I'm going to be swapping a 350 into my 1995 Jeep Wrangler within a few years and I'm trying to envision how I'd like it set up. I had initially thought about going with a TBI induction system but the low-end torque of TPI would really help when I go four-wheeling. Thus, I'm thinking of going TPI. First, forget about speed density. I could convert over to that if I wanted to. I'm talking MAF: how well does the actual sensor hold up in a harsh environment? Keep in mind that this is going in a Jeep that is taken off-road at least twice a month and driven through mud, dust, and water (not a lot of water, though). And it's also my daily driver.

 

I don't think that enough dust to damage the MAF sensor should be getting past your air filter. If it is it is going to the engine after that, where the real problems would start. In other words, if you run an air filter, you should be fine.

 

I run a regular paper filter (K&Ns let too much stuff through) and I have seen some markings on the inside of the intake tube... enough to coat the tube with a fine layer of dust.

 

As long as you have a good air filter and all your connections are sealed tight I don't think you should have any problems at all. You could always pull it every month or so and make sure its okay and that too much dirt/dust isn't getting in there somehow. Wouldn't take more than 5 minutes.