EEC tuner cable..homemade possible?

[CiscoKid]

As some of you know, I have a 91 Z28 and I am just getting into the prom burning. The camaro club has links to making your own cable to interface with the car's ecm via it's ALDL interface to a serial port on a laptop using Craig Moates software. I am hoping to be able to make a cable so I can interface with a 94 Lightning for my buddy Steve Stock. I figured that if i am going to learn how to do this computer chip thing, i would like to be able to help those who have helped me in the past! Anyway, Is is possible to make a cable from a max232/max233 with the two transistors? I would greatly appricate any help on making a cable to interface with the first gen Lightnings! I have found a lot of info on making these cables to interface with the chevy ALDL, but none for the Fords

Thank You

Craig

 

[Raymond_B]

Hi Craig, well there are a few speed bumps in Ford tuning

Unlike a lot of the GM's Ford uses a proprietary soldered in EPROM, that's why anything to tune a Ford (EEC-IV) has to go through the J-3 service port.

Deciphering the DCL (ALDL in GM speak ) will give you the ability to read OBD-I stuff on Lightning's. If you can make an inexpensive kit (software included) to do that I'm sure more than a few people will line up. Check out www.obd2.com[\url] to see a fancy v...of any info on the Ford OBD-I DCL interfaces.

 

[CiscoKid]

Raymond,

the chevy ALDL is also proprietary, however, on TGO http://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/promintro.shtml ... they show how to make a cable by using transistors and a max232 cable. anyway, I'm sure there is a way and I just want to be able to help my buddy out! I was going to pitch in 4bills to get a scan tool so I would be able to use it on both my Z28 and his lightning... and whom ever i ran accross (mustang or camaro) that could use the information. It's all about learning, and helping others out! As long as you don't drive a friggin honda with huge wings and a fart tip.......and think you can run with us domestic's anyhow, If anyone know's how to make such a cable as the chevy ALDL......PLEASE LET ME KNOW

 

[CiscoKid]

By the way, what is a J-3 service port? I'm sure you could make one or even bypass it?

 

[Raymond_B]

The J-3 service port is where the chip plugs in on a Ford. I'll see if I can find some pics.

By the way, what is a J-3 service port? I'm sure you could make one or even bypass it?

 

[CiscoKid]

That is what i thought. The ALDL is where the chevy plugs in and there are 3 wires...one ground,one power and an orange wire where the data is tx from and to. I'm sure a cable can be made! Let's put our heads together and get something going!

 

[Raymond_B]

People have been trying to crack the J-3 for years, it's not just an easy cable interface Sorry not trying to be a naysayer it's just not something I'm capable of doing.

 

[sstock]

Nice try Craig! I give you an "A" for trying. I know you want to pay me back for that beautiful balanced and blueprinted motor I built and assembled for you, not to mention the knuckle busting install(DONOT buy a Gen3 Camaro, great car but can't work on them , way cramped) BUT it is not going to be that easy, I want you first born,lol.
Serious, if there was a way, Raymond would of let on but the two processors are worlds apart. Give it a shot on your GM processor but leave my Ford alone, its perfect anyway, at least until I get the heads on.
Later
Bro

 

[CiscoKid]

Steve,

The engine runs awsome except for one problem...I'm not sure what is going on with it? When i get above 2500 rpms, It makes a huge rattle in relation with the rps? The more rpms i give it, the more it rattles. It's really noticible at 5500 rpms JK

 

[sstock]

It is suppose to rattle, it is a "CHEVY" lol!

 

[CiscoKid]

I have two words for you stevie, the two words you will hear all season from the CiscoKid:

T A I L L I G H T S