Bosch vs NTK wideband O2 sensors

What are everyone's opinions of these two wideband sensors?

Has anyone run both?

How is the longevity and sensitivity of both sensors, particularly the NTK?

As far as I can tell, most if not everyone here uses the Bosch 4.9 (or 4.2) sensors. Why? Cost and availability? Performance?

Knowledgeable folks: please share your thoughts and experiences!

 

The Bosch LSU 4.9 sensor is most commonly used. Less sensitive to exhaust gas backpressure than the NTK sensor, but requires good sensor temperature control. This means it's important to pair it with a good controller unit.

The LSU 4.2 is only used in older products that haven't been updated yet. The LSU 4.9 sensor is an improvement in every way.

The NTK sensors aren't used in many products. Higher backpressure sensitivity could be concerning in an OEM-like exhaust system. I wouldn't be as concerned about EGBP with something like a 3" exhaust with high-flowing cats, though.



Frankly, all of the major brand wideband systems on the market are usually good enough for applications like this.

 

Thank you!

What makes the NTK more sensitive to backpressure?

 

I don't actually know. Honestly I'm just repeating what I've learned from some automotive equipment developers I know and trust. I've only used the Bosch LSU 4.2 and LSU 4.9 sensors personally.

 

Most aftermarket wideband gauge kits come with the LSU 4.2. AEM's newest gauge uses the 4.9. A lot if aftermarket EMS' still use the 4.2. It will take some time still for the market to catch up.

4.2 reads into the tenths. 4.9 reads into the hundredths, and is faster.

 

Thank you Tor.

I wouldn't use the 4.2 personally, but before going with the Bosch I want the skinny on both Bosch and NTK sensors.

 

Seems the other member has a better knowledge on the NTK, than myself.

You're welcome, for what little I had to offer.

 

Regardless of quantity, knowledge is invaluable, and more than what I knew before. So I'm appreciative for every bit.

 

The controller determines the number of digits shown, not the sensor. The sensor is an analog device that must be controlled and interpreted by the gauge or controller box. Either sensor can be read to the hundredths position, but that doesn't mean those digits are accurate.

A lot of the mainstream gauge products (AEM, Innovate, PLX, etc.) were updated to use the new LSU 4.9 sensor a while ago. It's still worth verifying which sensor you're getting, but the major players are all on the 4.9 now. For what it's worth I think the AEM X-Series is probably the best option for most situations.

 

@Construct got my mind working. Since I honestly didn't know the main points between the two versions sensors. Having the older version of the AEM with the LSU 4.2 sensor, I was thinking it was along the lines of the newer 4.9, but only due to the fact that it is a plug in play setup. As in, you don't do a free air calibration setup with it, versus the process used by say the older Innovate wideband kits. Those came with a free air calibration button, and required the sensor to be removed from the exhaust stream, to get an accurate calibration. The AEM, was install and go. Which means that it did its own calibration at power on, since the sensor was still the same. At least what I can deduce. I haven't looked up the instructions to verify my inference.

After looking at another thread, I came across some explanatory information.


Quote,"Grams UEGO – wideband air fuel gauge utilizes the Bosch LSU 4.9 sensor which is superior to the LSU 4.2 sensors. One major difference between the LSU 4.9 and LSU 4.2 is the LSU 4.9 uses the reference pumping-current, while the LSU 4.2 uses the reference air. This allows the LSU 4.9 to get rid of the reference air, and therefore remove the biggest failure mode; as a result the LSU 4.9 has a long life and maintains accuracy throughout the life of the sensor

Most aftermarket wideband controllers still use the LSU 4.2, mainly for low cost reasons. Bosch sells the LSU 4.2 to the aftermarket at a much lower price than the LSU 4.9, plus, many of the controllers are not able to adapt to the new LSU 4.9 as the technology is different. In fact, most all OEM who use Bosch sensors are using the LSU 4.9." End quote.

From here: http://cms.gramsperformance.com/id/963/Grams-Wideband-AirFuel-Ratio-Gauge/

Thank you @Construct