i am building a 350 TPI motor for my 84 z-28 and i have found two TPI setups. i have been told that one is a mass air sensor type and one is a speed density type. is there a substantial performance difference between the two? is one able to accept more performance upgrades than the other? is either one easier to transplant?

 

Well, since no one else has any input... MAF is slightly more adaptable to little variances in the motor, and it will wear down with the motor, since it actually measures airflow.
Speed Density (MAP) on the other hand, wont wear down with the motor, I.E. performance problems occur later on in the motor's life.
BUT, on the other hand, speed density is open to much higher performance mods than the MAF system is, not to mention the MAF sensor is restrictive and a performance on is costly.
Speed density is easier to retro-fit if only because you don't have to set up the ducting for the MAF sensor.
SO, depends on what you're lookin for. MAF is simpler, and I prefer it, and it will wear down with your engine no problem.
Speed density is better for limited space set-ups and motor over 400 horses do better with speed density.

 

the stock mass air flow sensor can cause a restriction, leading to the possibility of only 400 hp. however, there are aftermarket ones that are larger and can be calibrated to the computer. now if you are running very high performance, the speed density will not be as accurate as the maf. larger cams dont generate as much vacuum, so it thinks the engine is under a load even though the tps is reading no throttle input. that will through the computer off, and as far as i know, there arent any aftermarket sensors. and if you are going to supercharge or turbo, the maf is more accurate at reading the numbers (as long as there are no boost leaks), but will still need a custom computer.

 

Im just going to throw my 2 cents in.

A well tuned SD will run just as good if not better then a MAF tune. In my opinion SD is way more accurate then a aftermarket MAF. If your going for any sort of forced induction go SD with a good tuner that knows how to do his job.

 

i am hoping to supercharge the motor someday (anyone know the next lottery numbers) so it sounds like the MAF may be the way to go. (plus i happen to have a ore complete maf system than the sd version i have access to.) i am starting with a very mild compression 350 roller motor with a pretty mild cam. i definitely have room for ducting so that shouldnt be a problem. i am thinking a starting hp range of 250 would be realistic with the eventual supercharger making up the difference to about 350 or 370 hp. when you mention tuning and custom computers what are you suggesting? is this more than an aftermarket prom?