General Car Related Discussion. To discuss anything that is related to cars and automotive technology that doesnt naturally fit into another forum catagory.

Which wideband lambda to go for?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-12-2011, 01:29 PM
  #1  
R4N SS
Professional Waffler
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
R4N SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ?
Posts: 27,161
Received 147 Likes on 139 Posts
Default Which wideband lambda to go for?

Thinking of gettiong one of these gauges in the car - which is a good accurate one to go for and how much would it be?

Anyone selling a second hand one at all?
Old 12-12-2011, 01:39 PM
  #2  
bluntys1rsturbo
Boost addict
 
bluntys1rsturbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: stoke on trent
Posts: 2,793
Received 150 Likes on 145 Posts
Default

the aem kit is very good matey, i have one on my car and alot of my mates use them as well, i can get you them at a very good price from efi-parts as he is a fellow rtoc member who runs the company
Old 12-12-2011, 01:40 PM
  #3  
ajamesc
cossie fan (unluckerly)
 
ajamesc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: hampshire
Posts: 9,795
Received 435 Likes on 393 Posts
Default

id rate the stack one its very simple to fit and use / dose as its meant too! before that i had an innovate lm1 set up which was an over complicated load of rubbish that never worked lol
Old 12-12-2011, 01:43 PM
  #4  
bluntys1rsturbo
Boost addict
 
bluntys1rsturbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: stoke on trent
Posts: 2,793
Received 150 Likes on 145 Posts
Default

iv heard that the innovate isnt the best kit on the market as well
Old 12-12-2011, 01:45 PM
  #5  
James @ M Developments.
BANNED

BANNED
iTrader: (2)
 
James @ M Developments.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Devon/Blackpool
Posts: 3,480
Received 28 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

I like our ECM, bit pricey though lol.
Old 12-12-2011, 02:09 PM
  #6  
Fiesta_Jed
Regular Contributor
 
Fiesta_Jed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: scotland
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

http://www.rhdjapan.com/neko-corpora...r-system-31063

Not cheap though.
Old 12-12-2011, 02:10 PM
  #7  
Chip
*** Sierra RS Custard ***
iTrader: (3)
 
Chip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 47,250
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

I like the innovate DB1, and the one in my car has been very reliable.

although ANY of these cheap kits will need a new sensor now and then costing about half the total purchase price of the kit, so dont be surprised when that happens
Old 12-12-2011, 02:23 PM
  #8  
dug112y
passionford pro
iTrader: (1)
 
dug112y's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Lanarkshire,Scotland
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Fiesta_Jed

Have you used this? Or know anyone that has?
Old 12-12-2011, 02:24 PM
  #9  
Rod-Tarry
Happily retired
 
Rod-Tarry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 7,707
Received 237 Likes on 151 Posts
Default

None are accurate enough to rely on Mark has checked the ones in my car against his proper set-up.
The Innovate was declared miles out & the Stack got a well i suppose its better than nothing. It really just fills a hole in the dash but looks good.
Old 12-12-2011, 02:30 PM
  #10  
R4N SS
Professional Waffler
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
R4N SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ?
Posts: 27,161
Received 147 Likes on 139 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MadRod
None are accurate enough to rely on Mark has checked the ones in my car against his proper set-up.
The Innovate was declared miles out & the Stack got a well i suppose its better than nothing. It really just fills a hole in the dash but looks good.
So are these just a gimmick then? I was thinking for engine safety sake, but if they arent that accurate then why waste money on them at all - especially when i will be pulling it all out in a few months anyway
Old 12-12-2011, 02:38 PM
  #11  
Chip
*** Sierra RS Custard ***
iTrader: (3)
 
Chip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 47,250
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MadRod
None are accurate enough to rely on Mark has checked the ones in my car against his proper set-up.
The Innovate was declared miles out & the Stack got a well i suppose its better than nothing. It really just fills a hole in the dash but looks good.
It depends what you are relying on them for TBH.

