I have seen many post and websites that mention "tuning" tools like ALDL and TurboLink. I see it does data logging about different things the ECM monitors/controls. Could I use this program to dynamically view all the info of my car. Like rpm's, mph, fuel curves and all that cool stuff? I wanna think so? but i hae not seen anything that gives a definitive answer yes. I am referring to having all this information available while i am driving, at this point i am not concerned with editing anything, just simply observing. Regards, Troy!!

Yes you can. You can even make your own cable to interface with the PC/laptop.

http://winaldl.joby.se/aldlcable.htm

As stated above, the ability exists to view all the parameters the ECM makes available in real time, provided you are using the appropriate program.

However, some of the older ECMs (such as the TBI) are very slow in their data transfer rate used for displaying and very limited in the info they display. While the later ECMs like those used for the MAF or SD systems are very fast in their data transfer speeds and also display far more information, probably more than you could imagine.

And, the latest PCMs used in the recent Vettes & F-bodies display even more and can actually be re-programmed on the fly. On the later MAF & SD systems there are products that do permit real-time tuning, but you do need to be careful. They don't actually re-program the ECM itself but a some memory device that is used "temporarily" and which you can use re-program the ECM on a permanent basis, after you have made various tests to determine which you prefer - such as spark advance at certain rpm or fuel (as an example).

Lastly, for the TBI systems, you should look at the EBL system developed by RBob. I haven't studied the EBL system myself as I have many other issues I have to deal with - and I am sure it is far more capable than what I am about to describe. But, based on my VERY limited knowledge, the EBL system is a replacement for the TBI system that greatly enhances the tuning capability over the TBI system including much faster data transfer speeds and information displayed.

Hope this helps.

The car is a 88 mpfi v6. So yea its got the maf.. so maybe i am in luck. haha well if i can do all taht stuff you said, i am considering putting my computer science skills to work, to make acool interface to show all this with. heheheheheh

FWIW, there are also several of our TBIs running on the latest model TBI PCM which has the 8192 baud rate. It will control MPFI and an electronic trans + alot more. Several of us have a MAF in control of the fueling using Dimented24x7s coding.

not sure what all that fancy talk means... but ok... so i can tune in real time also? to lean out my car or w/e or richen it up? monitoring water temperature?

Being that it is a 88 mpfi v6 the ALDL speed is very slow. For data logging you will get about 20 bytes of data every 1.8 seconds. To do real time tuning at a minimum you would need to buy an emulator. This will allow the calibration to be updated from your laptop, but you will still be stuck with the ultra-slow data logging rate.

The ECM as stock uses an EPROM. The ECM is the 1227302.

RBob.

I'm kinda in the same boat. I'm just starting to learn about this. I'm planning a 305 to 355 swap w/vortec heads in my 87 with TPI setup. I have a cable I purchased from TPI specialties and in Winaldl it won't work, but in Tuner Pro RT it does. Setting are the same, com1, same data rate. For me the layout of Winaldl is less complicated, and I'd prefer to use it. But for the life of me I can figure out why it's not talking to ECM.

I remember reading something about the value of the resistor in the cable (or lack of the resistor) on that site that I linked to above.

Yea, I just went and looked, it's right at the top of the page I linked to above. Maybe that's the issue?

The cable I purchased has a switch that allows me to add or delete the 10k resistor. With the resistor it works in Tuner Pro RT, but not Winaldl.

Hmm, I'm not really able to give anymore info, as I haven't used this yet. I've only been researching it, deciding if it's something I want to try. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to give you a better answer though.