Diagnostic SCAN tool U use??

[WhalePirot]

I want a good diagnostic SCAN tool for my OBD I system ('90 Chev, speed density). While any cheap tool can pull codes, just like the proper paper clip, I would prefer to use my laptop and a much more sophisticated unit to read sensors and what-not.

I am learning, but do not know if OBD-I even allows that. Reading fuel tables or at least fule trimming of the ECM is nice. A plus would be to be able to use the unit on other cars, especially BMWs.

I would rather spend more now, than to buy cheap and have to spend again and again to upgrade. i would go $1000 or more or a great unit.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ShaneL]

I beleive this is something you can use for OBDI cars.

http://www.moates.net

I do not know if it works but I am sure that someone else might. The software is free and the cable may not be that expensive.

-Shane

 

[JonM]

Use a laptop

http://w1.601.telia.com/~u60113744/software/winaldl/winaldl.htm

 

[Vettefan87]

My friend has turboLink 4.0 that he uses on his 89 Trans am here is the website http://www.turbo-link.com/ it is pretty good. I am having a problem getting a usb adapter to go into the OBDI, i guess some are passive and some arent and only certain usb things will work, so im confused:confused .

 

[ShaneL]

It seems to me that the OBDII hardware is horribly overpriced whereas the OBDI hardware is more readily available and for a cheaper price.

ohwell...

-Shane

 

[WhalePirot]

I really appreciate the feedback, so far, and am studying the options. Missing, though, is what actual experience with these packages will do. As in any technical purchase, the details matter; a LOT.

Most of the ODB-I capable, OBD-II items, refer to realtime readouts. Is OBD-I capable of that, specifically the '90 Chevy ECM?

Any users with hands-on time and perspective? Thanks..Mike

 

[91vetteman]

I really appreciate the feeedback, so far, and am studying the options. missing, though, is what actual experience with these packages will do. As in any technical purchase, the details matter, a LOT. Most of the ODB-I capable, OBD-II items, refer to realtime readouts. Is OBD-I capable of that, specifically the '90 Chevy ECM?

Any users with hands-ion time and perspective? Thanks..Mike

I just purchased the "Pro-Pack" from auto-xray, havent used as of yet.
When I finally do possibly this weekend, I will try to relay some details on my purchase, see if it helps ya.

 

[WhalePirot]

more, more...LOL

Thanks, guys.

Jon, have you used it? Comments?

I know I won't waste cash on the Actron sensor tester, which I can do with alligator clips and my VOM.

 

[WhalePirot]

other thread

I followed my own advice and found:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44848&highlight=scan+tool

Sheepishly

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Ease

I use EASE from www.obd2.com it runs about $350 for the complete setup for both OBD 1 & 2. It will log everything that the ECM is doing and you can play it back. Logging time is determined by hard drive space ... mine reads virtually unlimited when logging. I too am in the learning curve and have tried the different cables from moates.net but was unable to get them to work.

Did you have to get a custom chip made for that 409? I have been meaning to ask you about that.

C ya

 

[WhalePirot]

Great to hear user feedback

Thanks. I had briefly looked at the EASE page, but am 'out' working for the better part of the month, Hence, the Corvette is lonely in the stall. The SES code, is intermittant, recurring, and seems to be start related. I've not pulled the actual code yet.

Yup... The 406 (400cid, .030 over) has a fairly radical roller cam and while they started with a similarly cammed 427cid chip, there was very significant time involved with getting the car to run properly. These two guys are great mechanics; one being a multi-Vette owner, Vette shop owner for ages, plus a club member/driver/etc.

Without a dyno, they had to drive the car, pull the ECM fuel trim figures and adjust the tables, to zero out the trimming; drive it, etc., etc. They also programmed initial timing at 10 degrees BTC vs the standard 6, partly to reduce 'bucking' during lower RPM driving.

They had the car for months, as I told them to take their time. I was interested in the right chip, not minimal time, with itinerant results. Also, he usually opts for simpler, cleaner, quicker jobs, like routine MX, simpler fixes and CAT-backs. You know, higher dollar, quick turn stuff, so I was lucky to get these meticulous guys to do it. I was not charged for every hour they spent, but still was charged plenty. the result it is worth it and is the only way to make all the other work/sweat/cash/emotional investments pay off.

The car, according to all other experts, would never idle, much less pass any sniffer tests. It not only idles with a very satisfying lope, at 850-900, but it passed the tough California SMOG sniff just fine. (A new CAT helped.) Another thread has an audible, if you wanna hear it. Gary has done many ZRs, owns one and said my car not only runs much stronger than the dyno indicated, but will beat any not-highly-modified ZR until very high speed. I do like that; plus it was all <$20k, including new driveline, interior and ALL. The car is basically new, everywhere.

Sorry, for the length of this; I got enthused again.

mike STW

 

[Moonunit 451]

I use EASE from www.obd2.com it runs about $350 for the complete setup for both OBD 1 & 2. It will log everything that the ECM is doing and you can play it back. Logging time is determined by hard drive space ... mine reads virtually unlimited when logging. I too am in the learning curve and have tried the different cables from moates.net but was unable to get them to work.

Did you have to get a custom chip made for that 409? I have been meaning to ask you about that.

C ya

Ease here too