[timschot]

He said it runs w/o the maf, and dies as soon as he plugs it in.

Are there any codes showing?

If not, make sure it's not a coincidence. Does it die if you just let it sit for a while with the maf unplugged? Does it always die the second you plug the maf in?

If you can verify there are no codes and it is definitely occurring when the maf is plugged in ONLY, then you either have a maf, wiring, or maybe an ecu problem. You could try resetting the ecu (just unplug the battery and go watch a tv show or something), but your best bet is just finding someone with the same maf that is in obvious working order and swapping it. If your car runs with their maf, then it's your maf. If not, then it's something else. Corroded wires, rusted out grounds, blown fuse/relay... good luck.