Engine data stats program for laptops

[94formulaLT1]

hey guys, i was wondering if you could help me out. I would like to get a program for my laptop that i could view my engine diagnostics while driving the car. I know there are downloadable progs out there I just dont know which one to use. What do you suggest?

[Black97]

Fred (Injuneer) posted two links with some info at the bottom of this thread. http://www.f-body.com/forum/showthre...ftware+scanner

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I've always used Freescan.... http://www.andywhittaker.com/ECU/Fre...0/Default.aspx

Very good software, free, and you can do many things (like save as CSV, clear BLMs or trouble codes, etc).

[Injuneer]

OBD-I scan software for the LT1:

EFILIVE V4 (not free)
http://store.efilive.com/overview_obdi.aspx

DATAMASTER (free for 20 uses)
http://www.ttspowersystems.com/

Freescan (FREE), linked in the post above.

Cable:

http://www.akmcables.com/

Carputing sells software that allows you to tune the PCM (LT1_Edit) and includes pcmcom software for scanning:

http://www.carputing.com/

[94formulaLT1]

OBD-I scan software for the LT1:

EFILIVE V4 (not free)
http://store.efilive.com/overview_obdi.aspx

DATAMASTER (free for 20 uses)
http://www.ttspowersystems.com/

Freescan (FREE), linked in the post above.

Cable:

http://www.akmcables.com/

Carputing sells software that allows you to tune the PCM (LT1_Edit) and includes pcmcom software for scanning:

http://www.carputing.com/

alright cool...aside from the cost, which do you suggest? I would like one that shows me exactly what is going on in my car on the computer and it be accurate to what is going on in my dash cluster..RPM, speed, temp, you know stuff like that.

[Injuneer]

Look at my online scanner writeup for an idea of the kind of data you can collect with a scanner:

http://members.aol.com/InjuneerZZ/ScanMast.htm

The data in the PCM may not match your dash instruments. RPM and MPH are measured by the PCM, than converted to an analog reading by the speedometer and tachometer. The PCM will be correct, the dash gauges may be subject to mechanical issues. RPM is read off the distributor optical sensor signal, MPH from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on the tailshaft of the tranny. Whether the MPH reading is correct depends on whether the PCM programming matches the actual rear-end ratio and the actual tire diameter.

For the other dash gauges, the PCM does not read fuel level or oil pressure. The dash coolant temp gauge is driven directly by a sensor in the drivers side head, the PCM reads a sensor in the water pump housing. System voltage is measured from the power supply to the PCM, and usually does not match the dash volt meter, which apparently reads from a different point in the electrical system.

But those aren't the really interesting readings. Things like knock retard, long term fuel corrections, etc are more valuable in diagnosing the health of the engine.