They'll get you into the right ballpark, and they'll show you if anything changes on your car, they generally read within about half an AFR of the Autronic Analyser that Mark uses (and dyno dynamics rollers come standard with)

But for something like mapping your sierra, I agree with Mark totally that they arent upto the job and a proper analyser is required.
Old 12-12-2011, 02:40 PM
  #12  
R4N SS
Professional Waffler
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
R4N SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ?
Posts: 27,161
Received 147 Likes on 139 Posts
Default

so once the car is mapped - its not really needed - just another paranoia gauge?
Old 12-12-2011, 02:40 PM
  #13  
Chip
*** Sierra RS Custard ***
iTrader: (3)
 
Chip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 47,250
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by R4N S S
So are these just a gimmick then? I was thinking for engine safety sake, but if they arent that accurate then why waste money on them at all - especially when i will be pulling it all out in a few months anyway
They arnt just a gimmick, but they also arent something you would rely on when building a 10,000 pounds engine.
They work reasonably well, enough for most enthusiasts, but its no surprise that if you spend 1000s the sort of equipment you can buy is more accurate than if you spend 100s
Old 12-12-2011, 02:42 PM
  #14  
Chip
*** Sierra RS Custard ***
iTrader: (3)
 
Chip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 47,250
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by R4N S S
so once the car is mapped - its not really needed - just another paranoia gauge?
Well if you have a problem with something like a fuel pump starting to fail and not flowing as much as it used to then there are 4 ways to work out that you have a problem really:

1) get your car checked over constantly by someone like Mark to ensure its in tip top condition

2) buy a wideband and notice that its now a lot leaner than it used to be

3) run a fuel pressure gauge

4) melt your engine




They arent needed IF everything is working correctly, much like an oil pressure gauge.

Last edited by Chip; 12-12-2011 at 02:43 PM.
Old 12-12-2011, 02:52 PM
  #15  
R4N SS
Professional Waffler
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
R4N SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ?
Posts: 27,161
Received 147 Likes on 139 Posts
Default

cheers for the input simon - i have oil press, oil temp and boost gauges, but thinking i should get one of these as a precaution.

I can get my mate to check things over as he does a fair bit on Omex and is nice and local.

so who has one for sale?
Old 12-12-2011, 02:55 PM
  #16  
Chip
*** Sierra RS Custard ***
iTrader: (3)
 
Chip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 47,250
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Problem with secondhand ones, is if they need a new sensor (which happens often) they end up costing more than a new one unless they are VERY cheap to begin with.
Old 12-12-2011, 02:57 PM
  #17  
ajamesc
cossie fan (unluckerly)
 
ajamesc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: hampshire
Posts: 9,795
Received 435 Likes on 393 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by R4N S S
so once the car is mapped - its not really needed - just another paranoia gauge?
I know mines not 100% but its a good indication if some thing gos tits up when im driveing the car hard better to have a gauge to keep an eye on things than to melt a piston if it gos lean on boost or some thing silly!
Old 12-12-2011, 03:10 PM
  #18  
bluntys1rsturbo
Boost addict
 
bluntys1rsturbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: stoke on trent
Posts: 2,793
Received 150 Likes on 145 Posts
Default

at the last dyno day we did at wgt 4 of our members were running aem widebands and in general they were around 0.3-1.0 afr out compared to there kit
Old 12-12-2011, 03:13 PM
  #19  
R4N SS
Professional Waffler
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
R4N SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ?
Posts: 27,161
Received 147 Likes on 139 Posts
Default

right so think i better buy a new one then - so who gonna give me a discount then?
Old 12-12-2011, 03:24 PM
  #20  
ajamesc
cossie fan (unluckerly)
 
ajamesc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: hampshire
Posts: 9,795
Received 435 Likes on 393 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bluntys1rsturbo
at the last dyno day we did at wgt 4 of our members were running aem widebands and in general they were around 0.3-1.0 afr out compared to there kit
Mark sheed said the stack ones read about .5 ish out at full boost
Old 12-12-2011, 03:30 PM
  #21  
Chip
*** Sierra RS Custard ***
iTrader: (3)
 
