My problems started about last September. I installed my FLP headers on my 1999 Trans Am. At the time, the only modifications I had were An air lid and a WS6 muffler. Since the intermediate pipe on the stock catback did not fit the FLP collector very well, I bought a Corsa catback about a week later. About two to three week later while driving down the road I get my first SES light. I get home and hook up my Autotap. It had the code 1153 which is insufficent switching on the passengers side pre-cat o2 sensor. I figured the car has 60k miles on it so it may have just gone bad. I removed and reinstalled the V-clamp to check for exhaust leaks just in case. I then used one of the rear o2 sensors that were removed from my stock headers to replace the faulty one. A few week later I get another code. 1133 this time which is the same problem but on the drivers side. I use the other post-cat o2 sensor to replace it.
Next I recieved my heads and cam. I took my time installing them and had no problems. I payed very close attention to getting the headers on and torqued just right. I also used stage 8 locking header bolts. I figured that would be the end of my problem.
A few weeks to one month later I got the 1153 code again. I broke down and went to the dealer to get 2 new o2 sensors. I figured that if one sensor was worn out, they were probably all going bad. After trying every parts store in town looking for a lower price, I went back to the dealer and was prepared to pay the $125 EACH that they wanted. The guy gave them to me for $75 each after I explaned to him my problem and he said they are overpriced anyway.
About a month later, I get an 1153 and a week after that an 1133. Went to the dealership and got some more high priced o2 sensors. I took these bad boys home and put them in and installed my ported MAF ends at the same time to try and lean out to get the ltrims positive thinking that maybe the others were getting fouled out.
This is where I start looseing track of what codes I got and when I got them. I am now using LS1edit and have the ltrims around -2 to +.8. I am still getting these codes but not as frequently. I do not want to delete these codes because I believe it is a sign that something is wrong. I don't think it is like a false misfire code being set with a bumpy cam in the car.
All in all, I have reinstalled the headers 4 times, put 3 different header gaskets on, adjusted the v-clamps countless times, checked the wiring for burns or pulling loose many times and changed 7 or more o2 sensors. I have taked to several individuals that have a similar problem although not as extreme as mine. I have heard of this problem from people that have SLP and FLP headers. I called my favorite vendor whom I bought almost all of my part from and they claim that they have never heard of this problem.
Does anyone have any suggestions or solution to this problem?
Thank you very much and please ask questions because I'm sure I left something out that I tried or did.

 

Bob,

You will get a better responce to this over in the Tuning section

<small>[ May 10, 2002, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: WILWAXU ]</small>

 

The p1153 is from a really lean being detected by the O2 (You have an exhaust leak). I put my SLP LT I had the same problem. I think after getting off the throttle or just cruising lightly, fresh air sneaks into the header. I found that out after adjusting mine, and they began to whistle whenever it would happen. Sounded like a big turbo with a blowoff. Fix the leak, then clear the codes and it will never set off a SES code again.

 

Thank you for the reply. I'm fairly sure it is not an exhaust leak. I've been through 3 sets of header gaskets, 2 different sets of heads (stock and ported) and four complete installs. I listen with a stethyscope and even put sensor safe RTV around the air and egr plates and the "v-clamp" joints. I'll give it another look and make sure that there are no broken welds or anything like that around the flange. Thank you.

 

I had this problem for over 4 months in my car. I switched O2s from side to side, bought new ones, triple checked for leaks and it always returned. I finally gave up and when I sent my computer to Ed Wright to get tuned, I had him delete these codes from the computer. 3 months have gone by and I havent experienced the codes or any drivability problems at all. Im glad they are gone, it was an annoying PITA.

 

Thanks fastorange. I have debated over deleteing the codes or not with LS1edit. I was afraid that it would only mask a real problem but if it hasen't caused you any problems, I'll give it a shot. Earlier today I went through all my old stock parts and had planned to put it back to stock and sell it. I've put too much time into the car to let these crappy o2 sensors stop me. And to top it all off, my corsa muffler has developed an internal rattle AGAIN! They sent me a new one last time and I'm sure they will again. For the price of this catback, the internal welds should not break so easily. Take care.