96 7.4 Vortec MAF wiring questions

[ImNoSpaz]

I'm running the 96 7.4 Vortec in my 67 c10 and am at the point of doing the air intake system.
Hopefully someone can answer my question, and I apologize if this is the wrong forum.

The small wire harness for the MAF has two connectors. 1 goes to the MAF and the other went to the OEM plactic 90 degree tube between the MAF and the air filter box, and plugged into another small round sensor.

My questions
1) What does this small sensor do?
2) Is it necessary?
3) If necessary, does it belong before, or after the MAF sensor, or would it even matter?

I'm not using any of the the original tubing or airbox. Doing all new stuff from scratch.

[speedygonzales]

That should be the IAT and best to put it where you originally saw it. Between the TB and the MAF.

Yes it needs to be there.

[ImNoSpaz]

Originally Posted by speedygonzales

That should be the IAT and best to put it where you originally saw it. Between the TB and the MAF.

Yes it needs to be there.

On the picture I have, it's between the MAF and aircleaner box. It's not my motor or truck, just the only picture I have found that looks like the normal unmolested set up. Unmolested as far as the motor only

From what I see, IAT just looks at the air temp, so why does it matter where it is? Not arguing or questioning you, just need to understand.

And thank you for replying.

[ChevyTech]

Originally Posted by ImNoSpaz

From what I see, IAT just looks at the air temp, so why does it matter where it is? Not arguing or questioning you, just need to understand.

The system needs to know the temperature of the air inside that tube because it monitors the electrical current flow required to keep a heating element in the MAF at a constant temperature, which is how it calculates the grams of air flow per second. Take way the air intake temp and it can't make an accurate calculation. If you want a accurate air flow reading you need an accurate temp of the air stream entering the MAF sensor, not an under hood temp somewhere under the hood.

So in short, it is because how the MAF sensor works.

[ImNoSpaz]

Originally Posted by ChevyTech

The system needs to know the temperature of the air inside that tube because it monitors the electrical current flow required to keep a heating element in the MAF at a constant temperature, which is how it calculates the grams of air flow per second. Take way the air intake temp and it can't make an accurate calculation. If you want a accurate air flow reading you need an accurate temp of the air stream entering the MAF sensor, not an under hood temp somewhere under the hood.

So in short, it is because how the MAF sensor works.

Ok, then that's why it needs to be between the MAF and air cleaner. If it were between the MAF and TB, it would actually be reading a higher temp because of the MAF. Got it.

Thank you

[ChevyTech]

You're welcome!