My curiosity got the best of me and I started looking some different scan tools. Im active duty military but have been wrenchin since I was about 14 and anybody who has lived in the barracks knows that there is a never ending supply of guys wanting you to work on their vehicles. Has anyone ever tried the Auto Enginuity program??? I have used several scanners, nemisys, tech II (chevy), snap on hand held, snap bada$$ set up will dell computer, off brand code readers, etc. By looking at the web page and reading all the reviews this seems to be the cat's meow. One big thing that got me was the speed tracker, which gives, 1/8, 1/4, 0-60 times, hp calculator, and some more options. This would be nice and finally put an end to all the arguements on here about hp gains with bolt on mods etc Has anybody tried this system, or have any others that they own and would recomend??? Just to clarify, if I were to buy any of these tools, it would have to have general OBDII capability. I work on all sorts of vehicles back at the house. Thanks for the input.

 

never used it. ive always used the starscan systems at the dealership. But if you think its worth it go for it =]

 

I have the Autoxray 2500. It also comes with the OBD-1 cables for Chrysler, GM, & Ford products. Around $200.00.

 

I have an OTC Genisys 2006 kit. w/asian. european, and abs software and cables. Scope module and various other add ons and cables. Expensive but I love it.

I don't think those added features you are talking about will be accurate enough to really gauge the changes you make like a dyno would of course. I just don't think it would be worth the extra cash when you can get something that does alot more as far as diagnostics go. JMO

 

Yeah if I had my way I would be using a kick A$$ snap-on diagnostic computer. But I dont work full time at a shop any more, I work on helicopters for a livin and cars for fun. What I want is just a general OBD II scanner that I can use on several vehicles. That alone is worth quite a bit to me. As far as the accuracy, calculating horsepower is no more than a math equation: torque x rpm/ 5252= horsepower. So in other words you can give me you quarter mile time and the total weight of your vehicle and I can figure out the horsepower that your vehicle has to have to travel that distance in that time. I agree its not goin to as accurate as a dyno, but just being able to see 0-60 times or 1/8 mile times will tell me how much improvement each mod is giving me. Im not goin to be drag racing but I do like to be able to measure results. I am just asking for opinions on fairly low budget scanners or software. I used the Genisys up in AK for about 8months while I was working part time. It was nice and was prolly one of the better ones I have ever used, but I dont have near that kind of money and no need for it. Thanks for the info though.

 

Its not a simple math problem. There are so many variables to think about when measuring horsepower or torque. Its not as simple as taking a 1/4 mile time and figuring out HP, because the answer will be wrong every time. The only way to truly know what a car can realistically do is to stick it on a dyno, and even then people are going to argue.

Ive seen 500 horsepower cars run 13's and ive seen 300 horsepower cars run 12's.

 

+1... It's basically just a gimmick to get you to buy that scanner.

 

I agree with you guys on that. It will be off every time, b/c the formula figures out with perfect shifts, perfect reaction times, etc. It will actually show less HP than what you have. You figure out the exact HP that it takes to do a 1/4mi in that time at the weight of your car. Usually, you can add 10% for the variables. And yeah, Ive seen 500HP 1971 Nova get beat by a 320HP supra. I mainly want it for the diagnostic cabalities, and the other stuff is just extra cool stuff that might work or might end up just like the TB spacer that adds 50HP and gives me 30mpg! Has anybody heard anything on the Auto Tap? Ill have to check out the Autoxray? How much can you do with it? User friendly?