In the latest disaster creation at my hands I decided to buy a programming and scan tool. Figured with a Vette and GM Pickup I could use the tool on both vehicles.

During the search for a tool several references were found to the
Tech2. A quick search displayed a "Sticker Shock" price and quickly backed off to something a little more suited to my ignorance. Looked at the SF3 by SCT and the price was not as intimidating. Looked at a couple of other tools but it was not clear that they could program as their literature focused on the ability to pull and erase DTC's.

Upon calling for price and availablity on the SF3 I found a helpful sales rep who walked me through some questions and then dropped a bomb in my lap. Apparently the flash tool can only accomodate (store) one OEM download at a time. The device can be used on pretty much any GM OBD-II unit other than some 2003 models to reach the DTC's without boundary limitations but if you want to custom tune your Vette and then custom tune your second vehicle you are backed into a corner as box cannot accomdate two distinct OEM downloads concurrently.

Is anyone aware of a method of saving the OEM program from the ECM to an external memory for later retrieval? When I winced over the SF3 limit the sales rep stated that short of the Tech2 he was not aware of a handheld system that did not have that limitation.

It ain't a show stopper but it sure jerks my chain!

 

Have you looked into HP Tuners?

 

If you want unlimited access to your PCM and the capability to program and monitor ALL sensor and Emissions Data,,you have TWO very good units to pick from. The DATA LOGGING function is EXCELLENT! I had EFI Live version V1 but had to up-grade to version V2 so I could tune my wife’s 06 Coupe.
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EFI Live, version V2 (I have that one)

HP Tuners

LS1 Edit (older tuning soft ware)

Both EFI Live and HP-Tuners are around $800 but,,,,they allow you to data log any OBDII GM vehicle and program (TUNE) with a license, "EFI Live comes with TWO licenses". Additional Licenses can be purchased for $100. each
I’m not that familiar with HP Tuners. Just Google them and there are TONS of websites that explain what they do.

I would stay away from the hand held tuning devices. They are very limited. If you have an automatic, they are a little more useful.

 

Aren't you supposed to be fixing YOUR car?

 

Thanks for the leads.

 

hptuners comes with enough licenses (they call them credits) to do 2 vehicles and in some cases 4 vehicles because different vehicles require more credits (most cars -vette included- require 2 of the 8 credits that come with the unit). The Pro version costs $649. There is a cheaper version for $499. You can PM me if you would like the difference explained