OK, background on this decision:

Carputing can keep their OBD2 version of LT1_edit for $550 I have wanted to go OBD1 for all the free scan tools, and cheap programming options for a long time now. Until recently, I thought $275 (PCMFORLESS) was a bit prohibitive, but Ion at MadZ28.com is offering the conversion for $225, which is the SAME COST as OBD2 programming and keeping the core PCM, which I would do anyway.

Basically, Jet Hot Longtubes and a Hooker Y pipe are in the very near future (this week hopefully) and I don't want to have to deal with the fuss of AIR. EGR I am indifferent to, but its easier for me to get headers without it, and I am not particularly worried about running a little hotter.

So basically I plan to ask him for this...

OBD1 Conversion PCM modified for OBD2 knock sensors, the usual plug and play conversion PCM.
The usual spark map and PE table tweaks for a bolton car (Longtubes, Ram Air, Catback).
Lower fan temp range.
!EGR, !AIR, !CAGS, and well, I guess OBD1 doesn't have rear O2s.

Anyway, this is all relatively inexpensive to me, and I love not having to deal with a core charge. So I think I will be going this route, however I know of a few disadvantages, and I hope you all can show me the others.

While I know I can go back to my OBD2 at any time, OBD1 lacks...
... a good way for me to scan my codes. I have the Autozone OBD2 code scanner (I purchased it for $150) and I love it, but I will have to live without this, until I get a cable and freescan.
... cylinder specific misfire detection. OBD1 does not use the crank position sensor wheel in the timing cover to specify which cylinder is misfiring. I know its not 100% accurate, but it'd be nice to have.

Does anybody have anything to add to this list?

 

I don't have any answers for you, but would also like to know the answers to this question. I have been debating the same thing

I have Autotap for my OBD2 and it's very nice to have.
How do the OBD1 scanning softwares compare to Autotap? I know you can get them for free, but i already have the OBD2 software.

I have also read that just switching to OBD1 you can add 5-7 hp. What's the big difference?

What about the LT4 knock module, can this be swapped out from my OBD2 to the OBD1 or is it not necessary?

With LT1edit for OBD2, can't you still program out the back O2 sensors?

 

high stall problem (people with 3200 stall or greater on A4's)

 

I thought that was fixed on the OBD1 cars? I am converting to T56 anyway.

 

negative ghost rider...it was fixed on the OBDII cars...

 

For the OBD1 conversion, just go to a junk yard and find an OBD1 PCM. You can find one for around $50. Make sure it comes out of an 95-95 M6. Put it in your car and you should be set. Exept, you need to change the knock sensor. That's what I did and the car runs great!!

 

I converted after much thought and debate too. I refused to pay the overinflated price for LT1-Edit for ODB2.

So I converted...sent my pcm to Ion @MadZ28.com and had make my PCM work with my 02's and had him add the removeable chip option.

He did great work and I have not had a seconds of trouble.

Oh... and I bought Tunercat instead of LT1-edit.

 

What is the removeable chip option? I haven't heard of this.

How well do you like tunercat? Is it pretty easy to use? Thanks.

 

If you have an M6, ANY 94-95 LT1 PCM will work, even if it came out of an automatic B-body. If you have an auto, you need one that comes from an automatic car, but it can be from a B or F body LT1.

 

Well.. I actually fried my PCM with an upload and had to have Ion fix it. He has an option to have it so you can have removable chips. So I opted for that.

I really haven't used Tunercat much. I was lucky enough to get a file that pretty much matched my setup. Once I put it in and it ran great, I really have never touched it again.

 

Well I would go the junkyard route, but I want his programming at the same time, and don't have time to play with getting a cable to do it myself. Plus I want his usual tweaks.

 

I just saw this post and thought I should mention a few things...

First of all, I have a $20 discount for orders over $100 starting tomorrow and until December 5th.

Second, there's really no downside to converting to OBDI except:

OBDI High Stall problem with A4 cars. I have a fix, but it does not work on all cars.

If you have to pass scantool emissions.


However, my kit is plug and play and you could just plug in your OBDII back in when the emission time comes, without having to worry about swapping the knock sensor, refilling and bleeding the coolant system.


Now as far as the price goes, I think my prices are more than fair. Think of what you get.


Tested OBDI PCM that you know it will work.
LATEST GM Calibration for your car. (something that won't happen with junkyard PCMs)
Custom Programming
Modification for knock sensors. Saves you about $25-$30+ time and the hassle of changing the knock sensor.

All that for $205 + $13 shipping. Now tell me it's not worth it.

 

The deal just got sweeter.

Do you have like a tuning checklist? I plan to be ordering my OBD1 conversion from you tomorrow probably, so if you have a checklist please send it over to rbinns@uscamplink.com

 

Question for ya Ion, I'm looking at yours, and the pcmforless setups.

If you'd prefer to answer these privately no prob, just PM me the answers.

Keep in mind, I don't know ANYTHING about either really, so just bear with me, and please don't get insulted LOL.

I've got a '97 Formula, M6, rebuilding right now w/ a 383, ported AI heads etc., expected to make in the 425+ rwhp range...

You sell:
Do you offer anything for updates as far as the OBD I stuff goes?Can't that be updated via e-mail laptop too? Or does the PCM need to be sent in?

I was looking at PCMFORLESS:

You've got an unlimited OBDII package, but nothing more for OBDI? I kind of like the unlimited service for OBDI from pcmforless...

See my problem is with Xmas coming up, I need to tell Momma what I want, but I don't have my combo complete, and I'll be making changes to stuff beyond the 3 month mark...know what I'm saying? I don't know, maybe once you get most of the required info into the PCM there's not much more to change?

What advantages will I see over keeping my OBDII? Thanks for your time.

If I'm lost please direct me, thanks!
Dave

 

I have an unlimited email package for $60 (OBDI) listed on the website. If you want to add unlimited updates to your OBDI conversion, you can add $25 to the price of the conversion. So $230 + $13 shipping with the current $20 discount.

The prices without the current discount can be found here:
http://www.madz28.com/9495.php

There is not much advantage to keeping the OBDII if you plan to do updates yourself in the future. The only advantage with the OBDII is that you will save some money over converting to OBDI, but updates will be more expensive since you have to have a special cable for that and the cable isn't sold separately.

TheHeadFL, sending you mail now.