Thread: Wide Band Question

So i am going to order my wide band tonight from zzp:
ZZ Performance
My question is what is the difference between "digital" and "analog"? and which should i get?

i vote for AEM as well. loved it when i was using it. really easy to diagnose fueling problems.

Digital v Analog is mostly a matter of taste. I bought one of the new analog AEM widebands recently. Installing it is next on my to do list. The analogs are newer and have a light to indicate when the sensor is heating up (and therefore it isn't accurate yet) and there is another light for error codes. Both features are not on the digital version. Other than that there isn't a lot of difference other than looks. Here is AEM's page for the analog WBs:
AEM - Analog Wideband Air / Fuel Gauge

I personally like the analog better. The digital ones look like something from Knight Rider. The analog fits a bit better with the stock gauges which I like. You don't have an exact readout on the gauge like the digital but I wouldn't want to be trying too hard to keep track of it exactly when driving. I will just use the 0-5v output the gauge has and log exact values. All I want to know when driving is general trends and the analog will do that just fine.

FYI you can probably get the gauge cheaper elsewhere. I got my analog off of eBay for $207 + shipping a few months back right after the analogs hit the market. They've come down in price since release so it is easier to find a good deal. I think you can find analogs for $218 easily which is $10 less than ZZP and if you look hard maybe you can do better. Digital ones go for less than $200 all day on eBay.

Originally Posted by QwikGT

digital is more accurate, why take a chance on reading an analog? wideband is one of the best tools for tuning as well as keeping tabs on the engine. dont risk popping a piston trying to read an analog gauge

Nope. They are just as accurate (.1 AFR). If you are trying to keep an eye on a tenth of an AFR while trying to drive you are asking for an accident. Use the analog output to get and record the exact readings and they will be the same whether you use analog or digital. Just looking at a gauge doesn't do much for you anyway. When you log you can know the AFR in context with the vacuum/boost, MAF, LTFT, etc. which is when it actually becomes helpful for tuning. You are not going to be able to do that when looking at the gauge while you are driving. When you drive all you want to do is know if it is off from what it normally is so that you can spot a potential problem like if it is lean at WOT then you can get your foot out of it before damaging the engine. Then analog can do that just fine and it is easier to read out of your peripheral vision.

Originally Posted by Going Too Phast

Nope. They are just as accurate (.1 AFR). If you are trying to keep an eye on a tenth of an AFR while trying to drive you are asking for an accident. Use the analog output to get and record the exact readings and they will be the same whether you use analog or digital. Just looking at a gauge doesn't do much for you anyway. When you log you can know the AFR in context with the vacuum/boost, MAF, LTFT, etc. which is when it actually becomes helpful for tuning. You are not going to be able to do that when looking at the gauge while you are driving. When you drive all you want to do is know if it is off from what it normally is so that you can spot a potential problem like if it is lean at WOT then you can get your foot out of it before damaging the engine. Then analog can do that just fine and it is easier to read out of your peripheral vision.

I have a ngk afx and it works great.

Originally Posted by QwikGT

i didnt know they were only off by a tenth....in that case pick which ever one you think looks best

Yeah it really comes down to a question of aesthetics and price (since the digital is ~$10-$20 cheaper). The underlying gauge is essentially the same. If you like the digital's look more, more power to you. It is just my opinion that the analog looks better but that doesn't mean you have to agree with me.

Thanks for all the input guys, i am still doing some research on which one i am going to buy but so far the digital AEM one is in the lead has anyone else had and experience with the "ngk afx "? thats the runner up

i just like the AEM setup because it comes with a nice gauge.

Originally Posted by Bio248

i just like the AEM setup because it comes with a nice gauge.

i would have to agree it is pretty sleek looking

Mine has worked fine. It comes with a display and is a little more portable than some of the others.