Just updating this in case someone uses the search function.
I put the K & N back on. The issue all along was the MAF sensor has to be mounted facing the opposite way than stock. On the stock intake the LAF is mounted on the top part of the tube facing down away from the motor. On the K & N in mounts on the tube directly in front of the filter so the sensor is facing backwards. All you have to do is pull the rubber boot off the top of the sensor that keeps the wires dry and face it the other way and everything works fine.
Saw the correct instructions in a you tube video for a 996 (which is exactly the same intake kit)