Alright, Alright Alright!

Here we go! .... Hi all, Toyin here, i'm floating over here from elcaminocentral and LS1LT1. Heres the skinny on me:
1984 El camino with a LT1 and 4L60E implant from a '94 Caprice "B" and have the 16188051 PCM. I swapped into the elky about 13 yrs ago and had the PCM flashed for removing the VATS, SMOG, O2's, EGR and i think maybe the tires/rims set to 15". i got it running enough for a couple trips up/down the street and that was it, then it sat up until about 3 yrs ago and after that came a frame off resto, slightly modified engine rebuild, paint job and etc. As of now i'm basically lacking 2 things, the knowledge to fine tune the PCM and to decide on what style of 235/50 or 60/17" rims to get. I would like to try and tune it myself and the last month i have gathered and installed the cable, tuner pro,ee hack, tuner CATS and the $ee def. file. i just got the CATS tuner operable yesterday and playing with everything to find out what makes what tick. i havent hooked up the cable yet to the OBD1 as i want to make sure i have enough knowledge to under stand what i'm looking at and definitely enough knowledge on making sure i dont accidentally erase or screw up the PCM. i would appreciate all the help and knowledge you all have in helping me get underway. you can follow my thread on LS1LT1 and thanks to COCOBOLO95 for help in getting set up and getting me this far. Thanks in advance all!

***sorry for the crazy fonts..IDK why i cant gett'em all the same

:welcome:

I fixed the fonts of your post.

It's a personal choice on which software you decide to use on your LT1 PCM; EE Hack or TunerCats. I personally use TunerCats to read and write to the LT1 PCM. I started working with TunerCats many years ago, and have not invested the time to learn EE Hack the LT1 PCM.


I use TunerCats to edit the binary file / .bin file / flash file that is programmed into the LT1 PCM.

EE Hack / EEX Definition is a good option also!

I use EE Hack / Trimalyzer for tuning the LT1.

dave w

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Originally Posted by dave w

:welcome:

I fixed the fonts of your post.

It's a personal choice on which software you decide to use on your LT1 PCM; EE Hack or TunerCats. I personally use TunerCats to read and write to the LT1 PCM. I started working with TunerCats many years ago, and have not invested the time to learn EE Hack the LT1 PCM.


I use TunerCats to edit the binary file / .bin file / flash file that is programmed into the LT1 PCM.

EE Hack / EEX Definition is a good option also!

I use EE Hack / Trimalyzer for tuning the LT1.

dave w

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Hi Dave, thanks for fixing the fonts. so since i have heard from a few people now that the CATS tuner and $ee definition file is better to work with, i'll focus on learning that. Honestly i was trying to learn both and getting confused. i was watching the tunerpro video on utube for help in learning the CATS and right now i think i just want to learn what values are set on my PCM so when i see other bin files i can see how they are different. As i said about having it flashed before, i'm thinking that if i was to see the current settings of my PCM i would see the VATS, SMOG, O2's and EGR are turned off or in disabled mode. Would this be correct? Is having the O'2s off a good thing as far as keeping the engine tuned for fuel/air mixture ?

With EE Hack, there is the option of using the "Compare" feature to see the differences of a stock .bin file vs. a modified .bin file.

I recommend keeping the O2 sensors.

dave w

yea, it didnt seem to be a good thing considering i do feel i am burning a little lean from the smell of things. i did look over some threads on here and still learning the terminology. i tried to hook up the cable to the OBD1 as the tutorial said(tunerpro video) but i noticed his version is a CATS winflash and mine is a tuner. his tabs are files ,setup, tools, help. mine is files, tools, ecm,options and help and i cant follow along. the tutorial in my "help" tab >tuner help, is a little hard to follow. and after i open my bin file labled ASZD.bin the "table" tab becomes available but i get an error on all i select "spin32.ocx". is there a cats tutorial available to view other than the one i have.

since you paid perfectly good money for CATS tuner (a commercial package) i'd suggest contacting him to figure out why you're getting that error..? it shouldn't be doing that. you're probably just missing a library or maybe it's a compatibility issue with newer versions of windows as it's quite old software.

i tuned with tunercats for years. it works great. his flashing routine is really reliable. winflash and tunercat have the exact same flashing thing, it's just winflash is stand-alone for people that dont want to buy tunercat and use something else for bin editing.

