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I have the TPIS headers and a heated O2 on my '87 383 - it wouldn't go into closed loop with the non-heated sensor. It is a common problem with long tube headers as the sensor is not able to reach and/or sustain operating temp.
Only way to tell is actually hook up a scanner and see if its dropping out of closed loop at idle.
That is what you should do first - verify whether or not it is staying in closed loop at idle.
I bought the Bosch sensor, which included the weather pack connection terminals. It has 3 wires - one is connected to the original O2 sensor wire, one is ground, and one is connected to a switched power source.
Personally, I'd say just do it. There are LOTS of threads about this.
There is a Tech Tip with instructions and a p/n for one of the several
sensors that can be used. However, the following information from
a recent post strikes me as being one of the simplest, least expensive
and neatest ways of going about switching to a heated O2. The
complete package from Casper's is a great bargain.
"Here are a couple of links that may be useful. I wish I'd known about
the first one before I sourced/built my conversion. The second link
shows one way of tapping into a switched 12VDC source for the O2
heater.
Personally, I'd say just do it. There are LOTS of threads about this.
I agree. My 1rst mod was LT headers & exhaust. Back when I purchased Hooker 2149's brand new, I had them dropped shipped to HPC Coatings, Inc. and had them drill & install a relocated o2 bung on the passenger side header, at the 11:00 position, prior to them being re-coated outside and inside.
I didn't mess around with testing later on to find out whether a heated/relocated o2 would be required or not; I ain't into that kind of nonsense. I just did it. Didn't cost much, and there's nothing to worry about later.
For those who may not know, Hot Rod 90's remarks about having his
pipes coated are relevant to the O2 discussion because coated pipes
are better at retaining heat - so the sensor is more likely to reach
operating temperature in coated pipes than in uncoated ones.
Ditto with stainless steel pipes.
When I installed SS pipes, I retained the unheated sensor temporarily
for expediency. I happened to log sessions and I could see that I
ought to have a heated sensor because it took a long time to go to
closed loop and under cruise conditions at 50 MPH on a cold day, my
car would go open loop. It might not have been problem in hot
conditions but I intended to go to a heated sensor, regardless.
The heated sensor warms up now in seconds, no matter what the
conditions are.
For those who may not know, Hot Rod 90's remarks about having his
pipes coated are relevant to the O2 discussion because coated pipes
are better at retaining heat - so the sensor is more likely to reach
operating temperature in coated pipes than in uncoated ones.
Ditto with stainless steel pipes.
When I installed SS pipes, I retained the unheated sensor temporarily
for expediency. I happened to log sessions and I could see that I
ought to have a heated sensor because it took a long time to go to
closed loop and under cruise conditions at 50 MPH on a cold day, my
car would go open loop. It might not have been problem in hot
conditions but I intended to go to a heated sensor, regardless.
The heated sensor warms up now in seconds, no matter what the
conditions are.
.
I have coared stainless steel headersa and ahd to go to Heated O2's this weekend. Now the smell of gas is gone and the Vette goes into Closed loop, and stays there.