Can it be done? Has anyone done it?

 

The Innovate Motorsports LM-1 wideband O2 meter has an output for a "simulated" stock narrow-band O2 sensor equivalent. No reason it wouldn't work as a replacement for the stock narrow-band sensor. Might get a little pricey using a pair of the LM-1's ($350 each), and the life span of a wide-band sensor is typically much less than an OEM narrow-band.

Look at section 11.1 of the LM-1 manual:

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/s...Manual_3.0.pdf

 

I'm trying to stay away from the wideband modules due to lack of money. I have never heard of anyone converting to wideband, but just wandering if anyone else has.

 

My understanding is the pcm looks for the required resistance from the oem sensor. It appears the conversion could be made, but the oem sensor would need to remain in the circuit to prevent throwing a 'check engine' code and (uncertain here) going into OL.

As for WB sensors not lasting as long as oem NB sensors, may be a issue of WBs being exposed to more abuse. Such as, different fuels, richer mixtures than oem tunes would allow, more heat exposure, and less than desireable choices of location. The LM-1 Fred was referring to above utilizes an oem volkswagon WB sensor as it's choice. Does a volkwagon oem sensor last for a lesser length of time? When used within parameters of oem tune, I would doubt it.

 

You can try and use the second out put of the LM-1 as a feed to the stock PCM to keep the computer happy and no check light.

 

My understanding is that the LM-1 output replicates the lambda vs mVolt output of a stock narrow-band sensor. Hence, you simply connect the stock harness to the LM-1 "narrow-band" replicator output, and the stock PCM is "happy".... no codes/SES.

The OEM narrow-band sensor life it dictated by EPA requirements. They must last 50K miles, or more. A wide-band sensor is not subjected to those same limitations, and I suspect that the designers may choose to sacrifice some longevity for increased accuracy. Can't say that with absolute certainty though.

 

On some oem pcms that may be true, however, with the LT/LS GM variety of pcm, I believe it is necessary to simulate the heater circuit. This corrects and makes more explicit the answer I submitted above. There are others, but chose these, as these are representative:

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/f...ght=light+bulb

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/f...read.php?t=232
This may be true with WBs in general, but my reasoning states the emphasis needs to be put on the 'OEM' part of that acronym, when considering an OEM WB sensor. Bosch specs the sensor for a life of 60,000 miles on unleaded gas in an OEM applicaton. I see no reason for OEM WBs to not being required to meet the longevity expectations and/or requirements as set by the EPA, for any OEM emission component. Would Volkwagen be exempt from meeting sensor longevity requirements as set by the EPA?

 

Hondas have WB02's stock, they should last longer don't they use the standard Bosch o2?