not trying to sway you over to my stuff (not that i have anything to gain anyway and i'm sure tunercat will work fine for you) but one reason i started messing about with tunerpro definitions and started using tunerpro is that tunercat is really god damn awful at categorizing tables. it just has a giant menu with a bunch of tables, so to find everything you want, it's basically sifting through a list of text. since one of the most important parts about tuning software is locating the table you need to modify that always bugged me. tunerpro allows you to specify a categorized list of tables, so with tunerpro and my definition file you can have a list of fuel tables, a list of idle tables, a list of spark tables... also there's lots of info and tooltips for each table whereas with tunercat you're mostly on your own to figure out what something does. might want to give it a second shot. you can use all of these tools side by side.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by steveo

… not trying to sway you over to my stuff (not that i have anything to gain anyway and i'm sure tunercat will work fine for you) but one reason i started messing about with tunerpro definitions and started using tunerpro is that tunercat is really god damn awful at categorizing tables. it just has a giant menu with a bunch of tables, so to find everything you want, it's basically sifting through a list of text. since one of the most important parts about tuning software is locating the table you need to modify that always bugged me.
tunerpro allows you to specify a categorized list of tables, so with tunerpro and my definition file you can have a list of fuel tables, a list of idle tables, a list of spark tables … also there's lots of info and tooltips for each table whereas with tunercat you're mostly on your own to figure out what something does. might want to give it a second shot. you can use all of these tools side by side.

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At present, there are two different versions of OBD1 LT1 TunerCAT.
The 1st version is as steveo describes, with categorization limited to 'Switches' (TunerPro's Flags), 'Constants' (TunerPro's Scalars), and 'Tables'.
The 2nd version, which is not blatantly advertised anywhere on his website, and must be specifically requested for some reason, still separates switches & constants, but further organizes tables by subtype. It does NOT, however, provide informative tooltips for each parameter.

If you use the latest definition files from dzidaV8, kur40, or jthompson122183, you'll find parameters that TunerCAT has not yet incorporated.

Steveo and LeMarky, i just wanted to reply back and say thanks for all the help. Whats demoralizing is i have a hard time finding where i can just come here on gearhead, sit down, and concentrate learning about how to tune the PCM. I hate to ask simple obvious questions when its probably right there in front of me. i'm so close of getting this 13 yr project back (actually started 3yrs ago, sat for 10yrs)on the road, time is my enemy! i really feel like asking you guys: i have this and that and here is what i did to the engine, hold my hand and guide me to the finish line(not saying i wont appreciate that) but this would be the hardest obstacle to learn. Anyways! enough whining. Again, i just didnt want to be rude and not respond to everyone's help. my last chance to try and do something is sunday afternoon. Next week, for the next 2 weeks i'm off to North Carolina and Arkansas. Maybe while layed over in the airports i can read up. Thank you so much for the help!

i must be a rock, ever since the holidays i've tried to at least wanted to be able to hook up to the OBD1 and read the settings currently (before i start messing with it)on the PCM. every time i read and re-read i found a couple things i didnt load, etc. i thought i was ready but when i plug in the cable, turn the key...nothing, no reading...nothing. I'm about ready to throw in the towel and send the PCM off to one of you guys to program. anyone willing to hold my hand and give me step by step instructions or give me a laundry list of "did you do this?" and i'll reply with a yes or no. guess this programming may be over my head.
Thanks very much

Howdy, and welcome to the forum.

Look, there's a *bunch* of stuff involved in tuning. A big bunch. I've been doing this for years and it's not like I know everything or like I ever will. Each tuning tool looks different, each piece of software has its own rules and steps, and each forum has a habit of using words and jargon that doesn't make sense until after you really need to know what they said. On this forum people are good about remembering that we all had to start somewhere. There are people willing to help both on and off list. Ask me your questions Bridgekeeper. I'm not afraid.

AFAIK the read/write tool for Tunercat has always been different than the tuning tool. In order to use the Tunercats tool for reading or writing to the ecm you have to have a copy of Tunercats Winflash.

EEHACK will also read and write files. I do not believe we have a post with specific instructions, but the author of the program is here along with several other users that can help.

Once you let us know which tool you want help with, someone will probably jump in to help.

