Why do you need that screen and what does it do?

 

why would you want to take it off?

the stock MAF is fine up to like 500hp

 

Got this off Mustang world.....

"Don't remove the round metal screen mesh that is used in the Mass Air meter. It does not yield any "extra" HP. This screen will prevent any large particles (that got passed the air filter somehow) from damaging the hot and cold wires on the electronic sensor unit. Some folks also say it "smoothes out" the air flow, like an airator on your sink faucet, either way, it's best to leave the screen in place. You CAN remove it if you have an aftermarket intake system that requires you to remove it."

 

Haha, mustangworld... That is true though. Dont remove it.