KW87GTA

I'm just thinking about picking one of these up. I have an 87 350. Is it worth the money, and what more does it do for you over those cheap $40 code readers from the auto store. For instance, I have a code 23 showing right now, which could be three things, but will the XRAY show me which one it is? Thanks.

Jza

No, it'll tell you the meaning of the code, but you still have to understand the theory of operation to figure out exactly what's wrong. (That and a combination of other diagnostic tools and techniques). It made it easier for me, but some things are still bit**es to figure out.
It just tells you the values of all the sensor input and some computer flags.
I think if I could do it over, I'd have gotten the Diacom instead, for the same cost, but nothing can beat the AutoXray's portability.

89gta383

iTrader: (5)

A scanner is one of the best 'mods' to do when you are tuning and changing parts. I got mine on e-bay for $90 bucks, and it was well worth it.

I've been down the laptop-scanner program route, and lugging that laptop around isn't as convenient or easy when driving around looking at real data.

gta324

It's worth it!

The only thing I can think of is that if you already have a laptop put up some x-tra $$and buy a software type ease or diacom.

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GTA -89:Free flow muffler,dual 3" HF cats, Edelbrock headers, Vette heads, 1.52 RR 7/16, ZZ-9 cam, Big Mouth, AS&M LTR, !plenum, 52 TB, MSD 6AL, TPIS level V prom, Superior shift-kit and all the minor mods, a Canfield headed 383 in the works!! ready May 2001...
http://www.itv.se/tacs/members_cars/m279/m279.html (Swedish Trans Am Club)

Grim Reaper

There is no comparing a code reader to a scan tool. First, if you have a problem, you will often get other "misleading" codes or the code itself maybe misleading. This is because the real problem (assuming a sensor) may not be totally bad, but just "flakey" (or about to go).

Because of its erroneous readings, the errant sensor does not show up, but because the ecm is having to compensate it may trigger another sensor code. With a scan tool and a little time to understand what all the readings mean, you can see when a sensor reading looks unreasonable.

For example, I know that at idle my MAP reading should be at 35-40 kpa at sea level. If all of the sudden I notice I am getting MAP of 50-70 kpa, yet I get an SES code saying "RICH O2" sensor (though my O2 sensor seems to be cycling properly). Then I know I either have a flakey MAP sensor or possibly a vacuum leak; not a bad O2 sensor.

During the winter, it was VERY COLD and I had a relocated MAT. I got a RICH O2 SES code, but with my Diacom+ I noticed that my BLM was at it lowest level along with my INT. I knew that relocated MATs on SD cars affect the mixture, so I reconnected the stock MAT and immediately things returned to normal(ish). Ultimately, I re-did the MAT Compensation Tables in the eprom to make the ecm calculate properly with the relocated MAT.

Lastly, my brother was getting about 5 SES codes and the engine would just BARELY run; when we hooked up a scan tool, we could immediately see the MAP sensor was not working (even though it never gave an SES code for the MAP.

b92z28

any one have the otc? and if so do you prefer something better?

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92 z28 170,000 miles 14.20 on goodyear eagles only mods k&n and slp 13/4 headers and dual 2 1/2 exhaust
87 trans am 12.20 on motor too many mods to list

AaronIROCZ

iTrader: (5)

Does anybody have the auto x ray scan tool? Is it any good? I plan on purchasing the tool to start burning my own chips.

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89 Iroc 350 TPI,
Forged pistions
Comp roller Cam .510 lift 230dur
Flowmaster exhaust
Dart Iron Eagle heads 200cc runners 64cc chambers
MINI RAM SOON!!!!!
stock TPI for now 24# inj

Rob P

iTrader: (1)

I have the Autoxray, it does what it needs to do, nothing fancy bit it does display data. I have nothing else to compare it to except a friends GM Tech II and let me tell you, that Tech II is probably better than SEX (well, almost. It's the holy grail of scanners).


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
Edelbrock Hi-Flow Intake
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92Z28convt5spd
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BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!