonder how much better the car is going to run with a solid tune on it? Getting pretty stoked.

mjdavis68

iTrader: (1)

Jumpin in hear, on the inspection for texas, you will be plugged into the states emission test and your ecm will tell it that the MIL has been on lately.So if the bulb is burned out or removed it doesn't matter the states tester will know.Also the car has to be driven approx 100 miles or so until the ecm erases/forgets any codes,even if you erase them will a scanner it will see it.It also is the same with my Superchips Flashpac on my Ram truck.when its time to inspect it,i have to go back to the stock setting and drive it approx 100 miles before it will pass.(DFW area)

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I figured as much. But a tuner that gets your car running right because of mods should pass right?

dimented24x7

iTrader: (2)

If the MAF had its wires removed and everything, then theyre running it an an alpha-n system using just the TPS. If thats the case, youll need to retune the ECM to work properly. With the MAF unplugged, its impossible to say what the engine is actually getting fuel and spark wise.

3rd Coast Z

iTrader: (1)

It looks like there is no way around it. I am going to order the stuff I need to start tuning the car myself next week. I know it will take a lot of time but I figure it will be well worth the effort and the couple hundred bucks I spend.

heat seeker

iTrader: (5)

It's completely worth it......you won't regret it. Look at it this way: Any enthusiasts that has a carb learns how to adjust the jets and spark to get his car running properly. He doesn't take to a shop every time it starts running rich or lean.

EFI guys have to learn to do the same....it's all part of the fun!