Speed Density without Custom Operating System?

[Boost]

"Gen-III Gasoline Custom Operating Systems:
Speed Density
Speed Density mode is preferred by most tuners when tuning high performance engines with large camshafts or forced induction. The MAF is removed (or disabled) and the PCM is tuned using the MAP sensor instead. Unfortunately, when the MAF is disconnected the stock PCM has been designed to go into a semi-limp mode (operating from the low octane spark map only). EFILive’s Speed Density Custom Operating System restores the high-octane spark map and full adaptive spark control, when operating in speed density mode."

Does this mean that I can simply remove my MAF and the engine will run fine and smooth just use the low octane spark table only? Due to the lack of adaptive spark protection, I should do a COS anyway right? The reason I am possibly interested in eliminating the MAF is because it is somewhat of a restriction and the 3.2 liter Audi engines I work on that are Speed Density have a really cool sounding intake. Besides less intake restriction and room for more creative intake, are there any drawbacks to going MAFless? I like simplicity and weight reduction...

[johnv]

Yes you can just remove the MAF and it will run,
it will revert to low octane spark table and fueling will be derived from main VE table, you will throw a check engine light.

You can just copy high oct table to low and have no adaptive spark, but efilive has custom operating systems which retain this so why wouldn't you use it ?

You will need to go through the auto VE process to get commanded fueling (afr) to match actual afr without the MAF.

[Steve Bryant]

If you have an automatic transmission, the tranny shifts like a dog without the MAF data. I'd try simply disabling MAF with the PCM and see if you like it first. Also, a lot of testing has been done on just how much HP/kW you loose with the MAF and it doesn't start to really make much of a difference until you are pushing 500 HP or so. Give it a try and see what you think. Also, de-screening an MAF is a bad idea in my opinion too.

Just my 2 cents.

Steve

[Boost]

Thanks John and Steve, I will leave it as is for now.