Wideband O2 Sensor
If you want to really monitor the oxygen flow to your engine you should consider buying a wideband 02 sensor. This is a relatively new type of sensor, with the first hitting the market in 1994. These sensors are only installed in a few different types of car from the factory, but just about anyone can buy the wideband 02 sensor and install it or have it installed in their vehicle. The great thing about this sort of sensor is the accuracy that you get. With most models you will get near real time readings so that way you can determine what the airflow is to your engine, adjusting for the best performance at all times.
Many of the wideband 02 sensor options on the market today actually come with a small LED display that will allow you to see the readings as you drive. You will also be able to data log air and fuel ratios as well as rotations per minute with the use of a laptop and a data cable, which will allow you to really analyze these numbers and tweak adjustments so your car is always performing at its very best. If you want the most accurate way to monitor your air and fuel intake, this wideband 02 sensor is the best way to go. Though not many cars are fitted with them in the factory, many people are choosing to install them on their own for the accuracy that they provide.
Most of the wideband 02 sensors have some very nice features. Some of the features might include but are not limited to:
- Digital circuitry and state of the art surface mounting for a compact controller
- A large and convenient LED display that can easily be mounted on the dash
- Readings as accurate as 1%
- Two wire calibration resistor that is built into the sensor
- Data logging software and data cable
- Output that works with most aftermarket fuel injectors and data loggers
- Easy installation
If you would like to install a wideband 02 sensor on your vehicle chances are you will be able to do it on your own. Most of the sensors that are on the market today have been made incredibly easy for the average person to install. Of course, this assumes that you are into the performance of your vehicle and that you understand how oxygen sensors work and why you need them. If you are unsure of how to install your wideband 02 sensor you can have it done by a professional for very little in the way of time or labor, which will ensure that it is installed properly the first time around.
Before you buy you should shop around. Though these sensors are relatively new to the market, they have been around for more than 10 years and in that time several different manufacturers have been able to come out with their own versions of the wideband 02 sensor. Because there are many different options for you to choose from, you will want to shop around and see where you can get all of the features that you need for the best price. You should also compare and contrast all of the features that each offers, as there are some significant differences between the different brands. When you shop think about what you need, as you may find that the higher priced models have more features than you need, thus you can save quite a bit of money. Any 02 sensor is a good buy because it will allow you to more accurately monitor your fuel and air intake so your performance is always peaking.
