Can I assume you can run without the 02 sensor if you have converted to a carb?
Doesn't matter if it is carb or FI. If your system has a computer that controls fuel mixture, then without an O2 sensor, it will never go in closed loop. Closed loop is adaptive fuel control based on the most efficient fuel demands of the engine for a given condition.
If you use a nonfeedback (no computer controls of the metering rods) carburetor, then you may run without an O2 sensor, or any of the other sensors and the computer for that matter.
Some fuel injection systems don't require a computer and base fuel demand on vacuum.
But think of the performance capabilities of using a computer to control timing and fuel mixture. Here is an example. My Grand National will give the engine as much timing as I want, so long as the engine knock sensor does not sense detonation. I add alcohol/water injection into the induction system at 10psi of boost on pump gas, with larger than normal turbocharger. The stock HP/TQ ratings for a GN is 245hp/335ft/lbs of torque at 16psi of boost. With alcohol injection I can now run 22psi of boost without any noticible detonation. The computer gives me all the timing an fuel that the engine demands. With bigger injectors and a higher volume fuel pump, I'm now in the range of 450hp and over 500ft/lbs of torque. And as a bonus, 22mpg on the freeway. When the 383 goes into my 55, I'll get a little over the HP numbers of my Gran\d National, but at 15mpg if I'm lucky.
How do you think all the major autombile manufacturers get so much HP and torque out of todays modern engines? and then get fuel economy to boot. It's a computer that controls all aspects of fuel and timing management.
