Computer Scanners & Carburated Cars
#1
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Computer Scanners & Carburated Cars
I bought an Actron 9145 computer scanner to help with swapping engines in a 96 Buick Century 3.1 (It is worth the extra money to get a better scanner instead of the code reader you find a discount auto stores).
I have a 1984 Camaro Z-28 with an L-69 (computer) carburated HO engine. THis scanner can be used on 1984-1995 GM cars if I purchase a special adapter cable.
My question, is how much useful information can be obtained by reading the computer values on this car?
Is it worth the $30 or so it takes to buy the adapter cable?
AtDhVaAnNkCsE
(Thanks in advance)
I have a 1984 Camaro Z-28 with an L-69 (computer) carburated HO engine. THis scanner can be used on 1984-1995 GM cars if I purchase a special adapter cable.
My question, is how much useful information can be obtained by reading the computer values on this car?
Is it worth the $30 or so it takes to buy the adapter cable?
AtDhVaAnNkCsE
(Thanks in advance)
#2
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Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I don't know about the Actron, but the Auto Xray gives trouble codes and little else.
(FWIW, it gives a wealth of data on our '90 & '91 Bonnevilles, next to nothing on the '92 Lumina. Go figure.)
(FWIW, it gives a wealth of data on our '90 & '91 Bonnevilles, next to nothing on the '92 Lumina. Go figure.)
Last edited by five7kid; 01-28-2004 at 10:07 AM.
#3
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Car: 1989 Iroc-Z
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700R4
I don't know what model of the auto x-ray you have or have used, but I have the auto x-ray EZ-Scan 6000. I am able to do a complete diagnostic of not just my 89 Iroc-Z, but my 95 ford windstar, my 04 dodge caravan, wifes 01 aztek and not just the trouble codes. It covers all cars from '82 to the present, foreign and domestic. All needed cables came with it and I don't have to buy extra data cartridges for each individual manufacturer. It is also updateable through the internet.
The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by Trickster; 01-27-2004 at 07:08 PM.
#6
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Trickster,
Was your brother able to get more information from his carb'd car than simply codes.
ex.
Temp sensors, ignition, rpm o2 etc ?
Thank you
George
Was your brother able to get more information from his carb'd car than simply codes.
ex.
Temp sensors, ignition, rpm o2 etc ?
Thank you
George
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#8
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I have used the Diacom scanner for years. Carb and FI applications.
Short answer: It's worth the $30 for the cable.
You can't tell squat on ANY computer controlled engine without seeing things like the computer sees them. Typical areas of interest on a computer controlled carbureted car- TPS (usually shot), vacuum sensor (dead or nearly dead after 2 decades on the car), wacky O2 readings (ditto), CTS (ditto), etc, etc. A computer controlled carbureted setup can tolerate MASSIVE levels of wacky readings without actually throwing a code. If you intercept stuff like that BEFORE it gets bad enough to throw a code you can really make a cc-carbureted engine haul butt and get good mileage, even on a modified engine.
Short answer: It's worth the $30 for the cable.
You can't tell squat on ANY computer controlled engine without seeing things like the computer sees them. Typical areas of interest on a computer controlled carbureted car- TPS (usually shot), vacuum sensor (dead or nearly dead after 2 decades on the car), wacky O2 readings (ditto), CTS (ditto), etc, etc. A computer controlled carbureted setup can tolerate MASSIVE levels of wacky readings without actually throwing a code. If you intercept stuff like that BEFORE it gets bad enough to throw a code you can really make a cc-carbureted engine haul butt and get good mileage, even on a modified engine.
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Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
I guess I put too much stock in the part about "seeing things like the computer sees them". I'm certainly not trying to pass myself off as an ECM expert, but I was under the impression that the ALDL only puts out what the engineers let it tell about itself.
But what do I know...
But what do I know...
#15
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Car: 1985 pontiac trans am
Engine: 350 with carb and headers
Transmission: borg warner 5speed
gawd dam!
i myself have a carbed 85 t/a, and i didnt even know i had a computer in it!
what does the computer do? and where can i learn more about it?
i myself have a carbed 85 t/a, and i didnt even know i had a computer in it!
what does the computer do? and where can i learn more about it?
#16
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Car: 2002 Formula Firebird
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Originally posted by manchesterbeast
gawd dam!
i myself have a carbed 85 t/a, and i didnt even know i had a computer in it!
what does the computer do? and where can i learn more about it?
gawd dam!
i myself have a carbed 85 t/a, and i didnt even know i had a computer in it!
what does the computer do? and where can i learn more about it?
#17
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Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Actually, manchesterbeast, based on your info that says, "Location: BC Canada" - you probably don't have a computer.
#18
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Car: 1985 pontiac trans am
Engine: 350 with carb and headers
Transmission: borg warner 5speed
i live in canada, but my car is actually from california. i found this out by the vin number.
Im currently in the process of putting my car back together. (kinda struggling with the wireing) there is a blue wire that clips in to the passenger side of the carb.
Im currently in the process of putting my car back together. (kinda struggling with the wireing) there is a blue wire that clips in to the passenger side of the carb.
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