header question

[chevy shortbox]

iam want to put a set of long tube hooker headers on 86 k10 pickup.it has a 350 tuned port injection with an o2 sensor that is now in the manifold.how inportant is it [o2 sensor]to put it on the headers?do i even need it?will it screw up the computer? make the truck run bad ?thanks in advance for any help!!!  

[82Silvrdo454]

The 02 sensor is what tells your computer how lean or rich to make the air/fuel mixture by measureing the passing exhaust.  You can buy an 02 bung and weld it into your header.  

[chevy shortbox]

can i add the bung for the o2 sensor to a ceramic coated header? or will that screw up the coating? also can i just drill and tap a hole into the header or will that screw it up too?thanks for any info!!!

[82Silvrdo454]

I hate to tell you that it will mess up the coating, at least in that part of the header where the bung would be welded in.  The header pipe isn't thick enough to tap, if you did it would leak severely and start to rust and kill the coating.  Best bet would be to invest in some cheaper ones and weld the bung in and repaint the area with hi-temp paint.

[VileZambonie]

Just have your headers coated after you weld it in. Usually costs about $150 bucks to coat a set of headers. I get em done for free though...  

[chevy shortbox]

thanks for the info guys i think i will buy a set of cheap headers and paint them. i just want it done, summers coming and i have fords to eat!!!! thanks again! iam sure glad this site is here!!!!!!!!