Thanks 1project2many,
looks like i'm going to use the Tunerpro. i think i may be getting confused, i've been reading and see about tunerpro, CATS tuner,tunercats. Too many cats and tuner combo names. i have CATS tuner but i ran out of the trial period. when i clicked on your tunercats winflash link. i recalled something being said on the tunerpro site when installing the $EE def. file. it said :

$EE 16191333
16188051 EE.xdf V5 ONLY - EE_Manual.adx
V5 ONLY - EE_Auto.adx 94-95 Y & F Body (LT1)
NOTE: Requires 3rd party software (such as WinFlash) to upload tune

i have installed the tuner pro,and have the EE.XDF on it. Also the ALDL cable(12 pin) set on normal (the top 2 prongs). Do i need the winflash? lesand what are those V5 ony files?

Thanks for the help!

Hmmm....


Tunercat is an author / company that makes tuning software.

The CATS tuner is software made by Tunercat.

For flash type engines such as the LT1 the Tunercat solution involves two parts. Winflash connects to your pcm and reads or writes files from and to the vehicle computer. Tuner allows you to make changes to the vehicle file. Tunercat requires definition files which act like a map between all the numbers stored in the calibration and what you need to see and know to change the numbers effectively. The Tunercat definition file is in a format that only works with Tunercat software.

Tunerpro does the same job as the CATS tuner. Tunerpro allows you to make changes to a vehicle calibration file. Like Tunercat it uses a definition file to map the values in the calibration to human understandable numbers. Unlike the Tunercat solution it does not include a program that can read or write a calibration from the vehicle computer.

Tunerpro has seen some significant changes over the years and is now at version 5.0. When Tunerpro has changed the definition file formats have sometimes changed as well. Definitions made for version 5 are not compatible with older versions of Tunerpro.

It looks like you have an LT1 definition file for $EE calibrations which is compatible with Tunerpro version 5 only. You can make changes to LT1 calibrations but you will need another tool such as Tunercat's Winflash or Steveo's EEHack to move calibrations between your computer and your vehicle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 1project2many

AFAIK the read/write tool for Tunercat has always been different than the tuning tool. In order to use the Tunercats tool for reading or writing to the ecm you have to have a copy of Tunercats Winflash.

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he went ahead and built the flash tool into tunercat ages ago (same tool just built into the menus)

Quote:

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looks like i'm going to use the Tunerpro. i think i may be getting confused, i've been reading and see about tunerpro, CATS tuner,tunercats. Too many cats and tuner combo names.

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yeah there are a few tools out there, here's the actual breakdown.

FLASH: eehack, tunercat, winflash
EDIT BIN: tunerpro or tunerpro RT (requires XDF file), tunercat
DATALOG: eehack, tunerpro RT (requires ADX file)

a popular combo is eehack and tunerpro and the EEX XDF definition since they're free.

read post two of this thread

http://www.gearhead-efi.com/Fuel-Inj...-lt1-M6-tuning

TunerCats has options to flash the 94-95 LT1 computer:

Purchase the OBD1 RT Tuner program $99.95 and purchase LT1 $EE definition file $19.95. ALDL Cable not Included.

Purchase the LT1 WinFlash software $19.95, after the free 30 trial expires. ALDL Cable not Included.

Purchase the OBD1 LT1 Tuning Kit $159.95. ALDL Cable Included

dave w

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he went ahead and built the flash tool into tunercat ages ago (same tool just built into the menus)

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Interesting. I didn't realize that it was part of the OBDI package. Thank you.

Thanks all for responding and schooling me on this. i havent had a chance yet (since sunday)to get back on the laptop in the garage where i have the programs installed and double check/follow up/follow along on your guidance but:

1project2many:"It looks like you have an LT1 definition file for $EE calibrations which is compatible with Tunerpro version 5 only. You can make changes to LT1 calibrations but you will need another tool such as Tunercat's Winflash or Steveo's EEHack to move calibrations between your computer and your vehicle."

yes, the tunerpro version 5.(something)(will verify), $ee def, and OBD1 Diagnostics cable
I thought i did have the EE hack installed i will double check, just to confirm, how would it be named in my C drive?
Below, Steveo mentioned the Tunercat's Winflash is built in? built in to the ?? the tunerpro??
and i guess there is a choice i have? to either install the winflash or the EE hack? either or is both is needed?

