O2 sensors.... Whats the difference?

forkliftfixr · Feb 8, 2008

I just got the X pipe installed today but unfortunately the old O2 sensors were froze in the stock pipe tighter than a 40 year old virgin. Called up to the parts store to get a price on two new ones..... BOSCH were $66.88 each (I need 2) but then the guy told me they also carry a Borg Warner "universal" 4 wire O2 sensor that you have to splice your connector to, and those are $19.99 each.

Yes, I know you are all going to scream and hollar to buy the $66.88 ones...... BUT..... Here is my situation, This motor is ONLY going to run maybe 3000 miles this summer before it gets pulled. Once it gets pulled and the 351 goes in, there is NOT going to be a computer in my car any more.

My question is.... What is the big difference between these "universal" O2 sensors -vs- the ones with the connector on them already? that are "specific" to a vehicle. Since this is only going to be a Saturday Night special for the summer would these cheapo ones get me by? If not.... why?

Paul · Feb 8, 2008

Here would be my only two concerns:

1. Splicing O2 wire connections is okay, provided you do a GOOD job. A poor splice could result in erratic engine performance due to inaccurate O2 readings.
2. The "universal" sensor needs to have the same voltage reading and range as the OEM one. So for example you couldn't plug in a 0-5 volt (wideband) O2 into a mustang because the computer would not know how to read it. If memory serves, OEM narrow band sensors are 0-1 volt. Additionally, you would want the Air/fuel ratio-to-voltage parameters for both sensors.

That my two cents.

Paul.

forkliftfixr · Feb 8, 2008

Paul,

Thanks for the info..... So we have a narrow band setup -vs- a wide band... That in itself is kind of interesting because I figured we would have a wide band setup. I have no doubts in my capabilities in splicing, besides if I am not mistaking the 4 wire just means it is a heated O2 sensor and I am pretty sure that those two wires are not voltage specific. I will have to do some research on this universal to see what it compaires to stock voltage/air readings. Of course I realize that these guys selling the parts wont have the info Ill need. It's just a shame because I am really trying to bandaid fix this so I can get it running for the summer while the new engine is being built. I sure didnt want to fork out $150.00 for O2 sensors that are only going to be used for maybe 4 months.

Any of you have any used ones you might want to get rid of?