Turbo Link vs Direct Scan

[Dream Car 87 GN]

I'm new to the TB scene and just purchased my 87 GN a few days ago, i am now in the market to buy a Scan Tool and want opinions on which one to get.
What are the pro's and cons of each unit? which has the best tuning ability? and which do you recommend purchasing? And where would i purchase one from? I have been told that these forums are kind split between the 2 so i'm looking to hear both sides opinions

 

[turbot2496]

Direct Scan.... Theres no comparison. TL will give you one frame of data every 1.5 sec. DS will give you 18 frames per second.

What this translates to is in a typical 1/4 mile run, the TL will give you about 10 frames of data while the DS will give you a couple hundred. You'll see exactly where the car shifted, etc etc... TL misses alot.

If you have to have TL though .... I've got a similar program called softscan I'll sell you cables, software and everything shipped to your door for $65.

 

[dwall]

Scan programs

I haven't tried any tuning an my T, yet. So far I have just taken care of the basis mechanical and cosmetic stuff.

What is different about Scanmaster? A totally different animal from these two?

 

[turbot2496]

Yes it only shows what is currently going on. Updates every 1.5 sec and will hold the peak KR value.

The best out there is Direct Scan. I would also add an audible knock detector and your set. With direct scan you will have logs of your runs that can help your chip burner of choice custom tune a chip to your paticular combination and be able to show others exactly what your car is doing for their input. I've had all the stuff and DS is what you want.

 

[Dream Car 87 GN]

So where can i purchase the DS program from?

 

[1BADWE4T]

Hey Justin here is the link:

www.chuengineering.com

 

[justabuickv6]

In my opinion, Direct Scan is the best.

Why? Direct Scan gives you about 18 frames per second. TLink gives you about 1.5 or so. In a 12 second run, which do you think will help you the most? DirectScan: 216 updates, Tlink: 18 updates.

Each do have their pro's and con's.

DirectScan: http://chuengineering.com/)
DOS based, some have trouble running it on their laptop. Especially Windows XP machines. When I was running XP, I had to create a dual boot partition on my laptop. XP on one, and 98 on the other. I ran DirectScan off of the 98 partition. Requires a little more time to install the hardware. It actually connect to a port on the ECM, in which you have to remove, cut off a door and use fingernail polish remover and a ScotchBrite pad. It takes about 30 min or so. Not hard at all. No boost sensing harness. The code hasn't been updated in a long time. Kent Chu advised he is working on a auxillary input that would allow for something like boost but nothing has been released. I wouldn't look for it anytime soon. Software is free but you have to pay for the hardware and cable. Shows fuel cells.

TLink: http://www.turbo-link.com/faq.html
Windows based. Nice graphical interface. Setup can be configured to start recording. Knock, etc. A boost sensing hardness is available. Easily hooked up. Works with different cars (check list) Software is free but you have to pay for the cable. Does not show fuel cells.

 

[BoostedBug]

So you are saying Direct Scan is only good for drag racing..If you are using these in real world enviroments then Turbolink would be my choice. How much data will DS record? How long?

 

[turbot2496]

So you are saying Direct Scan is only good for drag racing

Hmmmm... Where did we say that?? No... its not only for drag racing. It does use a laptop like TL does. Most people run a scanmaster or just a audible knock detector on the street and tune with the laptop when needed.

If you are using these in real world enviroments then Turbolink would be my choice.

Only true advantages of TL are ease of installation and the boost sensing which you truthfully don't need because you can watch the boost gauge. DS is a superior tuning tool for the street or track.

How much data will DS record? How long?

Depends on the laptop.


Once again as stated above BoostedBug if you have to have TL for some reason I have a very similar program called softscan I will sell you for 65 bucks shipped to your door. Does everything TL does at the speed it does. Includes disk and cable to hook up to your laptop. I have no use for it now that I have Direct Scan.

 

[BoostedBug]

I will have a direct scan tomorrow and a laptop.. Anyone want to trade Turbolink for the setup?

 

[Blazer406]

You won't regret the DS purchase.....

I will re-iterate the importance of an audible knock detector..... just cause DS shows knock... doesn't mean it will warn you before it blows up...... Get an audible knock detector... like Caspers.... it is around $50. It could save you $1500 or more.... and you don't have to have DS up and running for it to work... just solders into 3 wires near the ECM.

I love my DS... but am also probably going to purchase a Scanmaster to use for my daily driving. It doesn't require a laptop... but is mucho limited when compared to the frame rate of DS... and the amount of data DS can show you.


HTH

 

[BoostedBug]

hook up DS and take a 15 minute drive with it and try to record what has happened in real world confitions instead of a 12 second pass.

The other plus for Turbolink is the ability to use it on multiple cars..And they are not all TR's...LOL

I have since sold the DS and got my turbo link..whoo! I feal better. :biggrin:

 

[Blazer406]

hook up DS and take a 15 minute drive with it and try to record what has happened in real world confitions instead of a 12 second pass.

The other plus for Turbolink is the ability to use it on multiple cars..And they are not all TR's...LOL

I have since sold the DS and got my turbo link..whoo! I feal better. :biggrin:

Depends on what you are looking to log.... it can autostart a log when you get to a certain voltage on the TPS..... or a certain amount of knock..... ect... these are user set criteria for when to start logging....

day-to-day driving.... probably not ideal.... but most people who use it for all the features...and the framerate.....also have a secondary one... like the scanmaster... to keep tabs on everything for everyday driving.... but usually resort back to DS for track days.....