Installing a wideband gauge allows you to keep track of your car’s air to fuel ratio and ensure its running correctly. The AFR gauge is available as a narrowband alternative but the wideband is the best option as its more precise.
The best wideband gauge is the AEM 30-0300 X-Series, which has an AFR range of 8-20 and an intuitive digital display with interchangeable face plates.
If you are serious about your car’s performance, adding gauges such as a wideband or boost gauge is essential. The instant feedback allows you to make adjustments and monitor the performance from just a quick glance.
Table of Contents
Wideband Gauge Comparison
| Wideband Gauge | AFR Range | Output |
|---|---|---|
| AEM 30-0300 X-Series | 8-20 | 0-5V |
| AEM 30-4110 UEGO | 10-20 | 0-5V |
| Innovate Motorsports MTX-L Plus | 7.35-22.39 | 0-5V |
| Auto Meter 4379 Ultra-Lite | 10-17 | 0-4V |
| GlowShift Elite 10 Color | 10-20 | 0-5V |
| HOTSYSTEM Universal | 10-20 | 0-5V |
Appearance, usability, ease of installation and compatibility are the main factors to consider. There is a wide range of gauges available but the best must tick every box.
Most gauges allow you to tweak the functionality with programmable alerts or different LED colors. If you have made changes to your engine such as a cold air intake, supercharger or other modifications, installing a wideband is highly recommended.
Below is a list of the best wideband gauges that provide an easy to read digital display and the ability to make adjustments.
The Best Wideband Gauge
1. AEM 30-0300 X-Series Wideband Gauge
AEM are a market leading brand that produce a wide range of gauges. The 30-0300 X-Series model is their most rated wideband gauge on the market. Compared to cheaper alternatives, it has a faster response time for improved feedback control.
According to the brand, they state that it’s the fastest responding controller when compared to 17 other UEGO controllers in an independent study.
Other features of the AEM 30-0300 X-Series include:
- Uses a Bosch LSU 4.9 sensor
- 8-20 AFR range
- Black face with green LEDs
- Includes all hardware in the box
- Requires no calibration
- 52 mm housing
- 0-5V and RS232 output for data logging
Overall, it’s one of the best options for those requiring a high performance wideband gauge with fast responses. The modern design makes it ideal for an OEM style install and the only drawback is that it comes with an expensive price tag. However, if you are looking for the ultimate wideband gauge, the AEM- 30-0300 won’t disappoint.
Check it Out2. AEM 30-4110 UEGO Wideband AFR Gauge
Other features of the AEM 30-4110 UEGO include:
- Interchangeable face plates (black or white)
- Can be mounted in any position
- No air sensor calibration required
- Standard 52 mm housing
- 0-5V analog output
- Includes all hardware
The 30-4110 UEGO mode by AEM is by far the most popular wideband gauge available and for good reason. It has an intuitive display for instant feedback and the choice of a black or white face plate to best suit your preferences.
Check it Out3. Innovate Motorsports 3918 MTX-L Plus Wideband Gauge
Innovate Motorsports are another brand that produce a wide range of wideband gauges. The 3918 MTX-L Plus is a premium option that uses a Bosch LSU 4.9 O2 sensor and enhanced heater controls for a faster response.
The 52 mm gauge body fits easily into most pods and it includes interchangeable face plates and bezels to best suit your requirements.
Other features of the Innovate Motorsports 3918 MTX-L Plus include:
- Large LED display
- Programmable needle gauge
- 7.35-22.39 AFR range
- Improved sensor control
- Patented direct digital technology
- Enhanced heater control
- Simple installation
The 3918 MTX-L Plus by Innovate Motorsports is a great alternative to the AEM models and is compatible with all fuel types. The sleek and modern design also makes it suit most vehicles without being too obtrusive.
Check it Out4. Auto Meter 4379 Wideband Air Fuel Gauge
The Auto Meter 4379 wideband gauge uses an intuitive display with a digital segment and LED radial bar graph. The brand claim that this model provides rugged and reliable performance with precision movement and extreme accuracy.
It comes as a complete kit that includes a Bosch LSU 4.2 oxygen sensor, 8 foot wiring harness, weld-in stainless-steel bung and instructions.
Other features of the Auto Meter 4379 include:
- 10-17 AFR range
- 52 mm housing
- Bosch LSU 4.9 O2 sensor
- 0-4V data output
- Includes all hardware
- 1 year warranty
Overall, the Auto Meter 4379 is an excellent all-round wideband gauge that looks great and is easy to install. One drawback of this model is that it does take a brief moment (15 to 45 seconds) to re-calibrate each time you start the car.
