I have a 91' TPI Z28 and for the life of me I can't seem to find my MAF sensor. My mechanic told me to clean it out and well, i can't find it. If I don't have a MAF sensor then would it be the speed density thing? And could i use MAF cleaner on that?

 

Your 91 doesn't have a MAF. Your mechanic needs to do his homework. No, you cant use MAF cleaner on your MAP sensor. Understand that speed density works on a somewhat different principle than the MAF system. On cars with MAF, the MAF sensor measures the volume of incoming air and injects fuel according to that measurement. Corrections are made for things like baromteric pressure, coolant/air temperature, and throttle movement, but basically the MAF sensor is god.

On speed density, there is no air flow sensor. The system relies on a base fuel map programmed into the PROM of the ECM. Corrections are made for baro pressure, engine load, throttle movement, coolant/air temperature.

If your car is running lean or struggling to make power, you need to first verify no misfires and adequate fuel supply pressure. Then verify adequate spark strength to be sure the fuel being injected into the motor is being burned properly. Once we know we have spark and fuel pressure. We can look at sensor values and fuel trims to see where the problem may lie. A few common failures are fuel pump, injectors, ignition control module, pick up coil, O2 sensor.

 

Step #1...Find a new mechanic.....

or do the work yourself <--recommended method, and find a mechanic you can trust for the things that you can't do yourself.