scan software suggestions for an 85?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 377
Likes: 10
From: Chicago IL
scan software suggestions for an 85?
I thought I'd bite the bullet and finally go hi-tech. Can someone recommend what kind of software I'll need to get the readings on my 85 (and where I might be able to purchase?) Thanks for your help.
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
The ECM in an 85 is OBD1. OBD1 is much less capable than OBD2 which is used in all vehicles sold in the US since 1996. None the less, there is still a lot you can do to read the 85 ECM and there are several good scan tools available for use on your 85. I'd start first by looking into the FREE versions.
Check out Craig Moates Software at: http://members.tripod.com/moatesenheimer/gmecm/
Look at WinALDL at: http://web.telia.com/~u60505093/index.htm
Also the Do-It-Yourselfer EFI page at: http://www.diy-efi.org/
Commercial $ products are available from Ease Diagnostics and Diacom from Rinda.
Check out Craig Moates Software at: http://members.tripod.com/moatesenheimer/gmecm/
Look at WinALDL at: http://web.telia.com/~u60505093/index.htm
Also the Do-It-Yourselfer EFI page at: http://www.diy-efi.org/
Commercial $ products are available from Ease Diagnostics and Diacom from Rinda.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1
From: Shelton CT
The only s/w that is free that will work with your '85 is the WinALDL.
The '85 has the slow '870 ECM which is not the same as '86+ ECM's.
I use WinALDL with it, just only drawback is that you have to use a resistor across the ALDL connectors to enable data xmit mode which forces the car into diagnostics mode, which is useless for real world data scanning.. Stupid design.. :banghead
The '85 has the slow '870 ECM which is not the same as '86+ ECM's.
I use WinALDL with it, just only drawback is that you have to use a resistor across the ALDL connectors to enable data xmit mode which forces the car into diagnostics mode, which is useless for real world data scanning.. Stupid design.. :banghead
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Lady Lake FL
I've used winALDL on my 85 iroc numerous times and it works just fine (other than being slow). The car tends to idle fast in diag mode though. Or you could repin your harness, wire in a few relays (not sure which ones) and go with one of the 86-89 ecms and have the 8192 baud capability and more software to choose from. If you can't find any info on switching the ecms go to www.thirdgen.org and you'll be able to find all the info you'll need. 
KC-Shadetree Performance
Last edited by shadetreeperf; Jun 11, 2005 at 09:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1
From: Shelton CT
Originally Posted by shadetreeperf
I've used winALDL on my 85 iroc numerous times and it works just fine (other than being slow). The car tends to idle fast in diag mode though. Or you could repin your harness, wire in a few relays (not sure which ones) and go with one of the 86-89 ecms and have the 8192 baud capability and more software to choose from. If you can't find any info on switching the ecms go to www.thirdgen.org and you'll be able to find all the info you'll need. KC-Shadetree Performance
That's exactly what I'll be doing when my ECM dies..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 377
Likes: 10
From: Chicago IL
Thanks, this information is excellent. So, I can just load the software on my laptop, plug in (with the right connector) and drive / log. No strange happenings when driving around in diagnositic mode other than a high idle?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
You should check the scan/tune section of this site...
There is a wealth of info there- and i was able to build my own cable to connect my '85's ALDL to the serial port on my one laptop.
The software isn't perfect, but can give you an excellent idea of what the ecm is seeing. I think it's good for finding things that are clearly wrong... maybe not so good for find tuning.
There is a wealth of info there- and i was able to build my own cable to connect my '85's ALDL to the serial port on my one laptop.
The software isn't perfect, but can give you an excellent idea of what the ecm is seeing. I think it's good for finding things that are clearly wrong... maybe not so good for find tuning.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Lady Lake FL
Thanks, this information is excellent. So, I can just load the software on my laptop, plug in (with the right connector) and drive / log. No strange happenings when driving around in diagnositic mode other than a high idle?
KC
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
Swap from 870 to 165 ECM http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28/ecm_swap/
Swap from 165 (MAF) to 730 (MAP) http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28/ecm_swap_730/
Swap from 165 (MAF) to 730 (MAP) http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28/ecm_swap_730/
