Wideband A/F and A/F gauges

[sporter]

Can someone please tell me the difference , I know the wideband is better just by looking at the price difference.But why is it better , both gauges show if you are running rich or lean with warning lights so I dont understand why 1 could be so much better.

thanks again , and again....
Steve

[toolttime]

A typical production vehicle uses oxygen sensors that have a very narrow resolution. When you are cruising / idling (closed loop), the vehicle is concerned with maintaining an A/F ratio of 14.7 (stoich). When you put your foot on the floor and go into power enrichment (open loop), the factory sensors do not have enough resolution to tell you an exact A/F ratio. Any system that ties in to the factory oxygen sensors can only tell you if you are richer or leaner than 14.7. The wideband sensor, will tell you exactly what A/F ratio you are running. The Wideband comes with a plug you have to weld into the exhaust to be able to screw in the sensor supplied with the guage.

[SpectorV]

Unless you plan to drop a ton of money an a/f gauge for a car isnt very accurate.

[DarkShadow]

If you are willing to go through the hassle and added expense, it would be great to have the wideband. I even have the bung in the exhaust and wideband O2 sensor to do it with, but the added wiring in the engine compartment and the hassle of making it a permanent set up is just not worth it to me. I from time to time do a datalog and that is good enough for me lol.