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FordNut
03-13-2004, 07:13 PM
I got the MAF sensor and have performed my preliminary analysis. Not installed yet, just observations and measurements.

It looks like a well-built free-flowing unit. The sensor works differently from the OEM one in that there is no sensor sticking down in the air flow path. The internal geometry is also different. The OEM unit is 80 mm basically through the entire length (it bells out slightly at the inlet but not much). The Pro-M unit smoothly necks down from a large inlet opening to 80 mm but then gets larger to about 95 mm and stays that larger size to the outlet flange.

The larger outlet flange will not connect directly to the intake air tube. It comes with a rubber boot which is used to connect the outlet flange to an included aluminum reducer cone which then connects to the air tube. So the nice large 4" outlet flange is reduced to 3-1/2" so it can connect to the air tube. It appears that the size of the conical air filter is such that the intake air tube will be bent downward for the filter to clear the closed hood.

The sensor element(s) are not as I had expected. The OEM unit has combined MAF sensor and IAT sensor. The Pro-M uses a separate IAT sensor which is included with the kit, along with the electrical connectors needed to change the OEM harness connections. But where does the IAT sensor mount? Since there is no airbox, this is going to simply measure engine compartment temp.

There is no mounting bracket for the MAF sensor or the IAT sensor, so I'll have to figure out some mounting scheme for both, at least for initial performance testing. I'm not going to install it permanently until I build a new air box or cold air kit for it.

So this changes some of my plans. I had intended to make a carbon fiber air tube and at some later time to build a carbon fiber air box/cold air kit. The IAT sensor issue changes the priority of those two projects. I need a place to mount it and isolate both the inlet air and the sensor from engine compartment heat. So the air box is first. I had planned to make an intake tube which could be used on both the OEM and the Pro-M MAF sensors. But the changed angle, larger flange size, and different length which would be necessary to eliminate the adapter flange mean that it would not be interchangeable.

MI2QWK4U
03-13-2004, 07:44 PM
Check out this thread. Lidio has done some testing and has settled on the 80mm Pro-M and has had it on his for a while, and tuned around it. He thinks its worth decent RWHP on a blown car. I posted another thread, may explain things.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8653

FordNut
03-13-2004, 09:45 PM
Check out this thread. Lidio has done some testing and has settled on the 80mm Pro-M and has had it on his for a while, and tuned around it. He thinks its worth decent RWHP on a blown car. I posted another thread, may explain things.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8653

Yeah, I saw that thread. I can't see why none of the centrifugal blower guys will give up the old air box. I've had the same problem trying to get an air intake tube. It would be nice if Pro-flow produced an air box/cold air kit to go along with their MAF.

I have a buddy who makes his own carbon fiber motorcycle parts. He's going to help me out. It's really really expensive. The tube will likely cost $200 in materials and require countless hours hand-finishing. The air box will probably cost a little less than $100 in materials and not be quite so difficult or time consuming. Now I understand why carbon fiber parts are so expensive.

I also contacted Lidio about the Pro-M gains he saw with a n/a car but I believe the Kook's headers may produce different results.

MI2QWK4U
03-13-2004, 09:58 PM
Looks like we are chasing the same thing here. Pro-M may produce a box or shield for our car, Lidio told them they are free to borrow my car for a few days to check it out. Stay tuned...

Sure there isnt someone out there with a spare air box?!

JohnE
03-14-2004, 05:31 AM
A new box is only ~$200, they should spend some R&D money. You're already offering them a car to try on.

By the way, any Panther platform car will be able to use the air intake. I switched to the Marauder airbox because it's such a good unit. The MM airbox uses space efficiently. You can't get air from under due to the air compressor. Don't want engine bay air. Basically there is only behind the headlight to get cool air, w/o major mods.

I understand a Ford Lightning 90mm MAF can replace the 80mm unit easily. This is the route I'm planning to go. Doubt a 4.6 will outflow it's range.


The Pro-M is a nice unit. If you could get better access to fresh air, a conical and large MAF would be a great setup.

John

FordNut
03-14-2004, 07:56 PM
Just ordered the carbon fiber materials. Almost $300. I have an idea for an airbox mold. Once a mold is made, it's simple to make more copies, just time consuming.

MI2QWK4U
03-14-2004, 08:03 PM
Just ordered the carbon fiber materials. Almost $300. I have an idea for an airbox mold. Once a mold is made, it's simple to make more copies, just time consuming.

If you could keep me up to date on what you find out or develop, I would love to hear about it. Thanks...
Dave