Headers and O2 sensor

[1987R30]

I am considering putting headers on my 87 R30. Im looking for some experience with headers and the proper way to use an O2 sensor (what sensor, where to locate the sensor, and does it work well). Ive seen so many old trucks that run terrible. Mine runs perfectly and I dont want to mess it up. I still have a 3” factory Y pipe (single exhaust) that i want to convert to duals. So, who’s done it successfully?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

My autometer kit has a Bosch sensor and says they want it right after the manifold collector in the pipe. Or for headers, on the collector where all the pipes meet at the flange.

Have to mount them near vertical and as close to the manifold as possible, to keep condensation from building up and to heat the sensor up as fast as possible.

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[75gmck25]

If you have a heated sensor it can be farther down the pipe, away from the exhaust manifold, since it does not rely on engine heat to come to operating temperature. Simple two wire sensor needs to be as close as possible to the collector so it heats up quickly. All should be no more than about 30 degrees off vertical, to keep condensing moisture off the sensor.

 

[Edelbrock]

I am considering putting headers on my 87 R30. Im looking for some experience with headers and the proper way to use an O2 sensor (what sensor, where to locate the sensor, and does it work well). Ive seen so many old trucks that run terrible. Mine runs perfectly and I dont want to mess it up. I still have a 3” factory Y pipe (single exhaust) that i want to convert to duals. So, who’s done it successfully?

Another resource might be to call custom exhaust shops. I'm sure they do that kind of work all the time, and would have some experience with what works best.

 

[CountKrunk]

I assume you have a TBI unit? I think 87 is when they started rolling out, but not on everything.

 

[gmbellew]

If you're running good as is, and with the limitations of TBI, I'd just leave the exhaust manifolds on there. Headers wont add much from what I've read. Look at a new exhaust coming off the manifolds if you need a new exhaust system.

 

[Ricko1966]

It should be a TBI 305,and a single wire O2 sensor,so it's going to have to stay fairly stock to run the TBI. That means no big cam,if you want to run headers the O2 sensor has to stay as close to the exhaust ports as you can keep it,and be in the collector. I'd convert to a 3 wire O2 sensor.