Anyone using the Motec PLM wideband?

[sjs]

The Motec PLM wideband seems to have come down to a somewhat reasonable price. ($1200 including controller, sensor, display, software) That makes it similar in price to a comparable FJO package. However, the configuration software does not include data logging. It does of course have a linear 5v output that can be fed into a logger and/or ECU. Since the AEM has its own logging that seems like a non-issue when used with it, but a weakness if also used as a portable unit. They also use the Bosch sensor which I suspect is not the best choice, but certainly works.

Does anyone have experience with the Motec? Are there any solid pros & cons compared to the FJO?

 

[David]

I have not used it myself, but I know several people who used it to uprade their current Motec systems and they seem pretty happy with it.

 

[BadCarma]

Hi Guys, correct me if I am wrong but dont most if not all of the W/B use the 5 wire bosch? now on to my question.I am running taitec straight pipes.they are pre plumbed to except o2 sensors.are they to far back on the exhaust to get a true reading if placed there? thanks in advance.
David
ps also I have heard you can use the sensor out of an older model civic,ordered new from the parts dept.I cannot remember which precise year but it is 5 wire

 

[true]

Most are NTK. If I remember correctly, some of the bosch sensors are just repackaged NTK's.

Honda OEM application is 92-95 Honda Civic VX, 1.5 VTEC, part # 36531-P07-003.

It will be much more expensive at a Honda dealer then for example at thepartsbin.com. (~$120)

I know people who have been very happy with the Motec PLM. I actually have a friend who bought one brand new and never used it. He asked me if I wanted to buy it last year...I'll ask him if he still has it and post back if it's still for sale. I'm sure he would be cheaper then retail.

 

[Factor X Motorsports]

We prefer to use the Motec PLM for all of our tuning. The PLM with the NTK-uego is much more sensitive and accurate than the FJO, it reads in true lamda(therefore fuel is not an issue), and has outputs for data logging.

The FJO is great for checking a/f readings on street driven cars after they have been tuned. It will become “lazy” in a matter of a few hundred miles if you are using different types of fuels like C16. The sensors found on the civic or the Subaru are meant to last for thousands of miles and therefore sacrifice sensitivity. Bottom line, people could say they are “good enough”. To us “good enough” is good for a street driven civic but not for an NSX.

Speed Safely,

Factor X Engineering
Speedway R&D Center
6795 Speedway Blvd. N-102
Las Vegas, NV 89115
702-644-3278 www.factorxengineering.com

 

[Factor X Motorsports]

Originally posted by BadCarma:
are they to far back on the exhaust to get a true reading if placed there?

David,

Are you using the factory o2 sensors for the nsx? If you are using the heated factory o2 sensor you will be ok.

Speed Safely,
Factor X Engineering
Speedway R&D Center
6795 Speedway Blvd. N-102
Las Vegas, NV 89115
702-644-3278 www.factorxengineering.com

 

[sjs]

Thanks Guys! More thoughts still welcome.

Factor X, I've read various things that lead me to believe a direct swap between Bosch and NTK sensors was a problem without recalibration. Have you not found that to be the case since the Motec PLM is built for a Bosch? Also, do you see a problem with using the PLM as a fulltime installed sensor in a street car? How long will the sensor calibration last and must it be sent back to Motec for recal?

 

[true]

Not sure if you've seen this yet SJS:

It says compatible with both bosch and NTK w/ resister auto-calibration....not sure what calibration constant means.


[This message has been edited by true (edited 23 January 2003).]

 

[sjs]

Thanks True! I'm told that the NTK UEGO they want you to use cost $450-550. Apparently the came basic thing as an off the shelf unit but selected to match their controller. Can there be that much variance? I guess I need to call and talk to someone.

 

[true]

I've actually seen some sample calibration values from random new NTK sensors. They appeared to be decently different. I can't find the post, but it was composed from your guy at Egortech. He claims to have sample calibrated over 200 new sensors to attempt to get some data on the bell curve of each sensors calibration. According to him it's not even close to linear. Anyways, it sounds to me that MoTeC actually hand selects sensors that have oem calibration close to their requirements. Interesting......... I got my NTK for $109 from thepartbin.com. It sounds to me that MoTeC is keeping 1 out of 4 sensors if they are selling their same o2 for $500!!

 

[sjs]

Or more likely, they are charging $400 to pull the resistor off 3/4 of them and replace it with one that brings it to their specs.

 

[true]

Yeah, that's probably more like it. I contacted my friend....he has a brand new PLM he would sell for $1000. Let me know if you would be interested.