Factory O2 sensor vs aftermarket Os sensor

My 1995 mustang v-6 3.8 has an engine light that just wont give up. it started when we put a new clutch in the car. we removed the exhaust and since then had a engine light. i shut it off and it comes back on a few days later. im starting to smell a rich mixture of gas in the car. the diagnostic machine says its an O2 sensor.. the hot O2 which is downstream. My question is.. can i go with an aftermarket O2 sensor and save some cash ...? or do i have to go with ford O2 sensors..? i understand that factory ford O2 sensors would be better but would i be able to go aftermarket like autozone to get me through for now..? thanks -Brett

I hate every thing made by bosch, but I DO LOVE BOSCH O2 SENSOR.:wink:

They both work the exact same way. Get the cheaper one.

thanks guys. your help is so apreciated.. i am clueless when it comes to todays technology. i learned on old school classics and chevy 350's .. my mechanic tells me i need to go with the factory o2 sensors because they are calibrated for my car and that they cost $180 each.. and that i need to replace them both.. but with labor to change them ..i feel as though i am gettin ripped off. when i jsut paid 50 each for bosch o2 sensors. again guys thanks.. -Brett

Glad we could help. :thumbsup:

The sensors from the parts store have the same functional characteristics as the stock parts. They HAVE to; they are replacements for the stock pieces. The main difference in narrow-band oxygen sensors(like both of our Mustangs have) is the number of wires and the type of plug. The way they all read and report exhaust gas oxygen level is usually the same. There is no car-specific "calibration."

Your "mechanic" would most likely just get Bosch sensors at ~$30/ea or less and charge you $180 apiece plus labor.

Your "mechanic" would most likely just get Bosch sensors at ~$30/ea or less and charge you $180 apiece plus labor.

That why I never take my car to mechanic shop, unless I really really need to. :wink:

Unless I was filthy stinking rich, I wouldn't take my car to a mechanic. As it is I do my own repairs because I can't afford anything else. I know more about my cars than than most garages anyway.

This is after I spent 10 hours yesterday under the hood of one of my cars and $45 today doing repairs and not upgrades.

believe me when i say i am not rich by any means.. im just a carpenter..lmao anyways. i have to either fix up the car and keep it going or find some other mode of transportation. BUT I LOVE THIS CAR... it just seems as though every time you fix one thing you find another problem.. to add to the sad story that i have. i had to have a second clutch put in 2 weeks later after having a butcher put in the first clutch. and when he changed it he put gear oil in the tranny...its supposed to have ATF..and he didnt change the throwout bearing or pilot bearing. AND SO... i had to take it to another mechanic to have another clutch put in.. i didnt want that butcher touchin my car again so i had to swallow that one. i myself can change a clutch but i dont have the facilities to do so. i live in queens and its hard to change the clutch with a set of ramps on the side of a hill where parking is almost impossible anyways. i absolutely love this car. bought it for $2400 and put almost that much into it.. its running great now except a few small details like the rear end making a huge clunk when i shift gears or my speedo going on its own program when it gets to about 70. other than that this car is great now.. thanks so much for all your help. i apreciate it. the o2 sensors shut off the engine light. and the car cruises. THANKS AGAIN - Brett