Chip's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 47,250
Received 22 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ajamesc
Mark sheed said the stack ones read about .5 ish out at full boost
The one he tested read that much out, they dont all read exactly that much out or they'd just alter them to read .5 less

The problem with ALL the cheaper ones is that their results vary more than the quality ones do, there isnt a hard and fast rule that all stacks read .5 too high or all innovate read .5 too low though.
Old 12-12-2011, 03:38 PM
  #22  
ajamesc
cossie fan (unluckerly)
 
ajamesc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: hampshire
Posts: 9,795
Received 435 Likes on 393 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Chip
The one he tested read that much out, they dont all read exactly that much out or they'd just alter them to read .5 less

The problem with ALL the cheaper ones is that their results vary more than the quality ones do, there isnt a hard and fast rule that all stacks read .5 too high or all innovate read .5 too low though.
i no there not all going to be the same or that there not any wear as good as work shop test gear lol just saying as a rough example
Old 12-12-2011, 03:38 PM
  #23  
JonnyBravo
10K+ Poster!!
 
JonnyBravo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Huntingdon
Posts: 11,058
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Readings could also be affected by sensor location I'd imagine.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:30 PM
  #24  
SiST
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
iTrader: (1)
 
SiST's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Blackpool
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

My brand new innovate gauge kit is still for sale if you want to save some money?
Old 12-12-2011, 04:34 PM
  #25  
scoooby slayer
10K+ Poster!!
iTrader: (4)
 
scoooby slayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: st neots cambridgeshire
Posts: 10,211
Received 415 Likes on 308 Posts
Default

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AEM-DIGITA...item3f0499edcf

job done, they are all out abit my car on dyno showed 11 afr, aem shows 11.4, an aem has potentially saved my old rb26 and definately saved the 2jz stroker, an absolute must on any highly tuned car.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:36 PM
  #26  
scoooby slayer
10K+ Poster!!
iTrader: (4)
 
scoooby slayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: st neots cambridgeshire
Posts: 10,211
Received 415 Likes on 308 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MadRod
None are accurate enough to rely on Mark has checked the ones in my car against his proper set-up.
The Innovate was declared miles out & the Stack got a well i suppose its better than nothing. It really just fills a hole in the dash but looks good.
come on rod thats not fair at all, there far more than a hole filler, i lost my second fuel pump due to wiring and the aem saved the engine was leaning of the scale, obviously a £5000 one would be ideal but for £130 they are a must for any tuned car imo.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:46 PM
  #27  
JonnyBravo
10K+ Poster!!
 
JonnyBravo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Huntingdon
Posts: 11,058
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by scoooby slayer
come on rod thats not fair at all, there far more than a hole filler, i lost my second fuel pump due to wiring and the aem saved the engine was leaning of the scale, obviously a £5000 one would be ideal but for £130 they are a must for any tuned car imo.
Exactly !

What do you run in your car Rod ?
Old 12-12-2011, 04:49 PM
  #28  
studabear
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
studabear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: at home
Posts: 8,347
Received 206 Likes on 193 Posts
Default

Any links for the £130 aem?
Old 12-12-2011, 04:49 PM
  #29  
WongRS
PassionFord Post Whore!!
iTrader: (11)
 
WongRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Oswestry, Shropshire
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I've just fitted an AEM one after reading good reviews, just to keep an eye on, it'll show up if something go's amiss, wont it? Like if the fuel pump starts failing ETC, more of an indication than no gauge at all in my opinion.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:52 PM
  #30  
series_one_rst
PassionFord Regular
 
series_one_rst's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: In my garage!
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

mtx-l guage looks ok. still unsure which I want ATM.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:53 PM
  #31  
snoopaloopa
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
iTrader: (3)
 
snoopaloopa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Dorset
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by scoooby slayer
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AEM-DIGITA...item3f0499edcf

job done, they are all out abit my car on dyno showed 11 afr, aem shows 11.4, an aem has potentially saved my old rb26 and definately saved the 2jz stroker, an absolute must on any highly tuned car.
Just watch out for the customs charge as well with those ones
I ran an AEM in my old car and will probably run one in my current one when the engine is finished, good enough for simple target graphs etc and lean/rich alarms depending on your ecu.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:55 PM
  #32  
Fiesta_Jed
Regular Contributor
 
Fiesta_Jed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: scotland
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by dug112y
Have you used this? Or know anyone that has?
Originally Posted by R4N S S
So are these just a gimmick then? I was thinking for engine safety sake, but if they arent that accurate then why waste money on them at all - especially when i will be pulling it all out in a few months anyway
The one I posted is not a guage as such, its a tuning tool.

