How To: 4.0L OHV MAF upgrade.... - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*Spdrcer34* · 05-23-2008, 12:12 AM

I've been busy with a few projects.....

I finally installed my Custom Hood <---Link to the thread here on EF

I finally installed the Intake Spacer (another link) I have had on the shelf for months

But now I have upgraded my MAF too....I bought a 5.0L X MAF off ebay for $15.00

Here is what I got:

Here is what I did to it:

First things first....take the MAF electronics off the body

I started by looking at the small plate off the back of the MAF...I can only think this was designed to created a little turbulance, slowing the air down a little around the sensor to get a good reading......I removed it.

One that little plate was gone, It was time to get rid of that whole pillar in the middle of the MAF. Get a good hacksaw, take off the blade insert the blade into the MAF body, and re-attach the blade to the saw....saw away at the pillar

Now you are almost done....

There is a little bit left on the bottom that SHOULD be removed if you have the ability. I used my airpowered die grinder.

It literally took me all of 5 minutes to get to this point from when I first walked into my shop with the part in the box.

Just for comparison sake, here is the stock 4.0L MAF opening compared to the 5.0L MAF:

I can telll a difference with this MAF..... I love it....

I have a few other projects that I am working of for the X.......stay TUNED...(no pun intended)...

Ryan

*Blacksheep Josh* · 05-23-2008, 12:16 AM

There's someone I haven't heard of in a while. It's about damn time somebody did an actual write up about this. Good job man, this will help a LOT of people... 5 star rating!!

This should definitely become a sticky for the First Generation Forum. The Cold Air intake, the flowmaster installation, and this writeup are probably the 3 most "wanted/needed" for us.

Again, good job Ryan.

*jah81592* · 05-23-2008, 09:33 AM

Please don't think I am a naysayer but do you actually understand what the MAF meter does in a Ford vehicle? It commands all fueling,spark,load,trans shift schedules (on newer vehicles) and shift firmness (on new vehicles). I would be willing to be if you actually put your truck on a dyno that the vehicle lost hp and torque due to it being lean.. Furthermore the unit was engineered with the tonsil integrated into the body to reduce turbulance and reversion. I would like to see the MAF voltage (which would probably be all over the place). I could go into this even further but you get the idea. As far as a sticky. I wouldn't recommend it.-j

*Spdrcer34* · 05-23-2008, 12:39 PM

This is a 1992( i.e. OBD1, Manual Trans X) the MAF does quite a bit..but not as much on a car this old..

Well, I have a dyno sheet from it's previous set-up, but won't get it dyno'd again until after I have done a few other things that will change the hp/tq numbers greatly....This mod on a totally bone stock X isn't something I would recommend....but on a modded motor like mine, I could tell a difference..

I think after I get done with all my mods, I'll throw the 4.0 MAF on there, and have it dyno'd...then do it again with this 5.0L...and I'm fairly positive it will make a slight difference in my favor with the 5.0 MAF on there..

Ryan

*Blacksheep Josh* · 05-23-2008, 12:43 PM

The MAF conversion is mentioned in the First Generation forum under "How to build your own custom cold air intake" or something like that. A lot of people have done the conversion with positive results. Myself included. I'm pretty sure if that many people have done it and gotten good results, it's worth it...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=160528&page=2

around post 26 - 29 i want to say is where the discussion comes up..

*jah81592* · 05-23-2008, 02:00 PM

I custom tune EEC-iv vehicles all the time, actually 7 in the last 2 weeks. This mod will definately need a custom tune especially with a modded engine thus making it even leaner further supporting the necessity for a chip in that application. The laws of physics are still in effect. MAF turbulance isn't filtered just because it is EEC-iv. Hogging out or removing necessary components in a MAF meter is not recommended. Although EEC-iv isn't as dependent on the meter as EEC-V it still determines load,fueling and spark. Enough parameters are controlled to waste an engine. Especially if you don't have any logging to support that the modification is safe.-j

*Blacksheep Josh* · 05-23-2008, 06:29 PM

how do you tune our engines? i was under the impression they couldn't accept a chip or something other. so it is possible? link to site if possible?

(speaking about our first generation 4.0)

*Spdrcer34* · 05-24-2008, 01:45 AM

Josh....

Yes, tuning is totally possible on just about ANY vehicle...

Some just allow more tuning than others. OBDI/EEC-IV doesn't have as many tuning parameters as the OBDII/EEC-V....but there is some power to be gained by doing it...

I am getting another tune after I get some more work done...

Ryan

*Blacksheep Josh* · 05-24-2008, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spdrcer34

Josh....

