ok maybe this has been posted before so forgive me. Wouldn't it be more effective to have the O2 in the singe part of the y pipe instead of it just monitoring just one bank of the engine? If you run a extra length of wire would the extra resistance from that wire effect the reading that the computer sees from the O2? I know someone knows

 

The O2 is located there because that is the spot it will get hot enough, fast enough, to get into closed loop. The newer GM cars usually use 4 heated O2 sensors further back. With a non heated sensor it relies on exhaust gas heat to get hot enough to signal. Bosch makes a universal heated sensor that you could relocate furthur back in the exhaust stream. Adding proper wire slightly longer should not affect signal voltage too much.

 

would relocating it be more effecient?

 

No, it would be more likely to be less efficient unless you use a heated sensor as I said. I have an ' 02 Camaro and they use 2 off the exhaust maifold and a pre-cat and post-cat, and they are heated. My Blazer is the same, a total of 4 sensors. A single wire sensor has to be kept at a place where the exhaust gas stays the hottest all the time, remember they must be kept at least 550 degrees to provide proper signaling.

 

NUBIRD

I dont think it will be a problem, as I recall the the 82 cfi f-bodies mounted it down in the Y-pipe .... my 82 corvette has it back by the cat converter and it get into closed loop no problem

 

Depends on exhaust system design and how well or not it scavenges the exhaust gas. The design parameters in the system work around emission requirements for a given year and engine. The trick with closed loop is to get the O2 signaling as fast as possible. I am NOT saying it won't work, but scan the O2 before and after. Some of the 5 Liter Mustangs won't idle well after installation of headers because the exhaust is moved so fast the O2 gets out of range. I have a 91 Lumina Z-34, all I did was throw a set of Flowmasters on and it failed emissions miserably. The non heated O2 could not stay hot enough to maintain proper F/A ratio. Best thing to do is scan the O2 before and after ANY exhaust modification so as to insure the O2 is staying in range.