This month’s guest speaker is NIFE member Ryan Gick of Sinister Performance. Ryan will briefly discuss the evolution of OBD1 (On-board Diagnostics 1) in GM applications, covering all Fiero production years, to the end of OBD1/OBD1.5 use. Ryan will describe the differences of data communications protocols in early OBD1 service (160 baud like the Fiero uses) and what changed in later OBD1 vehicles (8192 baud, OBD1.5, etc.). He will provide some examples of scan tools and Windows/PC scanning software that work with these various protocols and compatibility issues. Ryan will also explain the limitations of these systems as far as tuning and capabilities are concerned.

For OBD2, Ryan will very briefly touch on the various different communications protocols used by non-GM manufacturers. For GM makes, Ryan will go far more in-depth explaining what OBD2 introduced (as far as diagnostics and capabilities) and also what came later (GMLAN/CAN BUS). He will provide some examples of scan tools that work with these applications and also show some slides of some of the exciting aftermarket products that are now being offered. These new products really open up options to car enthusiasts as far as providing the ability to mix and match modules and dash displays made by different car manufacturers.