I need some advice on buying an 02 sensor.I've given my car a tune up and I'm still getting a rich smell out of the exhaust.I replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor,pcv and IAC valve.I know how to check the o2 sensor nut I guess I'm too lazy.I got an 88 sc and the o2 sensor has never been changed as far as I know. The MAF is also new.I have heard that aftermarket o2 sensors are a waste of time and money and that I will just buy one from GM anyway. I would like some feed back on experiences like autozone and whatnot. Thanks guys.

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an autozone one should be fine, get a stock replacement from Bosch, they are they company that started making O2 sensors, so i would put my money on them. i think stock ones might be A\C delco or something crazy like that.

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- David
88' GTA 5.7L TPI MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass, Gutted CAT, Flowmaster 80 Series

http://www.geocities.com/david_angel_16

 

Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!
Always buy AC DELCO sensors!!!!!!!!!

I learned this the hard way. Aftermarket sensors just plain suck. It won't cost you that much over one from Autozone anyway.
Ex. A CTS from Autozone is $7. One from AC Delco is $10. Its worth it.
bsa

 

I just paid 23$ for a Bosch at Strauss. Seemed kind of steep to me...

 

Generally, I would agree wholeheartedly. In the case of oxygen sensors, however, Bosch is a respected name, and was the OEM supplier for O2 sensors to GM for many years. Even if the sensor is labelled "AC/Delco", it could have been made by Bosch (and was, in many cases).

I used to work for a Textron company that made spark plug shells, PCV valve bodies, and sensor/pressure switch bodies for AC/Delco Electronics (and engine bolts, cat converter parts, etc. for other GM divisions), and the AC logo was rolled onto the steel shells right in the supplier's factory, not at the AC/Delco parts center. Many of the same parts went to Allied Signal (Autolite/Fram), Robertshaw, Bosch NA, American Honda, and several others, but had different markings of course.

It's always pretty safe to stick with the OEM, however, since even if they are outsourced they must meet stringent QC requirements.

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Later,
Vader
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Justice and Freedom will Prevail
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

can someone explain to me why when i pulled out my old O2 sensor it said A\C Delco "SPARK PLUG"... it kinda freaked me out, did they just use the same nut\thread piece on plugs and o2 sensors?

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- David
88' GTA 5.7L TPI MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass, Gutted CAT, Flowmaster 80 Series

http://www.geocities.com/david_angel_16

 

The GM Tech down the street said to go with a GM unit because the bostch's are known to be programmed to run a little lean so that emissions will be better. I said bull so When i picked up my bostch and replaced my AC i noticed my 02 volts were 080-620 while driving at 2200 RPMs. I came back put the old delco in with 60,000 miles and the O2's jumped up to 105 -760 driving at 2200.

 

so we should goto the dealer to get it?

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- David
88' GTA 5.7L TPI MODS---> air foil, K&N, Shift Kit, 180* therm, TB bypass, Gutted CAT, Flowmaster 80 Series

http://www.geocities.com/david_angel_16

 

Yea but it aint cheap i think its 44 for a GM one the pt number is 25162693

 

MKos, I dont know how long you had the old o2 sensor, but they are known to degrade in sensitivity over time, though I did think that older ones would read lower voltage...
BTW, bosch recommends changing it every 30,000 miles.