Wideband O2 sensor options

[Pdxguy]

Intend to get a wideband O2 sensor to make full use of the 123 ignition. Are there significant differences between the sensors? I saw in a post the size of the bung in the exhaust is one factor, are there others to consider?

Is the sensor and the gauges displaying the Information cross compatible, or more of a integrated system?

 

Thanks,

Dennis

[Mark92131]

3 minutes ago, Pdxguy said:

are there others to consider?

 

The angle of the sensor bung in the exhaust pipe for one.  (needs to have the tip angled down).  The bung position distance passed the collector, (6 to 8 inches after the pipes merge to one).  Your 2 choices for Air Fuel Ratio gauges is AEM and Innovate.  Both have good reviews, however, the older Innovate systems required a O2 sensor calibration step and the newer AEM systems uses the Bosch 4.9 sensor that doesn't need calibration.  The AEM gauge has the O2 Sensor controller in the gauge and the Innovate uses a separate controller.  There are a ton of knockoff fake AEM stuff being sold on Amazon and other sites and these claim to ship with Bosch 4.9 O2 sensors, but the sensors have no Bosch markings.

 

Mark92131

 

 

[John76]

I too have been considering installing an O2 sensor, but I don't want a permanent gauge on my console.

The Performance Electronics AFR unit is wireless, so you can view/tune from your phone when you need to.

Saw this on a Porsche that also had a 123 dizzy with Bluetooth. Very nice to monitor and adjust both in real-time.

 

John

 

Performance Electronics AFR.pdf

 

 

[MarcD]

While we are on the topic of Wideband O2 sensors, is there any thoughts on using the stock E21 O2 sensor bung location with a wideband sensor?

[d.hitchcock]

I have the older style Innovate on my car. The calibration steps are kind of goofy, but you're supposed to do it annually. Just unplug, power up and the gauge goes through a calibration cycle. Then you plug it back in, take the sensor out of the bung into atmosphere and power up again to calibrate the sensor. Takes all of 10 minutes not including putting away the jack and jackstands.

[uai]

I've been through a couple of innovate MTX-L. They all failed sooner or later. Don't buy it.
Now I am using a https://www.14point7.com/ and a prosport. I like both.
Especially the prosport with the analogue gauge is nice. Downside: if you have a battery kill switch - everytime it wakes up it is in "Beep" mode again.

[TobyB]

As to the sensors themselves, I've historically had good luck with

the ubiquitous Bosch for VW.  Circa 2003-5, if you're looking up a part number.

Cheap, because VW had some 'issues,' and certainly durable.

 

t

[jimk]

17 hours ago, MarcD said:

While we are on the topic of Wideband O2 sensors, is there any thoughts on using the stock E21 O2 sensor bung location with a wideband sensor?

If you know for sure its not for some other purpose, both narrow band (which this would have been) and wideband use the same bung size and location requirements.  So it will work.

[bergie33]

I am thinking of getting the Speedhut gauge/sensor.  They are a little spendy, but fully customizable in appearance.  Made here in Utah.

 

Standalone Air Fuel Gauges: Universal, Aftermarket & Custom | Standalone & Wideband | SPEEDHUT®

SPEEDHUT.COM

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The ultimate aftermarket automotive gauges for any vehicle. Shop our huge selection of high-performance and customizable standalone air fuel gauges - backed by a Lifetime Warranty!

 

['76mintgrün'02]

I've read that installing a longer bung that keeps the tip of the sensor from being over-exposed will extend the life of the sensor.  

 

I really like my dial-style gauge, as opposed to flashing digits... but that's just my personal preference.

[jimk]

24 minutes ago, '76mintgrün'02 said:

I've read that installing a longer bung that keeps the tip of the sensor from being over-exposed will extend the life of the sensor.  

I have a used Innovate extension/riser/heat sink available.

[tzei]

19 hours ago, MarcD said:

using the stock E21 O2 sensor bung location with a wideband sensor?

It’s fine. I have my bosch wb way back, about where h/brake handle apparatus is as per AEM instructions for my application and it’s good. In theory (and in practice) there is lag in response due the pipe volume & distance. Have to take in consideration when logging certain engine events.

[d.hitchcock]

I've got four years on my Innovate setup, for another data point on reliability.

 

[uai]

2 hours ago, d.hitchcock said:

I've got four years on my Innovate setup, for another data point on reliability.

 

Is it the MTX-L or anoter Innovate? The others are reportedly ok, but the MTX-L is really bad from my (repeated) experience.

[chargin]

I’m running a Bosch O2 sensor with a circuit board connected to a Digital LED readout mounted in my seatbelt warning pod 

 

it’s been running for almost 5 years

 

Edited December 9, 2022 by chargin