If I replace my cat with a test pipe....the O2 sensor should read lean and richen up the mixture...

my question is: is it bad for the motor to run rich all the time??

 

It is not "bad", you will burn more gas, have lower EGT's and make less power.

HTH

 

rich is better for the motor but leaner ='s more power. like eric(mr2) haha 3rdshift.

 

So, keep a cat on a car, or get a straight pipe/bust out the cat? Which would you suggest on B16a?

 

Test pipe and some sort of air/fuel management. Use an EGT or A/F meter to tune. Go as lean as you can 'til it breaks up and bring it back toward rich.

 

I have the autometer A/F guage installed already. How can I adjust it cheaply and effectively? How big of a "boost" am I going to get from it? Would you just suggest some headers and more bolt ons b4 I start into the fuel management? I was thinking fuel pressure regulator?

Jonathan

 

An air fuel gauge is only accurate at WOT. I still own one, I like it, but not as accurate as an EGT gauge - esp. made by Apex'i.

I don't recommend gutting your car, it will cause backpressure - well, most of the time, it can be very harsh on your engine.