🔌HARDWARE GUIDE

What to Plug In

GREASE-AI works with any OBD2 log file. But the quality of your data depends on what you're using to capture it. Here's what we actually recommend — no BS, no paid placements.

⚡ Quick Picker — Just Tell Me What to Buy

I have a Ford and use FORScan
OBDLink EX ($59) →
I work on multiple makes
OBDLink MX+ ($99) →
I'm on a budget, Android only
BAFX Bluetooth ($22) →
I tune GM/Ford professionally
HP Tuners MPVI3 →
I tune Duramax or Cummins
EFI Live FlashScan V3 →
I run a full-service shop
Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro →

Links marked with → are Amazon affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd actually use.

OBD2 Adapters

For logging with FORScan, Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, or any generic OBD2 app. These don't write to the ECM — they read and log.

OBDLink EX

FORScan Official Pick
$59USB (wired)Ford · Lincoln · Mercury

Ford/Lincoln FORScan users who want the most reliable connection

Pros
  • ✓Officially recommended by FORScan developers
  • ✓Wired = zero latency, zero dropouts
  • ✓Supports all Ford MS-CAN, HS-CAN, and ISO protocols
  • ✓Works with PATS programming and module configuration
Cons
  • ✗Ford-only optimization (works on other brands but not ideal)
  • ✗Wired only — no Bluetooth
💬 If you're on Ford and using FORScan, this is the answer. Stop reading, just buy it.

OBDLink MX+

Best All-Around
$99Bluetooth 4.0GM · Ford · Dodge · Toyota · Honda · Most makes

Shops and serious DIYers who work on multiple makes

Pros
  • ✓Works with FORScan, Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, and dozens of apps
  • ✓Full GM, Ford, Dodge enhanced diagnostics
  • ✓Bluetooth — works with phone or tablet
  • ✓No subscription fee
  • ✓Reads manufacturer-specific codes most cheap adapters miss
Cons
  • ✗Bluetooth can occasionally drop on older Android devices
  • ✗$99 is real money for a casual user
💬 This is what we use internally to validate GREASE-AI logs. It's the gold standard for multi-make shops.

Vgate vLinker FS

Budget FORScan Pick
$35Bluetooth / USBFord · Lincoln

Ford users who want FORScan capability without the OBDLink price

Pros
  • ✓Supports Ford MS-CAN (required for many Ford modules)
  • ✓Much cheaper than OBDLink EX
  • ✓Available in Bluetooth or wired versions
Cons
  • ✗Occasional driver issues on Windows
  • ✗Less plug-and-play than OBDLink
  • ✗Not officially endorsed by FORScan

BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2

Budget Generic
$22BluetoothMost makes (generic OBD2 only)

Android users who just need basic OBD2 PIDs for data logging

Pros
  • ✓Cheap and reliable for generic OBD2 Mode 01 data
  • ✓Works with Torque Pro, OBD Fusion, DashCommand
  • ✓Good for basic RPM, coolant temp, MAF, O2 sensor logging
Cons
  • ✗No enhanced/manufacturer-specific diagnostics
  • ✗No Ford MS-CAN support
  • ✗Not compatible with HP Tuners or EFI Live
  • ✗iOS incompatible
💬 Fine for casual logging. Don't expect it to read transmission temps or ABS codes.

Professional Tuning Tools

These tools read AND write to the ECM/TCM. They also produce the highest-quality log files — GREASE-AI is optimized for HP Tuners and EFI Live log formats.

HP Tuners MPVI3

Industry Standard
$399 + creditsUSB + BluetoothGM · Ford · Dodge · Chrysler · Jeep

Professional tuners and serious enthusiasts doing ECM/TCM calibration

Pros
  • ✓Full read/write access to GM, Ford, Dodge ECM and TCM
  • ✓VCM Scanner for high-speed data logging (up to 100+ PIDs)
  • ✓Industry standard — every tuner knows it
  • ✓GREASE-AI is optimized for HP Tuners .csv log format
Cons
  • ✗Credit system adds cost per vehicle licensed
  • ✗Steep learning curve for beginners
  • ✗Expensive upfront
💬 If you're tuning professionally, you already have this. If you're logging with it, GREASE-AI reads your files natively.

EFI Live FlashScan V3

Diesel/Duramax King
$450 + licensesUSBGM (especially Duramax) · Cummins · Powerstroke

Diesel tuners — Duramax LB7/LLY/LBZ/LMM/LML and Cummins

Pros
  • ✓Unmatched Duramax and Cummins support
  • ✓DSP5 switch support for on-the-fly tune switching
  • ✓Deep injection timing and rail pressure access
  • ✓GREASE-AI supports EFI Live log format
Cons
  • ✗Per-VIN licensing adds up fast
  • ✗Less intuitive UI than HP Tuners
  • ✗Primarily diesel-focused
💬 Diesel shops: this is your tool. The Duramax community runs on EFI Live.

Autel MaxiSys MS906 Pro

Best Professional Scanner
$1,299WiFi / BluetoothAll makes · OEM-level access

Full-service shops needing OEM-level diagnostics across all makes

Pros
  • ✓Full bi-directional control (actuator tests, relearn procedures)
  • ✓ADAS calibration support
  • ✓Reads all modules: ECM, TCM, ABS, SRS, BCM, TPMS
  • ✓Annual software updates included
Cons
  • ✗Expensive — this is a professional tool
  • ✗Overkill for single-vehicle enthusiasts
💬 If you're running a shop, this pays for itself in the first month of not sending cars to the dealer.

Scanner Apps

The app matters as much as the adapter. Here's what to run on your phone or laptop.

FORScan

Free (extended license $12/yr)
Windows / iOS / Android
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury — deep module access
The single best free tool for Ford diagnostics. Extended license unlocks module programming.

Torque Pro

$4.95
Android
Generic OBD2 logging, custom dashboards, real-time PIDs
Best $5 you'll spend. Works with any ELM327 adapter. Export CSV logs directly to GREASE-AI.

OBD Fusion

$9.99
iOS / Android
iOS users who need enhanced diagnostics with OBDLink MX+
The best iOS option for enhanced GM/Ford diagnostics with OBDLink MX+.

HP Tuners VCM Scanner

Included with MPVI
Windows
High-speed professional data logging for tuning
If you have an MPVI, use VCM Scanner for logging. GREASE-AI reads the .csv output natively.

Got your hardware? Let's analyze a log.

Upload your OBD2, FORScan, HP Tuners, or Autel log and get a professional diagnostic report in minutes.