I was talking to a car guru friend of mine and he said that I have to be careful of the MAS if its in the airbox and if I am installing a cold air intake. I don't remember exactly what he said, but something to the effect of installing such a kit could require a recalibration of the sensor or something like that. Is there anything I should be aware of MAS-related or not when installing a cold air intake?

Additionally, someone on this forum offered me an AEM Bruteforce for a good price, but I noticed his xterra had a S/C and mine does not. Is the Brute Force model S/C sensitive?

First thing is disconnect the electric plug going to the Sensor. Dont touch those fine wires on the sensor. I installed my AirRaid with no problems at all. Ive heard that the computer will self adjust to the new intake.

That is correct...if you disconnect the negative terminal from your battery when you do the install and you don't touch any of the wires on the inside of your MAF sensor, then you're done.

Adding a CAI filter before the MAF sensor wont mess with the reading. Its usually when theres a leak after the MAF that you will see codes, etc.

THe only concern is that if you over oil the air filter the oil could damage the MAF. Honestly, I think you'd have to have it dripping wet, but I've heard of it happening.

As for re-calibrating the sensor it does that itself. After about 30mins of normal driving it should have adapted to the new filter.

If you want to force the computer to re-learn you can disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, being the engine up to temp, rev the engine to 2000 RPMs for 3 or 4 minutes and race it a couple times upto 4000 RPMs during that time.

MAFs are very sensitive to any dirt or oil contamanation, and over oiling of an aftermarket filter is a common cause of poor engine performance. The MAF can be cleaned with throttle body cleaner,(very carefully, and don't touch the wire when cleaning).

The mass air flow is calibrated based on the sensor not on the amount of air coming through it. As long as you do not change to a bigger MAF sensor then it does not matter. Stick the intake on. there is no change you need to make. Plus if there was there is no way to re calibrate it. Trust me I am the biggest guru you will ever know!!