Attention, NW BOMBers! Group purchase of Mentor scan tool?

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

My local Mac tool man has a demo model Mentor DRB scan tool he is willing to knock a few hundred $$ off of and I'd talked to Rob Hanson about going in together to purchase a scan tool for the NW BOMBers to use at our BOMBfests. He is bringing it by tonight for me to spec out for a couple days so I will report back impressions of it and what all it does. If it looks like a worthy investment then we could get enough guys to contribute towards it and purchase it. It retails for $2100 but may get him down to $1800, possibly lower. . . we will see. If we can get 20 of us to chip in $80 or so it would be doable, the more the better of course. We should keep it at Rob's since that is where we gather.

Give me your thoughts on this, and if anyone is familiar with the Mentor product tell us what you know.

Stay tuned!

Vaughn

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'01 2500 QC Shortbed 2wd, 6-speed, 3. 54LSD, Cab & Fog lamps, Camper & Tow Pkg.
BOMBed: RV injectors, PS Boost module, Amsoil air filter, straightpiped exh. , Aeroquip 3/8" fuel line w/tank mounted lift pump, AutoMeter Sport Comp gauges, Line-X'd, Amber turn signal conversion.
Mildly BOMBed Performance: 0-60 @ 10. 0 sec. ,
40-60 @ 5. 5 sec. ,
0-100 @ 24 sec.

[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 03-22-2001). ]

 

[Archive]

Count me in.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

The scan tool is a good idea, especially for the auto trans guys. Lots of information can be monitored, at least with the scan tool I use daily. We have the Snap-On version, can't be much different from the Mac one. Main benefit of the scan tool is to clear codes, that's about it. Worth $80 a person, yes if you have an automatic.

 

[Justbeamn]

I'll cough up $80. Sure would be nice for all of us.

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98. 5 3500 SLT Quad Dually 4x4. 3:54 Auto, Waterfall Blk on red. Custom dually flaps, Rhino lining, All acc's w/leather, Muth signal mirrors, Catz MSC's, 55watt back up lights, Optima Red Tops,
BD exhaust brake, Banks EGT/Boost/Temp gauges, Mag-Hytec DC&TP, SS bug screen and fender trim,SS Stull diamond line running boards, SS 4" turn down.
My Dually

 

[Archive]

Evan... is that a yes or no for you?

 

[pnwradar]

Count me in. Even if I never have to use it on my own rig, it'd be slick to have available. Although, at that price, Rob might have to store it in the safe. #ad


-jon-

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2000 2500 QC 4wd 5spd, Forest Green, everything but the snowplow
Denver Off-Road bumper, 275's, EZ, Psychotty, SPA EGT/boost, V1
Next: 4" exhaust and Ebrake, DD3's, then a clutch!

 

[rharley]

Hello Everyone,

The Mentor by mac tools is really a rebadged OTC Genysis scantool. This newer version does alot more than the Snapon scanner. This scantool does alot more than just clearing codes. I do alot of automotive diagnostics and use all of the top scantools and labscopes. The OTC genysis is definately a good deal. If you shop around, you can find the OTC genysis for a little cheaper than what your mac dealer is going to give it to you for. Be sure to find out what software cartidges he is giving you with it and what year the updates are for. Be sure that you are looking for a full fledged All domestic scantool before plunking down the dollars. Otc also has their Enhanced Monitor 4000E which you can get for aroud 1000$. check out http://www.ntxtools.com and click on storefront. Click on diagnostic tools and you will find the Genysis for 1695. 00 and also the Monitor 4000E for 1000$. Also note that these aren't as capable as Chryslers own DRB3 which they use to reflash pcms's with. If I can be of any help, please e-mail me directly and we can chat or even call on the phone.

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1998. 5 2500 quad cab long bed 4. 10 LSD automatic, 285/75-16 coopers, add on cab clearance lights, tailgate running lamps, MSC fog lamps, Banks PYRO,trans temp,boost guages on Apillar, Autometer fuelpressure guage on floor, soon to be BOMBED

 

[rharley]

OOOPPPPS,

Forgot to sign my post, typers cramp.

Ron

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1998. 5 2500 quad cab long bed 4. 10 LSD automatic, 285/75-16 coopers, add on cab clearance lights, tailgate running lamps, MSC fog lamps, Banks PYRO,trans temp,boost guages on Apillar, Autometer fuelpressure guage on floor, soon to be BOMBED

 

[John]

Rob and Vaughn, I'm in.

