Why have wideband O2 sensor???

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:22 am

What is the benefit of having a wideband O2 sensor?
Does it help performance, or fuel efficiency?

I've heard a few folks talk about that and thought I'd inquire.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 2:51 pm

Are you thinking of wide band 02's used for custom tuning A/F ratios?

Steve

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:51 pm

killian96ss wrote:Are you thinking of wide band 02's used for custom tuning A/F ratios?

What I'm trying to find out is, what is the purpose of having wideband O2 sensors?

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:51 am

Narrow band 02's only read air/fuel ratios close to 14.7:1 (stoichiometric) while wide band 02's read air/fuel ratios from as rich as 9.0:1 to as lean as pure air.

Wideband 02 sensors are for tuning air/fuel ratios on modified engines.

Narrow band 02 sensors are used on production vehicles.

I have never heard of using wide band 02's for better performance or fuel efficiency.

Steve

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:13 pm

killian96ss wrote:I have never heard of using wide band 02's for better performance or fuel efficiency.

Great, thanks for the explanation.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything that may help me get a little better performance/economy.

Since I'm basically staying pretty close to stock, it sounds like I don't need a wide band 02 sensor.

2kwik4u · Post by **2kwik4u** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:18 am

You totally don't need a wideband unless you have the means to modify your AFR. If you can't modify it, why measure it?

In other thoughts, Honda has used Wideband O2's in several cars for quite a few years now.

Rockrz · Post by **Rockrz** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:17 am

2kwik4u wrote:unless you have the means to modify your AFR. If you can't modify it, why measure it?

What would you have to do in order to the air/fuel ratio?
And, is there any major gains by doing this?

2kwik4u · Post by **2kwik4u** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:58 am

To alter the AFR, you need some way to change the programming in the PCM. HPTuners, EFILive, and TunerCats are available software to alter your PCM.

IMO, it's one of the best bang for the buck mods you can do. It takes a little bit of knowledge, the willingness to learn, and ALOT of time.