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Old 04-25-2023, 08:18 AM   #1
Shoebox
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Default Wide Band A/F Gauge

As my '51 Tudor project continues, I'm considering installing an A/F gauge to assist in tuning the new 276 engine with two 97's. I've read some conversation on this here in the past. Just wondering how helpful it really is. I have looked at the gauge offered by Auto Meter, and all of the exhaust parts are new on the shop floor, so welding the bung in the exhaust pipe would be easy. Sorry for rambling, any comments, recommendations most welcome. Thanks.
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Old 04-25-2023, 10:12 AM   #2
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

The AF meter is the only way toget the lean mixture to work. The ignition must have more advance to burn the lea mixture, but you still need a rich mixture for acceleration. All this can be done with one of Charlies distributors, and an Edelbrock 500 4 bl/
I was fortunate to ride in Richards Kunc 53 Ht withthe AF meter in my hand and watch the meter in the mid 15's in cruise.22mpg in a 276 l-100 engine. Impresive.
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Old 04-25-2023, 12:08 PM   #3
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

I use them for tuning on a variety of vehicles. Having one in the car is a big help - as you can see how it reacts under different load conditions. One thing to be aware of is WHERE you place the bung is important - usually on the upper-side of a pipe - at a slight angle. Think about a 10 - 11 o'clock or 1 - 2 o'clock position.

Also, it is imperative that you have NO exhaust leaks ahead of the O2 sensor - or you'll have the wrong readings. I usually want them 2 - 3 feet back from the exhaust ports.
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Old 04-25-2023, 12:17 PM   #4
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoebox View Post
As my '51 Tudor project continues, I'm considering installing an A/F gauge to assist in tuning the new 276 engine with two 97's. I've read some conversation on this here in the past. Just wondering how helpful it really is. I have looked at the gauge offered by Auto Meter, and all of the exhaust parts are new on the shop floor, so welding the bung in the exhaust pipe would be easy. Sorry for rambling, any comments, recommendations most welcome. Thanks.
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Old 04-25-2023, 05:32 PM   #5
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

I've been looking into A/F meters for awhile and finally decided on an Auometer 3379. It's a basic digital model but has leds in an arc above the numbers that make the readings easier to follow vs chasing an analog needle, imo.
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Old 04-25-2023, 05:47 PM   #6
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I've been looking into A/F meters for awhile and finally decided on an Auometer 3379. It's a basic digital model but has leds in an arc above the numbers that make the readings easier to follow vs chasing an analog needle, imo.
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Old 04-25-2023, 05:56 PM   #7
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

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That's the one.
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Old 04-25-2023, 06:39 PM   #8
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

That is the way to go so you can see exactly what the fuel ratio is under all driving conditions. From now on everything I build will have bung hole in the exhaust with a plug so I can hook one up for fine tuning.
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Old 04-25-2023, 06:53 PM   #9
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

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Originally Posted by V8 Bob View Post
I've been looking into A/F meters for awhile and finally decided on an Auometer 3379. It's a basic digital model but has leds in an arc above the numbers that make the readings easier to follow vs chasing an analog needle, imo.

YES, that is the one I'm leaning towards.
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Old 04-26-2023, 08:31 AM   #10
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

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Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked View Post
I use them for tuning on a variety of vehicles. Having one in the car is a big help - as you can see how it reacts under different load conditions. One thing to be aware of is WHERE you place the bung is important - usually on the upper-side of a pipe - at a slight angle. Think about a 10 - 11 o'clock or 1 - 2 o'clock position.

Also, it is imperative that you have NO exhaust leaks ahead of the O2 sensor - or you'll have the wrong readings. I usually want them 2 - 3 feet back from the exhaust ports.

On an off topic project I used an Edelbrock Pro Flow FI system and it was then impressed upon me to have NO exhaust leaks and ditto on O2 bung placement. Thanks.
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Old 04-26-2023, 09:00 AM   #11
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

From AEM

To prevent collection of liquids between the sensor housing and sensor element during the cold start phase, the installation angle should be inclined at least 10° from horizontal with the electrical connection upwards, see below.

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Old 04-26-2023, 09:26 AM   #12
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

I use an Innovate MTX-L Plus. I have 3 of them and they all have worked well.
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Old 04-26-2023, 09:48 AM   #13
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

If you have dual exhaust, do you need two bungs?……Thanks……Mark
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Old 04-26-2023, 01:21 PM   #14
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

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If you have dual exhaust, do you need two bungs?……Thanks……Mark

No.
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Old 04-27-2023, 11:04 AM   #15
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

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If you have dual exhaust, do you need two bungs?……Thanks……Mark
I just move my sensor from one side to the other during tuning - just to validate that they're the same (or very close as they should be).

Nobody needs too many bungholes . . . LOL
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Old 04-27-2023, 01:00 PM   #16
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Default Re: Wide Band A/F Gauge

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I just move my sensor from one side to the other during tuning - just to validate that they're the same (or very close as they should be).

Nobody needs too many bungholes . . . LOL
Hahaha……that’s funny….Mark
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