I'm new to this. I just got a laptop and I want to mess with my computer. What do I need to get started? I have an OBDI.

1. Cable right? what kind? how much?
2. Which program should I get where do I get it?
3. What can I tune with this program?

Thanks guys.

 

Yes, you do need a cable. You can get one from www.akmcables.com , Andrew is a great guy to deal with-he sells the cables aside from his main job, yet he has better service than many companies do. I think they're all $95-mine was at least, I have a 95 Formula.

The two main PCM editing softwares are LT1edit, and TunerCat. I have never seen LT1edit, but the program only works for one VIN. TunerCat can be used on any LT1 car, which is why I chose TunerCat.

And as for what to tune... you can tune a whole bunch of things. Go to www.tunercat.com to see. I know fuel pressure is not controlled by the PCM but you can control the speed limiter, a/f ratio's, shift points on the auto tranny cars, timing, and a whole bunch of other goodies. Good luck!

 

So, all I need is the tuner cat program? There's a bunch of different programs here, are they all add ons? Do you guys have sample programs that work good? I'm in need of some good advice.

 

You would need the TUNER program and the $EE definition file, the other addons are not needed, and I haven't really used them. If you get into more advanced stuff later on some of them could be usefull.

 

There are also datalogging programs you can use. They log various things from different rpm's and maps, to telling you if you're getting spark retard. Some of the programs are datamaster (which is the best IMHO,) but it costs money--but you do get 20 free tries to see if you like it. There's also freescan and PCMcomm... I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of for now.

 

Are there any programs I can download, I've seen some before but I can't remember where.

 

FreeSCAN is freely downloadable, you just need the cable. Frankly I prefer it and Excel together for tuning, the real time display of DataMaster is nice in some ways but generally useless for me. I refuse to stare at my passenger seat doing 130 MPH, its just stupid, and FreeSCAN is free. I tell Excel to graph out a selection that I want of the fields I want, and there you go.

 

Dr. Mudge, I agree that Excel is capable of a million useful things, but you can also record in DataMaster and play it back later on when you're not going 130 mph (which I hope isn't on any streets! ) But I actually like the feature of DataMaster that lets you play it back later on. I think DataMaster is a strong program is all I'm trying to say.

 

Where do I get freeScan? How much is datamaster? What can I do with freeScan.

 

FreeSCAN: http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/ecu_software.htm

Will it work for a 95 T/A?

 

If you buy a cable from www.akmcables.com , you can buy datamaster at the same time and save a few bucks. Datamaster is great, you can record, then play back at any speed, plus it works with VEedit. I ran a 20 minute log thru VEedit and now my long trem fuel trims are nailed at 128 thru all cells, except idle. 10?

 

I just downloaded free scan, Its pretty cool. It seems like a basic engine monitoring tool. I do have some concerns though. I don't see how I can edit the fuel and spark with this. I would also like to turn my fan on/off. Also when I tryed to access the dashboard screen the program frozen up. What do you guys think? Remember I'm new at this computer stuff.......

 

The programs like DataMaster, FreeScan, and many others don't let you edit the PCM-they let you monitor what it's doing. The only programs I'm aware of that actually edit the contents of the PCM are TunerCat (which I use,) and LT1Edit... these programs aren't shareware, however. TunerCat gives you a trial version, but you can not use it on an LT1 engine, but maybe you can email the company and they'll send you the definition files, I'm not sure if they will. As for why your computer freezes up, I can't give you a definite answer without more info... what type of computer/laptop are you using? Are you running other programs while trying to use the dashboard screen? Are you using the right com port on the computer? I assume you are if you can access the other options of the FreeScan program... either way, we need more info. Good luck!

 

When I buy either the LT1 edit or tunercat is there anything else I need? I'll have a cord and Laptop. Which one is cheaper, easier to use, and more advanced? I want to be able to adjust my speedo, spark, fuel, fans, etc. Can I save runs?

Are there any hints or tips you can give me for tuning my computer? Or do I just adjust the fuel table numbers till I get the right a/f mixture at WOT. How about advancing the timing... just before spark knock?

 

All you need is the computer software (either TunerCat or LT1edit,) a working computer, the cable, and a fully charged battery.

As for tuning for the proper a/f at WOT, the stock O2 sensors (as I'm learning) are not accurate at all. The stock O2 sensors are good for 14.5-14.9 a/f ratios I believe, and then a small change in voltage can mean a huge change in ratio. You're best bet is to go to a wide-band dyno.

And as for timing, I wouldn't advance it more than 2-3 degrees, as the tables are pretty healthy stock. And when you start getting knock retard is when you know you've gone too far.

If you have other questions, try doing a quick search... some of these questions have been asked already and have pages of posts worth of info to learn ... Then ask if you have more questions pertaining to those topics.