Yes, tuning is totally possible on just about ANY vehicle...

Some just allow more tuning than others. OBDI/EEC-IV doesn't have as many tuning parameters as the OBDII/EEC-V....but there is some power to be gained by doing it...

I am getting another tune after I get some more work done...

Ryan

where would you recommend me looking? my real goal would be to have 2 tunes, 1 performance and 1 conservative. the performance, for well, performance. and one conservative to try and save fuel while just doing daily drives.

*seth247* · 05-24-2008, 03:04 AM

I don't think the ecu can switch back and forth without a whole new tune.

*Blacksheep Josh* · 05-24-2008, 02:06 PM

:-(

*seth247* · 05-24-2008, 02:28 PM

Then again horse power and efficiency aren't mutually exclusive. Both goals are
basicaly the same: make as much power out of a givin amount of fuel as possible.

*Spdrcer34* · 05-25-2008, 10:34 PM

Having Multiple tunes gets expensive....but not impossible

But once you have a Performance Tune (92/93 octane req'd)...you'll never go to the 'lame' tune....even going to the store for milk will be fun....

Ryan

*Blacksheep Josh* · 05-25-2008, 10:54 PM

So where do you get yours done? Or do you do them yourself? Is it a chip? I've seen bama chips and jet chips mentioned, but I'm at a loss as to what WILL work on the first generation.

also, i read in another thread about a man who does good port/polish work on intakes and throttlebodies, here's the thread if you're interested:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=216133

I've all ready emailed him about getting my Intake Manifold (after TB) done. I figure if it doesn't work, oh well... but if it does!!!...

**Turdle** · 05-26-2008, 12:06 AM

For tuning-
www.hensonperformance.com

James is a site vendor-

Check out his site.

I need to take a look into my BBK throttle body and see if there is anything to be done there--

*jah81592* · 05-27-2008, 09:39 AM

You can tune a gen1 Explorer with a SCT chip. I have datalogging,etc. Unfortunately I have to be with the vehicle. It can be done. I also tune many Fox bodied Mustangs. If you are close to me I can tune you. If you would like to schedule time, just let me know. Chipping a Gen1 isn't impossible.

tyler_h · 01-12-2009, 04:36 PM

what year that maf off of

2000XPLORERSPORT · 01-12-2009, 08:22 PM

would this maf mod be possible with the stock 4.0l ohv mass air flow sensor? as far as cutting out that pillar in the middle.i got a sct programmer from henson performance.so i can data log all the info.would it really help?

*seth247* · 01-12-2009, 08:34 PM

The stock maf doesn't have a bar. Just a narrow hole.

Maybe the later gens are different.

*seth247* · 01-12-2009, 08:41 PM

Stock foxbody mustangs have 19lb/h injectors yes?

Same as the ex?

05-23-2008, 12:12 AM	#1
Spdrcer34 Trixi & Speed Bremerton, WA Hers:`93 XLT His `92 XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,699 Vehicle Specs	How To: 4.0L OHV MAF upgrade.... I've been busy with a few projects..... I finally installed my Custom Hood <---Link to the thread here on EF I finally installed the Intake Spacer (another link) I have had on the shelf for months But now I have upgraded my MAF too....I bought a 5.0L X MAF off ebay for $15.00 Here is what I got: Here is what I did to it: First things first....take the MAF electronics off the body I started by looking at the small plate off the back of the MAF...I can only think this was designed to created a little turbulance, slowing the air down a little around the sensor to get a good reading......I removed it. One that little plate was gone, It was time to get rid of that whole pillar in the middle of the MAF. Get a good hacksaw, take off the blade insert the blade into the MAF body, and re-attach the blade to the saw....saw away at the pillar Now you are almost done.... There is a little bit left on the bottom that SHOULD be removed if you have the ability. I used my airpowered die grinder. It literally took me all of 5 minutes to get to this point from when I first walked into my shop with the part in the box. Just for comparison sake, here is the stock 4.0L MAF opening compared to the 5.0L MAF: I can telll a difference with this MAF..... I love it.... I have a few other projects that I am working of for the X.......stay TUNED...(no pun intended)... Ryan __________________ 1992 White Ford Explorer XL 1993 Green Ford Explorer XLT 1992 Red Mazda Navajo XL

05-23-2008, 12:16 AM	#2
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,264 Vehicle Specs	There's someone I haven't heard of in a while. It's about damn time somebody did an actual write up about this. Good job man, this will help a LOT of people... 5 star rating!! This should definitely become a sticky for the First Generation Forum. The Cold Air intake, the flowmaster installation, and this writeup are probably the 3 most "wanted/needed" for us. Again, good job Ryan. __________________ "Thunder" Registry "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

