Weak MAF - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

2SSRS@Gen5diy · 07-24-2011, 07:06 PM

This was from Vararams web site.

The Air Meter

During our testing we discovered a disparity between identical Camaros in terms of there reaction to changes in airflow and weather conditions.

We noticed that one car would be finicky at cold start and the MAF would scale "weak" while others would be strong and clean.

What we discovered was that the 'WEAK" meters were reading 1560-1670HZ at idle with the A/C off (OEM is 1800MHZ+)
During on road, light throttle input the MHZ would be slow and weak to respond to throttle changes (hesitation)
Wide open throttle showed 120-170MHZ lower than OEM stock (OEM is about 8600MHZ) on the same car.

Weak Meter Fuel trims-
The fuel trims would go to -15% using a VR -3% for a panel filter and -5-8% for other intakes. MHZ would drop as would the idle. When the MAF scaled in at WOT each would richen up accordingly.

Test 2 we pulled the filter from the VR completely, this resulted in fuel trims dropping down from -15% to -24%, MHZ dropped another 70-90MHZ. The car would drive fine but WOT operation was basically weak/flat and timing was low etc...
Now with one simple meter swap which takes about 1min the car immediately corrected, went back to 0% fuel trim MHZ jumped back to 1800+ all within 30 seconds! The car drove like a Rocket!

We began final confirmation by swapping air meters in cars and doing volt meter testing in static conditions. 30 meters, 3 cars = the same exact result every time. We confirmed this with VR customers tuners around the US.

The Result is that these 'weak" meters are not showing the same resistance levels as the majority of OEM meters.

This lead us to contact the GM rep and the actual manufacturer of the meters (its not Dephi) They confirmed the factory which allow us to identify each meter.

These numbers and letters are located on the back of the meter as shown.

(WHAT TO LOOK FOR) The factory code.

The suspect meters have all consistantly had a single letter located in this area VS a number with a letter.

Here is the catch 22

If the airflow is not changed by a substantial amount (our flow testing verifies that most of the aftermarket boxes do not) over OEM then the meter will be within OEM Tolerance but will always be "weak"
you cannot tune this out, its a fundamental issue with the resistance of the meter. It needs to be replaced. This is why some cars are finiky and some are not.

We have made arrangements through our GM parts dealer to stock meters just for this purpose.
We will be selling them at our cost (no markup at all)

You may not need the meter, estimated 90% will not.

"This meter is also used in the Corvette as well and some of those as of 2010's are starting show up"

Thank You Vararam, For constantly bettering the camaro Experience.

*mlee* · 07-24-2011, 07:12 PM

Good stuff.... but the Vararam write-up has already been kicked around in a few other threads recently... All of their hard work really paid off..

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160124

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155915

BackinBlackSS/RS · 07-24-2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlee

Good stuff.... but the Vararam write-up has already been kicked around in a few other threads recently...

And with all that attention, I think he is just trying to give credit where credit is due. I too thank you Vararam.

*mlee* · 07-24-2011, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackinBlackSS/RS

And with all that attention, I think he is just trying to give credit where credit is due. I too thank you Vararam.

yep... you quoted me before I added the last sentance... Those guys support our club here big time and are awesome...

BackinBlackSS/RS · 07-24-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlee

yep... you quoted me before I added the last sentance... Those guys support our club here big time and are awesome...

Oh, I didn't know they did that. Well, I can't say I'm surprised.

*mlee* · 07-24-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BackinBlackSS/RS

Oh, I didn't know they did that. Well, I can't say I'm surprised.

Yes I probably should have listed them in the article on the Home page... They were a huge part of our $7,000 donation to Kids Harbor and were right with us both last year and this year handing out sponsored trophys and donating CAI's to our raffle.

We could not do things like this without companies like Vararam...

2SSRS@Gen5diy · 07-24-2011, 07:40 PM

I think we need to add this info as a sticky

BackinBlackSS/RS · 07-24-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSRS

I think we need to add this info as a sticky

Ofer, that is a great idea!

DietCoke · 07-24-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSRS

I think we need to add this info as a sticky

There are already nine other pointless stickies that take up half a page of space.

axis · 07-25-2011, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSRS

I think we need to add this info as a sticky

Not that I don't think this is good info but if we can't get the Jannetty CAI shootout thread made into a sticky, I don't know what qualifies as one. Hell that MIGHT cut down on the number of "what CAI is the best" threads. I say might cause if these guys refuse to use the search button, I doubt they pay much attention to the stickys.

Brianskeet · 07-25-2011, 12:30 PM

I checked today and was good to go. This web site is better than having a shop manual for my Camaro!

2SSRS@Gen5diy · 08-06-2011, 10:58 PM

Went to help a member today install some mods and we looked at the MAF and its one of the single letter only MAF, time for a new one.

Camarowguy · 08-06-2011, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SSRS

Went to help a member today install some mods and we looked at the MAF and its one of the single letter only MAF, time for a new one.

It makes a difference for sure, I found that out first hand.

babaron · 08-10-2011, 07:23 PM

where exactly is the this air flow thing, MAF, or whatever it is? How do I check mine? I am having the same issue.

