another issue we need to solve is the airbox. the factory airbox plumbing is too narrow for the 3.4L. also, the MAF housing is too narrow. it needs to match the 3.4's diameter in order for the DME program to properly set the air/fuel mixture.
this solution is more or less copied from Cloudsurfer's setup. thanks to him for all of the help here; it took out a lot of guess work for me.
here's the factory airbox setup:
now here's the cloudsurfer setup:
from the airbox by my hand, here is a list of what i used:
1. BMC DIA airbox
2. 3.5" - 3.25" silicone reducer with a 3.5" stainless steel silicone joiner inside
3. 3.5" 90deg silicone elbow
4. BMW 540i MAF housing w/ boxster MAF installed
5. 3.5" silicone straight segment - I ELIMINATED THIS PIECE!!
6. 3.5" - 3.25" silicone reducer (note: there should be a 3.25" stainless steel silicone joiner inside. i couldn't find one, so i used a 3.25" stainless steel BISCUIT CUTTER from kitchenworks.com!!)
7. 3.25" 135deg silicone elbow that's been cut at the proper angle for the throttle body.