Better way to check air fuel mixture

[66FBCharger]

Is there a better way to check air fuel mixture than reading the plugs? Is there some kind of portable meter to read the exhaust gases? if so, what brands do you recommend and how expensive are they?

[Ghoste]

Sure is.  There are various brand but you can get an O2 sensor and read the mixture that way.  You'll need to put a bung in the header collectors for it to take the sample from.  Quick and easy and far more accurate.

[66FBCharger]

Would it be best to put an O2 sensor in each side?

[myk]

I'd imagine you'd have to; each bank can run more rich or more lean than the other one...

[Ghoste]

I believe you can get kits with a single sensor and then switch it from side to side but you definitely want to know whats happening in both.

[tan top]

 been wanting one of these below , for a few years well ever  since fast!  released a duel sensor set up !!  , will get round to getting one one day ,  soo much easier , still  need to pull the plugs though imo to look , to see whats what ! especially if your running a tunnel ram intake or similar 
 
  http://www.jegs.com/i/FAST/244/170602/10002/-1?parentProductId=834738

[Ghoste]

Yes, I suppose that will still be needed to show that cylinder to cylinder variation won't it?  Plug reading is fast becoming a lost art though.

[myk]

*SIGH*  Every time I look at a worthy part to buy for my cars it's usually $500, $1000, $2000 or $5000...

[Ghoste]

And to think...

[1974dodgecharger]

Yes, I suppose that will still be needed to show that cylinder to cylinder variation won't it?  Plug reading is fast becoming a lost art though.

I cant justify driving 50 miles then stopping to look at the plug and then adjust, drive again with new plug, and keep doing this over and over to get the right tune.  I would rather have it in real time to see how im running on the highway and city and compare how its running then make my adjustments that way.

I plan to buy autometers o2 widebank setup and hopefully have two of them one for each bank at the collector region, hopefully, but as myk saids it all requires money here and there to be spent.

[A383Wing]

Single wire GM O2 sensors are around $25 each...the air fuel meter can be had for about $30 each....

[myk]

Single wire GM O2 sensors are around $25 each...the air fuel meter can be had for about $30 each....

Would picking up previously unmatched pieces be just a matter of installing and connecting them together? 

[1974dodgecharger]

Single wire GM O2 sensors are around $25 each...the air fuel meter can be had for about $30 each....

WOW,  you gonna have to show me a link for this setup...cheapest I can see is autometers version with 02 sensor, guage, etc..complete kit for 160 bucks on amazon I want to pull the plug, but I also want a 850 holley DP.

[Ghoste]

Yes, I suppose that will still be needed to show that cylinder to cylinder variation won't it?  Plug reading is fast becoming a lost art though.

I cant justify driving 50 miles then stopping to look at the plug and then adjust, drive again with new plug, and keep doing this over and over to get the right tune.  I would rather have it in real time to see how im running on the highway and city and compare how its running then make my adjustments that way.

I plan to buy autometers o2 widebank setup and hopefully have two of them one for each bank at the collector region, hopefully, but as myk saids it all requires money here and there to be spent.

And that applies to 90% or better of the drivers out there and is more than adequate.  If you want to really know and get the tune razor sharp though you have to put in the extra effort.  You won't have to drive 50 miles though, just 1/4 at a time. 

[XH29N0G]

Single wire GM O2 sensors are around $25 each...the air fuel meter can be had for about $30 each....

I, too, am interested in learning more.

[cdr]

you want a wide band set up,not a narrow band,they make both .

[66FBCharger]

you want a wide band set up,not a narrow band,they make both .

What is the difference?

[Ghoste]

I think its the amount of information gathered and thereby the accuracy.

[firefighter3931]

A wideband with a single O2 sensor will show you what you need to know. Unless you have staggered jetting in the carb(s) the A/F ratio should be very close if not identical side to side. I use an Innovate LM1 on mine with a single sensor on the driver side collector to tune. 


Ron

[66FBCharger]

Ron,
Thanks for the info. I will have to look at that brand.
John

[1974dodgecharger]

Do burn outs count, the ones I do by accident? 

Yes, I suppose that will still be needed to show that cylinder to cylinder variation won't it?  Plug reading is fast becoming a lost art though.

I cant justify driving 50 miles then stopping to look at the plug and then adjust, drive again with new plug, and keep doing this over and over to get the right tune.  I would rather have it in real time to see how im running on the highway and city and compare how its running then make my adjustments that way.

I plan to buy autometers o2 widebank setup and hopefully have two of them one for each bank at the collector region, hopefully, but as myk saids it all requires money here and there to be spent.

And that applies to 90% or better of the drivers out there and is more than adequate.  If you want to really know and get the tune razor sharp though you have to put in the extra effort.  You won't have to drive 50 miles though, just 1/4 at a time. 

[Ghoste]

As long as they are wide open throttle and twelve seconds in duration.

[Cooter]

you want a wide band set up,not a narrow band,they make both .

What is the difference?

Narrow band 02 sensors only have and narrow window range of A/F ratios they can see, and tend to be like the old style voltage regulator. RICH/LEAN. ON/OFF.

Wideband allows for more precise and quicker A/F ratio changes. Wide range of A/F ratios it will see.  Richer, richer, richer, etc.
kinda like the newer style electronic voltage regulator. That MAINTAINS a constant voltage instead of on and off only.

[A383Wing]

Single wire GM O2 sensors are around $25 each...the air fuel meter can be had for about $30 each....

I, too, am interested in learning more.

purchase a single wire O2 sensor for a mid 80's GM car, you will need a bung to install in exhaust pipe. Find an "air-fuel" ratio gauge from any parts store or ebay.....you will need to connect the sensor wire to the input lead on the gauge and wire the rest of it up.

I put one in my Dakota...it will tell you how rich or lean it is

[Ghoste]

Are they a wide band one Bryan?