Solo HFCs - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

stvbldso · 10-03-2012, 03:29 PM

I too, am joining the "Solo Family". Got the HFCs last week.
I am going to use the factory exhaust and....I am buying new O2 sensors.
I plan to leave the original sensors in the stock cats.
And this brings me to something that I can share with you guys.

According to my research, the "upstream" sensors are originally supplied by Denso.

And the "downstream" sensors are originally supplied by Bosch.

I work for an authorized distributor of both manufacturers, and each one claims
one of the sensor positions as "OE Supplier".

Weird, huh? Well, stranger things have happened....

And while we are here, the part numbers are.......

"Upstream" Denso part number 234-4669
"Downstream" Bosch part number 15698 (same as F 00E 262 994)

Ventmaster · 10-03-2012, 03:48 PM

Just put the Solo's on a friend's L99 yesterday and can confirm that the O2 sensors are different.

Solo emphasizes to keep them in their original positions.

If you're going to ignore Solo's instruction to not put the sensors in until the cat's are in place, (like I did) be aware you need to put the mounting bolt and flat washer in the adjacent hole before scewing in the top sensor (it blocks the bolt hole once in place).

This is actually a good thing as it holds the bolt in place while you put a flat washer, lock washer, and nut on top of it (and get it started) while lying under the car- by feel, holding the HFC in place with the other hand, if you're doing the install yourself like me. It can be done!

But it may be a good idea to have a little help around.

Ventmaster · 10-03-2012, 04:03 PM

BTW- you'll need a wrench with at least 2feet of extensions to get to the exhaust manifold bolts and I'd allow (expect) 30-40 minutes to just unplug the O2 sensors- I'm talking about the electrical connections, not taking the sensors out of the exhaust... Chevy engineers are sadists, I swear!

And the articulated adaptor at the end of the wrench will really decrease your likelyhood of rounding off those bolts!

kfm237 · 10-03-2012, 04:10 PM

I recently put Solo hi-flows on and one of the rear o2 sensors was cross threaded in. The replacement Bosch one I bought looked exactly like the stock sensor, with the same color plastic connector.

stvbldso · 10-03-2012, 04:11 PM

Ventmaster, thanks for the advice! Yes, you really can't mix them up, front-to-back (or I should say "you shouldn't"), as the connectors are different.

Great tip on putting the boot in the flange before screwing in the sensor!

I have the sensor socket. And I have a really long single piece Snap-on extension. But I am debating whether to put this car on jack stands, and do it myself, or "farm it out". I was asking some guys on the forum who are from my area about a previously mentioned local exhaust shop. All of my favorite shops from the past are gone....

stvbldso · 10-03-2012, 04:16 PM

kfm237, the cross threaded sensor thing is part of why I plan to leave the original sensors in the stock mid-pipes, and supply new sensors for the Solo pipes. This way, if (for some unforeseen reason) I need to switch back to stock, I don't have to mess with switching sensors around.

Ventmaster · 10-03-2012, 04:27 PM

Glad to be of help and here's one more tip:

When it's time to tighten things up, first put something under the cat back pipes (I used a piece of 1/2" thick plywood) at the chasis cross brace, to hold the exhaust up where you want it (not banging the brace).

Then i snugged down the clamps at the midpipe/cat-back connection.
And then I went topside and tightened down the cats to the exhaust manifold (you can hear it pulling the new cats into position)- alternate front, then back bolt a little at a time til tight. Solo does not specify a specific torque amount, use your judgement but I did not go full-on Hulk, just tight.

Then back under and torque the clamp to 35ft/lbs. Don't forget to pull out the plywood.

Worked out great on this one...

stvbldso · 10-03-2012, 04:46 PM

To both of you guys, Thanks!

clg_98ta · 10-03-2012, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ventmaster

And the articulated adaptor at the end of the wrench will really decrease your likelyhood of rounding off those bolts!

Good info, thanks.

Articulated adaptor?? Is that the proper name for a swivel?

stvbldso · 10-03-2012, 04:49 PM

clg, you bet it is!
The same way that a manually operated, sudden impact, arbor press could be known as a hammer!

jeepguy_1980 · 10-03-2012, 04:50 PM

These were really helpful too. I was able to use two wrenches at once, without anyone else's help.

Ventmaster · 10-03-2012, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clg_98ta

Good info, thanks.

Articulated adaptor?? Is that the proper name for a swivel?

LOL- hey my background is more medical than mechanical, so I just call'em like I see'em!

