I was wondering if there are any companies that make aftermarket O2 sensor (One that hooks up to the cat). $300 bucks from Mazda is a little steep for me. Or if someone has a used and functional one with wiring for sale PM me, that would be cool too. Thanks!

 

Bosch Universal is available at many auto parts stores. You'll have to make your own connector, but it's only 30 bucks.
~Tom

 

Check out oxygensensors.com

 

Anybody have some feedback on the '86 Ford Escort 3-wire O2 sensor? If so, how did you/they rig it up?

 

jonski, i have that sensor on my car.

Rigged easy. There are 3 wires, one should go to a 12V that goes on with the ignition key in the ON position, the black wire is ground, and the other white wire just splices into the old one wire from the original 02 sensor. I have to look at mine agian to distinguish which white wire is what though.

Danny

 

Where did you get it and how much did it cost?

I assume it's better than the stock O2 sensor, but what exactly are the advantages of the 3-wire in terms of operation? For example, does it have a greater range of operation, like all the way from idle to WOT? Is it more accurate in general? If I hook an A/F gauge up to it, will it tell me anything useful?

 

$30 & $300 is an extreme price difference!

There has got to be more thatn just the wire and plug in connector on the OEM version.

 

jonski,

I just went to my local kragen/checkers, it cost 50 bucks actually, not 30.

Since it's heated it would be better suited for leaded gas if you decide to use it. It's also more accurate over the entire scale. Yet of course not entirely accurate. I don't expect a 3 wire sensor to be "that" accurate, yet still superior to the stock one. I have my a/f meter attached to it FYI

Danny

 

Bosch works just fine, I've used two of them over ten years and had no problem - $18.00 and one lead.
Don't forget the high temp anti-sieze when reinstalling.

 

Did the Bosch come with a wire but no plug? So you slice the stock wire to it. I was told soldering the wire degrades the accuracy.

 

I have the new DENSO one... seem to work well.
and suppose to be better with Leaded race fuels
as others get ruined by the lead. I think it was around
$50 bucks?

 

The only thing that will change the "accuracy" (resistance) is if you use a different gauge wire to splice or increase/decrease the length of the wire dramatically.

Try to use the same gauge, never smaller. Solder has no effect, it just makes the connection more permanent so that it will never work free on it's own if the crimp fails.

Don't overtighten it, just seat it gently and forget about it for 25,000 miles or so..........they last a long time.

 

Well there was another thread on oxygensensors.com but I can't find it.

I ordered one and the wire was short by 6". Stock being 18" and this one 12". I called them and they said there was a mistake on the part # on their website and they'll send another out. It would work on DP's other than HKS but not with stock pre-cat. The wrong part # 250-21026.

 

And the right part number 250-21020 from oxygensensors.com Lead is long enough, it costs $36, and is working very nicely in my car with a DP and the rest stock. Plugs right into the existing harness without soldering or general dicking about