96 header install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 17
From: Middletown Delaware
96 header install
Installed exotic muscle headers on 96 vette. This is the fourth set I have installed over the years. I see now you can't buy the simple o2 sensor simulators any more for the rear sensors. So what is my best option now for o2 sensor removal delete or simulation.
Last edited by Dave Witman; Nov 27, 2020 at 05:30 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 24
From: Palmetto FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 199
Likes: 24
From: Palmetto FL
Any fabricating of brackets, reversing engine mount bolts, or dimpling of header pipes? I've read some post with some header installs, it wasn't just a "bolt on" installation. I'm trying to save $$$$ and DIY. EM looks like a good deal, and has had good reviews.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
I'm guessing you aren't using cat converters. You could back date to OBD1 with a 95 PCM. You could also Google MIL eliminator; it seems using a modified spark plug antifouler is a popular way to fool PCM the invisible cats are good. The EPA likely had something to do with O2 simulators going away.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
I had a similar setup. But you don't need the rear O2 sensors to use cats. They don't affect the way the cats function or the way the car runs at all. They just help the OBD2 computer test whether the cats are functioning properly. You could have bungs welded into the pipes just after the cats, but I see no reason to bother with it unless you have to pass a very stringent visual emissions check. If you just set the PCM's tests that reference those sensors to "do not report," you'll get no CELs and the car will pass a plug-in scanned emissions test. Make sure to tie up the connectors for those rear sensors so they don't melt on the exhaust (ask me how I learned that lesson...).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
If you're in an area were there are vehicle inspections you want to check requirements.
if you're are not into DIY tuning. get the bungs welded in.AFAIK OBD1 tuning ( 94-95) is easier to deal with than OBD2 96+
if you're are not into DIY tuning. get the bungs welded in.AFAIK OBD1 tuning ( 94-95) is easier to deal with than OBD2 96+
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
Also, tuning a 94-95 is generally just the same as a 96, except that you can do it with cheap (Tunercat) or even free (Tunerpro) software vs buying the relatively expensive Jet DST. However, if the OP's emissions test uses a plug-in scan test (which just polls the PCM for any problems it is finding), then he won't be able to use the 94-95 PCM because it won't communicate with the scanner.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 801
Likes: 17
From: Middletown Delaware
So looks like my best option is have rear o2 sensors tuned out. With o2 tuned out I can just stow rear o2 connectors out of the way and don't need sensors connected correct .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
The post cat O2 sensors aren't particularly active staying close to. .450mv. If the cat fails the o2 will be more active indicating failure. The pre cat O2 sensors should be far more active bouncing for .999 to .001.