Most tuners have told me I need to get one... my question is at what mod stage is it very important? Or should you get it asap anyway?

 

Given your Mellon tag line, I'd assume you're doing email tunes. You should definitely have one if you are self tuning or doing email/road tunes. If you are having your car dyno tuned then I'd argue that it's optional. Your tuner will just use a wb02 in your tailpipe whether you have a gauge in your car or not.

 

I got one and installed it with my tbe. I needed the extra bung in there to install it. I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't go too lean with the new setup. In my opinion, its worth every penny for the piece of mind that my car is not too lean. And, with all these fuel pump relay issues, I like being able to glance down at my gauge and know that mine still isn't blown.

Another example is that I just installed my Cobb AP last night, and the first thing I did was some partial and full throttle pulls to see if I was too lean. I don't want to hurt my baby.

 

Most neglect to acquire a wideband however, it is essential. It's just as important as a boost gauge if not moreso. There is no particular "stage" when it is necessary. If you're changing parameters in the ECU and/or adding new parts to the car it's a must.

 

thanks for the info guys...

Golden: did you get the LC whatever the number is... I don't remember.

 

yeah, there really isn't a dyno very close... i'm in Md so I think the best tuner local to me would be IVEY, who I hear is good, but after Mellon did my last tune and I was happen with it, I stick with who does a good job and I can feel the difference. It's a shame that I can't use that tune, but obviously that wouldn't work out to well since it was for a stock set-up.

 

CBRD is a legitimate outfit as well and they are located in PA, much closer than Ivey.

 

I got the AEM UEGO part number 30-4100. But that was before I knew what was compatible with the AP. I think, if I was to do it over, I would get one of the 3 that are compatible with Access Tuner Race.

 

The Innovate LC-1 is not the best WB out there but it works well with ATR, EvoScan and also "headless" logging with the tactrix cable.

You need one as soon as you think about tuning. It's about 1000x more important than a boost gauge.

 

Never had one on the evo IX, but now with the X and the relay issues it has on the fuel pump I think about getting one just about everytime i do some spirit driving. I will get one for sure after the AMS turbo kit install and tune when the kit comes out.

 

ZT2 would be the way togo... LC1 is good - but fiddley...

 

Not a bad idea to get one but this is a lame excuse. Who seriously buys a $200 wideband setup instead of simply replacing the $35 relay? I had that relay replaced the moment I learned of the problem (many months ago).

 

I agree, LC-1 is the way to go and I'll echo what others have said here, the WB02 is essential to make sure the AFR is perfect and with a gauge you can monitor to make sure the tune isn't drifting due to a bad fpr, vaccum/boost leaks, relays etc...

 

On the flip side, you can use the AFR gauge to make sure you are getting the best fuel mileage.

Keep it in the 14-15 range and you know you are staying light on the throttle. When you are decelerating, make sure the gauge says "---" because it insures the engine is using 0 gas. (even less than idle).

 

very well put if you tune the car it is necessary