C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Obd 1 or aldl ???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 4, 2015 | 08:57 PM
  #1  
lectroglide's Avatar
lectroglide
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 642
Likes: 11
Default Obd 1 or aldl ???

Own a 92 C4 and think it would be a good idea to invest in some kind of scanning tool such as a OBD1 but have also read about using a ALDL cable so it can be hooked up to a laptop, thierfor am looking for suggestions on both methods thanx

BTW am not a millionaire like some of you guys so looking for something that wont break the bank

Last edited by lectroglide; Dec 5, 2015 at 03:10 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2015 | 09:05 PM
  #2  
antfarmer2's Avatar
antfarmer2
Race Director
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579
Default

I get by with a paper clip. but interested too for a 94

Last edited by antfarmer2; Dec 4, 2015 at 09:06 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2015 | 09:41 PM
  #3  
c4cruiser's Avatar
c4cruiser
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

I bought an OBD1 cable from this company It's designed specifically to connect to a laptop thru a USB port.

For datalogging software, there are some good ones on this page

Some of the most popular datalogging software packages are WinALDL, TunerPro, Moates, or TunerCat. The page provides website URL's so just click on them. These 4 are all free downloads.

The '94 is a kind of an in-between OBD1 and OBDII. The ALDL connector is OBD2 but there are apparently OBD1 codes and files. There will be some good information in the C4 Scan and Tune section about how the '94 system works.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2015 | 05:25 PM
  #4  
fpnmf's Avatar
fpnmf
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Ponce de Leon FL
Default

I got the snapon mt2500 with obd1 for gm cartridges on ebay..does the job for me... less than 200 bucks..
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2015 | 05:32 PM
  #5  
fpnmf's Avatar
fpnmf
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Ponce de Leon FL
Default

I got my Snapon mt2500 on ebay.. Works great!! Less than 200 bucks..

This one has OBD1 & 2..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-MT25...431806&vxp=mtr

Last edited by fpnmf; Dec 10, 2015 at 05:38 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2015 | 05:37 PM
  #6  
WW7's Avatar
WW7
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
Default

I have both an AutoXray 6000 and Datamaster on my laptop..The AutoXray is good for checking out the motor while in the garage , or if you have a problem with your car, it will help you pinpoint the problem...The laptop with Datamaster gives the most information and can be used to drive around and gather information that can then be viewed at home later on...Datamaster is what most of the Tuners want you to use when having your car retuned after modifying the engine, or in my case installing a new high performance engine...I believe the Datamaster program is around $125.00, plus you need a cable..The AutoXray scanner was aroung $300.00 but it can be used for all your cars....The Datamaster program is just for your specific series of Corvettes...Hope this helps...WW
.
.
.
.

Last edited by WW7; Dec 10, 2015 at 05:40 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2015 | 07:55 PM
  #7  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

I originally started out with a laptop with a serial input connector. It is an older laptop running XP. I built a interface board with plans off the internet. I downloaded couple free programs and it all worked to display the engine parameters.

Back then USB interface connections did not work so well as they may have improved today. You could not do much with the programs I have but could have done more if I had paid for a real working version from a company like datamaster.

I'm sure the other units described in this thread is definitely many steps above what I had. Eventually I moved to a Tech1.
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2015 | 10:57 PM
  #8  
cardo0's Avatar
cardo0
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Default

I found a older AutoXray at a swapmeet for a song. It does real time scanning and codes. I can see codes, BLM's, O2's, EGR and a bunch of stuff real time or captured to play back. But i cant down load anything. For current ECM/PCM status it does a great job.

Once u are ready for tuning u will need a laptop program and connection.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 16, 2015 | 12:35 AM
  #9  
CebuRyda's Avatar
CebuRyda
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Stockton CA
Default

I just went through this process and ended up getting the ALDL cable from here It took me a few evenings to get it working properly with TunerPro RT.

Now that I have it running.. I have no clue what to do but watch the speed and RPM gauges! I'll download the manual and figure out what it can do, it does look intense with a lot of features. The place you purchase the cable will send you a CD full of other diagnostic software that will work with the cable. Mine was the 12 pin cable, running on a Windows 7/64 bit laptop.

By the way, the support at the cable site was great! Every question answered in less than a day. If you have any question, feel free to ask. Good luck with your choice.

Cheers and ride safe!



Originally Posted by riversidedan1
Own a 92 C4 and think it would be a good idea to invest in some kind of scanning tool such as a OBD1 but have also read about using a ALDL cable so it can be hooked up to a laptop, thierfor am looking for suggestions on both methods thanx

BTW am not a millionaire like some of you guys so looking for something that wont break the bank
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2015 | 09:18 AM
  #10  
pcolt94's Avatar
pcolt94
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Default

Got to start somewhere.

Glad its working.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Obd 1 or aldl ???





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:23 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE