It'll probably be here next week so I want to order the stuff for my car. Probably going with Madwolfs email package. Where did everyone get there cables from? Any other thoughts on this?

 

I went with LT1 Edit for my car. Cable setup came with the program. I did have to get a serial-to-USB adapter since my Dell Inspiron didn't have serial ports.

 

I got a Y cable with both ODBI and ODBII connectors from AKMCABLES and am happy with it.

http://www.akmcables.com/

 

If your new laptop doesn't have a 9 pin port, you're going to need a USB adapter along with your akm cable. I use the Belkin one with no problems..

 

How much is the usb adapter?

 

Compaq and HP laptops still come with comm ports last time I looked.
I had to get a PCMCIA to RS 232 adaptor for my autotap and LT1 edit to work on my new toshiba.That gives you a true comm port. It's 60 to 140.00.
Those USB adapters work with some stuff and not other.
If I had to do it over I would cancel my purchase and buy one with a built in comm port.

 

about the needed serial port, is that the same as the lpt port normally used for non-usb printers?

 

I've got 2 Compaq's and a ThinkPad. Only the ThinkPad had the serial.. Both of my PC's have one though - I used to drag a PC down to the garage before the laptop population exploded in the house. Hey, it works if you're in a pinch.. got some strange looks from the wife, but that's nothing unusual.

I got the Belkin from Best Buy, ~$60.

 

No, it's a 9 pin port thar looks like the monitor port but is male.

 

i vote for tunercat its not vinlocked. and you can get datamaster for another 100 fromm www.ttpowersysetms.com get the cable from andrew and you can get out with everything you need for under 300 bucks cheaper than lt1 edit. and lt1 edit doesnt do anything that tunercat cat.

www.tunercat.com

and i have a belkin serial adapter that you need that i used for a while before i got another laptop.

ill sell for 70 + shipping i paid 118 for it. ive never lost a pcm with it. matter of fact ive never lost a pcm period and i have over a 100 uploads.

 

So what exactly is the port called? I'm sure I can still call and have them add it in when they build it. They won't start it till next week. I would much rather get it built in. I ordered a dell inspiron.

 

It's a 9-pin serial port.

I suggest TunerCat also. It's much cheaper, isn't VIN locked, and does everything.

 

With tuner-cat can I do the performance stuff? So I should just call Dell and tell them I need to have a "9 pin serial port" installed?

 

Double yes!

 

the inspirion 8600 is the only laptop dell offers with a serail port(which is what you need) to not use a converter. and you cant get it put on any of there other laptops. ive tried. if you buy a dell and its not a 8600 you will have to use a converter.