I am looking to get into tuning. I would like to tune my fathers 1999 6-speed TA that we just installed a cam, FAST intake, and LT's/ORY over the winter. Untuned it starts and idles good and is drive-able, with the wideband and logging I think I could figure out how to make sure it is running at safe AFR values, and then look at the timing. I am also not happy with how my 2001 H/C/I 6-speed car drives after being professionally tuned, so I figure getting the tuner and some experience for myself will help me dial both cars in. I have been researching but still am fuzzy on a few points. With that I have a handful of questions I hope some of you could share your knowledge on.
I am looking at purchasing a used "original" MPVI pro that is supposed to have 8 GM credits on it. I would also intend on purchasing a AEM 30-0300 wideband.
1. How can I verify that the credits are on there and are truly for GM vehicles before the purchase? The seller is reluctant to share the serial number on it.
2. How can I verify what firmware version the MPVI has? I understand that if you connect a MPVI with 120 firmware into the VCM Editor version 4.2ish or newer that it will force it to update to 121 firmware.
3. Is there a safe & legal way to get an older 4.0ish version of VCM Editor?
4. Does the flash drive that comes with the MPVI have the VCM program on it that would be period specific (i.e. not the latest 4.10 version that is available from the HPT website)?
5. If one would ever decide to upgrade to the MPVI2+ or whatever they come out with next, does HPT typically transfer unused credits from your old device?
The MPVI pro I found has 8 credits on it and is $500. Another option I see is one online store that still seems to have the standard MPVI2 for $420. It seems like many prefer the old MPVI pros, and it sure seems easier to connect a wideband to. With a MPVI2 or 2+ I would need to figure a way to connect the wideband analog out (or use serial which I have read is slower and "worthless for tuning." The MPVI2+ pro with 0 credits going for $650 seems a bit much for what I want to do. I have read some horror stories from people that HPT is forcing obsolesce for the MPVI, and don't want to buy something that I won't be able to use.
Any other obvious considerations I may be missing?
Appreciate any help as I am very new to this!