ok, i read just about every old post on a bad MAF, i have figured out mine is probably bad, the timing is off but getting profesionally done(i tried but couldnt get it right), now i disconnected the MAF and the car ran fine(minus the bad timing), and seemed to run stronger, my question is what will running without a MAF do?
i read that it wont hurt the car, but then some say it will, i am so lost and worried, i am beyond strapped for cash(had to replace the fuel pump, regulator, ign switch all in last week), but i will get one as soon as i can, but i hear of more power if the engine is tuned right, now what should i do, can i leave it off, or do i need it??
also i am putting a bolt in/out cat on there so there will be no cat to ruin(all ready is) with a richer mixture. any help is awesome, thanks

 

I didn't vote because I didn't see an appropriate response. Running without a MAF sensor makes my car run extremely rich and crappy. After a while the computer might adjust to the oxygen sensor readings and it may run better. Just try it and see.

 

Without the MAF the ECM uses "default" settings for air and adds what it thinks you need for fuel + some more to be safe...it will be running quite rich and get REALLY crappy gas mileage. Shop around, you should be able to get a reman MAF for about $150 (I know, money, money, money). If you can, see if you can borrow a MAF from a friend's car and see if your problems go away, this will at least confirm weather you need to spring for a MAF or not.

 

You may also have a leak on your tpi system. To check it, start the car and with it running spray some wd-40 lightly around all parts of the plenum. If the car idles up you have a leak there. Also for your timing, if you don't know this, there is a little brown single wire located on the firewall on the passenger side that you have to disconnect before you time it It controlls the timing advance and you will never get it timed right otherwise