If the emission system is in proper working order (O2 sensors, etc) the cat should never have to be changed. That does not preclude the fact that defective cats will clog.

 

Exactly, that's kinda what I am worried about, caused I figure if the plenum has been leaking for a bit it may be contaminating the the cat/sensors (as stated by someone else a few posts up). But no codes as of yet.


Thanks for your responses guys!

 

So, aside from waiting for a code/check engine light to flash, there is a way to actually test the o2 sensors? I will have to search on this more. That's what I would like to do before I replace replace them for nothing. Although, it also sounds like it is just good maintenance to replace them with age? Hmmmm, maybe I will just replace the dang things.

Thanks for your knowledge froesen!

 

If it were me, i'd fix the plenum first, then see how the truck runs. If good, then i'd leave the sensors and cat alone. If still sluggish, or the o2 readings seem wrong, then maybe start with the sensors, you'll know if your cat is bad. Also, if you decide to replace the cat instead, it is common to have to replace the o2 sensor when you do the cat. This is because it can often be very difficult to get the stock one out without destroying its reusability, escpecially after it has been in for 150k miles.

I'm on my 3rd cat. First one was the stock cat and it was in perfect working condition, but I had it replaced with a Magnaflow highflow cat when Chrysler announced the cat recall a few years ago. I paid nothing. I then had that Magnaflow replaced with another Magnaflow after the first one broke apart in less then a year (after a bumpy offroad trail ride). I paid nothing for that one either since the original one had a 2 yr warranty.

 

Silver, do you recommend going with the wide band or staying with OEM type?

 

Rex hemifever suggested I install a wide band. Your mods ain't much different then mine so I would think you should do one too. Beings I'm going with the SCT I can hook the wide band into the SCT and datalog and have him change stuff if need be. Not sure how that would work with the B&G Flash

 

Ya, if your going with SCT or want to get the more accurate a/f meters, then go wide band. Otherwise, a narrow band (stock) would work fine.

 

I think an SCT may be in my future. As it stands now, I have to send my PCM to B&G to get it reflashed. It can get expensive with overnight or 2nd day shipping charges, not to mention my truck is down for 2-3 days waiting for it. I really like the datalogging with the wide-band O2 idea for tweaks as well.

 

Alright guys, I think I will just replace the plenum and go from there. Thanks for all your help!




But, one more question. What the hell is this wide band and narrow band stuff you guys are talking about? And SCT?

 

Wide band and narrow band are types of o2 sensors. A wide band tells you if your rich or lean and the actual air fuel ratio number. A narrow band is basicaly a stock sensor it just tells you if your rich or lean. When tuning a wide band is better because it tells you more info.

A SCT is a tuner