Is there a performance difference in having the MAF at the beginning of the intake instead of the back?

I want to use the new intake of the A4 (I think) that has gotten away from the filter in the cover. I was thinking of using the piping from someone like VF or neuspeed and combine it with the new intake scoop of the A4 (or just use the whole A4 intake) but it has the MAF up front. What would be involved in moving the MAF from the rear to the front?

 

you got a pic? from your description I am picturing the MAF housing in front of the filter...is that right?

 

On the new A4 or A3 2.0T the filter is right after the scoop entrance on the front of the engine and the MAF is right after that. Then there is the pipeing that goes to the turbo. So the air travels further after going thru the MAF. So if I get their intake I would have to relocate the MAF from the back of the engine bay to the front.

 

The maf just measures the mass of air entering the engine. Doesn't matter where in the stream it gets the measurement, as long as it is still the whole stream of air. Should be after the filter, and before the DV return.