10-03-2012, 03:29 PM	#1
stvbldso Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 21	Solo HFCs I too, am joining the "Solo Family". Got the HFCs last week. I am going to use the factory exhaust and....I am buying new O2 sensors. I plan to leave the original sensors in the stock cats. And this brings me to something that I can share with you guys. According to my research, the "upstream" sensors are originally supplied by Denso. And the "downstream" sensors are originally supplied by Bosch. I work for an authorized distributor of both manufacturers, and each one claims one of the sensor positions as "OE Supplier". Weird, huh? Well, stranger things have happened.... And while we are here, the part numbers are....... "Upstream" Denso part number 234-4669 "Downstream" Bosch part number 15698 (same as F 00E 262 994) __________________ Steven 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 - "skip-shift", Elite Engineering catch can, Solo HFC. 2005 Mercedes Benz E320-CDI 2013 Suburban 1500 LT

10-03-2012, 04:03 PM	#3
Ventmaster Drives: 2017 1SS 6spd Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 2,869	BTW- you'll need a wrench with at least 2feet of extensions to get to the exhaust manifold bolts and I'd allow (expect) 30-40 minutes to just unplug the O2 sensors- I'm talking about the electrical connections, not taking the sensors out of the exhaust... Chevy engineers are sadists, I swear! And the articulated adaptor at the end of the wrench will really decrease your likelyhood of rounding off those bolts! Attached Images

10-03-2012, 04:11 PM	#5
stvbldso Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 21	Ventmaster, thanks for the advice! Yes, you really can't mix them up, front-to-back (or I should say "you shouldn't"), as the connectors are different. Great tip on putting the boot in the flange before screwing in the sensor! I have the sensor socket. And I have a really long single piece Snap-on extension. But I am debating whether to put this car on jack stands, and do it myself, or "farm it out". I was asking some guys on the forum who are from my area about a previously mentioned local exhaust shop. All of my favorite shops from the past are gone.... __________________ Steven 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 - "skip-shift", Elite Engineering catch can, Solo HFC. 2005 Mercedes Benz E320-CDI 2013 Suburban 1500 LT

10-03-2012, 04:16 PM	#6
stvbldso Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 21	kfm237, the cross threaded sensor thing is part of why I plan to leave the original sensors in the stock mid-pipes, and supply new sensors for the Solo pipes. This way, if (for some unforeseen reason) I need to switch back to stock, I don't have to mess with switching sensors around. __________________ Steven 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 - "skip-shift", Elite Engineering catch can, Solo HFC. 2005 Mercedes Benz E320-CDI 2013 Suburban 1500 LT

10-03-2012, 04:46 PM	#8
stvbldso Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 21	To both of you guys, Thanks! __________________ Steven 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 - "skip-shift", Elite Engineering catch can, Solo HFC. 2005 Mercedes Benz E320-CDI 2013 Suburban 1500 LT

10-03-2012, 03:48 PM	#2
Ventmaster Drives: 2017 1SS 6spd Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 2,869	Just put the Solo's on a friend's L99 yesterday and can confirm that the O2 sensors are different. Solo emphasizes to keep them in their original positions. If you're going to ignore Solo's instruction to not put the sensors in until the cat's are in place, (like I did) be aware you need to put the mounting bolt and flat washer in the adjacent hole before scewing in the top sensor (it blocks the bolt hole once in place). This is actually a good thing as it holds the bolt in place while you put a flat washer, lock washer, and nut on top of it (and get it started) while lying under the car- by feel, holding the HFC in place with the other hand, if you're doing the install yourself like me. It can be done! But it may be a good idea to have a little help around.

10-03-2012, 04:10 PM	#4
kfm237 Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 139	I recently put Solo hi-flows on and one of the rear o2 sensors was cross threaded in. The replacement Bosch one I bought looked exactly like the stock sensor, with the same color plastic connector.

10-03-2012, 04:27 PM	#7
Ventmaster Drives: 2017 1SS 6spd Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 2,869	Glad to be of help and here's one more tip: When it's time to tighten things up, first put something under the cat back pipes (I used a piece of 1/2" thick plywood) at the chasis cross brace, to hold the exhaust up where you want it (not banging the brace). Then i snugged down the clamps at the midpipe/cat-back connection. And then I went topside and tightened down the cats to the exhaust manifold (you can hear it pulling the new cats into position)- alternate front, then back bolt a little at a time til tight. Solo does not specify a specific torque amount, use your judgement but I did not go full-on Hulk, just tight. Then back under and torque the clamp to 35ft/lbs. Don't forget to pull out the plywood. Worked out great on this one...

10-03-2012, 04:49 PM	#10
stvbldso Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 21	clg, you bet it is! The same way that a manually operated, sudden impact, arbor press could be known as a hammer! __________________ Steven 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 - "skip-shift", Elite Engineering catch can, Solo HFC. 2005 Mercedes Benz E320-CDI 2013 Suburban 1500 LT

10-03-2012, 04:50 PM	#11
jeepguy_1980 Drives: 2010 Camaro 1SS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Newport News Posts: 1,310 View My Garage	These were really helpful too. I was able to use two wrenches at once, without anyone else's help.