How far in to mount O2 sensor for open header A/F testing?

I am mostly planning on using the O2 sensor to tune my carb, but I can see possibly someday using it to tune it with open headers for improved track times.

It needs to be welded to the header. How difficult will this be with flux core welder? Should I just take it to a muffler shop and let him do it?

Is this far enough in to mount the sensor for open header tests? If not, how far in should I mount it? (Not my car, but pic of a guy using a similar sensor on a Pinto)

 

I would mount it in the collector... Dont put it in one tube you will get an inaccurate sampling.Do not mount it in the bottom of the header, mount it up so it does not hold moisture.
If you are only useing one you will have to place it so it gets its sampling from both banks (like in a balance tube)

 

Dont mount it close to the collector, Wideband O2s dont have to come up to temp to work as narrow band do( they have there own heater and dont run as hot). If you get it to close it will overheat and stop working till it cools down. The top dog at innovate said as far back as possible without getting reversion from the end of the pipe. In other words when the exhaust sucks back you dont want the sensor picking up the free air. I mounted mine on the passenger side even with the back floorboard. I used the drain plug to run the wires thru (it is a big plug). As far as which pipe i cant say about that because my manifold is a single plane with a huffer, So i dont have mixture distribution problems. My advice would be to get 2 bungs and weld them in each pipe, Then when you get it tuned in on one side switch the sensor and see what the difference is. As far as welding them in with flux core, I have welded a lot of them in this way, Just be sure there is no leakage as to mess with the readings. Also be sure to mount the sensor ABOVE the 3 or 9 oclock position, As water or condensation will ruin the sensor. I usually dont turn mine on till the ex. has stopped spitting water on cold starts.

 

OK, now i am really confused.

1 vote for mount in collector

1 vote for mount further back

 

Check the third question down, Also the fourm has tons of info.

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/support/faq.php

 

Thanks!

I guess, just to be sure, I could call tech support and describe my setup and get their advice.

Should I weld the bung with the sensor or a spark plug in there to keep it from warping?

 

Yes definitely use something to cover up the threads, Especially with flux core.

 

I must deferr to the gentelman from MS
Wide band wont need or want the heat.

 

The instructions say to mount it "just upstream of the catalytic converter". So, I don't know where that is, not having any cats.

They are saying it because the air after the cat has been altered and will give a false reading. So I guess they ARE saying "as far back as possible without air interference."

So, my original question is answered. No, I cannot mount it in the collector and use it for tuning an open header system.

Thanks, guys, for making me re-read the instructions!

Sometimes, you just gotta be FORCED to read the instructions...

 

Like my dad allways sayes..."If all else fails,read the instructions"

 

Honestly, I read them.

But first, I read a website where a guy just hooks up a storebought bosch sensor to a multimeter (where the pic above comes from) and he describes mounting it up in the collector. "as close to the engine as possible"

So I went into the instructions with an incorrect preconceived notion, and didn't interpret the instructions correctly until you guys made me reread it with a more open mind.

I will be mounting this closer to under my front seats or so. about 1/2 to 2/3 way back to the mufflers, and away from the hot headers and collectors.

 

Sounds like a good plan Scott. Since you only neeed to get a good sample of the gasses in the pipe the location you have chosen should work well.Sometimes all it takes is a different perspective to help one see the light.Good luck!!!