I just had the Dynatech Supermaxx Complete Long Tube header package installed on my 2000 Coupe. When I left the car shop, I was pulling out in first gear and the engine "sputtered" and ran terrible. It did this until I got into third gear. Then, just like that, it kicked into normal and seemed to run fine on the trip home. I decided to go back to the car shop and it did the same thing, only this time the Check Engine light came on. The mechanic hooked his scanner up and said one of the O2 sensor readings was off the chart. He suggested that it was bad and proceeded to order me a new one that will be installed either tonight or tomorrow evening.

Is this normal? On the instruction sheet for the header installation, one of the last things they say is:

"In some instances you may experience a check engine light. We have found some models to record a slow heat response or temperature error which in turn sets off the check engine light. This has no adverse effect on the performance or operation of the engine but can be annoying. Most tuner shops have software such as LS1edit that can by-pass the code for a nominal fee. We can refer you to a tuner if needed."

There aren't any reputable tuner shops that close to me to begin with. Not to mention that if this will require LS1edit, I will have to purchase that just to fix this (another $450). I'm not sure what to expect and am not too excited that I may be coughing up several hundred more dollars due to a header installation.

What do you guys think?

Tom

 

[QUOTE=Huckzilla]I just had the Dynatech Supermaxx Complete Long Tube header package installed on my 2000 Coupe. When I left the car shop, I was pulling out in first gear and the engine "sputtered" and ran terrible. It did this until I got into third gear. Then, just like that, it kicked into normal and seemed to run fine on the trip home. I decided to go back to the car shop and it did the same thing, only this time the Check Engine light came on. The mechanic hooked his scanner up and said one of the O2 sensor readings was off the chart. He suggested that it was bad and proceeded to order me a new one that will be installed either tonight or tomorrow evening.

Is this normal? On the instruction sheet for the header installation, one of the last things they say is:

"In some instances you may experience a check engine light. We have found some models to record a slow heat response or temperature error which in turn sets off the check engine light. This has no adverse effect on the performance or operation of the engine but can be annoying. Most tuner shops have software such as LS1edit that can by-pass the code for a nominal fee. We can refer you to a tuner if needed."

There aren't any reputable tuner shops that close to me to begin with. Not to mention that if this will require LS1edit, I will have to purchase that just to fix this (another $450). I'm not sure what to expect and am not too excited that I may be coughing up several hundred more dollars due to a header installation.

What do you guys think?

Tom[/QUOTE

when I installed my LG system, I was hpoing I never got the check engine light or any codes...Well , I thought I was ok until about 15 miles after install,,light came on, code was 02 sensor,,bummed me out.Called alocal tuner and he told me to replace the old sensor with a new one , and only a GM OEM unit...no more problems...seems the snesors get slow with age. I am not sure this will help you , but it was my experience

 

The intermittent miss suggest secondary electrical..
Take a good look at the plug wires, make sure they are snapped on all the way, and look to see if they are touching any of the headers.

A missfiring cylinder will throw bank lean 02 code all day long.

Phil

 

I'll suggest he do that. Although, if the plug wire isn't connected properly, wouldn't the car run abnormally no matter what?

 

Well, I just got off the phone with my mechanic who did the header installation. He'll be replacing the O2 sim tomorrow to see if that works. While speaking with him further on the matter, he seems more convinced that I'll need to have it tuned with LS1-edit if this doesn't do the trick.

I'm pretty bummed that it didn't work correctly after the LT installation and can only imagine how I'll feel if the new O2 sensor doesn't make a difference.

Has anyone else had to go the LS1-edit route in this particular instance?

Tom

 

Did he follow the instructions completely? What year is your car? Are you using a 4 O2's? I installed the system my self with no problems on my 2003 A4. I even eliminated the CATs and rear O2's.

 

Yes, he followed the instructions completely (to the best of my knowledge). In fact, when I got there at the end of the installation, I could plainly see he had the instruction manual turned to the appropriate section for what he was working on.

I decided to call Dynatech and run this by them. The gentleman I spoke with listened to my story and suggested a few things. He was most certain that it was one of two things. First, the sensor was bad and needed replaced. Or, the sensors were re-installed on the wrong sides.

At this point, it's too early to say what will happen. I will have to wait until he replaces the O2 sensor tomorrow and hope for the best.

Wish me luck!

Tom

 

It might be your sensor wires are switched. My DynaTech header install went very smooth. I also ordered the adapters to move y rear O2's to the front position. The rears have a better heating element. I plugged the rear O2's with one sparkplug and the other with my WB O2.

 

So, by plugging up your rear O2 bungs with no sensor, you didn't get any engine codes?

 

Make sure and disconnect the battery to do the relearn process. The wires could be crossed, more then likely the fronts. Make sure the wires are tucked up tight to the body and no chance of touching the headers. Don't ask why I stress this, been there done that. If you eliminate the rear o2's like I did you will get a code and run like crap unless you get SIMs or edit out the rears. If you have LS1 edit or a predator it can be done. If you go the route of eliminating the rears and want to go with off road pipes instead of cats let me know.

 

I'll report back when I find out what happens

 

Been there guy!!! I had the same thing happen when I had my headers and Random Tech low restiction cats installed. Constant check engine light, and lots of thick black soot collecting in the tailpipes.

Install 02 Simulators.... that should solve your problems.

 

Just got back from picking her up. Turns out, it was a bad O2 sensor all along. With that being said, what an awesome power pick-up! Not to mention the sweet sound of my new pipes. I usually have people stretching their necks to see my car come and go...now they'll be dropping their jaws to the ground when I go by with a little wind under my wings

Thanks for the input, guys! I'm just glad it wasn't anything more than the sensor.

Tom