using the laptop IS A SCAN TOOL they plug into 16 pin 94-95 pcm'* and any other GM OBD1 pcm , for only 40-50 bucks and you can view live data and record it during a run. I dont know i think id rather have that instead of the exspensive alternative that does the same or less

I am about $60 into a brand new Actron (from ebay, with cable from Slug) and it shows me live data just fine. Your suggestion works fine, except for the laptop part. Unless you own one already, damn expensive way to get a scan tool.

The limited software choices and poor performance of them is another reason why laptop scanning for OBD1 isn't a viable option (not to mention the laptop problem for most).

I've researched the laptop based scanners, and they're just not practical until you get into OBD2.

i have to ask what personal experiance you have with laptop obd1 makes you say its bad? and it seems theres alot of software out i have 8 diffrent programs i could use

I have a laptop. I have two OBD1 L67'*, one of them is the hybrid PCM.

I have a performance chip in the other.

I'm not an idiot. I fully researched all the options out there. The only one that seemed worthwhile to replace my CP9110 was almost $600 bucks. None of the other software interfaces had any advantages over my scantool.

I don't recall saying it was 'bad' so please don't try to twist my words. I said 'impractical'.

no i wasnt saying bad like you said that i was curious about your experience with them thats all. Moving right along so 600 bucks? all the software for obd1 tuning ive seen is actually free you can download them through sinisterperformance.com i have other ones as well. but what else didnt you like about the laptop method'*

They don't offer anything the CP9110 doesn't already offer. And you don't need a laptop. So why would I want to mess with my laptop when I can plug in and go?

The 9110 records. Including custom data lists.

gotcha i guess it would be a cheaper alternative if you already have a laptop the software i have does everything the actron scanner does so it wouldnt be neccesary to buy a scanner. :P

I guess now you see why we've been suggesting the Actron for 5 years on this Forum huh?

yeaaaaaaaa..........pepole also have laptops now and days its 2007 soo Actron the only thing out there is all i was saying