ok i've read all the getting started articles and of course i'm still baffled and confused as hell. i realize the only way to figure all this out is to get started and just do it. what is the best setup for programming chips, and what hardware and software should i get? seems they change constantly as well. i think i'd prefer a windows based program and eeproms. what would you suggest?

 

I think if I was just getting started now, I'd go with the Autoprom. It does everything you need in one package. Reason I'd go that route, is IMHO if you start doing much tuning, you'll probably decide you want an emulator too, so why not start with a device that can do that already?

Check out http://www.moates.net if you haven't already.

If the Autoprom is out of the budget, a PP2 or FnB is enough to get you started.

Flash chips (i.e. EEPROMs) are the only way to fly.

For software, TunerCat and TunerPro are both excellent, IMHO. TunerPro is free, so why not start there?

HTH,

 

Read this Thread it should Clairfy https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/promintro.shtml
Also do a search on AutoProm, and PROMinator also I see your car is a 1989 so do a search for these terms and it should help: 1227165, $6E, also go here for some more info on chips and adapters go to Moates.net
http://chevythunder.com/

Just my .02
I have been awake for 36 hours so if this reply is kinda scattered I am sorry.

I would suggest Reading and reading and reading a lot of the posts and stickies over and over again untill it starts to make some since, I relize it is overwhelming at first I joined in like Nov. 2003 and It is amazing on what you can learn in a short time.

 

Dave, what is your oppinion of the Prominator compared to the Autoprom. The Prominator is considerably less expensive.

 

I haven't personally used one yet, but it looks cool too. I'd say if you have only one car, and don't expect your friends to be asking you to burn chips then it could be a good choice. Or perhaps if you've already got a burner of some sort, and an ALDL cable.

Keep in mind when comparing costs, you'll need an ALDL cable with the Prominator, and the full "tune on the fly" version is $275. That's not necessarily a "must have" IMHO but I personally like that capability (via the Romulator in my case). I know the $325 price tag for the Autoprom package isn't exactly chump change, but you get an awful lot of capability there.

Bottom line, I don't think you can go wrong with either. One or the other may be more suitable, depending on your individual requirements. Anyway, that's just my opinion, which is probably worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

well i already have an aldl cable and a laptop and i use moates software for scanning. in that case, which is the most sensible option and do i get it all from craig?

 

I think in the end you'll have to make that decision for yourself. I'll summarize my advice as follows:

On a budget? FnB.
Tuning one car only? Prominator, or AutoProm.
More than one car? Autoprom.

HTH,

 

I've used them both.
It's really about what your doing. The Prominator is quasi permanent. And isn't truely on the fly.

If your a note taker, and like to think about changes or work in source code, then the line blurs.

Both have excellent support.

Big help. eh?.