What exactly can you monitor with these things?

Andy

 

02 readings
Knock
A/F ratio
Speed
Diagnostic Codes
RPM
etc..

 

I didn't realize it did all that. What does it take to hook it up? I'm assuming it must be wired to the PCM somehow.

Andy

 

Read this!!

It can read up to 20 engine sensors and PCM parameters. It is an excellent tool for learing how the engine is controlled, how it responds, and identifying potential areas for improvement.

 

Thanks Fred! You always have an answer!

Andy

 

It won't read codes on a car with OBDII. But you'll be find since you have OBDI. I want one, but I just don't know if it's worth the cash since it won't read codes from my car.

 

from what i hear they are pretty cool. does anyone know how they compare to something like freescan or others?

 

Is that about the same as what most of the lap top programs read? What would be the best type of scanner (price/performance) to get for an OBD I car?

Thanks,

 

To be completely honest, I think you need both a ScanMaster and a logging type scanner. The instantaneous readout of the ScanMaster, plus limited ability to record minimum O2's and peak retard are important for immediate feedback. But you can only observe one item at a time (except for the default O2 + retard screen) and it gets very awkward trying to cycle through the items to get something like BLM and Cell # for both right and left sides.

The data logging scanners like TTS DataMaster (OBD-I) or AutoTap (OBD-II) offer the advantage of being able to record a complete driving cycle, including cold start, transition to closed loop, and a few good WOT blasts. Then you can look at the way various sensors and parameters interact.

A scanner like AutoTap can read hundreds of types of data points out of the PCM... I have the full version for my 2001 Silverado, with the LS1 based 4.8L engine, and it is unbelievable how many things it can read. Before it starts operating, it checks something like 4,000 parameters. Can't even imagine what they alll are.

For some more input on scanners, capabilites, costs, links to websites, and OBD-I vs OBD-II, here's a link to a very PRELIMINARY website article I've been trying to get finished:

Scanners for the 4th Gen F-Body (V8)

 

Thanks Fred.