Steveo: ok! yes, thanks, i have the " a popular combo is eehack and tunerpro and the EEX XDF definition since they're free"... i will double check for the eehack..(IDK,,,it seems like i ran acrossed it and do have but will verify)

i read, am re-reading to absorb the post #2 you mentioned. i read in a prior post about someone was talking about the chance of erasing the PCM's data by accidentally getting the power supply to the PC cut off while loading ,etc. This would be my #1 fear, i dont want to accidentally erase,alter or change anything until i get a warm and fuzzy on what i'm doing. The first thing i want to do is read my PCM's current data log and save it and or print it out. The PCM was "tuned" (about 14 yrs ago) and what i should see for an example is.... VATS: off, O2's: off(or disabled) and i think a few other things that i had this Hottrodders place do. From reading the postings i cant understand if i need the vehicle running or just the key "on" to read the current PCM settings.


dave w: looks like option #2 is the way i'm headed and i have the tunerpro not the RT, i think the non-RT version is for me

Thank you all for the help!!! Oh, and to not confuse myself i will not be talking about the C.A.T.S tuner or its components. if i do mention any related terminology please let me know.

you definitely suffer from confusion but that's normal for someone new to this

if you use tunerPRO (not tunerCAT) at least use my XDF file. nothing else will do this ecm justice for a 'new tuner' (there are other versions for more advanced stuff) http://fbodytech.com/eex-tunerpro-definition/

bricking your ecm during a flash is a real risk. you should read the bin from your ecm a few times before writing it, as the commands are nearly the same but the risk is zero while reading (the worst case is you power your ECM on and off again by unhooking the battery). if reading succeeds without issues, writing probably will too, but if not, you're going to have to hit the wreckers for a new one or fix the old one with lots of very fine soldering.

TunerCATS offers a mail-in service to fix the flash chip in a BRICKED PCM.

dave w

Hi all,
i installed the EE Hack and was looking and touching/clicking and also looked at Post #2(from Steveo) for about a week now trying to understand how this all works. i do notice when i hover over boxes it gives the definitions of what the box is and what it does. i wasnt sure if all i needed to do was just plug the cable in and turn on the key or start the engine , so i did both. in the 2 attachments, the ee hack settings i noticed after a few times plugging/unplugging in the cable it registered as port com 1. so now i know something is happening. on the EE hack, with the key on and also by having the engine running i tried to connect but the "stat" and "Acq" would flash back and forth saying "connecting..failed" at this point by looking at these 2 screens (i took a screen shot, see attachments) i think i need to upload a bin file? from the tunerpro or my computer files? my understanding the purpose of this ee hack is to view my current PCM setting, i do see some settings are populated but still trying to understand .please take a look at the attachments and let me know if i have to make adjustments, especially to the settings screen. the only thing i set was the vehicle type to B-BODY and noticed the port select went from none to com1


Attachment 15192

Attachment 15191

Last week steveo was helping me out understand what all the terminology meant so i could get a grasp on this, i'm about ready to throw in the towel though. From his help i did find out that my cable is good, although that was probably my bad. when i got the cable i had the "short pin" in normal mode when it should have been in "A short to B" . i found when i turned on the key the fans started up and after a minute i started getting codes flashing. a long time ago i just shorted a and b with a wire but got nothing. not to sure if i got them right but i think i deciphered ... 13,21,25,31,and a 23. the 13 is for O2 sensors and currently they are supposed to be turned off(i need them turned back on). the cable shorted throws the codes whether its plugged into the PC or not. So as of now i still cant seem to get the EE HACK working (same as above). i got the codes from troublecodes.net. i also have a short video clip of me recording the codes flashing but i cant seem to upload it, i think i have to send it to someones email.

thought #1: this ECM doesn't use 'short a to b mode'. that's for 80s stuff. for the 8051 all you need is data, ground. that's all. two pins on that diagnostic cable.
thought #2: pretty sure this ecm doesn't flash codes with field service jumpered (never tried but always been told that)

#1:yea, thats how i read it too! but just by swapping the pins around i found that was the only one that worked.

http://aldlcable.com/instructions/al...structions.pdf


#2 i printed out the chart from this site last year, but now the contents have slightly changed. my first page has pic of the plug, and a line that said something like" to check codes, short a wire from A to B to read codes, on some 94-95 models this wont work and you need a scan tool" this link doesnt have that, but seems basically the same.

https://www.troublecodes.net/chevrol...e-5-7l-obd-ii/

To have readings from the PCM for the 94’ B carline the DLC has to include “M’ ( the serial data D29) from the PCM as well as “B” (D20 output field service enable) and “A” ( the ground)?