last month I installed new LG long tube headers on my 01 Z06. Car runs great, but I noticed on the first test drive that it was throwing code: P0161 (Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Heater Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2 ).

I cleared the code thinking the computer just needed to adapt to the headers. the code has popped up two more times. Now this morning however, I stared up the Vette and it threw the same code WITH a check engine light. Its only that one code: P0161 (Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Heater Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2 ).

I did some research and its possible that the sensor could be bad or a fried wire, but I took great care to cover all the senor wires in insulation wrap and secure them.

Performance does not seem to be affected. The car runs and sounds great, However I have noticed that there's a much more noticeable exhaust smell when I start the car from cold. There was no smell when I had the stock exhaust installed. I have checked for leaks and everything seems fine. The smell is obviously coming from the rear exhaust. I'm no expert, but could the new headers be causing the car to run rich and throw that code?

Any advice on this would be great. Do I just need to tune the car?

EDIT: Forgot to add that I did install the X pipe with Catalytic converters.

 

Are you running rear O2 sensors still? Mine threw these codes, so I installed some anti-foulers on the rear sensors. Have been good ever since.

 

Yes. I should add that its a Catted X pipe.

 

Yep, same here. Run to your local parts store to pick up the anti-foulers for a few bucks. If I recall you need to drill one piece out wider to fit the o2 threaded part since they are technically made for spark plugs. You can do some searches on the forum for pics and more details. These work by moving the o2 sensors a bit further out away from the exhaust stream to prevent it from getting false readings.