We all know that Bosch plugs die an early death in our 3800'*, and now I've confirmed the O2 sensor problem. 60 days ago, I changed my O2 sensor for poor fuel mileage. Mileage improved, but I immediately gained a wonderful rotten egg smell after WOT runs. I know it wasn't a plugged cat, cuz it was only 60 days old at the time. I changed back to a new AC Delco O2 yesterday, and the smell is gone. Hoping for another increase in mileage.

So take it from my experience, NEVER buy Bosch spark plugs or O2 sensors, or anything else for that matter.

I would have to disagree there! As I've had my Bosch O2 Sensor installed now for almost a year & no problems at all! The Bosch Sparg Plugs though were crap & pre-maturely burned out too!

Gotta disagree with you there too. I've had a Bosch O2 sensor in my bonny now for almost 3 years / 62,000 miles and its been great. Then again my opinion on this is biased as well, since my dad works for Bosch. 27 years and goin. I'm not gonna stick up for their plugs in our 3800'* though, they dont seem to do to well at all in them, especially the +4'*.

In Bosch'* defense however, I wouldnt totally count out their products. Take a look at NASCAR and INDY. Its something like 26 out of 30 NASCAR race teams are now on BOSCH spark plugs, and every single Indy car is running them with the exception of 1 or 2. These numbers are growing and growing too, this year alone Bosch picked up Jeff Gordon along with the rest of Hendrick'* teams / drivers, as well as a few others. Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, I'm pretty sure all come factory with Bosch plugs in them now. Obviously they are doing SOMETHING right, but just because for some reason they dont seem to do well in 3800'* isnt enough for me to "NEVER" by anything from them. Their power tools are also some of the best on the market (and Bosch just bought out Skill), so once again, the company must be doing something right.

Sorry Willwren, I'm not trying to start problems or anything like that, just stating my opinion. Ok, its probably very biased since Bosch is like family, but it just means alot to me I guess. Just FYI for everyone too, Bosch celebrates thier 100th anniversary this year, and they are STILL privately owned (not publically on the stock market). They are a multi-billion dollar company, and still pay cash for everything! They bought out Skill power tools (1+ million something) in cash! If you've every been to Germany, Bosch is like the GE of America. They're not just automotive, they make home appliances (dishwashers, stoves, refridgerators, etc..), power tools, industrail products, lights, etc.. etc.. They are also VERY highly recognized for having some of the best quality in the industry. Go to Http://www.sears.com and look at dishwasers. You'll notice that the Boschs are some of the most expensive / highest quality they sell. Get what you pay for, just remember that.

Anyways, sorry for such a long post, just had to get my point across

Thanks!!

I must humble myself..... I can take it on the chin at least once a month. No personal attacks intended here, Term, so don't take it that way! Normally German Engineering is above reproach! I know this better than most. I work with Lasers and Optics. Half what I use at work is German.

I'll admit, I may have had a lemon of an O2.....it WAS bad from the factory. That doesn't mean ALL of them are. I'll personally stick with the AC Delco from now on, but for the guys with pre-heated sensors, cost may be a huge factor in where you get one from!

I had bad luck with Bosch plugs in a Quad4, a 94 Suburban, and 93 and 98 Z71'*. I never even attempted to run them in my 3800 for these reasons. I know some people love them, but I also know that the majority of people that have tried them in the 3800 are less than pleased. They just don't do well in this particular engine.

Don't thank ME, you idiot, YOU pointed ME in the right direction a month ago!

The smell went away, thank God.....within about 10 miles. MAYBE a wee bit more power, but with the chip, it'* damn hard to tell. Fuel mileage DID go back up. At least for the first 1/4 and 1/2 tank.....I'll know for sure after the next fill, but it looks pretty much like it went up.

Keep in mind, the mileage had really crapped out, which is why I replaced the stock sensor a couple months back. The Bosch DID improve my mileage, but obviously not enough! The AC Delco sensor really did the trick.

Oh, my idle was rough before, and really smoothed out now.....idling 1-200 rpm'* lower. Not sure if that'* the chip or the O2, though. Maybe both. I know the chip was probably tuned with a Stock AC Delco O2, though. Something to think about.

Looking back through my reciepts, I did actually replace mine with a Delco. The Bosch went in the Saab Convertible. Did them both the same weekend like 3 years ago, couldnt remember if I put Bosch in both or not.

Anyways, glad you guys figured your problems out and cars are runnin good

Laters.

So out of all of this:

What brand O2 sensor is good?


What brand spark plugs are good?

Ac delco is the way to go for o2 sensor as well as spark plugs. I put a new delco o2 sensor in a couple weekends ago and it runs mint now plus better gas mileage. Also, you can go NGK plugs on your car. I put in NGK iridium IX plugs and they work awesome. I hope they dont crap out like the delcos did. I think they crapped out because I have bosch wires. I ordered taylor wires from hector a couple weeks ago from hector and I'm pretty sure they will help out alot because, as we've discovered already, bosch sucks.

Will'* right , I'de rather stick chicken sh*t pebbles in my cat than Bosch. The O2'* are suck *** and die ! A C Delco till the death or the repo man comes !!!

PS Will is M!ll upside down !