i bought a new o2 sensor a few months ago, and recently i installed RB headers. compared to the stock exhaust manifold the o2 sensor hole in the headers is way dowm by the flange. my problem is my o2 sensor's wire doesn't go down that far. it is the regular plug and play one that cost around 35 bucks. how would i make the wire longer so i can continue using the sensor? i'm thinking buying a certain gauge (which one) wire, splicing it into the o2 sensor's wire, soldering it on there, and covering it with rubber tubing (like vaccum hose) and electrical tape. anyone else ever had this problem.. using RB headers with their o2 sensor? what did you do to fix? i searched, but didn't find the exact answer i needed.

 

I would also cover it in some sort of heat insulation.

 

so then my idea should work ok? what is the downside to not using the o2 sensor, just more fuel consumption? i'm asking as i'll probably be driving around without it plugged in for a few days.

anyone know what gauge wire i should use also?

 

my O2 sensor is spliced in. no cover on the wire or anything, though. i wouldnt bother with electrical tape; i cant imagine it holding up. i've never tried, though.
unhooking your O2 sensor (or when a code is thrown, which it damn well should), your feedback system is cancelled. i'm not sure what all this entails, but you'll loose closed loop. just splice in the wire and run it like so. better than a sensor just sittin in your header.

if you get a code:
15
oxygen sensor
oxygen sensor output remains below 0.55v 80 sec. after F/B system operation beginning
feedback system canceled(for EGI)
17
feedback system
oxygen sensor output remains 0.55v 10 sec. after F/B system operation beginning
feedback system canceled(for EGI)

 

Heck, if it's that far down, just run the sensor wire through a firewall hole and straight to the ECU input wire. You could splice it there without worrying about the shielding...

 

i should think about that when i install my headers.