having disconnected my VAF while the car is running, yes, it kills the car. you need it.

If you want to spend $420 you can buy a MAF that works, from NOPI, but I'm not sure if anyone can vouch for it working.
Look at the upgrades/do it yourself section on
www.performanceprobe.com
to see what you can do about modifiying our VAF.
Not much, lemme tell you, I've done that, and well, it is just for tweaking.
Check the Projects section if you want to do a CAI. the custom one described by longboarder is pretty decent. I have put that on my NA, and it works well.
good luck.
and use the search function.