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AR Headers for 2011 GS > O2 Sensor Extensions question
I am thinking about installing a set of 1 3/4" AR headers with cats on my 2011 GS (A6).
My question is concerning the O2 sensors. I understand there are 4 total (2 pre-cats and 2 after-cats rear sensors)
1. Do I need O2 wire extensions for the 2 front pre-cat O2 sensors?
2. Do I just not use the rear after-cat O2 sensors, or would it be best to still use the rear O2 sensors? ... If I use the rear O2 sensors, do I need wire extensions for them?
Thank's,
Ron
Last edited by Turbo6TA; Feb 13, 2012 at 05:02 PM.
I striped the front sensor wires out of the wire loom to the rear of the engine than installed plastic loom over the wires, then re-wrapped the looms on top of the engine with good electrical tape.
Now when you add in the length of the front O2 sensor wires it connects up fine. The front bungs on my off brand headers are located approx. at the rear of the engine but I could go back further. Worst case is that you would have to buy front extensions. You will need to buy the rears.
The reason I did not buy the front extensions is that I don't like having more wire and connections running all over the place under the hood than necessary.
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; Feb 12, 2012 at 09:09 PM.
Good choice going with AR Headers. The headers will come with everything you need, including extensions for the rear sensors. I would recommend you either reuse your OE gaskets or buy a new set of OE exhaust manifold gaskets from your favorite GM parts source. Give Chuck a call, he can answer all your questions from what headers you need for your application to correcting your current tune. Enjoy!
Good choice going with AR Headers. The headers will come with everything you need, including extensions for the rear sensors. I would recommend you either reuse your OE gaskets or buy a new set of OE exhaust manifold gaskets from your favorite GM parts source. Give Chuck a call, he can answer all your questions from what headers you need for your application to correcting your current tune. Enjoy!
We always re-use the OE gaskets with American Racing Headers.
I also use the Permatex "ULTRA COPPER" silicone on both sides of the factory gasket....
Hundreds of sets installed with NOT LEAKS or problems.
Chuck CoW
Talk to Nick at ARH, he will recommend the 1 7/8 tubes on the LS3. I have them on mine..........very nice fit and performance gain. Mine is an A6 also.
PS....get a set with a wide band bung in them. This way if you decide to have a wide band tune later on, it will be easier for the Tuner.
All four sensors can be reused and they will need extensions. The Kooks headers come with all four and I am sure ARH's would be the same.
I just installed a set of Kooks headers on my Z06. Kooks did send 4 extensions but I did not need them for the front O2 sensors, just the ones for the after cat O2's. I used 3 aircraft adel clamps down each side of the tunnel plate to hold the wires away from the exhaust. I reused the header gaskets that were on the car as they were like new even though I had bought a new set of factory gaskets and I have no leaks.