o2 sensor spacer?

[Quinton Exler]

I have been reading around online and came across this nifty looking thing, I have read it will allow a downpipe installation without any codes thrown? (I still plan on retuning for a downpipe) But I was also told its good to have this spacer because the catalytic material increases the lifespan of your o2 sensor dramatically and adding the spacer eliminates a lot of heat that reaches the o2? Also apparently keeps it from throwing codes even on a stock tune?

 

[007CobaltLS]

Generally those are used for people who can't tune out the CEL or don't want to tune it out.

There may be benefits regarding life of an o2 sensor, but they go eventually, running a catless DP on my Cobalt for 4 out of 5.5 years of ownership and I just finally replaced my front o2 sensor this past summer.

Someone else may have better info for you though.

 

[Preloader]

The 1st o2 is before the 1st cat anyway so it will be unaffected by deleting the 1st cat.

The 2nd o2 may be subject to more abuse once the 1st cat is gone, but the tune for the CEL code delete, tells the ECU to ignore the 2nd o2. I'm not definite on this, but I suspect the 2nd o2's primary function is to detect a faulty 1st cat, which will no longer exist.

tl;dr- don't think this part is applicable for the Sonic

 

[rdss]

It samples the exhaust after the cat and then tells the ECM to make changes as well monitoring the cats health, if it fails, the rear O2 sensor is what will throw the code. Why the light comes on is because it is out of spec with the cat missing, the O2 spacer or defouler pulls the O2 sensor out of the exhaust stream changing how the sensor meters the exhaust. Not scientific, just how I have come to under stand how the parts effect eachother.

 

[Quinton Exler]

Thank you preloader for that info. Just pre planning on that top cat removal... last object left before I will be running a straight pipe.

 

[Quinton Exler]

Thank you rdss for that information, I was debating if pulling the 2nd o2 sensor up with that spacer and doing a downpipe would show no codes? A new tune for the removed cat will be available and done. Just curious if codes would still throw with a spacer and no tune for educational purposes.

 

[Preloader]

A topic worthy of discussion.

 

[rdss]

It can fix it and it could not. You have to pick it up and give it a try. Also, look under the car first and see if you have room for the straight defouler or if you will need to get the 90* spacer.

 

[Quinton Exler]

I was debating on that, removing it from the flow nearly all the way would probably trip and make it believe the 1st cat is damaged though and throw codes? As well, even if a code wasn't thrown what is the effects of running a full straight pipe without a tune for the said modification?

 

[rdss]

I think derp ran his for a bit without a tune and he popped a light and then went into reduced power mode. All you have to do is clear the codes and all is well. Get the tune sooner than later and do it right, get it logged so you know you're good to go.

 

[Quinton Exler]

However did derp run his 1st catless with a o2 spacer? (noob question, what do you mean get it logged?) And lastly... Would running it fully straight pipe via no tune cause detonation? or other engine/turbo damage?

 

[Preloader]

Still running without the tune. Keep forgetting to bug Jerry.
Code has popped three times, but a few seconds of button pushing on the UG and I'm back in business. It's even safer than texting and driving.

 

[Quinton Exler]

Wow preloader, I just read more in depth into your log and realized you actually did not mention having a tune! (Very nice sonic btw). And you have had no actual turbo flutter or any damages?

 

[Preloader]

I never mentioned I was tuned?
I thought its in my list in post #1.
Not to mention, when I bragged about going from 91 tune to E85 tune.
I'll have to go back and look, I don't want people to be confused.

 

[Eric Smit]

to clarify, he has a tune. he has an E85 tune. he does not have an updated tune deleting the CEL for the "failed cat."


-Eric Smit

 

[Quinton Exler]

That's my fault, I was looking for the word trifecta first and completely went over how itd said E85.

 

[Preloader]

My bad, just realized I said " still running without the tune".

Eric clarified my brain derp on that one.

 

[Eric Smit]

We are one.


-Eric Smit

 

[rdss]

When you get your tune and get the CEL turned off in the tune I would take a data log of the car and send it in so Vince @Trifecta can look it over and make sure it looks good.

 

[Quinton Exler]

No your fine! Very nice mods and very nice car! I am just thinking this all over for the sake of learning. If a stock Sonic 1.4L was not tuned and had a full straight pipe exhaust if there could be any long or short term damage from the exhaust mod. Also for learning sake if the spacer could eliminate the code on even a sonic.