Wideband Lambda

[Badgerboy]

Evening,

Looking to pickup a wideband O2 sensor so I can tweak my piggy back fuel controller. I don't plan to use a gauge as it'll be outputting directly to my CarPC. Anyone got any recommendations or good sources to purchase? I'm using EvoScan, so I believe it supports LM-1, LC-1, AEM EUGO, or ZT2. Assume these have to welded into downpipe, but am aware that some can do the job of the old O2 sensor too, so are a straight swap.

Thanks

[cptsideways]

A VEMS unit will do just that, doubles up as the stock one with seperate outputs if required. Option of an EGT sensor inbuilt too. Speak to Rob at vems dot co uk for more info, they seem to be well priced too & mine works brilliantly linked to my emanage E01.

Edited by cptsideways on Wednesday 2nd July 20:54

[Mr2Mike]

The LC-1 can definitely be configured to emulate a narrow band sensor. In fact I think one of the two analog outputs is configured like this from the factory.

[stevieturbo]

Innovate are the most commonly used at present.

The LC-1 is one of the cheapest.....albeit a PITA to wire up. And as much as everyone likes them and uses them....those damn heater errors etc are another pain in the arse.

When they work, they are great...but they just dont work all the time.

I compiled a short list a while ago, in no particular order.

FJO Wideband
http://www.fjoracing.com/products/WBAFR/

Zeitronix
http://www.zeitronix.com/Products/Products.htm

AEM
http://www.aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?Category...

Not sure of brand
http://www.airfuelmeter.com/french/afm1_fr_info.ht...

FAST
http://www.fuelairspark.com/Products/details/meter...

NGK Branded, including NTK sensor as far as I know
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/air-fuel/ind...

Dynojet Wideband
http://www.dynojet.co.uk/wideband/

WMS, never heard of them
http://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/wideband.htm

JAW
http://www.14point7.com/JAW/JAW.htm

PLX Devices
http://plxdevices.com/

And of course you are aware of Techedge.
http://www.wbo2.com/

NTK 7 pin sensor in the UK
http://www.lambdasensor.co.uk/main/mwide.htm

VEMS EGT/Wideband combo
http://shop.vems.hu/catalog/product_info.php?cPath...

[Badgerboy]

Thanks chaps, will help me get this car dialed in that bit quicker. (WHich is just as well as its DRINKING fuel, despite being leaned out) The guy who set the car up mentioned that any adjustments he made on the piggy back were taking an awfully long time to be interpreted by the ECU. It could be down to a number of factors, but people are pointing at my fuel pump. It takes a little while to build up pressure when I start the car in the morning, and people have said the ECU will hold the injectors open for longer to compensate if the pressure is low.

That make any sense to anyone? Regardless, I'll get on and order a wideband tomorrow. Cheers.

[stevieturbo]

Badgerboy said:

but people are pointing at my fuel pump. It takes a little while to build up pressure when I start the car in the morning, and people have said the ECU will hold the injectors open for longer to compensate if the pressure is low.

That make any sense to anyone?

not a bit.

Few modern cars monitor fuel pressure, so will not be able to compensate for problems in that area, so I'd suspect those "people" are talking nonsense.

And unless you are monitoring fuel pressure yourself....how do you know it takes a "little while" to build up fuel pressure ? And how long is a little while ?

[Badgerboy]

If I jump in the car come morning and turn the key, it'll just keep turning over and not catch unless I apply some throttle (And then it splutters into life. If I wait for a few seconds with the ignition on, it starts first time. (This is despite the full service is just had, so assumed it was just the fuel pump priming, like my old Twin 40 carb'd Fez had to)

It'll then behave unless I let the car stand for a long time.

It's all a tad annoying, I wanted the setup completed before I went to Germany on the 18th, and now these problems get thrown up! Nothings simple.

Edited by Badgerboy on Thursday 3rd July 10:04

[Herman Toothrot]

stevieturbo said:

Innovate are the most commonly used at present.

The LC-1 is one of the cheapest.....albeit a PITA to wire up. And as much as everyone likes them and uses them....those damn heater errors etc are another pain in the arse.

My LC-1 install with gauge & to my ECU took no time at all and was very simple. Had it for about a year now and never had any errors, fantastic bit of kit.

I think the issue is people don't follow insstructions when fitting, i.e. sensor to close to manifold without heatsink, running the car without it powered, wiring to poor power supplies etc.

[Badgerboy]

I've ordered a LC-1, so should get it hooked up on the weekend. Just got to work out the other issues with the car now!

[stevieturbo]

Herman Toothrot said:

stevieturbo said:

Innovate are the most commonly used at present.

The LC-1 is one of the cheapest.....albeit a PITA to wire up. And as much as everyone likes them and uses them....those damn heater errors etc are another pain in the arse.

My LC-1 install with gauge & to my ECU took no time at all and was very simple. Had it for about a year now and never had any errors, fantastic bit of kit.

I think the issue is people don't follow insstructions when fitting, i.e. sensor to close to manifold without heatsink, running the car without it powered, wiring to poor power supplies etc.

ive used them too...but you just need to take a look at their forum. They work, but are also a lot more problematic than most.

Ive had an FJO wideband in my car for 6 years now..and never a single problem, aside from a sensor getting damaged.

Show me an LC-1 that will run for 6 years without a single hiccup, and then I'll be impressed.
I do use them too, as they are cheap and readily available. But they are not perfect.

[rev-erend]

Yes - I read about thieir problematic nature and went for the Zeitronix offerings.. with a lcd display

Nice piece of kit and works very well.

[hiltonig]

Hmm I have the lc1 for an install thats going in now and now its got me thinking was there somthing better to fit ?. For example the calibration routine and the faffing around with a calibration switch !!!. Do the other devices like the Plix have to be calibrated or are they doing it in software. The plix also say you dont need a heatsink for the sensor BUT then Innovate say by putting the electronics nearer the probe the less errors. Choices choices.

Just hope I they are going to be OK, i have followed the Innnovates advice on grounding.

[stevieturbo]

In theory, the calibration thing seems like a good idea....

But the simple fact almost every other wideband manufacturer doesnt need it....including many of the OE cars that use the Bosch sensor, also speaks volumes.

I'd still buy the Innovate tho in some cases. It's one of the cheapest widebands out there.