Generic O2 sensor question

[sflrainmaker01]

Is it ok to splice wires rather than use factory connectors when hooking up new O2's that are "universal" (for example)?

[justbob]

Universal o2's are very well known to not cycle as quickly as OEM. They are only $40 each at Rock Auto.


Builder Of Badassery

[fastblackmerc]

I would definitely get "exact" fit ones, preferably Motorcraft or Bosch.

[MOTOWN]

Dont settle for anything less than Motorcraft O2 sensors!

[Fastbob]

I think it is NEVER a good idea to cut factory wires unless there is no other option.

[sflrainmaker01]

The reason I was asking was that I bought a set of Motorcraft O2's for my 1986 Mustang GT. However, since it has an 87 computer and 87+ block, heads etc, I ordered 1987 ones, assuming (I know...) they would be the same. WRONG! 1986 had their own special harness and plug (for one year, can you believe it?) that got changed in 1987.

So, rather than selling the 87 ones, I was wondering if I could just cut off the 86 plug and splice it on the 87 ones.

[RF Overlord]

IIRC, and I may be wrong (I don't have the wiring manual with me at work) the signal wires for the O2 are shielded, so I wouldn't attempt to splice them...you lose shielding and that can create other issues due to the very low voltage output (0.1 to 0.9).