(eventually this page will have more information)
7 Best OBD2 Software in 2019 and Beyond: Reviewed and Tested Posted on June 18, 2017 by Alex. 78 Comments Purpose of this article is to save you time researching reliable professional OBD software for your PC/laptop/mobile.
When we talk about “OBD1” GM vehicles, we mean vehicles made from (approximately) 1986 to 1995. These cars used several different types of engine controller – some have one injector for each cylinder (Tuned Port Injection, or TPI along with the LTx motors) while some have fewer injectors that are placed near the throttle body (Throttle Body Injection, or TBI) instead. All the vehicles of this generation speak the ALDL protocol for logging/vehicle communication.
For purposes of this guide, “ECM” means Engine Control Module, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Engine Computer Module (ECM) – terms will be used interchangeably to mean the same thing.
Overview
94-95 model years are oddballs. Many of these ECMs support being reflashed over the ALDL interface (e.g. LT1) using TunerCATS. Some (like the 94-95 TBIs) use a G1 adapter. Many Grand Prix from these years use the G4 adapter. Diesels generally use the G5 adapter.
The process for tuning OBD1 GM products is pretty much the same for all 86-93 model years. First, a “chip adapter” is used to convert whatever the ECM in question needs into a form that accepts a 28 pin EPROM. Some chip adapters require soldering for installation (G2, G2X) but most do not (G1, G3, G4, G5). The same EPROMs can be used for all of our OBD1 GM products (except the switching adapters…) which is usually the 27SF512 – C2.
After a chip adapter has been installed in an ECM, tuning can begin. You can burn chips using a ROM burner such as the BURN1/2. Alternatively, you can either use the Ostrich 2.0 emulator or the emulation facilities of the APU1 to make changes while the vehicle is running.
Logging from the computer is accomplished using either an ALDU1 or the logging facilities of an APU1. For 86-94 vehicles, CABL1 is required to connect the logger and the vehicle. For the 1995 model year, CABL2 is required due to the physically different connector.
Instead of buying the BURN2, Ostrich2 and ALDU1 separately, you can buy the APU1 unit that does the functions of all three pieces in one unit.
G1 – “Memcal” style chip adapter (TPI, Syclone/Typhoon, 94-95 TBI, 92-93 LT1, etc.)
G2 – “TBI” 24 pin style chip adapter
G2 GN Style – Grand National Only.
G2X – Multiple program switching version of G2
G3 – Multiple program switching version of G1
G4 – Blue Memcal style chip adapter for some 94-95 vehicles
G5 – Diesel memcal style chip adapter
HDR1 – Header that allows reading memcals in a BURN1/2. Used to read stock program on memcal ECMs.
BURN2 – Programs chips
Ostrich – USB Chip emulator, allows realtime changes while engine running
Socket Booster – required for use of Ostrich 2.0 in TBI applications. Can be used instead of G2 adapter.
ALDU1– USB ALDL interface
CABL1– Used to connect an ALDU1 or APU1 and a pre-1995
CABL2 – Used to connect an ALDU1 or APU1 and a 1995 car
APU1 – Combines the functions of the BURN2 (programming chips), Ostrich 2.0 (real time chip emulation) and the ALDU1 in one unit
This table is abbreviated. If you don’t see your application here, please email us.
Chip Burning | Emulation | Datalogging | ||||
ECM/PCM Part # | G1, G3 | |||||
X | X | X | ||||
X | X | X | ||||
86-93 TBI | X | – | X | X* | X | – |
– | X | X ’94 | ||||
92-93 Corvette LT1 | X | X | – | X | X | – |
1227148 | X | – | X | X | X | |
91-93 Syclone/Typhoon | X | X | – | X | X | – |
* Socket Booster (S_BOOSTER) required for Ostrich 2 emulation and TBI ECMs
If you have excel, you can also take a look at this spreadsheet for a list of what hardware you’ll need with various combinations.
TunerPro RT ( link ) and TunerCATS ( link ) are the two most commonly used software packages for OBD1 GM.
FreeScan is a free datalogger that works with some GM vehicles. ( link )
There is an excellent cross-reference I found with google that lists common ECMs, which mask (software revision) they use and various other useful information. ( link )
TunerCat OBD1 tuner seems to have the best support for Holden vehicles at this time ( link ) although TunerPro has support for some ( link )
Hardware-wise, the majority of these vehicles use the G1 chip adapter. Some of the newer vehicles use our newest G6 chip adapter. We don’t know the Australian vehicles as well as those stateside so we recommend you check out http://www.delcohacking.net for more info on these vehicles.
OBD1 is an old standard implemented in all cars in the world back in 1980's. Hence it's very limiting in quality and quantity of data it can report.
For example newer OBD2 can report up to 15,000 possible data parameters (called PID's). While OBD1 can give you up to 300 data parameters. Those 300 parameters can still be useful to mechanics for things like O2 sensors and carbon emission tests.
Because OBD1 is very old, this also makes 90% of OBD1 vehicles nowadays impossible to scan — because you can only obtain the scanner from OEM manufacturer.
Nevertheless, TOAD® software supports more OBD1 vehicles then any other scanner in the world.
Best way to find if your OBD1 vehicle is included on this page — is to perform a search in your browser for your vehicle model. Use different combinations. Eg: Holden, Commodore, VT, V6, etc.
Note 1: Vehicle refers to: Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUV's, MPV's, 4X4s, LCVs. Note 2: TOAD works on petrol, gas and diesel vehicles. (Hybrids and Electric cars are not supported). Note 3: What cable/connector to get if your vehicle is found on this page?
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List 1 |
GM Vehicles: GM 1992-93 Camaro GM 1994 Camaro - Impala SS - Corvette GM Pontiac 3.2 (also 1991 Z-34 Lumina, 3.4L DOHC, W-Body) GM 1989 Chevrolet Corvette 410B 413B 610B |
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Car's Included In This List:
Download definition files (.xdf and .ads) for your car by right-clicking and selecting 'Save as...'. General Motors (Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Olds, GMC)
Holden
Lotus
Wideband Oxygen Sensor Controllers
Buell
Ford
DSM (Eagle/Mitsubishi)
DSM (Eagle/Mitsubishi) Datastream Definitions
Nissan & Infinity
Subaru
BMW (Bosch Motronic)
Porsche (Bosch Motronic/LH-Jetronic)
Saab (Bosch LH-Jetronic)
Volvo (Bosch LH-Jetronic)
Mercedes Benz (Bosch KE-Jetronic)
Fiat/Alfa/Lancia
Renault
Volkswagen (Bosch Motronic)
Mazda
Peugeot
Various Vehicles
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PFI data streams READ DATA ON PIN 'E' OF ALDL CONNECTOR
CARB data streams READ DATA ON PIN 'D' OF ALDL CONNECTOR
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