I would like to be able to connect the vehicle through the OBDI port via USB to a laptop so that I can actively see what or what is not going on the with car, ECM, etc....

It appears that all I need is an ALDL to USB cable, laptop, and some software, (some of which appears to be free).

Now, from reading this forum there are a lot more options as far as tuning the stock ECM, etc... There is reference to Moates, to which per their site appear that appears as if you can write your own code and/or modify the stock parameters and essentially create your own "chip".

My focus right now is to use this as a diagnostic tool so that I can accurately diagnose and evaluate the condition of my new-to-me '87 IROC.

Thank You!

 

for datalogging, yes, all you will need is a good ALDL cable, a laptop and software to interact with the cable. TunerPro RT V5 is my go-to for everything datalogging related.

being an 87, you have a 1227165 ECM, which will support 8192 baud communications, though it operates a bit differently than other ECMs that communicate at that rate.

 

Thanks! I will worry about tuning and what not when I get there.

 

winALDL is also available(free) and on site shows how to build cable. winALDL is a bit more simplistic than TP-RT. May want to visit site and take a look see.

 

You can look at diagnostics all day long, but if you see something you don't like, it's going to have to be changed sooner or later. Buy an AutoProm from Moates and be done with it. Connects to TPro seamlessly and allows chip burning and emulation -- which is what you'll eventually need anyway.

 

One I get into tinkering with the IROC I will be posting more here to get her running right.... I tend to get into the techy things, so I do see myself tinkering with programming my own chips, etc...