FAQ: Good Scanner/Tuner Software to use?

98riviera98 wrote:

RhinoFLA wrote:

I found a KR gauge for 75 bones, i'll keep looking.

really??????/ where??? do you think autozone, pepboys, or checker would sell them????

No, I don't think they would sell them, but I haven't checked. Here's the $79.00 single gauge I found.

http://race-tech-designs.com/store/catalog/Knock-Retard-Shipping-12-19-p-16138.html

Shintsu wrote:

lol, we never checked knock on it but for the record it was not and never was my car. His first mod was the 3.4" pulley (Yeah, that was smart...).

Travis, which of those scanners is the cheapest (I can't use a tape measure for a damn in small/tight areas)? That's the thing, I don't mind buying a scanner but does it do nothing but measure KR or is it multiple things? Does the fact I have a '96 make a difference in this case as well?

research, research, RESEARCH!!!!!!!!!!


LS1M, Autotap, DHP, HP tuners,
cheapest cheap not cheap NOT CHEAP

Does everything AND KR
like 120 different things.......... www.ls1m.com

Ok So I got all the shit to put my 3.4 pulley on and I want to know what scanner or tuner I need ?

why do you people move my posts
?

this post is for whats good thats nice i want to know what i need not whats good,

I moved it because we don't need another "What scanner should I use" topic. Everything you need to know is on page 1 of this thread. If not, ask questions here, and we'll add to the topic.

Quote :

this post is for whats good thats nice i want to know what i need not whats good,

Come on now... Are you serious?

and i dont have a laptop so how does this post help me

Sixth post down:

AA wrote:

Any OBDII scan tool should work with your '96. I really like the AutoTap software, but LS1M looks good, too. These run on a laptop or Palm device.

If I were wanting to tune, I'd spend the extra on the new HP Tuners software, or find a good deal on a used DHP Powrtuner. You will need a laptop to run either. Both do the same thing, but HP Tuners appears to have better support and easier-to-use interface. As for working with a '96, I think DHP has done it already, and HP Tuners could if you asked them.

man To much shit is there anyone close by who a=can tune it for me? And what does the scanner do, is it something that stays on the car or idk inform me

A scanner tells you what your engine & car is doing. It can record while you drive, or can be used real-time, mounted as a guage (Aeroforce). More:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-ii-scans-tuning-pcm-f5/do-i-need-a-scanner-t31.htm

More on Aeroforce:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-ii-scans-tuning-pcm-f5/aeroforce-scan-gauge-t3986.htm

LS1M can only be had used now, but works pretty well. Autotap is a good scan tool. Those 2 are ONLY scanners, they do not tune anything. They can monitor much much more than just KR.

DHP and HPT are tuners, that include scan tools. They are much more $$$, and require some work on the owners part in order to put to use for tuning. I've had a DHP Powrtuner for a year, and have yet to use it.

So for A scanner I can get the aeroforce but for my car to run right i need a tune after i put the oulley on ?

ok let me see if Igot this right, I know Im slow, So the scanner is to tell me whats happening and te tuner is to change it

Only a tuner can make changes to your programming, plus you need to have a clue what you are changing, and how to do it.

thats why I dont want to buy a tuner, Cant someone who has one do it to someone elses car?

Bingo. That's basically it. Keep in mind that a Tuner package will also include Scanning software.

Yes, if you can find someone that will do it for you, it can be done by anyone with a tuner for your specific car (not common for the Riviera). But that person may not want to do tweaks every weekend, or it may add up if they charge for the service.

From personal experience, tuning isn't usually right the first time unless you have a wide-band and a dyno ($$$$). Having your own equipment makes it easier and less expensive to make adjustments whenever you need to.

Oh My goodness

Yeah i figured i wouldnt get it right the first time but shit i aint got that kinda money to buy a tuner right now

I am looking into buying a code reader like autoxray or etc and was looking for some input. I'd like to keep it under $200.

I have an Actron CP 9145 that I bought a few years ago and it reads OBD1 and most OBD2 parameters and codes. Has been very useful over the years.
This model probably isn't made anymore but I see better ones on the market for less than your $200.00 budget.
Advanced Auto Parts and Auto Zone carry these and have sales frequently.
You can look on Amazon also, I've seen code readers and scanners on there for cheap money.

If you can, look for a used autotap. Much better than just a code reader, also a great scanning tool. I see them used for under $200 frequently.

Auto tap is vehicle specific right. I am wanting to use it on different vehicles such as my parents Cadillac and sisters Suburban.

Consider Alex Peper's "CarCode" that you'd use with your PC and a cord available from Alex. www.obd-2.com will get you there. I use this one.

Albert

I'm also going to be shopping for a code reader only tool. I just want to be able to read the code and clear it as needed. That's why I sold the LS1M, I'm finished with scanning and mods, etc, just want a simple tool. There's plenty to choose from, but I haven't looked too closely at any yet.

96RIVMANN wrote:

Auto tap is vehicle specific right. I am wanting to use it on different vehicles such as my parents Cadillac and sisters Suburban.

no, it will scan anything. There is a GM specific expansion package as an add-on, but most of the ones you find say if they have it or not. Check out their website.