Who has the best, Which is the best, For a 85 thru 95 Corvette. To be specific one that can do it all. I have been out of the loop since about 1990 on this stuff.

 

The AutoXray is a fine stand alone unit; some of the guys will no doubt come with software for a laptop, if you have one.

 

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Hey James
I was just thinking about that what would be better the Autoxray or a regular laptop with the software? There must already be something out there that uses a laptop that does more than a Autoxray?

 

Any good scanner/laptop program w/scanner use is must have for these cars.However,a digital voltmeter and a good chevy TPI troubleshooting book can help you fix anything without a scanner.Even the author of a book I have stresses the important of a good digital voltmeterfor troubleshooting OBD1 cars.This allows you to check for voltage drops,sensor readings and everything they do.
:cheers:

 

Right you are, the good lap top software has the advantage of storing data files on your hard drive. This is a very useful feature for tuning.

Here are two systems I have heard of:
Ease Diagnostic - software & cables, don't know source or cost
Tunercat RT - software & (maybe) cables.

If you can find some free software, here's a link to the I/F cables: http://www.geocities.com/steve3034/cables.html

You may get some help with specifics in our Tuning section.

 

Yeah the main reason I want it is for tuning and Data files and keeping a log also to change setting. Bill you are right I have found more things with my Multimeter and the manual than anything else. But I want to play with technology a little.

 

Mach85,

I saw your post on Corvette Forum about a laptop scan tool. For your OBD1 vette you have a couple of good choices. Check out the following sites:

1) Ease Simulations at http://www.obd2.com or http://www.easesim.com
2) Diacom at http://www.rinda.com/
3) Do-it-yourselfer EFI page at http://www.diy-efi.org/
4) Craig Moates Software at http://members.tripod.com/moatesenheimer/gmecm/
5) Cables for Craigs software available at AKM Page http://www.mindspring.com/~amattei/dss.htm
6) Tunercat at http://www.tunercat.com

Unfortunately there is no side by side comparison of the different tools that I know of. I use the laptop version of Ease Simulations Personal GM Scan tool for OBD1 on my 88 coupe. After purchasing my tool I liked it so much that I became a part time sales rep for Ease. Ease offers both OBD1 and OBD2 tools.

When I was looking to buy a scan tool I wanted a Windows based version (upgradeable) for my own use and the Ease tool was the best by far at the time. For OBD1 it is still the best in my opinion. Diacom is a good tool for OBD1, but it runs in DOS, and it costs a LOT more for the Diacom Deluxe version which doesn't have the graphing and other capability of the Ease OBD1 tool. Also, I have heard from several people that the support after the sale for Diacom was less than optimal.

Ease requires a 486 or above CPU running at 120 MHz or better. If you don't already have a laptop or have an older 386/486 machine then I would not suggest buying a laptop just for the Ease tool. If you have a 386 laptop and you aren't planning on upgrading, try to get a version of Diacom used, or look at Craig Moates software.

For the enterprising, Craig Moates software is a very good choice (FREE). Especially if you are only interested in scanning your vette. I considered going with Craig's software and making/buying a cable but went with Ease tools because Ease tools have the parameter sets already installed to scan all available vehicles of that OBD version. For instance, I used my OBD1 tool to scan my neighbor's 89 Buick. Most of the DIY software is limited to a particular model like LT-1 or L-98 only. I can scan anything OBD1 the GM made from 1982 - 1995 with my OBD1 tool.

AutoXray has a good tool for about half the price of an Ease or Diacom. The reason I didn't get an AutoXray was because it doesn't display all of the engine values at once. It also doesn't record unlimited runs of data for playback. Most importantly it doesn't play back recorded runs in graphs so that you can compare O2 sensor readings with MAF or MAP values, or Throttle position sensor voltage, or injector pulse time. If you are looking for an intermittent problem, recording and playback time is crucial. I had an intermittent that the dealer could not resolve when I went looking for a tool.

It all depends on what you want to scan and what you feel is cost effective for your needs. I already had a P-133 MHz laptop running NT4 so the Ease tool was ideal for me. I like being able to scan my neighbors vehicles as well as my own. Remember that NO scan tool will make you an expert at troubleshooting without the required knowledge. That is why I think there are several books that you should consider buying first. My personal favorite is "How to Modify and Tune Chevrolet Fuel Injection" by Ben Watson. It is available from most major book stores for $16.95. Excellent resource.

As a rep for Ease, I will get you a rebate of 10% on everything you order through me.

Mike
mike_88z51@yahoo.com

 

Datamaster http://www.ttspowersystems.com
Diacom http://www.rinda.com/
Ease http://www.easesim.com/
AutoXRay: http://www.autoxray.com/index.htm

Hopefully you can get enough info to make your choice.

I agree Ben Watson's book is a good one as is "Chevy TPI Fuel Injection Swapper's Guide" by John Baechtel. I believe either is available on Amazon for around $15-$17.

 

:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Thanks a ton guys. This will be my next step as soon as I get moved up to Dallas which should be soon. Mike I just saved this post so I will get back to you when I want to get my stuff. As always thanks again guys!! :seeya