I need a wideband, not for perminent install...

Hello, hoping to pull from some of the more budget minded experience here. 

I'm needing to purchase a wideband O2 sensor to use with a SCT X4 for tuning my V8 swapped truck with a mild build. I'll be using the stock EFI system from the explorer that the drivetrain came from. It's not a high power or "race engine", but the factory tuning does not agree with the camshaft. Running, but not right. I'm going to have it remote tuned, likely by Losata.

I'm not doing a permanent install, it'll be temp installed for the duration of the tuning then removed. After tuning the vehicle will be used for a mix of driving types. Some daily driving, some cruising, some spirited mountain roads, etc. Don't care about having aux gauges displayed and no real advantage to having the wideband after tuning. It'll probably be used again in the future as a tuning tool that I can install as needed. Possibly for tuning a Pimp or Megasquirt ECU on a Ford 2.3L Turbo (lima) build. Also for carb builds.

Lasota recommends a Zentronix LT-2 for ease of install and use by customers. They recommend dataloging it separate from the SCT because people apparently have difficulty configuring the auxiliary input through the X4. I've reviewed doing that and don't think I'll have an issue. The ZT-2 is $400-450 and I don't think I'll need the extra features that price tag brings.

In interest of paying off the bills I've already accrued, plus still needing to purchase injectors and pay for tuning, I'm looking for something a little lower cost. Ideally I'd like to find something $200 or less with analog output that I can connect to the SCT X4 and log with their Livelink software. Don't care much if it includes gauge since it won't be a full time install, but I guess I'll need the ability to add one for future use. 

Recommendations?

I used to use an AEM gauge/controller for carb tuning, I had a rig to suction cup it to the windshield and extended the leads long enough to use alligator clips on the battery.  The car would get an O2 bung welded in where convenient and we'd just plug it off when done tuning.

I like the AEM controller/gauge way more than the other common brands.  The AEM uses the calibration resistor on the sensor, the other controllers I have seen require a free air calibration.  Sensors also seem to last a lot longer, too.

There arent many dual wb without a gauge. I would probably just get two spartan lites and sell when done. 

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

I used to use an AEM gauge/controller for carb tuning, I had a rig to suction cup it to the windshield and extended the leads long enough to use alligator clips on the battery.  The car would get an O2 bung welded in where convenient and we'd just plug it off when done tuning.

 

Pete, that's about what I have in mind. Might use a slightly more secure power lead attachment method than alligator clips, but still a temporary setup. One of the pre-tuning steps is to have a full header back dual exhaust system built. I am planning to keep the cats, though they'll probably be high flow, and full emissions equipment. I was planning to have them add an additional weld-in bung for the wideband O2 and plug it like you said when not installed. 

Paul_VR6 (Forum Supporter) said:

There arent many dual wb without a gauge. I would probably just get two spartan lites and sell when done. 

If I said dual WB I apologize, I did not mean to. I just need a single WB to interface and data log with the SCT X4. Even the Zentronix ZT-2 that Lasota recommends is only a single sensor setup. The future MS3 system will be on a 4 cylinder turbo build, so only a single wideband needed there as well. 

That said, I've done a fair bit more reading over the last few days, also been in email contact with 14point7. I've liked what I've read and the responses I received, so I'm probably going Spartan. Given the added features and future plans, I'll probably be going with the regular version over the lite. It sounds the opposite of budget, but I think a little extra spent now will make it easier to use later. 

All good I usually use 2 on a v8 but if you have a crossover pipe or single exhaust one can work.