well why tackle a project on your daily driver when you dont have the cash to do it right?
So many projects have gone miserably wrong due to ghetto rigging. Put the stock intake back on until you can relocate that MAF to its proper location.
Also, an upgraded intake does make a significant difference on the zetec, you really can feel it, however, eliminating the air intake plenum (the box that went on top of your throttle body) really did change the way the engine revs, with that giant box it gives you a better mid range, making it a direct pipe gives better air flow for the top range, you probably feel the torque band open right up at about 3500 RPMs, as opposed to having it *yawn* in there like it used too.