Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

[Z06] O2 codes after Installing Headers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 23, 2008 | 06:29 PM
  #1  
rgforrest's Avatar
rgforrest
Thread Starter
1st Gear
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default O2 codes after Installing Headers

I’m the original owner of a 2002 C5 Z06. I’ve installed a Vararam VR-2B ram air intake, Dynatech LT exhaust system (headers, high flow cats, x-pipe) and Borla Stinger cat-backs. I have NOT changed the factory program.

After driving several hundred miles I started to see front O2 sensor codes (P1033 & P1053). I’d clear them and they would continue to come back. There is also residue building up at the tips indicating that the car is now running rich (dark black, cakey build-up, UG! ). Because of the codes I’m not able to pass the Texas pollution inspection.

I’ve taken the car to the GM dealer who after two weeks which included replacing the front O2 sensors has been unable to resolve the reason for the O2 codes. The GM mechanic felt that I had a sever carbon build-up problem. After a lot of injector cleaner and 2, 4-hour highway runs I’m still throwing the same front O2 codes.

Any comments/help would be GREAT!!!
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2008 | 06:40 PM
  #2  
Millenium Z06's Avatar
Millenium Z06
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 22,753
Likes: 943
Default

Most people get the rears (0430 and 0420) to throw a code after header installs, I did. You may have to go and get a tune done. The obvious thought would be that they are connected wrong but since you say the dealer I assume they double checked that; could be wrong though.
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2008 | 09:09 PM
  #3  
sublime1996525's Avatar
sublime1996525
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 31,233
Likes: 201
From: Utah
Default

I got the 0420 code after my header install. Something is probably installed wrong.
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2008 | 09:23 PM
  #4  
got2hav1's Avatar
got2hav1
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 1,925
From: NC
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
Default

Originally Posted by rgforrest
I’m the original owner of a 2002 C5 Z06. I’ve installed a Vararam VR-2B ram air intake, Dynatech LT exhaust system (headers, high flow cats, x-pipe) and Borla Stinger cat-backs. I have NOT changed the factory program.

After driving several hundred miles I started to see front O2 sensor codes (P1033 & P1053). I’d clear them and they would continue to come back. There is also residue building up at the tips indicating that the car is now running rich (dark black, cakey build-up, UG! ). Because of the codes I’m not able to pass the Texas pollution inspection.

I’ve taken the car to the GM dealer who after two weeks which included replacing the front O2 sensors has been unable to resolve the reason for the O2 codes. The GM mechanic felt that I had a sever carbon build-up problem. After a lot of injector cleaner and 2, 4-hour highway runs I’m still throwing the same front O2 codes.

Any comments/help would be GREAT!!!
I got the codes too after LG pro install. First make sure you have no leaks. I had to fix leaks on both sides. Codes still appeared. Finally bought two new sensors and replaced, codes went away and haven't come back yet. But I see you have already replaced yours . Did you use GM sensors. Unfortunately this is pretty common with long tube installs. You can search the forum there is a ton of stuff on the subject.
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2008 | 11:35 PM
  #5  
striper's Avatar
striper
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Default

If you call Doug at East Coast Supercharging he will explain to you what is going on. He probably can fix your computer by mail. 609-752-0321.
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2008 | 11:55 PM
  #6  
Blue Blood's Avatar
Blue Blood
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 116
From: North Dallas Forty Orange County, Ca.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13, '15,'21
Default

Had the same problem. After about a month now I've been clear.

I purchased the adapter plugs from LG and switched the rear O2's to the front. Don't know if it's because the rear sensors supposedly burn hotter and react faster (I've read this several places) or if they were new, but it's working.

You will need the tune, and I would suggest using some seafoam (search) to clean intake passages and the motor top end (change oil afterwards).

good luck.
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2008 | 12:15 AM
  #7  
jclarksnakes's Avatar
jclarksnakes
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 693
Likes: 92
From: Savannah GA
Default

You may have the connectors for the sensors crossed. It has happened before.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To O2 codes after Installing Headers





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:07 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE