Test pipe and O2 spacer with catalyst

[xstwin]

Anyone tried a test pipe and 90 degree O2 spacer with catalyst substrate on a B8?? Does it throw CEL's??

http://www.stratmosphere.com/product/spacercat90/12

[a4_bob]

That looks nice! I've been pretty conservative on considering a HFC due to strict emission testing in my state but this has me interested. thanks for the link.

[Blake P]

I don't know about this one in particular, but it seems O2 spacers are hit & miss. They can typically keep the CEL away for some time, but are never a perfect solution. The only 100% tried and true way is APR stage 2 software.

[StratJohn]

Like Blake says, APR stage 2 is the only sure-fire way to remove that CEL.

That being said, these sensors with their tiny cat inside, have worked on a plethora of vehicles with test pipes. They work like a traditional spacer, add the cat in for backup, and are robust enough to tack weld in place (in case you are concerned with leaking).

I would heavily wager that it will not throw a light.

[rippin'av]

Anyone tried a test pipe and 90 degree O2 spacer with catalyst substrate on a B8?? Does it throw CEL's??

X2 to see if anybody has tried this...sounds like a viable option since those normal spacers rarely seem to work. I know before getting Stage 2 I had a CEL within minutes and I had the spacer.

Regardless, since I now have Stage 2 and the tune disables my O2 sensor, wouldn't I need to get my ECU flashed back to Stage 1 to "enable" the sensor to pass smog even if I had this little thing installed...right?

Would be sweet for APR to release a Stage 2 file that has w/ and w/o "02 disabling" so you can switch back and forth for this type of thing.

[B8_Jim]

X2 to see if anybody has tried this...sounds like a viable option since those normal spacers rarely seem to work. I know before getting Stage 2 I had a CEL within minutes and I had the spacer.

Regardless, since I now have Stage 2 and the tune disables my O2 sensor, wouldn't I need to get my ECU flashed back to Stage 1 to "enable" the sensor to pass smog even if I had this little thing installed...right?

Would be sweet for APR to release a Stage 2 file that has w/ and w/o "02 disabling" so you can switch back and forth for this type of thing.

APR has more or less said that their switching doesn't work that way, but they would make available a stage 2 version that did not set the secondary O2 sensor to "not ready" if asked. (see http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ns-Failed-Test). And from the same thread - yes having an O2 sensor reporting "not ready" = fail, at least here in TX.

On the B8's is a CEL just a nuisance, or does the car change A/F ratios/etc to a more conservative level and affect power when you have an O2 sensor related CEL?

From what I've seen on the S4 forum, the strat spacers seem to be the ones to have, but - like Blake - I think the jury is still out as to whether or not they are 100%.

John's experience pretty much convinced me to not get a HFC, but threads like this keep giving me hope...

[a4_bob]

the mini-cat idea is intriguing but I don't understand how it works since this spacer (mini-pipe) is a dead-end to a sensor. so gases are streaming thru the HFC and out through the exhaust; some will go through the spacer pipe, of which some make it past the mini-cat material - great but aren't they trapped at that point? won't more gases make it through and build up in that area between the mini-cat and o2 sensor? whereas a normal cat filters and what makes it through exits through the rest of the exhaust. i can see it taking longer to get a bad reading with this spacer but it also seems more inevitable.

so what am I missing?

[StratJohn]

The air does tumble past the sensor, which effectively creates enough turbulence to maintain and exchange of gases. Sure, it is at a muuuuch slower rate, but thats how the cats help the sensor read proper.

First person who wants to run a test pipe without software and one of these to test this out- I'll hook you up with one.

[wabbit23]

I'll do it. I've got a high flow cat on the way. Should be here friday and I was planning on installing Saturday.

[StratJohn]

Wabbit23, pm me an address, I'll get one out to you.

[Blake P]

John, you're an asset to the AZ community!

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Subscribed for updates.

[rippin'av]

Cool. Looking forward to the results. If this works out (logically it should) then I'd install this spacer and just get re-flashed with the version of APR's Stage 2 w/o the secondary 02 disabling. There is hope indeed...

[xstwin]

FYI: Stock 2011 A4 - Will post results for Eurocode test pipe with mini-catalyst O2 sensor spacer. (Thanks John). No dyno runs, just whether CEL is triggered.

If anyone knows of a REAL O2 simulator or has the schematics to build one, please let me know. Would love to try those out as well. From my readings, square wave generators do not cut it for Audi ECUs.

[a4_bob]

Thanks for offering results, xstwin. Do you have a vag cable? It would be interesting to see the actual rear O2 measurements.

[xstwin]

a4_bob, No VAG cable. Sorry. If someone in Morris County, NJ has one and would like to take some measurement, I'll gladly offer my ride.

[StratJohn]

xstwin, shipped out. You'll see it friday. Keep us posted!

[wabbit23]

Part arrived today. Looking to install tomorrow. This will be going on with an 034 HFC and GIAC Stage 1.

[k9lovr]

Awesome...Look forward to hearing the results, this offers hope to those who need the second o2 sensor.....has there been any follow up from APR on if they will still make the Stage 2 file available without turning off the o2 sensor?

[a4_bob]

Part arrived today. Looking to install tomorrow. This will be going on with an 034 HFC and GIAC Stage 1.

That looks different than the part in the vendor site, which has a right angle. Not a big deal, just sayin it's different. Good luck with the install & please keep us posted! I may have a eurocode hfc on the way if this goes well.

[wabbit23]

Yeah I know. I'm guessing the 90 degree sensor is mainly for test pipes and this ones for HFC's. Either way it has a little mini cat built in so in theory it should work. Well see soon enough.

[StratJohn]

I hadn't given *much* thought to the 90* spacer being possibly more effective on a testpipe, but the logic is fair. That being said, sometimes its application specific- the 90* sensors certainly poke out less, but you may not have enough sensor harness to make it reach.

I'll have more 90* ones in stock in about 10 days.

Looking forward to results!

[xstwin]

FYI: I've received my mini-cat spacer as well (Thanks John). Its going to be mounted on a Eurocode Test Pipe w/ OEM software. When I inserted the spacer into the sensor bung, I noticed it protrudes 3/4" into the tube where the exhaust tube bends. I'm looking for a solution to bring the surface of the spacer to within 1/4" of the outer edge of the tubing. This should put it closer to a low pressure point (outer part of bend) and might reduce exhaust gas exposure to the sensor itself. As an aside, I'll be taking some measurements off the O2 sensor before and after the installation. Its good to have engineers with oscilloscopes as friends :)

[StratJohn]

Just wrote you back about that. I would say that as long as the threads are engaged well into the test pipe, spacing it out should be fine. A softer washer, like brass(?) as long as it crushes a little, should be ok. As for sealant, maybe high heat anti-seize? The purpley blue stuff. I typically run them dry to prevent possible contamination as something liquefies from heat... directly into the sensor.

I'd be a hardware store trip with the spacer in hand could be a quick trip to an answer.

Oscilliscopin' eh? That is a perk!

[UmIsThisThingOn]

FYI: I've received my mini-cat spacer as well (Thanks John). Its going to be mounted on a Eurocode Test Pipe w/ OEM software. When I inserted the spacer into the sensor bung, I noticed it protrudes 3/4" into the tube where the exhaust tube bends. I'm looking for a solution to bring the surface of the spacer to within 1/4" of the outer edge of the tubing. This should put it closer to a low pressure point (outer part of bend) and might reduce exhaust gas exposure to the sensor itself. As an aside, I'll be taking some measurements off the O2 sensor before and after the installation. Its good to have engineers with oscilloscopes as friends :)

Now it's getting INteresting!

[wabbit23]

Okay, I barely got to install the HFC and O2 spacer yesterday. That was definitely a PITA!!! It wasn't the hardest thing I've done but definitely a PITA! A recommendation to anyone doing this themselves, removing the bracket that mounts up the side of the cat gives you enough room to get a 12" extension and 3/8" Drive ratchet to the lower engine side bolt.

Here are my initial thoughts of the Strat O2 sensor spacer. The build quality is excellent and the idea of a built in mini cat should work ( I've only driven around 35 miles on it so far and no CEL).

Now onto my only issue, the length of the sensor itself. Due to the extension the very end of the O2 sensor itself is now touching the firewall. There is no room for movement at all.





I'm want to see how much the engine moves under a full load before I go ahead and call this unsafe and take it off. I think the 90 degree one would've worked better given the correct placement once screwed in all the way since the harness only has so much slack.

I'll keep posting as I figure out what to do. If I do decide to keep it in I'll keep updating whether or not this actually does it's intended purpose

[StratJohn]

Ok, that's easy enough. I'll have the 90* spacers back in stock in a couple days. I think the exact placement of the sensor bung varies just enough on different pipes. But hey- thats why we've got both. Let me know if this regular one will do in the interim!

[wabbit23]

Roughly 200 miles and no CEL. I'm not seeing any major issues with this O2 Spacer other than it rubbing the firewall. I'll keep checking in.

FYI- I grandma'd it for the first day after install. The last 100 miles have been my normal driving of revving to 3k+ for normal shifting and cruising at 80mph, with some hard pulls on on ramps and other open freeway sections. I'm a bit of a crazy driver so if a CEL is going to come on it should be soon.

[a4_bob]

Thanks for the feedback, wabbit. Very promising.

Now floor it! :)

[k9lovr]

Thanks for the feedback, wabbit. Very promising.

Now floor it! :)

+1

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Roughly 200 miles and no CEL. I'm not seeing any major issues with this O2 Spacer other than it rubbing the firewall. I'll keep checking in.

FYI- I grandma'd it for the first day after install. The last 100 miles have been my normal driving of revving to 3k+ for normal shifting and cruising at 80mph, with some hard pulls on on ramps and other open freeway sections. I'm a bit of a crazy driver so if a CEL is going to come on it should be soon.

Thanks for the update. This gives me hope that I can get a STaSIS Tune and EC HFC (and the spacer) w/out getting a CEL.

[jordancl]

my hfc just showed up today and if i get a CEL I think I know my first solution attempt :)

[B8_Jim]

Thanks for the update.

+1. wabbit, please keep us updated as you rack up miles and let us know if you get a CEL.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

my hfc just showed up today and if i get a CEL I think I know my first solution attempt :)

I think you should go ahead and get the spacer, since a CEL is a forgone conclusion.

[xstwin]

Update to the other half of this thread. I've managed to get a scope on both O2 sensors while the car is under load on a straight road. This was in OEM condition. Will be installing the testpipe and spacer this weekend followed by another run down the same road.

[martian421]

definitely subscribing to this thread. Good work StratJohn!

[wabbit23]

Still going strong, no issues or annoying CEL's!!!!

That's about 500 miles or so now.

[StratJohn]

Good to hear so far!

[The Infiltrator]

I just ordered my HFC from Eurocode and need the spacer now. Looks like I need to order the 90 degree one since it hits the firewall.

[The Infiltrator]

I just tried to order the 90 degree spacer and it wants $25 for shipping for such a small part. It's a US Air Base address so it still counts as a US address but still costs to much for shipping.