MAF with gauge/datalogger to measure the effectiveness of an intake improvement?

[PWirth]

I have been looking into making some intake airflow improvements on my 2003 HO Cummins, but I want to be able to tell how effective they are.



So, I was wondering if anyone had ever added a 85mm Mass Air Flow sensor off of a gas motor to the tube between the air filter and the turbo. I have a datalogger that I could attach it to. I think that I could then test the difference between a stock air filter and an aftermarket air filter, the difference between the stock air intake and the GDP air intake, the difference from adding a TAG in front of the turbo, maybe even the effect from going beyond the pressure map on the stock turbo (by disabling the wastegate). Some changes that reduce the intake backpressure and actually reduce the boost levels will increase the true air flow seeming to make the boost gauge disagree with the seat of the pants power increase. I think I could measure the difference with the MAF.



This is an example of one, JET Performance 69121 - JET Powr-Flo Mass Air Sensors - summitracing.com. If I actually do this I think I will look for one from a junk yard. I have read up on them some and it seems that they are supposed to output a 0 to 5v signal that is proportional to the actual mass flow. What do you think, would this work?

 

[ENafziger]

If you can find one with the right range, I think it would work. Some modded trucks are pushing 1,000 cfm... I'm not sure what semi-stock configuration would be, but maybe 500 - 600 as a guess.

I think it would also be necessary to log temperature, as density of the air could vary. Is that a hot-wire type MAF sensor?

Sounds like an interesting project!

--Eric

 

[PWirth]

Good point about the airflow, I think that if I could find one off of a big block engine then it should get close. A 8. 0L V10 should move approximately 850 cfm at 6000 rpm. I found data on one Bosch MAF that goes to 1000 cfm.

I am looking for a hot-wire type MAF. The reason to use a MAF is so that it can measure the true mass air flow -- it is temperature and pressure independent if properly built. I just need to find a junkyard ready to sell me one cheap!.

 

[ENafziger]

Sounds like you have a good plan... looking forward to the results.

How are you going to ensure you're at the same operating condition each time you take a comparitive airflow measurement? Or do you anticipate the air flow improvement will be so dramatic it will be obvious across the board?

--Eric

 

[ENafziger]

By the way, welcome to the site. I like to see "leaders" with new fresh ideas, who are not afraid to experiment for themselves. While there is a vast amount of knowledge and experience here, I think a lot can be learned by not taking everything for granted...