Budget Build Solid MAF and IC Pipe
by James West
You can build your own solid MAF pipe shown on my car from 16-gauge, 3", aluminized tubing from J.C. Whitney. It came mandrel-bent in a 45 degree angle. I simply took some measurements between the outlet end of the MAF sensor and the turbo inlet bell. A piece of brazing rod bent to match the bend in the tubing is helpful in getting the correct lengths on each end. Simply put the brazing rod on the tubing and mark where it should be cut. After getting it correctly sized, I primed and painted it semi-gloss black. Since the tubing is aluminized, painting the inside surface is not necessary. I used 3" flexible connections at each end that were bought from Bowling Green Customs. Total cost was approximately $40. Some tweaking of the MAF support bracket may need to be done to make sure the new MAF pipe doesn't hit the alternator bracket and pulley. The J.C. Whitney part number for the 3", 45 degree bent tube is 81TB2938A, cost is $18.99 plus $5.90 shipping. The flexible connections were about $14.00.
The up-pipe shown on my car from the intercooler to the throttle body is also from J.C. Whitney, part number 81TB2968Y, cost $11.49. Just cut it to match the stock one. This eliminates the smaller diameter found in the bend area of the original up-pipe. I figured I can build the exact part that I want a budget price.
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