jasonp31

Yes I know. I need to search. I know, I'm a newb for asking. Blah blah. I have searched a lot. I've looked at different packages available.

Here's my question to those who tune their own cars:

What package do you use and why?

I'm looking for opinions on which products you bought (including the aldl cables), why you bought what you did, and how you like the product. What abilities do you wish it had, etc.

Looking at buying a 95 formula next week, eventually I'll want a tuning package for it.

Let me know, thanks.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

What's your budget? I think the fave around here is Tuner Cats. I have LT1 Edit. I've gotten used to it but it's somewhat limited.

jasonp31

I've read that Tuner Cats is better than LT1 edit, especially if you have good knowledge of how to tune. (which I do, but not on this specific engine)

Budget - Going to be a project car, so not really limited over the course of the car's life. Not going to toss large amounts at it early until I decide the overall goal of the car. I definetly will not skimp on the tuning budget though, as I know its importance.

Thanks for the comment.

Anyone else?

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

EFI Live is supposed to be the shizznit but I have never used it and it may not prove that useful on the LT1.

jasonp31

Wow, one person actually tunes their LT1? Thats awesome!

infinitebird

iTrader: (11)

Tunercat is by far the best for a 95. And its cheaper than lt1edit.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

Yeah freal. I gave like $350 I think for LT1 Edit in 2002.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

This pretty well covers it.
My cables are from AKMcabled and WOT electronic, they work somewhat in partnership. Not the cheapest cables but they have worked flawlessly for me.

Might look at what pcmperformance offers too, I know he has been working hard to try and fill in some gaps he saw in product availability.

I have a copy of LT1 Edit too that came with a used laptop I bought, they wanted more to license it too me and add one VIN than the total cost of Tunercat that is not VIN locked.

The VIN locked thing is important because you should always have at least one spare pcm onhand incase one freezes up. If you have LT1 Edit and just one VIN license then you are screwed becazuse it wont program the spare pcm.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

Yeah I think it's what, $100 to add a single VIN?

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

It was $50 to license the software too me and $50 for a second VIN and I was going to have to get the guy I bought it from to contact them to initiate the transfer.

Tunercat on the otherhand has been awesome to work with. The few times I have had questions I think I have always had resolution and more within 24 hours.
One time I sent a simple question and he replied with update and all.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

If I have ever have a PCM problem, I'll probably buy the Tuner Cats. I am not sure why I didn't know about them at the time of my LT1 Edit purchase.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

LT1 Edit is flashier and inferior, meaning it would be a favorite with the average forum goer.

Tunercat is all about function, it actually does the job it is designed too and he does not waste money advertizing. Not what the average guy looks for so LT1 Edit was the one to get all the forum mention for a LONG time.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

Probably why I never heard of Tuner Cats til later on. I think I am going to do BS3 on the turbo car so that's a whole new ball game.

projekt70chevelle

iTrader: (4)

I am planning on doing a cam swap in the future, and eventually heads/spray/stall/etc. Would it be smarter to go and get the thing dynotuned or to invest in a system like tunercat? Also what all do you need to use this program and what is the average overall cost. Sorry for the sort of highjack but I figured id ask for some opinions before throwin the money away. By the way i have a 95 z28 auto with the primitive OBDII.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

A stock 95 has an advanced OBD1, still OBD1 just a little more capable than most OBD1.

Dyno tuning is overrated except for a FEW good tuners who know how to make a dyno tune turn into a good track tune.
Not all dyno shops will have LT1 software so even if you decide to do the dyno tune thing either you or they have to have the software.

$70 for the program
$20 for the application specific definition file
$30-65 for an ALDL cable
$100-???? for a laptop, a $100 ebay OLD laptop will get the job done as the system requirements are very modest
$90 for Datamaster
This would be a fairly complete setup about all you might add would be $200 for an Innovate wideband controler and sensor that logs too the laptop, several guys have come up with ways to log into datamaster.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html

I would buy the tuning program anyway regardless of the dyno tune. It's good to have if you need to make changes later but you don't necessarily need the dyno and the tuner. The link above has prices listed but I am not sure what you exactly need as I don't have nor have ever used Tuner Cats.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

OK caprice answered it.

dhdenney

iTrader: (53)

Most people could probably get away with something like Freescan, yes/no?

jasonp31

Great information so far! Thanks!