I didn't read the whole thread, but I have scanned through most of it.
I can't speak on other brands of software, only the AE.
From what I have heard the AE is the most extensive OBDII laptop software you can get.
It will put the 68RFE into quick learn, and it does have the ability to measure CVI's. I have not tried this one, more on that later.
It also has the ability to run many different diagnostic test. Such as, injector testing, VGT vane recalibration, trouble shooting various systems, dozens more
Of course it can pull codes and give you read outs on most of the sensors in the truck. Such as VGT vane position while driving, both actual, and commanded by the ECM. (believe it or not, those two are not always the same.)
The biggest problems with AE? The read out on your LT screen is delayed from what is actually happening. Also the program seems to capture in about 1 - 2 second increments. So if you need to monitor something in half second increments or less, it's not going to happen.
Also, There is not much information on how to use most of the diagnostic features of AE, most of it you have to just figure out. For example, There is no information on how to do a tranny quick learn. I had to figure out through trail and error, that you start the truck, put your foot on the brake, put the truck into drive, THEN start the test on the AE. It has to be that way in that order, but I never found anything telling me that.
I would like to check the CVI's on my tranny, but I have no idea how to use the test system, and I am a little apprehensive to just start pushing buttons.
If any one knows a place to get the answers on how to run specific test, please do share.
Do I like the AE? Yes. Would I buy it again? Yes. But I am the type of guy who does most of his own work on his own truck. So there will come a time that I need the AE to help diagnose a problem, such as a bad MAP sensor, and the AE should be very helpful with that.
But at this time I have had almost NO problems with my truck, (that weren't my own doing ;-) so I have yet to have much need for AE, except for some turbo tuning I was doing last summer.
Hope this helped.
:thumbsup: