Wideband install

[MrBrown]

I have been searching for a write up or something showing what is involved in adding a wideband and AFR gauge. My mind feels scrambled.
I am looking to add to my LH2.4 B230F+T 245. Someone point me in the right direction for a write up or thread? I tried Turbobricks:Wideband installation as well as other searches and I am exhausted. All help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Mylesofsmyles]

Whoa, whoa whoa....you're almost at TMI, but better that than not enough...

A wideband gauge will be stand-alone from your existing EMS, unless you've got MS or something fancy, like that.

There's maybe a wire for fused power and one for switched power....and a couple of wires for the backlight....the rest is it's own harness that goes from the 02 sensor to the gauge. There'll be an extra wire as an output for your MS or other Stand Alone EMS...

I'm sure every one is different...though I'm just telling you what's involved for my AutoMeter Sport Comp setup.

[ncbrock]

Its pretty easy. They are pretty much the same when it comes to installation like he said above^. Usually its just a switched ignition power wire you have to splice into something and then a harness from the wideband to the gauge or gauge box (plx)

[Mylesofsmyles]

Originally Posted by ncbrock

Its pretty easy. They are pretty much the same when it comes to installation like he said above^. Usually its just a switched ignition power wire you have to splice into something and then a harness from the wideband to the gauge or gauge box (plx)

No no,

Don't splice...

You can put a blade terminal on the end of the wire and find a place right on the fuse panel.

[MrBrown]

So u use your existing O2 sensor still our is it replaced?
is tge factory ecu an ems?

[nathaninwa]

The wideband will have a separete fitting welded into the exhaust pipe close to the turbo. You still need the stock o2 for fueling. Some have tried the widebands narrow band output, but its kinda laggy for stock ecu operation and doesnt work like it should.

[MrBrown]

awesome info.
I guess when I purchase a wideband it will come with everything needed for install? I wont have to buy MS or another stand alone? it will work with my regular computer system?

[PEGASUS 6]

^ he is trying to tell you.. Your factory O2 sensor, keep it for your ecu. Add second O2 sensor for wideband gauge. It should come with everything, my PP2 did

[Karl Buchka]

The wideband is entirely separate from the LH computers. You'll want a wideband that offers some kind of kit, where it includes the sensor, a weld bung, and a display.

[Juggernot]

Depending on the model/brand you buy, there may be subtle differences. I got an SLC pp2 due to its ability to function as more than just an afr meter (althought it does that well). I wont get into its other functions here, dont want to add to your confusion but it came with a bung for the wideband sensor so I drilled a hole in my exhaust in the prescribed location (each brand will say where they want the sensor located as far as distance from the exhaust valve or port) and welded the bung in. With the SLC you have to purchase the wideband sensor separately at time of purchase which makes choosing an SLC product a little more pricey but given what else it can do I thought it was worth it.
As Mylesofsmyles said you should find an empty spot on the fuse panel with switched power and plug into that. My setup needed power for the sensor heating element and separate power for the guage and then 2 grounds, one where the ecm is grounded (I guess they want that if you plan to use the narrow band output for fueling) and another chassis ground.
There probably are not many threads detailing the install of a wideband but you should be ok as they are mainly just running and connecting some wires and welding in a o2 sensor bung. The SLC (14point7.com) came with excellant instructions, and they are also available on the website. I would think any wideband you get should have good enough instructions that would allow you to install it your self with no problems.
Keep in mind that you dont want to connect the power untill everything is connected to reduce the chance of shorting something out.

[Juggernot]

And yes, a wide band is mainly for gaining insight into the air/fuel ratio. Maybe you are confused as to what it does? Your LH computer doesnt need a wideband, as it already gets fueling info from the narrow band sensor.
The wideband gauge is a big help when tuning, you will need to know if you are running rich or lean so you can safely make modifications without damaging your engine.

[MrBrown]

I guess I am not quite sure what or why u need to have one. I was toldi needed one if I am using an MBC. I have a stock set up with soon 2 be ported 15G, want 3" exhaust an I am running XC70T orange body injectors. I plan on addng an adj timing gear and ipd turbo cam and my goal is nothing over 200ish +p.

[Juggernot]

You want a wideband to monitor air/fuel ratio. You want to monitor air/fuel when turning up the boost with your mbc so you can be sure you arent too lean. If you dont have one and crank up the boost, you wont have any idea about what the extra boost is doing to your mixture. It will help you understand why your engine was pinging like crazy right before you blew the head gasket or worse.
There may not be any articles about wideband installation, but there are plenty of them that explain why they are needed for performance reasons. You should look around and try to get a better understanding of what a wideband is used for.

[MrBrown]

Gotcha. I knew it monitired afr but I will do more research. Researching gets tiresone and I feel defeated @ times. But thanjs again for the help