Wideband O2 sensor\gauge choices

[SSLance]

Since I'm pulling the OBDI system out of my car and going with a programmable MSD ignition box and mechanical Quadrajet for spark and fuel, I want to put in a wideband O2 sensor and gauge to help tune the carb to the proper air\fuel mixture throughout the RPM range and keep an overall eye on things. I'm curious if anyone has much experience with a certain brand or one that they prefer and can recommend over another?

I'd like to data log but I'll already have the laptop in the car when tuning for the MSD so having a handheld to read and data log the O2 sensor isn't mandatory.

I'm kind of leaning toward the Innovative MTX L after my initial research.

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/MTXL.php

Fast's system looks pretty cool as well but comes with a handheld and is more money...

http://www.fuelairspark.com/fas/gasoline-air-fuel-meter-single-sensorhtml/

Curious if anyone has any real world experience they can share when using a setup like the above with a carbed SBC.

[dale68z]

I have an AEM. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/avm-30-4100

It has worked fine for about 2 years, 10k miles. I killed the sensor with leaded fuel. It takes very little lead to kill the sensor. A sensor cost me another 80 ish$

[SSLance]

Thanks Dale. I like that the AEM sensor doesn't need to be calibrated regularly but that is probably why they cost so much by themselves. Looks like a good kit for a good price though.

[Sieg]

Lance,

I recently installed the AEM unit and have zero complaints.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3VGPYS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gBFsSX2/0/XL/i-gBFsSX2-XL.jpg

[Ketzer]

Another AEM, carbed BBC. 500 miles so far running 50/50 premium/110 leaded.

[SSLance]

Dang, okay... AEM it is then. Thanks everyone.

Now I just have to find a place to put the gauge. I hate that part, I'm not one to cut up my factory dash.

[andrewb70]

Holley makes an awesome wide band controller that I have used for over 10 years. The nice thing about it is that it can be used with either the Bosch or the NTK sensor. This is basically the latest version of the FJO system (Holley bought FJO some time back).

https://holley.com/products/fuel_systems/carburetor_components/tuning_and_assortment_kits/parts/534-201

Andrew

[dale68z]

Another AEM, carbed BBC. 500 miles so far running 50/50 premium/110 leaded.

You were able to run some leaded through it?

I added 3 gallons of 110 unleaded, then filled the tank with 91. Ran a full track day. It worked fine on track and the drive home. Added fuel, next morning it was very lazy, and the next day it was stuck at 14 something air fuel.

Whatever happens with the leaded fuel, just a little makes the inside of the exhaust pipes white.

Maybe my exhaust gets hotter???

[Ketzer]

You were able to run some leaded through it?

I added 3 gallons of 110 unleaded, then filled the tank with 91. Ran a full track day. It worked fine on track and the drive home. Added fuel, next morning it was very lazy, and the next day it was stuck at 14 something air fuel.

Whatever happens with the leaded fuel, just a little makes the inside of the exhaust pipes white.

Maybe my exhaust gets hotter???

Not sure on that? Are you letting the sensor fully cycle and "warm up" before starting the engine? I had read that tip somewhere and always try to be sure I do it. I used mine all this past summer and never noticed it getting slow or not reading accurate.

[chickn]

I would look for an option that allows you to log the A/F data if you want to tune all of the circuits in your carb. You can learn so much more when you plot the data. I think it may be possible to use a innovate motosports LC-2 cable and log directly to a laptop. (keeping the cost down). Have you ever looked at http://www.autosportlabs.com? They have a really nice data acquisition that is relatively cheap and open source.

[randy]

currently looking for a wideband gauge to work with HP turners for my setup. Any recommendations?

[manny z]

I have used Innovate on my race car, and a lot of customers sport compacts. I have never had any issues with their parts. The best part they have a very wide range of gauges, and set ups..

[mitch_04]

Just a note from my experience...

I bought the Innovate LM2 since it was a handheld unit that could be used in different vehicles, my main want was for tuning multiple vehicles.

I later bought HP tuners to start doing LS swaps & fuel injection tuning. Although the LM2 does hook up to HP Tuners, the signal is too "jagged" and isn't usable for tuning. I found out on HP Tuners forum that this is an issue with the "floating ground" setup of the LM2 and there is no known fix for it.

I then sold the LM2 and went with Daytona Sensors. I had went to The Tuning School and they used/sold them. Maybe I drank the Kool-Aid, but I've never done business with a company I trust as much as them. Such nice people, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to, even send personalized cards with each order. They even remembered me from a 6 month earlier order. Maybe it's good marketing, but I'll give them my business when able.


Annnnnyways, what I'm getting at is if you are considering an LS swap in the future, or want to be able to use your wideband for multiple things, keep this in mind. It didn't cost me too much after I resold my LM2 and purchased the Daytona, but it was still the hassle of selling and such.

The LM2 did work fine for a couple carbed vehicles I tuned with it though...