Hi

I need a new oxygen sensor (front - before the cat) on my WRX. Is it ok to use a different brand such as NGK as opposed to the standard one? I'm guessing it'll be a Denso one?
My concern is that I've heard people saying the aftermarket ones are not as reliable as the OEM ones. Surely a brand like NGK can't be bad, after all they're most likely all made in the same place.

Thanks

 

The front O2 sensor in the impreza is not 'quite' standard in it's behaviour so I wouldn't use another in place. For such an absolutely critical component, if the calibration is even slightly off it can destroy and I do mean 'destroy' your engine very quickly.

 

Ive recently changed the same one Id heard all types of tales about after market ones but found this guy on ebay http://stores.ebay.co.uk/theno1carpartscentre selling the propa denso ones at a very good price think I paid about £80-£90 delivered to my door very helpfull guy too.
I just thought for the sake of a extra £20-£30 you may as well buy the propa one and prob not have to replace while I own the car. Well I hope not anyway......

Couple part numbers for ya here too if they are any good to you, These are for the lambda sensor behind the drivers wheel behind inspection chamber.

Original subaru 22641AA042 is matched to 2349011 denso DOX-0306

Rich

 

ive used a bosch one for a couple of years now with no problems

 

Classic O2 sensor is different from newage(classic have 3 wires and Newage have 4 wires),from price(classic cost around 60-100£) and wires(classic have 3 wires)
New age O2 sensor cost around 80-100£ from eBay(Denso) or try main stealer 299£(use same like eBay one,Denso)

 

Thanks for your help guys. Will be sourcing a genuine Denso one.