I have never messed with fuel injection before, but I will be installing a built motor in my '91 'vette, and I'll have to program the computer to run it properly. I've looked at the Autoprom package, and the Ostrich, and I'm thinking I might get the Ostrich since it is so small, I could leave it connected full-time to the ECM while I tinker with it to find the perfect tune, but if I'm not mistaken, I will still have to log data somehow if I get the Ostrich as I don't think it does anything other than emulate a chip. What should I do for data logging if I get the Ostrich? I know that the Autoprom does everything, but wouldn't I be wasting money on redundant features if I bought both the Ostrich and the Autoprom? Like I said, I've never messed with this stuff before, so I don't know much about it. Any info or advice from someone that knows their stuff would be greatly appreciated.

 

Is this device like a piggy back unit??

Why dont you get Data Master, Tuner Cat, an ALDL cable, a chip burner and some chips, then go from there??

 

If you want one tool that does it all then get the AutoProm. It will program your chips, provide emulation and datalogging all in one package. That is the only tool that you need. If you already own a prom burner and datalogging tools as many of us old timers do, then just purchase an Ostrich for real time emulation. I got into this a long time ago and I happen to own seperate tools, so for me the Ostrich was the tool to get for emulation.

 

Can I leave the Autoprom connected to the car for a while like the Ostrich? Will it fit in the glovebox, or somewhere out of the way? I would like to leave the chip emulator connected all the time, untill I get the tune just right so that I won't have to keep pulling chips in and out of the ecm.

 

Absolutely. In fact, that's how I run my set up. I have the AutoProm mounted just below the passenger "dash" and that's how I'll keep it until I'm 100% happy with my tune (never happen ). It's much easier for me this way. When I need to make changes to the bin or datalog, I just plug the laptop in to it. Here is a not-so-great picture of how I have it mounted. The LM1 A/F meter is on the left. You see a lot of cables because I had everything hooked up at that point. Normally, it would just be the AutoProm unit (on the right) and the white ribbon cable you see curving back and underneath the dash to the ECM.

 

The Romulator from Xtronics works well also besides Craig Moats tool. You can leave this unit plugged in also and hide in under your dash too.

Cheers,
Frank

 

Thanks for the info and pic. I'm curious, what is that thing under the dash that looks kinda like an amplifier?

 

That is an MSD timing retard box - I added it when I installed the nitrous oxide kit. It is activated when the nitrous / fuel solenoids are powered. I can plug in different modules for the number of degrees I want taken from total timing when I hit the nitrous button.

 

Guys, hate to take over and bust into this thread, but just like the OP I need to do the same sort of thing....speed density computer 1227730, and a warmed over TPI 355 roller engine...ZZ9 cam....if I had a emulator with some sort of helpful software that is proven to run the engine, that would be VERY helpful.....
anyone can steer me in correct direction?? or maybe give advice on the laptop end of things..??

bit of history , I gave up on the SD stock system, and tried going MegaSquirt, and had nothing but data/comm problems with any of 2 pcs', and two laptops....could not find anything compatible enough to send files back and forth....the damn MSQ used an antiquated Serial D 9 pin port.....these daze it's hard finding a laptop that can do it all on a plug/play basis...so the primary question is...

Can I use my wife's new Compaq with a USB port on it to comm with said emulator?? on a plug and play basis?? and how much is an emulator....how can I get a hoped for file to just run the damn car decently into the emulator, can it be done in the home off this PC say?? or do I have to have it in a car running?? meaning laptop hooked up......I am very nervous about messing up my wifes new laptop in the what now is a ROYAL battle between computers, me and the damn car....

I"m getting ready to stick a camn carb on the thing and call it a day....

but that messes up the entire direction of my car project for 12 years now....LONG story,

anybody can hold my hand over this a few times???
I live in Jax....NE Florida...anyone local who knows jack??

 

Go to moates.net and check out the Ostrich and the Autoprom. If you already have a wideband O2 and something for data logging, then all you need is the Ostrich. It takes the place of the eprom chip and allows you to program in real time while the engine is running. If you don't have anything for data logging, the I would get the Autoprom, it does everything and includes realy good software. Both units run on USB, so you won't have any problem connecting it to that new laptop.

 

Some months ago I called AutoZoo and asked if they had any Bosch Wide Band O2 sensors....as I recall they did, and it was 60 bux....
DIYAutotune, a dealer for MegaSquirt wanted 200 some bux...claiming some sort of air pump/whatever to do with crystals, and air comparisons best I remember what he said....so what do I really NEED??

I going to Moats.com and see.....

thanks....

 

Called and talked to Craig Moates, and he said get in touch with Alvin Anderson I went to his site www.pcmforless.com and sent information, and will call around 5pm....hopefully he can burn a chip and my argosy/oddysey/illeade will be over with....

 

If I were to get the LM-1 for data logging, and permanently install the Ostrich and just forget about ever burning a chip (since I'll probably never really get the program perfect enough by my standards anyway), would there be any reason I would need the Autoprom if I never intend to read or burn a chip? I'm sure I could get someone to provide me with a bin file to use as a starting point, and If I ever did manage to get the tune perfect enough to burn a chip, couldn't I just save the file to a disk and get someone else to burn it to a chip for me? One big reason why I'm still leaning toward the Ostrich is because the ECM is in the engine compartment, and it would be much easier to run a USB cable through the firewall than trying to somehow run that wide ribbon cable from the engine compartment to inside the car, not to mention the fact that it would likely pickup electrical interference along the way.

 

hehe///pretty funny a computer trying to stand up to a 6k rpm lightening storm......HEI and all.....

 

No - the Ostrich set up along with the LM1 Meter would be fine. To datalog more that just A/F with the LM1 Meter, you will need to get the RPM cable ($99 I think) that goes with it. Using the RPM cable allows you to datalog RPM (obviously ), and 0-5 volt operations such as Throttle Position, Coolant Temp, MAF, etc.

And if you ever wanted to burn a chip, I'm sure someone would be willing to do that for you if you send the bin file. You would just need the adapter to plug it in and you're set.

 

I have been running the ostrich in my 89 for over a year. I also have it mounted under the dash on the pasengers side. It's definately the way to go.
Craig Moates is the man!
John