87 V20 TBI headers? Anybody got headers on TBI?

[crosby]

Hi guys. I have an 87 350 TBI in my V20 4x4, with the air tubes and all that crap. I believe I need the O2 sensor to run the TBI correctly, and thus the stock manifolds. Nobody seems to make headers for this truck, and I really don't want to run the AIR tubes if I don't have to. Can I add an O2 bung to regular headers? Has anyone done this? Thanks guys!!

[krazymonkeys24]

You can go about that in 2 different ways. You can either add the bung on a set of headers or on the y-pipe, or you can use an O2 sensor bypass thing that i saw in jegs once. Hang on a sec and i will get the part number for ya. i have a catalog handy and will be easier to find there.

[krazymonkeys24]

Apparently, those are for rear o2 sensors only, meaning after cat. There is one thing you could do to solve your problem, that I know of,but it would mean a slight rework in your y-pipe. The 82-92 f-body headers have that o2 bung and the tubes, but if you wanted to get rid of the tubes, they are easy enough to cut and weld. then some VHT paint to cover the bare metal. As far as the y-pipe, you may even be able to use the f-body y-pipe. I have never tried that, though, being that everything that I put headers on also gets true duals with no cats. I have always just let the check engine light stay on and let the computer run in open loop as far as o2 sensors are concerned. that's what most people do with 30's and 40's rat rods with factory EFI systems. I hope I have been moderately helpful.

[C&C Chevy]

Lookie here. These look like they bolt up to the stock y-pipe, so you shouldn't have to worry about the 02.

[krazymonkeys24]

Hey, that works too.

[68Bowtie4x4]

I have a set of Doug Thorley Tri Y headers on my 87 K20 4x4 pickup. They have the O2 bung already in the header for the sensor too. I paid $350 for the headers.

Doug

[danny7139]

shorties are a good option if you dont want to have to make mods or change anything. they can have 02 senors bolt to y-pipe and can have A.I.R. installed on them

[crosby]

Lots of good options, thanks guys. My dad told me the O2 sensor wasn't a huge deal, but I do want it to be right if at all possible.

[Russell]

O2 sensor is a HUGE deal, don't delete it, or put some device in to fool the ECM. Unless you have a perfect chip (which the stock GM chips certainly are not) you are gonna get some really sucky performance from your truck without.

You can buy an 02 sensor bung for a couple of bucks from any exhaust shop, or parts house. Simply get it welded onto the collector of your header, and go nuts!

Keep in mind that even with shorty headers, the 02 sensor will be quite a ways away from the exhaust ports, and that the exhaust will have cooled significantly. You may possibly need to switch to a heated 02 sensor to make sure you get into closed loop quickly, and stay there.