Computer Diagnostics and Tuning Technical discussion on diagnostics and programming of the F-body computers

what should i get?

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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 05:51 PM
  #1  
matto1225's Avatar
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what should i get?

Hey, what i would like to do is scan my car for trouble codes and possibly tune the car with it, so should i get a scanmaster? or a programmer? im not to smart about either, if someone could clear up the confusion i would appreciate it!, thanks
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 04:22 AM
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I am not good at tunning either. But here is the website for lt1 edit. Maybe it will help you out.
http://www.carputing.com/
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 07:03 AM
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Since you have a 1994, I'd get a cable from AKM cables, then pick up a copy of Datamaster for scanning and logging, and finally a copy of Tunercat for tuning.

Tunercat is cheaper and seems to be easier to use, although I've heard (but not confirmed) that you can do more with LT1 Edit, Tunercat seems to be fine for most OBDI folks.
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 05:22 PM
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Originally posted by LWillmann
, although I've heard (but not confirmed) that you can do more with LT1 Edit, Tunercat seems to be fine for most OBDI folks.
not true. lt1 edit is vin locked meaning you can only tune one car. and tuner is not vin locked. and is alot cheaper.
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 08:25 PM
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ok so can i scan for trouble codes also? basically what i really want is the cheapest way to scan for trouble codes, and i guess tuning would be nice if it was availible!, so is that the best cheapest setup then? do i need a laptop to do it?
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 10:10 PM
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The diablosport predator and the superchips programmers both have scanning capabilities, I'm deciding which one to get myself. The superchips can be found on ebay for $285 brand new and the predator for $325. The only thing I don't know if they make predators for the lt1.
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 10:17 PM
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Originally posted by mrsneakyz28
The diablosport predator and the superchips programmers both have scanning capabilities, I'm deciding which one to get myself. The superchips can be found on ebay for $285 brand new and the predator for $325. The only thing I don't know if they make predators for the lt1.

dont waste your money... buy tunercat (www.tunercat.com) and datamaster from www.ttpowersytems.com that predator carp and hypertech cant touch this.
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 10:27 PM
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The dude wants something with a scanner though. He could just get the lt1 scanmaster for about 150 bucks. Probably doesn't wnat to have to use a lab-top either.
Old Apr 28, 2004 | 10:34 PM
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Originally posted by mrsneakyz28
The dude wants something with a scanner though. He could just get the lt1 scanmaster for about 150 bucks. Probably doesn't wnat to have to use a lab-top either.
if it doesnt take time its not tunning. predator is a plug and play. if install a cam you can tune for it with predator. you will have to have something like tunercat. if all your going to do is put tires on it and change the speedo thats ok. but if you call that tunning then you have no idea about real tunning.

not trying to be harsh but that crap is a waste of money.
Old Apr 29, 2004 | 01:51 PM
  #10  
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Most people don't really need a tune until they install something like heads or cam anyways. I think he just wants to be able to scan, and possibly have a few tuning [U]capabilities.
Old Apr 29, 2004 | 04:19 PM
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bingo!, thats exactly what im looking to do, so whats the cheapest setup then??? haha
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 04:53 PM
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You can tune a stock car and you CAN feel the difference.
Old May 6, 2004 | 11:42 PM
  #13  
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cheapest way possible would be to get a predator off ebay for around $325. You can do minor tuning make changes in speedometer and shift points, and most of all scan and disable skip-shift. The superchips can also be found for about $285. Don't get the hypertech though it sucks.
Old May 16, 2004 | 02:16 PM
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To scan:
ALDL cable (45-100$)
Datamaster (free*)
Laptop with RS232 port or PCMCIA serial card (this card price is about 50$)

* You can make 20 runs with DataMaster for free, then you should buy the program

If you want to program you car:
TunerCat (free**)
TunerCat definition file (20$)

** You can read/write/tune your car for free for first 30 days after installing the TunerCat, then you should buy the program.

So, first scans and tunning is about 65-170$ away (I assume you've got some laptop).

Last edited by Greg_pl; May 16, 2004 at 02:18 PM.
Old May 16, 2004 | 05:50 PM
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You should buy TC anyways... its extremely good cheap and costumizeable



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