C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

96 header install

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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 05:30 PM
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Default 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.
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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 06:23 PM
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You should be tuning with the headers, and you can turn off the MIL indicator for the O2 codes.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
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.
How was the install? Looking at EM for my 95, with cats. I will hook up to magnaflow cat back.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 10:29 AM
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They went in great for my 93.
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Old Nov 28, 2020 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ChumpVette
You should be tuning with the headers, and you can turn off the MIL indicator for the O2 codes.
Agreed. More specifically, you can set the cat function tests to "do not report."
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by fredk
They went in great for my 93.
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.
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 09:06 AM
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Yes had to reverse drivers side mount bolt. Also had to clearance mount bracket slightly.
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 09:09 AM
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What needs to be done physically with the rear o2 sensors. Just disconnect them?
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 09:31 AM
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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.
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 09:21 AM
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Right now there is no provision to install the rear o2 sensors. I am running high flow cats.
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
Right now there is no provision to install the rear o2 sensors. I am running high flow cats.
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...).
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 11:23 AM
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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+
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Kevova
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+
A couple things here. First, just installing the rear sensors and plugging them in doesn't guarantee the PCM will be happy. On any typical long-tube header setup, the cats will be a lot farther back in the exhaust system than stock, and so they might in fact not be as efficient now as they were stock. The PCM might report a problem with cat efficiency, especially on warm-up or long periods of idle. I don't for sure, but I'm just saying it's not a given.

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.
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 07:18 PM
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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 .
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Old Nov 30, 2020 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Witman
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 .
Correct.
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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 12:11 AM
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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.
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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 06:31 PM
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Thank you
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