Regarding Evan... hmmm... I guess he meant to say that he's in although he is looking for a money man (read: buddy) to chip in his share. #ad


..... besides, if you make him cough up $80. (ok, ok, I mean squeeze it out of him) for the scan tool he will never save enough so he can get a new clutch. What does this mean to any of us you say? Just this, you may never really know how much horsepower he really has... I mean REALLY. #ad


Just kidding Evan... well, sort of. #ad

 

[Bob Wagner]

count me in

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well guess who never showed last night #ad

I am in meetings all day today but will call him during a break and ask "whazzup buddy??" I am going to insist he drop it by tonight for the weekend.

rharley, thanks so much for your input. That is the kind of information I need, knowing virtually nothing about the product. I could evaluate this one then if it's complete, try to get him down under $1700 or else just pick one up from nxtools.com.

It looks like we have a good deal of interest, thanks for your input everyone. We should email NW BOMBers that don't catch this thread. Maybe Rob, Evan, & John can do that if they have some time today. I am up to my neck in a bathroom remodel this weekend plus a trip to Spokane.

Vaughn

 

[Big-D]

I don't know much about the tool itself, but as long as there are enough guys going in so the cost doesn't fall on a few for the good of the whole, you can count me in.

Rob... thanks for the ALNOT. Would not have know if you didn't take the time.
DD

 

[Papa Joe]

Count me in. Check out the various ways to go, but count me in.
I'll post a goofy occurence in the 24 valve for you guys which may interest you.

Hey Rob... ... I have a set of 1-ton wheels with the factory tires. I had studs on an extra set of wheels in the accident. Interested?

Help me put on some new 275's and the six-pack is yours #ad


May be cause for another B O M B fest prior to Dyno Days #ad


Joe

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White 2001 QuadCab 2500 Laramie SLT, HO 6-speed, 3. 54 limited slip, Mopar exhaust brake, towing/camper options, Rhino liner, Grover Air Horns (not yet installed), Un BOMBed (so far), DUAL AIR BAGS !!

 

[Archive]

Vaughn... the check, er uh info has been sent to all with a known email address!

[This message has been edited by Rob Hanson (edited 03-23-2001). ]

 

[Archive]

Papa Joe... give me a date, and I will set up the BOMBfest. So far, everyone wants one, but no projects!
I would love to install some injectors for ya.

 

[Andy Perreault]

Would a 12-valver benefit from this scan tool, or is it only applicable to the newer 24-valve engines?
Andy

 

[MikeR]

Although I have a scan tool that I use at work,count me in for this group purchase.
These things make life with electronics easy.

Andy,I'm not sure there would be much use for it on a 12v.

And about a BOMB fest sometime before Dyno Day... I have one or two projects so far. The little '95 12 valver needs a new fuel tank sending unit,cat removed,headliner replaced,and possibly drill for gauges. #ad


-Mike

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'00 2500,QC,4wd,LWB,Dark Garnet,6spd,3. 54lsd,SLT,DD stage II,Psychotty air,10-level PM3,Jacobs ebrake,Isspro pyro & boost gauges,2wd-low,Airoquip fuel lines,Smittybilt nerfs,BFG 285/75 AT's
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'95 2500,Reg-cab,2wd,LWB,White/Driftwood,Automatic,3. 54open,SLT

 

[SlyBones]

Did I hear some one mention BOMBFest. Oh Honey, wheres the plastic? I'll bet I can find a project. Min is gut the cat and drill manifold for the pyro. Max, Oh Honey, whats our limit?

Whats a fuel pressure gauge install like? Really necessary or just get by with testing it once in a while. How about Injector Timing? Before I start bombing I want to make sure its healthy and I have any problems fixed.



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1997 2500 4x4, CC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, 66K, Everything inc Leather, K&N, 4" BD cat-back, otherwise stock, Isspro Gauges(3), 285/75/16 on Alcola's, RS9000's, Canopy, BedLiner, and tons more.

 

[Dreher]

Andy,

Yeah, they're even good for the 12V's, at least those after 96. I haven't checked the specs on this particular model, but many higher dollar scanners will access everything your PCM reads - all the sensor input from engine, A/C, trans (auto), etc. , as well as allow two-way communication to actuate solenoids and switches. They're great for troubleshooting.

Bob

 

[Andy Perreault]

I may or may not make much use of it, but for the benefit of the group, I'm in for $80, too.
Andy