In australia and japan many people including tuning companies use the neko af 700 as there primary afr meter, others use it as a back up for there ecm.

There was a test done that proved that the af 700 gave exactly the ame readings as th dyno dynamics/autronic afr meter.

They are very very good.
Old 12-12-2011, 04:55 PM
  #33  
scoooby slayer
10K+ Poster!!
iTrader: (4)
 
scoooby slayer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: st neots cambridgeshire
Posts: 10,211
Received 415 Likes on 308 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by snoopaloopa
Just watch out for the customs charge as well with those ones
I ran an AEM in my old car and will probably run one in my current one when the engine is finished, good enough for simple target graphs etc and lean/rich alarms depending on your ecu.
ive bought 2 from the same seller, one on my supra and one on my dragster and neither have had customs charges, 2-3 days delivery with fedex, just ask them to value it at $15 commercial sample or gift.
Old 12-12-2011, 06:41 PM
  #34  
slammedorion
PassionFord Post Whore!!
 
slammedorion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 4,774
Received 237 Likes on 211 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bluntys1rsturbo
the aem kit is very good matey, i have one on my car and alot of my mates use them as well, i can get you them at a very good price from efi-parts as he is a fellow rtoc member who runs the company


How much? Pm me if needs be
Old 12-12-2011, 07:06 PM
  #35  
ajamesc
cossie fan (unluckerly)
 
ajamesc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: hampshire
Posts: 9,795
Received 435 Likes on 393 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by WongRS
I've just fitted an AEM one after reading good reviews, just to keep an eye on, it'll show up if something go's amiss, wont it? Like if the fuel pump starts failing ETC, more of an indication than no gauge at all in my opinion.
of course it will give you a rough indication as once you have had the car set up by who ever will map it or check it over you will be able to see what the readings are on your gauge then if for some reason they change all of a sudden you know to get the car checked over again properly as you may have a problem

Last edited by ajamesc; 12-12-2011 at 07:07 PM.
Old 12-12-2011, 09:03 PM
  #36  
WongRS
PassionFord Post Whore!!
iTrader: (11)
 
WongRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Oswestry, Shropshire
Posts: 4,058
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ajamesc
of course it will give you a rough indication as once you have had the car set up by who ever will map it or check it over you will be able to see what the readings are on your gauge then if for some reason they change all of a sudden you know to get the car checked over again properly as you may have a problem
Thats the exact reason i've got mine, so i don't melt it!
Old 13-12-2011, 09:52 AM
  #37  
R4N SS
Professional Waffler
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
R4N SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ?
Posts: 27,161
Received 147 Likes on 139 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Fiesta_Jed
The one I posted is not a guage as such, its a tuning tool.

In australia and japan many people including tuning companies use the neko af 700 as there primary afr meter, others use it as a back up for there ecm.

There was a test done that proved that the af 700 gave exactly the ame readings as th dyno dynamics/autronic afr meter.

They are very very good.
Thats 940 quid i cant spend that on a gauge

AEM it is lol
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Si B
General Car Related Discussion.
2
12-09-2015 06:49 AM
CrOwSoN15
General Car Related Discussion.
14
03-09-2015 12:21 PM
mint_s2
Cars for Sale
4
02-09-2015 08:58 AM
Dahl88
Ford Escort RS Turbo
1
22-08-2015 08:16 PM
RsS2daz
Ford RS Turbo Parts for Sale
3
14-08-2015 05:26 AM



Quick Reply: Which wideband lambda to go for?



All times are GMT. The time now is 01:24 AM.