Check it Out5. GlowShift Elite Wideband Gauge
For those that want more customization, the GlowShift Elite provides 10 different LED colors, which can be dimmed by 30%. The colors can be changed by a small dial, which allows you to switch easily to match your interior or night driving.
Although this wideband gauge is one of the cheapest, it still has great performance, data logging output and much more.
Other features of the GlowShift Elite Wideband Gauge include:
- 10-20 AFR range
- Peak recall ability
- Audible and visual programmable warnings
- 52 mm gauge housing
- Includes all mounting hardware
- 1 year warranty
For those that want to be able to program custom features such as warnings or change the colors with ease, the Glowshift is the best option. This wideband gauge also offers great value for the money with similar performance to the premium alternatives.
Check it Out6. HOTSYSTEM Air Fuel Ratio Gauge
One of the cheapest wideband gauges that’s actually worth buying is the HOTSYSTEM gauge. It connects straight into your existing oxygen sensor and comes as a complete kit that includes all the electric wiring and hardware.
Other features of the HOTSYSTEM Air Fuel Ratio Gauge include:
- 10-20 AFR range
- Blue digital LED readout
- 52 mm housing
- Constructed of durable BAS plastic
- Supplied with detailed instructions
For those that are on a tight budget and require a fairly accurate wideband gauge, the HOTSYSTEM brand have the answer. It isn’t going to be as accurate as some of the premium alternatives but it’s a fraction of the price and won’t disappoint.
Check it OutWideband Gauge Buying Guide
An air fuel ratio gauge (also known as an AFR gauge) is a great bit of kit for those serious about the performance of their engine. Once installed, it allows you to closely monitor the mixture of air and fuel. In terms of the availability, you have the choice of a narrowband gauage or the more desirable wideband, which is more precise.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding wideband gauges.
What are the Benefits?
Installing a wideband gauge to monitor the air to fuel ratio provides a range of benefits that include:
- Easier to check the condition of the mixture
- Provides instant feedback for diagnostic data logging
- Allows you to tweak the mixture for maximum performance
- Ideal for engine calibration
- Makes the interior more interesting
Without installing a wideband gauge, you need to read the spark plugs, use CO meters or other methods. The gauge eliminates the time and effort, which allows you to continue tweaking the mixture until it reaches optimum performance.
Narrowband vs Wideband
Air fuel gauges are available as a narrowband or the more desirable wideband gauge. The narrowband alternative uses the stock O2 sensor to retrieve the data and will have a smaller voltage range to read. The result of this is a less precise reading, which isn’t ideal for enthusiasts that require accurate readings.
Compared to a wideband air fuel gauge, the wideband uses a larger voltage range for improved precision. They are often more expensive but the extra voltage provides more precise data and additional numbers, lights and colors on the display.
Compatibility and Installation
Prior to purchasing a wideband gauge, you want to make sure that it’s compatible with your vehicle. The first factor to consider is that some models are designed to only work with gasoline whereas others can work with all types of fuel types.
The installation of the gauge is fairly straightforward and most connect to ECU’s and data loggers via the output port. Manufacturers usually include complete wiring and mounting hardware to help with the installation.
Customization
Every car interior is different in terms of the colors and components. The ability to customize the face plates, LED display colors and needles is very desirable and can transform the interior. Other forms of customization include programmable alerts that are not just visual but also audible.
Accuracy
The recommendations within this article are all premium options because they provide superior accuracy. They all use the same Bosch LSU 4.9 O2 sensor, which are known for their performance and reliability. Differences between the accuracy vary by the AFR range that each gauge provides.
In order to ensure that you get the most from the sensor, you can re-calibrate the sensor on a regular basis if required. Some people may even place the sensor further into the exhaust ports to retrieve even more accuracy.
Calibration of the Gauge
Certain wideband gauges will require calibration upon every engine start. The calibration can take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. Some brands such as AEM claim that their gauges don’t need calibration at all, which can be very beneficial. Although they may cost more, the convenience is worth paying the extra for.
Conclusion
If you are serious about your car’s performance, the best wideband gauge is an essential modification. They are available in range of different styles but we highly recommend the AEM or Innovative Motorsports models for superior quality.
We have recommended a range of wideband gauges that are suitable for all budgets. There are many cheaper alternatives available but if you are going to the effort to install one, it’s worth purchasing the best on the market.