05-23-2008, 09:33 AM	#3
jah81592 EF Vendor Hueytown,Al 1998 Explorer Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,446 Vehicle Specs	Please don't think I am a naysayer but do you actually understand what the MAF meter does in a Ford vehicle? It commands all fueling,spark,load,trans shift schedules (on newer vehicles) and shift firmness (on new vehicles). I would be willing to be if you actually put your truck on a dyno that the vehicle lost hp and torque due to it being lean.. Furthermore the unit was engineered with the tonsil integrated into the body to reduce turbulance and reversion. I would like to see the MAF voltage (which would probably be all over the place). I could go into this even further but you get the idea. As far as a sticky. I wouldn't recommend it.-j __________________ James 1998 Explorer Sport Turbocharged-RIP 8.270@84.53MPH IN THE 1/8TH @9PSI www.hensonperformance.com-call,text message or email for information on parts and services.SCT chips/programmers,HP Tuners,Diablo & UpRev (Nissan) Tuning,C&L,MAC,ASP,JBA & Gibson exhaust parts dealer!

05-23-2008, 12:39 PM	#4
Spdrcer34 Trixi & Speed Bremerton, WA Hers:`93 XLT His `92 XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,699 Vehicle Specs	This is a 1992( i.e. OBD1, Manual Trans X) the MAF does quite a bit..but not as much on a car this old.. Well, I have a dyno sheet from it's previous set-up, but won't get it dyno'd again until after I have done a few other things that will change the hp/tq numbers greatly....This mod on a totally bone stock X isn't something I would recommend....but on a modded motor like mine, I could tell a difference.. I think after I get done with all my mods, I'll throw the 4.0 MAF on there, and have it dyno'd...then do it again with this 5.0L...and I'm fairly positive it will make a slight difference in my favor with the 5.0 MAF on there.. Ryan __________________ 1992 White Ford Explorer XL 1993 Green Ford Explorer XLT 1992 Red Mazda Navajo XL

05-23-2008, 12:43 PM	#5
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,264 Vehicle Specs	The MAF conversion is mentioned in the First Generation forum under "How to build your own custom cold air intake" or something like that. A lot of people have done the conversion with positive results. Myself included. I'm pretty sure if that many people have done it and gotten good results, it's worth it... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=160528&page=2 around post 26 - 29 i want to say is where the discussion comes up.. __________________ "Thunder" Registry "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc Last edited by Blacksheep Josh; 05-23-2008 at 12:46 PM. Reason: link

05-23-2008, 02:00 PM	#6
jah81592 EF Vendor Hueytown,Al 1998 Explorer Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,446 Vehicle Specs	I custom tune EEC-iv vehicles all the time, actually 7 in the last 2 weeks. This mod will definately need a custom tune especially with a modded engine thus making it even leaner further supporting the necessity for a chip in that application. The laws of physics are still in effect. MAF turbulance isn't filtered just because it is EEC-iv. Hogging out or removing necessary components in a MAF meter is not recommended. Although EEC-iv isn't as dependent on the meter as EEC-V it still determines load,fueling and spark. Enough parameters are controlled to waste an engine. Especially if you don't have any logging to support that the modification is safe.-j __________________ James 1998 Explorer Sport Turbocharged-RIP 8.270@84.53MPH IN THE 1/8TH @9PSI www.hensonperformance.com-call,text message or email for information on parts and services.SCT chips/programmers,HP Tuners,Diablo & UpRev (Nissan) Tuning,C&L,MAC,ASP,JBA & Gibson exhaust parts dealer!

05-23-2008, 06:29 PM	#7
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,264 Vehicle Specs	how do you tune our engines? i was under the impression they couldn't accept a chip or something other. so it is possible? link to site if possible? (speaking about our first generation 4.0) __________________ "Thunder" Registry "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

05-24-2008, 01:45 AM	#8
Spdrcer34 Trixi & Speed Bremerton, WA Hers:`93 XLT His `92 XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,699 Vehicle Specs	Josh.... Yes, tuning is totally possible on just about ANY vehicle... Some just allow more tuning than others. OBDI/EEC-IV doesn't have as many tuning parameters as the OBDII/EEC-V....but there is some power to be gained by doing it... I am getting another tune after I get some more work done... Ryan __________________ 1992 White Ford Explorer XL 1993 Green Ford Explorer XLT 1992 Red Mazda Navajo XL

05-24-2008, 03:04 AM	#10
seth247 Elite Explorer Tulsa, Oklahoma '92 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,928 Vehicle Specs	I don't think the ecu can switch back and forth without a whole new tune. __________________ -Matt Forest Green'92 XLT 4X4 302/4R70W To all those in uniform, past and present. Thank You.

