Scantool help needed

[Buickforlife]

I keep hearing that i need a scantool or a powerlogger. Can anybody recommend something for me to get, or does anybody have one available for me to buy?

Remember im a noob, so any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[rmar]

Just sold a scan master reasonable.
This is where you need to start. $250 new or 150 used
is about the going rate. Fuel pressure gauge (cheap)
You can start tuning with these. minimum.

Most supporting vendors sell them new.
Check the boards daily for member sales.

 

[Buickforlife]

Thanks for the info. Do they make a scan master for the 84 hotair cars?

 

[Jerryl]

Thanks for the info. Do they make a scan master for the 84 hotair cars?

As long as you change to the 87 ECM, scanmaster will work.

IMHO, Here is how I see it.
Scanmaster is GREAT for driving and monitoring the vital signs.
PL is GREAT for analyzing and monitoring the vital signs, during and after the runs.

Personally, I would go to the PL.
That way you can log and post your files and get help, and the price difference is not real big. My $0.02

 

[Buickforlife]

As long as you change to the 87 ECM, scanmaster will work.

IMHO, Here is how I see it.
Scanmaster is GREAT for driving and monitoring the vital signs.
PL is GREAT for analyzing and monitoring the vital signs, during and after the runs.

Personally, I would go to the PL.
That way you can log and post your files and get help, and the price difference is not real big. My $0.02

Do i need to get the 87 ECM to get the PL to work? How would i change the ECM anyway?

Thanks for the help and info.

 

[Jerryl]

Do i need to get the 87 ECM to get the PL to work? How would i change the ECM anyway?

Thanks for the help and info.

Yes, you need the 87 ECM for PL.
Stay away from Autozone and any re-man ECM's.
To get that to work, you unplug the ECM plugs (2), plug them into the 87 ECM (only fits one way), get a chip from TT (only fits one way), and have him disable the IAT in the chip.
Look in the sticky. There is a NICE writeup on the ECM conversion from Gary.

You can also get the IAT sensor from caspers (Plug and play) and keep this function "enabled" in the chip. (I would recommend this since you can do some really cool stuff measuring temps)

 

[Buickforlife]

Yes, you need the 87 ECM for PL.
Stay away from Autozone and any re-man ECM's.
To get that to work, you unplug the ECM plugs (2), plug them into the 87 ECM (only fits one way), get a chip from TT (only fits one way), and have him disable the IAT in the chip.
Look in the sticky. There is a NICE writeup on the ECM conversion from Gary.

You can also get the IAT sensor from caspers (Plug and play) and keep this function "enabled" in the chip. (I would recommend this since you can do some really cool stuff measuring temps)

Where is the ECM located? Also what is an IAT sensor?

Sorry for all of the questions. I have no experience with any of the sensors on this type of car.

 

[Jerryl]

Where is the ECM located? Also what is an IAT sensor?

Sorry for all of the questions. I have no experience with any of the sensors on this type of car.

Tyler,
No problem!
Here is a short list of sensors (hope I do not insult your intellegence )

IAT = Intake Air Temp
TPS - Throttle Position Sensor
IAC = Idle Air Control
MAP = Manifold Pressure
IAC = Idle Air Control
CAM sensor = Camshaft Position Sensor
ECM = Electronic Control Module (Computer)

ECM is located behind the passenger kick panel.
You remove the screw (1) and slide the panel out (towards the bottom). The ECM will be housed in the panel you slide out.

First time, it took me about 1.5 hours do do this.
Now, it litterally takes me 2-3 minutes to replace the ECM.

 

[rmar]

86-87 Turbo 3.8 Liter Engine Sensors

Most of us started reading here...... A lot of good info and resources.

 

[Buickforlife]

Thanks for all the info.

Im starting to understand what everything means, and hopefully i can start doing things to make this car run even better.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Buickforlife]

The only sensor that my 464 has is in the driver's seat.

It kicks in at WOT.