E36 M3 MAF grates

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   Here's a picture for those who've not taken a peek...
http://www.vacmotorsports.com/db/images/bmw-emaf-e36m3.jpg
It seems to me those grates each end of the housing would restrict some airflow.  So why are they there?  Is there any kind of air smoothing going on so the MAF itself works accurately?
Has anyone tried removing them to see what difference they get?
It's my understanding that the intake on this engine is restrictive -- according to my source if you take out the boot connecting the manifold to the intake trunking as an experiment (temporarily -- you obviously can't run without an air filter!) it goes like a rocket.  Seems to me you might get a few percent more flow (and hence torque) for free here.  Trouble is, I suspect BMW know a bit more about intakes that wot I do.
Andy

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__Andy__ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 03-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 123	Topic: E36 M3 MAF grates Posted: 18-January-2005 at 02:50
	Here's a picture for those who've not taken a peek... http://www.vacmotorsports.com/db/images/bmw-emaf-e36m3.jpg It seems to me those grates each end of the housing would restrict some airflow. So why are they there? Is there any kind of air smoothing going on so the MAF itself works accurately? Has anyone tried removing them to see what difference they get? It's my understanding that the intake on this engine is restrictive -- according to my source if you take out the boot connecting the manifold to the intake trunking as an experiment (temporarily -- you obviously can't run without an air filter!) it goes like a rocket. Seems to me you might get a few percent more flow (and hence torque) for free here. Trouble is, I suspect BMW know a bit more about intakes that wot I do. Andy

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alanross Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member II Joined: 01-September-2004 Location: North Lanarkshire Status: Offline Points: 958	Posted: 18-January-2005 at 04:35
	Could be to do with emmissions or to keep the power down, but guessing really. Don't look too large a grating though but not looked in the flesh. Does it look easy to remove this grate and will it go back if required Andy?? Might have a look at the weekend.

__Andy__ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 03-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 123	Posted: 18-January-2005 at 04:38
	Yes it's a one spanner job and easily reversible. They're secured by an internal spring clip. The picture certainly makes it look worse than it is, but it's still restrictive. Andy

Dave F Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 13-December-2004 Status: Offline Points: 109	Posted: 18-January-2005 at 07:11
	it is there to straighten to the airflow so the maf can get an accurate reading , dont remove it!!!
	1999 M3 Evo Convertible. Induction kits Available.

bigbird76 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Really Senior Member I M Power Joined: 15-June-2004 Location: South Wales UK Status: Offline Points: 351	Posted: 18-January-2005 at 13:01
	Hi I took them out of a volvo T5 i owned didnt notice a difference but was supposed to give a little extra bhp, ie 1 bhp or so on a turbo car. Leigh E36 M3 Evo Coupe