Alright guys, I hope this isn't one of these everyday newbie questions, but there's just SO MUCH out there to read.

I've done some searching, and I'm going to continue in an effort to answer some of these questions, but I figured I'd ask and get a jumpstart.

At the moment, I'm just looking to datalog and simply trouble shoot. ...and of course start to "see" what my car's computer is doing. I'm having some issues with the car, and I think it's time to learn the "next step" of my EFI.

First off, I have an 89 Iroc L98. That means I have the 165 ECM, right?

Second: To actually start datalogging, what all do I need?
---Software: Moates ECM852? From what I've found, it works for the 165.
---As far as the cable, I've found a few sources. It seems that Moates has a few cables that need adapters, but as Craig even mentions, AKM has cables that go directly from ALDL to Serial. That's my best option I guess.
---Than there's the Laptop. I've got that covered already!

Is that it?

 

One more ECM852 question:

Obviously it datalogs. Does it show info in realtime too, or does it simply record so I can read it later?

I'm assuming yes.

 

"First off, I have an 89 Iroc L98. That means I have the 165 ECM, right?"

Yes

"Second: To actually start datalogging, what all do I need? "

I personnally would recommend checking out Craigs stuff like his AutoProm if you have the money and are serious about programming more than one vehicle. As far as datalogging programs the only one i use is www.Mark Mansur.com Tuner Pro RT. Craigs ecm852 might be ok but i think its a little dated. Also a lot of people use Tuner Cat.

 

At the moment I really am only interested in datalogging. I know, famous last words, right?! I just don't want to have too much to deal with and too much to learn.

Do those other systems allow you to simply datalog like ECM852, without buying a bunch of other hardware???

...and when you say dated, what exactly do you mean?

Thanks for any help.

 

He probably just means the Moates scanner has been around longer.

Since all you want to do right now is get your feet wet scanning, I would just stick with Moates. It's free and works fine for me ('730). All you need is laptop and cable. And yes, the info shows on your laptop in real time while scanning. Have fun!

PS - If you're not already, you should be reading the stickies at the DIY-PROM board.

 

I've been reading so much that my eyes are bleeding. The DIY/EFI website is great too.

I think I know enough to learn once I'm up and running. ...and at the moment the computer is tuned pretty good, I just want diagnostic capabilities. I can see how that can lead to DIY tuning, but for now it no more a tool than a socket set!!