07-24-2011, 07:06 PM	#1
2SSRS@Gen5diy Drives: 2014 Z/28 #82+#192, 18ZLE 66Nova Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: By the lake in AZ Posts: 15,728 View My Garage	Weak MAF This was from Vararams web site. The Air Meter During our testing we discovered a disparity between identical Camaros in terms of there reaction to changes in airflow and weather conditions. We noticed that one car would be finicky at cold start and the MAF would scale "weak" while others would be strong and clean. What we discovered was that the 'WEAK" meters were reading 1560-1670HZ at idle with the A/C off (OEM is 1800MHZ+) During on road, light throttle input the MHZ would be slow and weak to respond to throttle changes (hesitation) Wide open throttle showed 120-170MHZ lower than OEM stock (OEM is about 8600MHZ) on the same car. Weak Meter Fuel trims- The fuel trims would go to -15% using a VR -3% for a panel filter and -5-8% for other intakes. MHZ would drop as would the idle. When the MAF scaled in at WOT each would richen up accordingly. Test 2 we pulled the filter from the VR completely, this resulted in fuel trims dropping down from -15% to -24%, MHZ dropped another 70-90MHZ. The car would drive fine but WOT operation was basically weak/flat and timing was low etc... Now with one simple meter swap which takes about 1min the car immediately corrected, went back to 0% fuel trim MHZ jumped back to 1800+ all within 30 seconds! The car drove like a Rocket! We began final confirmation by swapping air meters in cars and doing volt meter testing in static conditions. 30 meters, 3 cars = the same exact result every time. We confirmed this with VR customers tuners around the US. The Result is that these 'weak" meters are not showing the same resistance levels as the majority of OEM meters. This lead us to contact the GM rep and the actual manufacturer of the meters (its not Dephi) They confirmed the factory which allow us to identify each meter. These numbers and letters are located on the back of the meter as shown. (WHAT TO LOOK FOR) The factory code. The suspect meters have all consistantly had a single letter located in this area VS a number with a letter. Here is the catch 22 If the airflow is not changed by a substantial amount (our flow testing verifies that most of the aftermarket boxes do not) over OEM then the meter will be within OEM Tolerance but will always be "weak" you cannot tune this out, its a fundamental issue with the resistance of the meter. It needs to be replaced. This is why some cars are finiky and some are not. We have made arrangements through our GM parts dealer to stock meters just for this purpose. We will be selling them at our cost (no markup at all) You may not need the meter, estimated 90% will not. "This meter is also used in the Corvette as well and some of those as of 2010's are starting show up" Thank You Vararam, For constantly bettering the camaro Experience.

07-24-2011, 07:12 PM	#2
mlee CamaroFans.com Drives: ZLE & ZR2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 37,944 View My Garage	Good stuff.... but the Vararam write-up has already been kicked around in a few other threads recently... All of their hard work really paid off.. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160124 http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155915 __________________

07-25-2011, 12:30 PM	#11
Brianskeet Brianskeet Drives: RJTC 1SS RS L99 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crestview FL Posts: 771 View My Garage	I checked today and was good to go. This web site is better than having a shop manual for my Camaro! __________________ ARH 1 7/8 coated LT, High flows, Corsa L99 exhaust, Vmax CNC throttle body, Elite Engineering catch can and tunnel brace, C.A.I. Apex Washer relocation and scoop, Janetty Tune, MSD wires, DEI heat shields, RB rotors and pads, Mike the powder coater calipers, pedders lines, Forgestar F14's, Gorilla nutz, MTI spoiler finished by Gary, Gary's Customz Bow Ties, Side Markers and Tails tinted, Bezels matte black, Badges deleted, Windows Tinted, AAC DRL P13W lights, AAC tinted LED reverse lights, AAC LED interior lights, RPI match painted DRL Bezels, Lis plate frame, Lloyds mats

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Issue SOLVED strong MAF.	daveagogo1	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	131	07-17-2014 09:19 AM
Vararam update after weak MAF replaced!	mrh923	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	41	07-11-2014 09:55 PM
Cold Air Intake & Maf Scaling	nyny69	Tuning / Diagnostics -- engine and transmission	3	09-09-2010 08:34 AM
Halltech Yellow Jacket – oil substance around MAF information	caverman	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	5	06-29-2010 02:51 PM

07-24-2011, 07:40 PM	#7
2SSRS@Gen5diy Drives: 2014 Z/28 #82+#192, 18ZLE 66Nova Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: By the lake in AZ Posts: 15,728 View My Garage	I think we need to add this info as a sticky

08-06-2011, 10:58 PM	#12
2SSRS@Gen5diy Drives: 2014 Z/28 #82+#192, 18ZLE 66Nova Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: By the lake in AZ Posts: 15,728 View My Garage	Went to help a member today install some mods and we looked at the MAF and its one of the single letter only MAF, time for a new one.

08-10-2011, 07:23 PM	#14
babaron Totally into it Drives: '67 427vette/'11 Pacecar/'02 BMW ci Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 653 View My Garage	where exactly is the this air flow thing, MAF, or whatever it is? How do I check mine? I am having the same issue.