I have bought a 93 Z28 with 382 stroker, larger injectors, larger throttle body. It has been tuned and running fine.
Still has the 93 speed density and ECM set-up

As a newbie to EFI, what do I need to get to scan for 'codes' or settings.?

I am not wanting to mess with this car until I know what I am doing, which may be a long time in the future, lol.

What do I need to interpret the codes, and how would I adjust the tune on this car, if I were so inclined.?

Do we generally just check codes when there are problems, or is it common to tinker with settings and tunes? I ask this because I don't plan on much tinkering, and wonder if I need to invest in computers and burners etc (if that is the smart way to go)

Thanks for any information and advice....

 

You can "flash" the trouble codes, if any, using the "paper clip" to the diagnostic connector pins A and B method. The code explanations and more information is in the 93 Firebird factory service manual available for free here. For most things it should be very similar for the Camaro:
https://www.mediafire.com/?40mfgeoe4ctti
The code-flash procedure is explained also.
TunerPro RT is a freeware scan program for pc that uses an OBD1 cable ($55-$75). That can give you more information.

 

I also have a 93 with OBD1. If anything on the tune is changed it requires burning a chip and swapping it out with the factory one. I believe 94 and up have the ability to tune with software. There are a ton of knowledgeable bloggers here that know far more than me on the subject, but for me I contacted a tuning company who set me up with a real nice tune. From here on I just contact them with any engine mods and they re-burn the chip for a small nominal fee. I'm in the same boat as you here. Kinda learning how this stuff works as I go, and in my opinion, the speed density batch fire set up is probably easier to get familiar with. My last Chevy hot rod was '67 SS350. Remember tuning with dwell meters, vacuum gauges and jets?

 

Yep, still doing all that with my 68 big block.

This 93 is a built motor, forged internals and well set up. I expect some issues and problems as time goes by. Hopefully not too many.

so, the 93 is OBD1?

 

Yup, 93-95 are OBD1 computers.

 

I really need to find some pics of the 67. From the small icon picture you posted it looks exactly like my old car. It was 2 stage medium garnet red with white SS stripes on a Cowl hood. thanks for the throw back!

 

You are welcome. Here are a few more Notice anything unusual?

 

thanks. So what do the hand scanners do, or show me? Are they useful or just a gimmick?

 

You can scan and data log numerous sensor values, PCM parameters, status flags and diagnostic codes with TTS Datamaster. Free download and 20 free uses before it asks you to buy a license. You would need to buy or build a cable to connect a laptop to the 12-pin ALDL connector.Do a search for TTS Datamaster, or I can post a link to it when I get off the phone and back to my PC.

[EDIT]

http://www.ttspowersystems.com/DataM...downloads.html

If you need help with understanding the data, I have a 26 page guide I can send you. It's specific to the 94 and up MAF system, but other than the MAF details, 95% is applicable to the speed-density 93.

Did you bring that in from Australia?

 

We have a winner, Fred!
close, I suppose. I have a house in South Australia and live there now and again. I have been working overseas for over ten years and nearing the end of my travelling days. ME and Russia mostly, but a few years in Texas, and now visiting in Michigan for a while.
I bought the 68 in 2006 (in South Australia) and due to very restrictive rules on LHD cars in SA, after a few years I decided to convert it and build a strong engine and improve the suspension and brakes. LHD cars must be bog stock to get on the road in SA and there are nitpickers in every club that will point out any deviation from stock.
The car is fun to drive and worth the effort and money.
Cant even import a 93 car, so this Z28 is my US-only car. I hope it will be a good car for me.

I would definitely appreciate any and all info about tuning on the 93/94 cars. I have a lot to learn, and I am willing to put the time into doing that. Please send anything you think is appropriate

Kind Regards and thanks.

 

One other thing with the 93: the PROM is in a memcal module with the another circuit board for sensing engine knock. It's hard to take the module apart. The easiest thing to do is go to moates.net and buy their adapter that allows you to piggy back a new PROM chip with the existing PROM/knock module. The adapter disconnects the old PROM chip. If you have an android phone, there are ALDL Bluetooth adapters and software (ALDLDroid) to allow you to scan with your phone.

 

....I was going to go with the negatives were flipped. LOL. First time ever seeing a LHD gen 1. Nice

 

Interesting.
I will be checking out moates.

Thanks

 

I am sure you mean RHD........lol

And thanks. It is not an easy decision to modify a first gen, and once you start, well....hard to stop at just one little thing isn't it?

 

oops. Yea sure did mean R not L.I agree that it's hard to stop modding. The only mod I wasn't able to complete was my saving account balance. I think it was a vacuum leak.... I'm glad you started this thread and Injuneer chimed in. All along I haden't thought about the value of a program such as TTS Datamaster. I had a short sided thought process that you need to burn chips to make mods to the OBD1 so what good would data logging do if I don't have the ability to create the chip. After reading about it, now I see the value of it as a general diagnostics tool.