Is anyone using the regular sensor (not heated) that came on third gens with long tube headers? If so, does it seem to be working okay? I had already planned on using the 3 wire heated sensor I was just wondering if it is really needed. Also, when you hook up the 12v wire for the heated O2, do you just splice it into the wire and solder it (I will probably use the fuel pump wire since that is where most people have it). I will have to have an O2 bung welded onto my header, do I have to drill out the hole myself or just let whoever (probably an exhaust shop) make the hole? Sorry for the dumb questions, but I have never done this before.

Thanks in advance!

I too would like to know this. I have started searching on the long tube header installs and i have figured out that when you type in "heated o2 sensor", it will not allow you to search with "o2" in the phrase. Anyway, moving around that, i am sure you could have the place you are buying the headers form install the o2 bung. I read in a post that someone was quoted $16 i believe from Jet Hot to add the bung. Where do you plan on buying the headers form? A mail order company or directly from Jet Hot? B/C after all, you do not have to get them coated, although it is highly recommended. If not i am sure a shop can weld one in for you. I would do that before you get them coated though, if that is your plan. later man

what purpose does a heated o2 sensor serve? wont the exhaust gasses heat it up withen a minute or so anyway?

Headers don't get as hot as manifolds, also when you put the o2 sensor down in the collector it is a lot farther away from the exhaust port making it even cooler. If the o2 sensor don't get hot enough the computer always "thinks" the car was just started and is not at operating temperature, which in turn causes the computer not to adjust the air/fuel mixture and can also cause the SES light to come on because the car runs so rich. This is what I gathered from the posts I have read anyway.
86IROCNJ
If you use the word oxygen instead of o2 the search shows quite a bit of info on this, but I could not find if there is anyone using the regular sensor with no problems. I already have my headers, I got the coated Hedmans through Jeg's. I installed them without having the o2 bung put in for some stupid reason I did not think the o2 was used with headers. I now have an o2 bung I bought at the local speedshop and this is what prompted my post, and the question about the hole, since the headers are on the car I could have easily drilled out
the hole and took it to any welder before they were installed.
TRAXION's sticky at the top of this page also has some info on this.