I have a very difficult time believing that the problem is due to an increased intake area. The primary restriction on an engine is the throttle, followed by the manifold, not the intake sensor. Considering that you can't get the car to start, and keep running at idle (throttle restriction), your new MAF sensor is probably putting out the wrong numbers. Take an ohm meter and measure the resistance of your old MAF sensor and the new one. Let us know how they compare.

Remember that your fuel pump/injectors can run all day at highway engine speeds, so you should be able to idle with minimal air flow all day on stock fuel pumps and injectors.