scantool?

[tim sewald]

What is the best scantool for the 84 cars with orig. ecm?
What is the cost and where to get one.


thanks Tim

 

[Squid4life]

I had Turbolink with my 85 ECM, but it is limited in what it shows. If you convert to 87 ECM it shows TONS more info.

I know Scanmaster is for 86-87 only, and am unsure about the rest.

I thought you were going to try yo swap your ECM to 87 style? If you do decide to, it is pretty simple, it only took about 1 hour. More options for chips, scantools, scanning ability, etc.

All you'd need is 87 ECM (ending in 148), MAT sensor from buick/chevy with part of the harness, and an 87 MAF. The MAF is probably the most expensive part. I found the ECM, MAT, harness at a salvage for $50 total. The MAF I bought from a guy local for $50.

 

[tim sewald]

I did'nt realize it was that easy. I was always under the impression that you had to change the coil pack and brackets too.
I might re-think my stratagy.

Thanks Tim

 

[Squid4life]

Nope, you can use the stock coil pack and module. A lot of people swap them to 87, or at least the coil pack, because if it does fail, 87 coil packs are cheaper. And you can get a high performance coil pack for about $60 for 87!

If you swap to 87 ECM, do the ECM, MAT, MAF then drive it for a while. I haven't swapped to the 87 coilpack yet, but may in the future, especially if the pack goes out. Do like I am doing, find the coilpack adapter plate, and adapter harness used or in the parts for sale section, then convert later. I have the plate, got it for $15 shipped. I am getting the harness adapter for $25 shipped. Then I can keep an eye out for an 87 coil pack used, or pay $60 for a high perf one, new. Sure beats $250+ for an 85 coil!

Let me know if you have any other questions. This board is all about asking questions and learning about these cars. These guys are a HUGE help!!!

Squid

 

[Squid4life]

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/ecmsensors/8487ecm.html

This is the step by step instructions I used. Not hard at all!

 

[Squid4life]

And I took pics to help as well.

Let me know!