frodo84

Just wondering about the longevity of the LC-1 wideband sensor used in lieu of the narrow band. My headers are coated and I don't want to break the coating to install a new bung for a dedicated wideband sensor/LC-1/EFIlive. The narrow band output capability and the wiring for it are well known, I have heard that sometimes the wideband sensor doesn' last. Thanks for any and all input or experience, especially if you are running the wideband in place of the narrow, using the narrow band output for your engine management.

frodo84

hmmmm...I guess not as popular as I thought.

Mike Mercury

I don't know where you heard that from. Some VW/Porsche come from the factory with wideband sensors.

The way to ruin any heated oxyger sensor is to leave it in the exhaust stream - without it being powered up (aka: "not heated").

Many people will install an additional bung - but leave the WB sensor installed even when it's not connected to the logging device.

Unplugged = not heated

and that will shorten the life of a WB sensor.

FRCTony

It would be nice if someone came up with a plug'n'play harness adapter that allowed WB to be installed in place of the stock sensor (i.e. easily reversible, no hacking of harness).

frodo84

I don't know where you heard that from.....It's pure hearsay...that's why I was asking.

EXactly what I'm concerned about....using the wideband in an everyday application to emulate the narrow band pcm input. Of course, I am assuming that unless the engine is running I'm not heating the sensor.

I follow with interest your posts...thank you very much for the input.

Ben Williams

muncie21

Longevity of the WB O2 sensors themselves aren't really the issue, it's the electronics used to simulate the NB reading and provide the WB reading that can be problematic.

NB sensors output a value between 0-1 VDC to the PCM. This signal is very sensative to grounding. I ran an Innovate LC-1 for about 2 months in the WB/NB configuration without issue. Then one day it started acting up. I haven't had time to figure out if the problem is wiring related or bad electronics due to the summer heat.

frodo84

It sounds like what I should do is modify the existing harness to allow me to switch back and forth easily....do my engine modification, install the wideband with narrow band simulation, scan/tune until I get it right then reinstall the narrow band sensor with factory wiring. Other than convenience, I guess there's no reason to leave the wideband in after the tune is finalized, thus removing any "weak link" to the system. To all, I really appreciate your input!

muncie21

Easiest way to do this is to use the connector from an old NB O2 to connect NB and power to your WB O2.

If done this way you'll only have 2 wires from the WB going into your car. With this setup I can change out O2s in about 10 minutes without any re-wiring.

FreddyG

Someone does................

LC-1 to NBo2 without splicing............

frodo84

Am I reading that wrong, or is the harness they are talking about using the EGR wiring on F-bodies? Would that work, is the harness the same on C-5s?

muncie21

Some people that don't have an EIO cable interface have tapped into the EGR or AC pressure line for their 5v signal to HPT.

Mike Mercury

helluva find - if it works.

FRCTony

LuvmyC5,

Couldn't find it on the Casper website. Got a part number?

Thanks!

muncie21

Not sure if C5s have the wiring for an EGR....

FRCTony

I would be logging that thru the HPT I/O interface, so thats all good.

This sure sounds like what I'm looking for.

FreddyG

I don't know if it'll work, just thought it was a Great idea. As far as a part number, you'll probably have to call Casper and ask about it.

I haven't decided which WB02 sensor that I want yet, but might just get one of those adapters for when I do decide.

muncie21

If existing wiring isn't being used to run the WB signal (3 wires) into the cab, then it's going to be hard to find a plug/play solution without running your own wiring.

cjs27410

If you use the power from the NB O2-which is constant-to power the WB O2-which is intermittent-the PCM has difficulty.

Lots of info here:

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/forums/index.php

muncie21

I guess I don't understand why the power requirements of the NB and WB O2s (constant vs. intermittent) are different. My WB is powered exactly like the NB. On with the key (and engine) and off when the key is off.

Scooter70

I was going to wire my LM1 for WB/NB simulation but decided against it. I'm tuning the car in open loop so the NB is unnecessary. Put the WB sensor in the bung while tuning, then when you're done just put the NB back in, adjust O2 sensor switch points so that the NB sensors are not trimming your fueling, and you're done.

(At least that's how I do it.)