I was wondering this as I purchased a Subaru maf housing to use on my ix. I had the choice of with air straightener and with out. I know that's used for better maf reading but I also was wondering if it had a positive effect on the compressor efficiency? Or if a more robust straightener was needed length wise to have the desired effect !?

 

Laminar air-flow usually happens at lower speeds. All the air that flows into your engine bay is turbulent.

 

Right on but that's why I ask about straighteners and the effect of velocity they would have. I believe them to potentially increase velocity into the face of the compressor wheel and view that as an advantage. If that's how it works I'm inquiring to the length of device immediately infront of the compressor to have such effect.

 

After all my terminology may be off. The desired effect I'm seeking has been described, but am I going down the wrong road?

 

ITG Maxogen and Pipercross airfilters are set up to maximize laminar airflow. ITG filters are well respected in the Lotus Elise community. Alfa Romeo did research on laminar air intakes with 1-way Reed valves on normally aspirated engines in the 80's and got significant increases in power.

However for practical purposes I suspect it won't make much difference on a turbo car. I suspect a 4" intake with MAF delete would have a much greater effect.

 

I ran ITG air filters on my Evo for a couple of years but found them to be restrictive compared other available open cone or pod filters.

 

The MAF on my Evo X has no screen. So, it makes me wonder how necessary the screen is.

 

typically in a MAF /MAS the screen is for accurate measurement. Im wondering about the inlet of the compressor and whether or not it is enhanced by straightened air coming in to it.

certain maf types obviously don't need straighteners. IE evo x and Subaru v7-10. Its probably low on a the totem pole if it does change any thing particular with compressor efficiency.