05-24-2008, 02:06 PM	#11
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,264 Vehicle Specs	:-( __________________ "Thunder" Registry "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

05-24-2008, 02:28 PM	#12
seth247 Elite Explorer Tulsa, Oklahoma '92 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,928 Vehicle Specs	Then again horse power and efficiency aren't mutually exclusive. Both goals are basicaly the same: make as much power out of a givin amount of fuel as possible. __________________ -Matt Forest Green'92 XLT 4X4 302/4R70W To all those in uniform, past and present. Thank You.

05-25-2008, 10:34 PM	#13
Spdrcer34 Trixi & Speed Bremerton, WA Hers:`93 XLT His `92 XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,699 Vehicle Specs	Having Multiple tunes gets expensive....but not impossible But once you have a Performance Tune (92/93 octane req'd)...you'll never go to the 'lame' tune....even going to the store for milk will be fun.... Ryan __________________ 1992 White Ford Explorer XL 1993 Green Ford Explorer XLT 1992 Red Mazda Navajo XL

05-25-2008, 10:54 PM	#14
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,264 Vehicle Specs	So where do you get yours done? Or do you do them yourself? Is it a chip? I've seen bama chips and jet chips mentioned, but I'm at a loss as to what WILL work on the first generation. also, i read in another thread about a man who does good port/polish work on intakes and throttlebodies, here's the thread if you're interested: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=216133 I've all ready emailed him about getting my Intake Manifold (after TB) done. I figure if it doesn't work, oh well... but if it does!!!... __________________ "Thunder" Registry "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

05-26-2008, 12:06 AM	#15
Turdle Topless in winter Humboldt, KS 1998 Mountaineer MX4 O/R Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 17,417 Vehicle Specs	For tuning- www.hensonperformance.com James is a site vendor- Check out his site. I need to take a look into my BBK throttle body and see if there is anything to be done there-- __________________ "I set my standards low, so I am not easily disappointed" 98 MX4 OFF ROADFOR SALE 93 with sky light Explorerforum license frames here

05-27-2008, 09:39 AM	#16
jah81592 EF Vendor Hueytown,Al 1998 Explorer Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,446 Vehicle Specs	You can tune a gen1 Explorer with a SCT chip. I have datalogging,etc. Unfortunately I have to be with the vehicle. It can be done. I also tune many Fox bodied Mustangs. If you are close to me I can tune you. If you would like to schedule time, just let me know. Chipping a Gen1 isn't impossible. __________________ James 1998 Explorer Sport Turbocharged-RIP 8.270@84.53MPH IN THE 1/8TH @9PSI www.hensonperformance.com-call,text message or email for information on parts and services.SCT chips/programmers,HP Tuners,Diablo & UpRev (Nissan) Tuning,C&L,MAC,ASP,JBA & Gibson exhaust parts dealer!

01-12-2009, 04:36 PM	#17
tyler_h Wannabe Elite Explorer Great Falls, Montana 1991 XLT Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 22 Vehicle Specs	what year that maf off of

01-12-2009, 08:22 PM	#18
2000XPLORERSPORT Wannabe Elite Explorer TOLEDO OHIO 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 405 Vehicle Specs	would this maf mod be possible with the stock 4.0l ohv mass air flow sensor? as far as cutting out that pillar in the middle.i got a sct programmer from henson performance.so i can data log all the info.would it really help? __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2429989 4.0l ohv red taylor 8.8mm spiro pro wires, motorcraft platinum plugs,royal purple 5w-30 oil,k&n oil filter,valvoline synthetic brake fluid,red top optima battery under the hood.volant cai,helix throttle body spacer,sct 2 programmer/tune running 93 octane fuel,2 1/2" pipe ran into turbo 2 muffler with no cats,adjusted tps to .96volts,lowered 3"

01-12-2009, 08:34 PM	#19
seth247 Elite Explorer Tulsa, Oklahoma '92 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,928 Vehicle Specs	The stock maf doesn't have a bar. Just a narrow hole. Maybe the later gens are different. __________________ -Matt Forest Green'92 XLT 4X4 302/4R70W To all those in uniform, past and present. Thank You.

01-12-2009, 08:41 PM	#20
seth247 Elite Explorer Tulsa, Oklahoma '92 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,928 Vehicle Specs	Stock foxbody mustangs have 19lb/h injectors yes? Same as the ex? __________________ -Matt Forest Green'92 XLT 4X4 302/4R70W To all those in uniform, past and present. Thank You.