So I'm looking at picking up a used wideband on craigslist to fine tune the carb in and for future use with other cars as well. How accurate are widebands? Useful for carb tuning? Do they all just use a regular old 02 sensor bung? Just trying to get my ducks in a row before I buy one and end up not using it. Thanks
The wide-band O/2 sensor itself is extremely accurate. The main difference between many systems is the gauges accuracy and speed of its reading/sensing ability. Better systems also use two sensors to monitor each bank of cylinders.. but single sensor systems are still better than nothing.. or reading piston crowns and plugs alone. You'll also get a view into the carb's loading and unloading fueling characteristics(accelerator pump shots rich and lean-out conditions) as the gauge sweeps around under varying loads. Also remember that each motor is different and there is no "one ratio fit all". Some love 12.5/1 or slightly richer.. and others make most power nearer 13/1 or slightly leaner. Small adjustments are always better and help you sneak up on optimum tunes while better understanding how you're getting there in the first place.
I'm using an Autometer Phantom wide band and it is really good. It does use a pretty common Bosch O2 sensor. Be careful that the one you are looking at has no compromised wires in the harness, it cannot be cut, soldered, or modified in any fashion or the gauge will be worthless.
