i just ordered an o2 simulator as i have been running with no post cat o2 sensor and i have lost tons of power/mialage and threw a CEL. can anyone walk me through the install of an o2 sim? thanks

 

so no one has installed one of these?

 

Usually the installation guide comes with the simulator. I've used one and did not get lucky with it curing the SES light.

 

Couple of thoughts.

You have a cat, so why don't you have a post cat O2? Why not just install a post cat O2?
The post cat O2 should not effect the performance of the car, whether there or not. I am not 100% on this but I think the only thing that O2 does is let you know the Cat is working right or not.

 

Onasled is correct: the post-cat O2 sensor is there to ensure that there's a cat present, but does not control any engine functions. I've run the O2 simulator, and it fools the control unit into thinking there's a cat there just fine (It does come with installation instructions.) However, you can also run a sensor extendor (a small tube that moves the sensor further from the exhaust flow and lowers the temperature as the sensor "works" by telling the control unit that the post cat temperature is lower than the pre-cat temp.) But there's not a lot of room there, so it can hit the exhaust tunnel...
In the end, the best bet is to run a cat, and a stock O2 sensor. You can buy a Bosch sensor on the internet for much cheaper than the dealer will sell you an OEM one, and they are identical.

good luck,

 

Correct the monitoring cat only pops a CEL if the readings are off. Now remove the pre cat regulating sensor and your gonna have problems. If your having issues with performance it's not your post cat sensor.