I'm thinking about getting a scanner. I want something that will be able to give me readings on the sensors and stuff. How much do these cost? I want to be able to tell if my car is running to its potential.

------------------
'91 Z28 305, Auto trans, K&N filters, power pulleys, ported plenum, hypertech chip, hooker cat back, kyb shocks, STB, 14.7@ 93 mph.

 

A good one can cost a lot of $$$ since you have to buy the computer, the GM chip, and maybe the right connectors. There are the inexpensive ones sold in auto parts stores for about $30, but I've never worked with one.

I got lucky and bought an OTC scanner with all cables and chips for $200...but that was from a mechanic who was going out of business.

------------------
92 Camaro RS LO3, 5-spd, T-tops
Mechanics:
Open Air Element w/K&N Filter, Flowmaster 3" Cat-back Exhaust, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-90 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs and 4 Infiniti speakers.
NEXT UP: SLP 1 3/4" Headers/Y-pipe, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch kit

 

Don't waste your time with those $30 "code readers". First, you can get the same information from crossing the pins on the ALDL and the code by itself is often misleading.

For an actual scanner, there are a few choices. Auto X-Ray is a good unit that is completely stand-alone. It will hold a limited amount of information for play back of the readings. I think the cost is a couple a hundred dollars, but you should check around.

Another type is Diacom+ that you buy the software and cables and run it on a computer. Since it is a DOS based program, you can run it on a cheap 386 notebook, which people are practically giving away.

Diacom+ allows you to capture information directly on the computer and then translate it so you can transfer it to another program like Excel for further manipulation and graphing. I use Diacom+ and find the graphs very revealing in the information they give. A lot easier to see than just a bunch of numbers. But Diacom+ is expensive. About $500.00 from TPIS. Rinda (the actual manufacturer) sells it for even more. But with Diacom+, you can then look at the next phase which is PROM burning.

There are other newer computer-based scan programs that are Window based, but now you have to have a more modern notebook to use it on your car. Also, DOS avoids any conflicts or "timing" probles with communication between the computer and the ALDL. Nothing worse than having the "run of your life" and finding out that Windows looked on you while it was recording. I just like the fact that a cheap notebook is all that is needed with Diacom+.

 

Auto Xray has recently upgraded their scanner AND reduced their price. I paid $179 for mine through Summit a couple of years ago. I've seen the upgraded unit for as little as $139 at a local parts store.

It now has the capability of downloading onto a laptop/desktop. My old unit captures information at one second intervals. Now, you have the option of selecting the interval.

------------------
Willie

Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
12.57 @ 111 mph.
12.04 @ 114 mph (50-hp nitrous).
http://members.optushome.com/au/downunder1/rides/willie/willie.html

1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.

My custom front marker lamp assemblies:
http://members.optushome.com/au/downunder1/misc/lens.html

 

If you decide to get the Auto Xray get it at www.partsamerica.com I just ordered it yesterday and its $149, $154 with shipping.

------------------

1987 Iroc 350
GTS headlight/tail light covers
Camaro SS Wheels w/Sumitomo HTR ZII 275 rear, 255's in front
K&N filters
Adjustable Borla cat back
Large tube runners
ported plenum
Holley afpr
SLP 1 3/4" headders (not installed yet)
FUTURE GOAL:
To go really F'in fast!!!

Some pics of it at
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...949&Auth=false