wideband meters - reviews

[DakarDave]

this post was buried in another thread... I thought it deserved to be upgraded to its own thread... and I wanted to add the Zt-2 to the list:

* the ZT-2 also uses a bosch wideband o2 sensor... prob. the same as the other kits...

ZT-2:

This unit has all the benefits of the PLX (small package, can be placed somewhere in the cabin and fairly low price), with the logging cabability of the LM1 (it's able to log RPM, throttle position, AFR, Lamda, EGT, and one other user input) and has decent software that allows data to be logged to a lap top via a serial connection. This unit, with the optional remote display, also has the ability to act as a very nice digital boost, egt, lamda/aft gauge. The remote display is compact, attractive and very readable even in direct sunlight.


Here are my thoughts on those 3 meters......

All use the same Bosch sensor that's originally used on VWs. I've never tested to see how if any of the meters are more accurate than the others, so we'll leave that out of the discussion.

PLX:

I like that this one has a small package. It can be placed somewhere in the cabin fairly easily. The price is probably the lowest of the bunch too. If all you need is a WBO2, with no logging capabilities, and need it to be as inexpensive as possible, then get this one.

AEM:

I like that this one is in the form of a 2 1/16" gauge. Makes it very easy for mounting and integrating into the car. Price is a bit higher than the others, and still doesn't have any logging ability, but looks the best IMO.

Innovative LM1:

This thing is bulky. That's what I don't like about. It's not easy (or feasible) to permanently mount this into your car or on your dash. But, this is the most flexible unit of all. If you need to do any datalogging, then this is the unit to get. It's able to log RPM and 4 (or 5) other inputs, along with the AFR. Very valuable if you're into tuning on the street (or even on a dyno). The other nice feature is that it has 2 programmable analog voltage outputs to report the AFR.

Personally, I would get the LM1. To see the AFRs while I drive, I would program one of the analog outputs to provide a 0-1v function, where 450mv = 14.7, 900mv = 11:1, and 100mv = 18:1 (or something like that). Then I'd get a cheapy LED AFR gauge and connect that to the analog output, and mount that somewhere in the driver's line of sight. That way, I'd have an LED/AFR gauge that gave meaningful wideband info, and still have the ability to log AFRs and other data if needed.

[badmonkey]

Curious if anyone has compared readings of one of these new wideband 02 units with the
tailpipe sniffer as used on a dyno.


.

[Bimmubishi]

They're probably close. The bosch sensor is also sold as a Honda factory part. The honda part is 36531-P-07-003 and the bosch box is numbered 13246

This may be useful information for those choosing to make their own wideband O2 sensor although I may be venturing off topic, I felt a response for clarification was called-for given that his post was alluding to an inexpensive source for alternatives.

The Bosch LSM-11 is, from my understanding a motorsport part and that there are alternatives, even newer ones. The L1H1 NTK style has a 5th, in-built constant voltage heater control wire for greater accuracy.

[NickG]

They're probably close. The bosch sensor is also sold as a Honda factory part. The honda part is 36531-P-07-003 and the bosch box is numbered 13246

This may be useful information for those choosing to make their own wideband O2 sensor although I may be venturing off topic, I felt a response for clarification was called-for given that his post was alluding to an inexpensive source for alternatives.

The Bosch LSM-11 is, from my understanding a motorsport part and that there are alternatives, even newer ones. The L1H1 NTK style has a 5th, in-built constant voltage heater control wire for greater accuracy.

The Bosch sensor you mentioned, #13246, is actually an NTK part. I know, cause I have one :) Inside the Bosch box is a sensor made by NTK. The Honda sensor you gave the part number for is also an NTK sensor from the factory. Bosch doesn't make a compatible sensor for that application; they merely repackage the NTK sensor and sell it under the Bosch name. That is the same sensor as the NTK L1H1 you mentioned.

Basically, the Honda sensor you mentioned, the Bosch 13246, and the NTK L1H1 are all the SAME sensor. That sensor is different than the Bosch LSU4.2 sensor that these wideband kits use (which is originally used in a VW).

[E30 2 ENVY]

I have a AEM uego installed in my car and i have compared it to a "tailpipe " techmotive that uses a bosh wideband sensor and the readings where very very close.

I have full length headers and NO cats with dual 2.5 inch header back mandrel bent pipes. I tested both banks and both were very very close. ( wide band readouts that is. )

I find the AEM is very very fast and this can sometimes be anoying. But from a technical standpoint its great. just hard to watch road and gauge at same time now that things happen much much faster.

[stimpee]

I have both an Innovate LM-1 with the Bosch LSU4.2 sensor, as well as another wideband unit in my data acquisition setup that uses the older Bosch LSM-11 sensor. I have run the car with both units simultaneously, precat, and they are consistently within .1 AFR of each other steady state.

The Innovate unit actually has a much quicker response time than the LSM-11 (whether it is the unit, or the sensor, I dunno), which makes transient response a bit different, but I have great confidence in both units...

Steve

[///3oris]

I have run the car with both units simultaneously, precat, and they are consistently within .1 AFR of each other steady state.

That's great info, Steve... thanks for sharing with us; I know it's been a question in the past of how accurate these cheaper LSU's are compared to the NTK's (5-10x the price!)

Thanks,

Boris

[stimpee]

I was originally building one of the DIY-WB's a while back. I built it, and got most of the way thru testing, when I decided that I should stick to "mechanical" engineering and fabrication, and leave the eletrical stuff to the guys that are not afraid to "let the smoke out of the wires"!!

Anyway, due to that, I still have one of the NTK sensors around, and also have a FUBAR LSU4.2 with what appears to be a fractured element from driving thru a VERY deep puddle a few months back. I have been planning to graft the LSU4.2 connector onto the NTK sensor, and try the NTK with the LM-1 since I have it available...

FWIW, I can get the LSU4.2 over the counter from the local VW dealer for about $45, which isn't the cheapest I have seen them, but it is pretty good. That compares to close to $300 for the LSM-11...

I remember when I started the twinscrew project several years back, trying to figure out how I would possibly "afford" a good wideband to use for tuning, etc. Now I have TWO units, and it ain't because I am rich!!

How times have changed, for the better!

Now, if only we "normal" guys could get into the OBDII DME and tune it!!

;)

Steve

[b18cls1]

i use a tech edge 2.0 wb that uses the vw sensor $29 at 1stvwparts.com and it has datalogging ect built right in. that is wahat is what is installed permanatly in the car due to the inexpesive sensor

to tune with i use a motec plm.