Rear o2 sensor questions.

Car: (2004, Subaru, WRX, Manual transmission)
Pertinent Modifications: (TBE[Invidia down-pipe,? mid-pipe, Skunk2 exhaust], AEM short ram intake, manual boost controller, Greddy RS BPV)

Hey everyone, I just finished up installing a different exhaust on my WRX (the previous exhaust was an HKS TBE). Unfortunately its seeming impossible to get the o2 sensor off the old mid pipe even with it off the car. So, I'm wondering if people would suggest replacing the o2 sensor or if it would make more sense to plug it and get the car tuned (I'm under the impression through tuning you can delete the rear o2 sensor). I plan on getting the car tuned either way but if I don't need to buy a new o2 sensor I'd rather put that money towards something else. (new intake possibly)

I apologist in advance if I am totally off on my assumptions regarding the o2 sensor delete. I really only know enough about the car to get myself in trouble at this point lol if there is anyone in the Rochester area who would be interested in taking a look at the car to offer some advice or suggestions I would be beyond grateful.

 

If your new exhaust is catless, you will need to get the O2 deleted anyway. Won't hurt anything, just gonna keep getting the code.

 

That was exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks for the response.

 

I would suggest staying out of any real boost until you get a tune.

 

I've got catless exhaust on mine and still run an o2 sensor. You can "cheat" the sensor by using some spacers to hold it out of the direct exhaust stream. Super easy to do and costs a couple bucks at the parts store. Have had mine on for about a year now and have never had a CEL.

Granted if you're getting a tune they can probably tune that out, but just throwing out another option. Can give you specifics if you're interested.

 

Thanks for the idea krazy, but ultimately since the o2 sensor isn't coming out of the old exhaust if rather put the money towards the tune or maybe a different intake. I think that's where my attention is going to go. I had heard that the short ram intake wasn't any better for performance than the stock one if I haven't upgraded the turbo and intercooler.

 

Stock air box is good up to about 450HP.

 

Would you say it's better than an AEM short ram intake?

 

Yes. I had AEM on my 05 LGT and it was actually more restrictive than OEM.

 

if its off the car, cant you get a box wrench over it and put a big cheater bar on it? it will either break, or come loose. i remember mine was stuck real bad. I soaked it in PB blaster and used a 4ft pipe on it. there was lots of swearing involved, then it came loose. just a thought. i think its a 22mm.

 

Stick a hand held propane torch on it for a few minutes until it gets nearly glowing red. Propane is limited how hot it can get, but it should do the trick cheaper than getting an oxy-acetylene set up.

 

Heat, parafin wax, O2 sensor socket, and leverage.

 

Propane torch... Glowing red...

LOLZ

The only thing you can turn red with a propane torch is a color changing Hot Wheel.

 

Well, I didn't mean glowing red, obviously, with propane. But it should get it hot enough to do the trick without damaging the O2 sensor.