What scan tool for 84-85

[T- Type Tim]

I was thinking of this unit here

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=AXR&mfrpartnumber=3000&parttype=&ptset=


any experience with these?

 

[Jerryl]

I was thinking of this unit here

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=AXR&mfrpartnumber=3000&parttype=&ptset=


any experience with these?

The link does not work.
Do you have the original ECM or have you converted to the 87?

 

[6SENSE]

Scanmaster, Turbolink and DirectScan are the most popular scantool devices for these cars, and actually geared towards them.
Scanmaster gives you all the info you need, easy to hook up and very convenient because of its size + you leave it hooked up (nice to not have to carry around laptop all the time). If you have a laptop then consider the Turbolink program or Directscan.
IMO it is best to upgrade to the '86/'87 ECM which makes available more info, and to use the Scanmaster it is a prerequisite.
Do searches on these three scantools to find out more opinions/comments and info. Both on this site and gnttype.org plus here ya go:

FULL THROTTLE SPEED - Item Description Page
TurboLink™ - A Brain Scan for Your Vehicle!
Chu Engineering Home Page

The one in the link you posted is a good scantool geared towards a mechanic and is good to have if you are going to be working on other OBD1 vehicles. The ones I mentioned are geared towards Turbo Buicks and [I would say more user friendly] towards tuning these cars. I have a general scantool much like the one in your link that I use to check vehicles Im working on, but when it comes to the Buicks it does not compare.
I currently use both Scanmaster and Turbolink on my cars. Scanmaster for everyday and TLink when I get a little more serious with recording, etc on the street or at the track. Seems that Directscan [although not as visually pleasing as TLink] is the choice of the big racers. LOTS of info and not fed of the ALDL like the other two but rather directly tied in at the ECM, so quicker read.

Good luck.


P.S. Forgot to mention Turbolink does work on other vehicles also. Also dont forget to check the For Sale forum. Someone usually has a deal on this stuff.

 

[T- Type Tim]

I like the turbo link , setup . This is compatible with the 85 ECM? Thanks for the help here.

 

[Boost231]

turbolink

the turbolink will work with the 84-85 ecm but it doesnt display as much as the 87 ecm would. i would spend the money and upgrade to a 87 ecm then get the power logger. the powerlogger is the newest and best think out right now without going to a XFI type system. the turbolink displays 1 frame every 1.25 seconds the powerlogger displays 25 frames every second. you tell me which one is the best and way to go.??????

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Boost231 is right on about the ECM. The 84/85 ECM is worthless. Upgrade to the 86/87 ASAP and get a new chip. The scantool is your choice. The Scanmaster 2.1 works well for the average. guy. Boost231 is a serious dragger and as such I have no knowledge of the powerlogger or its' capabilities. Send a PM to Boost231. Brad

 

[Boost231]

here is the link on the powerlogger. im in the middle of my install right now on my car and my bros. heres the link FULL THROTTLE SPEED - Item Description Page

 

[T- Type Tim]

Ok , I was set on keeping the 85 ecm, Eric set up the chip , but it sounds like an ECM upgrade is more practical. Right now the rear end is out having an Auburn posi moser axles and I'm going back to 3:42 gears instead of( mistake) 3.90s. I guess the upgrade will come right after this project. I think Caspers is the best place to get every thing but the chip, in one purchase(looks like anyway). Thanks for the input guys, I know my car has a lot more in it and the tune is only ballpark right now.:smile: