hi,
i'm just researching on ways to make my soon to be boosted b16a as reliable as it can be and wanted to know what a WIDEBAND O2 sensor is specifically. i've seen posts mention fuel ratio and other things but don't really know anything too specific. What are the advantages of this over the stock sensors? i'm completely new at this and all your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

A Wideband O2 sensor will make the transition from lean to rich conditions a more gradual slope so you can read a A/F ratio accurately. A standard o2 sensor jumps from rich to lean and has a very steep transisiton so it is very hard to read an accurate ratio from it.

In the turbo world it is good to make sure you are on the rich side of the stoic ratio and an O2 sensor can read the A/F ratio and display it. The more accurate it is, the safer the tuning.

Randy

 

so does a fuel ratio meter just tap into the oxygen sensor? just wondering but is the oxygen sensor the plug on the exhaust manifold or the one on the cat? Also, where can i get a wideband o2 sensor? thanx BTW: Thanx RGAZ, cleared up alot of things for me. Appreciate your help.


[Modified by theory48, 4:56 PM 6/7/2002]

 

That depends on if you are OBD1 or OBD2? I am OBD1 and my O2 sesor is on the manifold.

 

does anyone know where i can get a wideband o2 sensor?

 

You ALWAYS want to tap into the one closest to the engine. The catalytic converter will throw off the readings.

Where to get one? Are you sitting down? Most off the shelf O2 sensor systems run about $800 to $1200. If you have good soldering skills and a little talent you can build a DIY wideband for about $195 from here:

http://www.techedge.com.au/vehicle/wbo2/default.htm

But be aware, its not super easy to build, but works as good as the $800 ones.

Randy