travisnd

In light of my car's recent AFR issues on the dyno I'm considering getting a wide-band to keep tabs on things. Turns out a few local buddies have them in their race cars just to make sure something doesn't get way out of whack.

Who's got one? Which brand? Install pics?

drivinhard

I use this on my car and use it when I tune others

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/product...rmance/afx.asp

RX-Ben

I think this is the best of the "hobby" ones (<$1500):

http://wbo2.com/2c0/default.htm

Perfect if you have EFI Live as it has a digital output which takes care of any ground loop issues. Also has 0-5V output.

I have it, easy install and replacement sensors are cheap. No calibration needs to be done (sensors are factory calibrated).

Bad Karma

I've used Innovative and AEM Gauge Widebands.

The AEM was nice for the gauge and install with a serial output for data-logging. The Innovative LM-1 was a bulkier controller with a smaller readout, not as easy to do anything on the fly. The AEM was easier to read at a glance for when tuning in car (obviously from the passenger seat not drivers).

Just in a brief look at Innovative's website they have greatly expanded their product lines since years ago and have lots of good looking options now. I think you'd be good with either of those, and really haven't tried any others.

USAsOnlyWay

I am using one from 14point7.com. The controller has an LCD screen but also has outputs for a gauge. It can act as a narrowband simulator and can also datalog and take additional inputs such as tach (all I've tried) but also EGT etc.

Pretty good for the price! (I'll post up pics later.)

wallyman424

I'd say the most popular is probably the Innovate LC-1.

Brent Dalton

^I use the Innovate LC-1.

2002rich

I use the Innovate LC-1 in conjunction with HPTuner Pro. Great for black box data logging while on the road course.

stevensa

I use a PLX wideband. Everyone is going to swear by the one they use and most widebands out now work just fine, esp for the rough tuning done on NA LSX motors. I dont have a picture of mine mounted in my C5z, but in this video you can see it. I have it mounted where the ash tray is stock.

Here is the thread with the video

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/auto...on-review.html

Bink

I have an FJO. Wideband gauge is mounted in a single pod on the A-pillar. Easy view.

http://www.alamomotorsports.com/FJO/wbafr.htm

Pfadt Racing

This is pretty much our setup if we are out for engine tuning.

Kubs

Can you permanently install a wideband, or just put it in for tuning then take it back out? Does it replace the OEM O2 or work in conjuction with it?

I will be installing one on my C4 when the new engine goes in and thought these questions were along the same lines as the OP.

RX-Ben

When I was doing research, I did not like the things I saw about the LC-1s. Some issues with getting too hot. They have a fix out (a spacer) that moves the sensor out of the exhaust stream.
If you are going to add a bung to the pipe you added, should not be as big of a deal. For stock location, I would be hesitant.

geerookie

Some sensors can be wired to provide the narrow band signal for the PCM/ECU and then have the wideband connection for the tuner.
The LC-1 can be wired that way.

LC1 RED - 12v power Ignition On Voltage - Any 12 volt DC source
LC1 BLUE - Heater Ground - Chassis Ground
LC1 YELLOW - Analog 1 (narrowband outout) - PIN B of Stock Narrowband Connector
Ground From Pin A of Narrowband O2 connector - EIO Ground (EIO BLACK)
LC1 BROWN - Analog 2 (Wideband output) - Any EIO Input (WHITE-PURPLE-BLUE-GREEN)
LC1 GREEN - Analog Ground - EIO Ground (EIO BLACK)
LC1 WHITE - System Ground - Chassis Ground
LC1 BLACK - Calibration Wire - Momentary Switch conects between LC1 Black and Chassis Ground

travisnd

I was just going to permanently install one in the rear O2 bung that isn't used to keep tabs on my AFR.

RX-Ben

People have had varying success with the narrowband output (it doesn't quite mimic the output of the narrowbands and the PCM might not be happy).
I would add the wideband separately.
You can leave the wideband in all the time (assuming it is connected to the processor/heater). But with all of these that have free air calibration (as opposed to factory-calibrated sensors), you will need to remove the O2 sensor (to calibrate) prior to doing any serious logging/tuning.

travisnd

It doens't stay calibrated the first time you calibrate it and install it?

RX-Ben

It will drift. Check out the NGK/Power AFX manual.
The Power AFX (I had one) is also very good (ignore the one wideband test/review that you may come across where it does poorly, that test looks to have been an Innovate-sponsored test).

SteveDoten

It's funny to hear the term 'hobby', but it's just that once you see what most tuners use on the dyno, the cost starts getting pretty steep

Ben, where did you get the info on the wbo2? thanks

RX-Ben

Hey Steve - the Tech Edge site is pretty densely loaded with info (http://wbo2.com/) - I think I got most of the info from the site but did some emailing as well.

The cheapest "real" wideband, I think, is the ECM AFM 1500 (bottom of the line from ECM - but I understand that OEMs use this to some degree). http://www.ecm-co.com/product.asp?a1500
Price is not readily available, but I thought it was in the $1500+ range.