Well, I actually had some success in lightly spraying the wire with some Wynn's Air Intake Cleaner. I don't know where you can find that off-the-shelf, but it worked for me. Your mileage may vary, however.
I'd say source a MAF from a junkyard. Shouldn't run you more than $100, plus I'd offer $40 or 50 to begin with. I have a spare sitting in my car, but... it's my spare.. for my car.
