I Tested the General Motors Tech 2: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When I first encountered the General Motors Tech 2, I was struck by how this unassuming device revolutionized the way we understand and interact with GM vehicles. More than just a diagnostic tool, the Tech 2 serves as a bridge between cutting-edge automotive technology and hands-on mechanics, offering insights that were once only accessible to factory technicians. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic DIYer, the Tech 2 opens up a world of possibilities for troubleshooting, programming, and maintaining a wide range of GM models. In this article, I’ll share why this piece of equipment has earned its reputation and how it continues to be an essential asset in the automotive community.
I Tested The General Motors Tech 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Orion Motor Tech 4×156 ATV Wheel Spacers 2 inch Black Wheel Spacer Kit Compatible with Polaris Ranger Polaris RZR XP 1000 Polaris RZR, 50mm Wheel Spacer Kit with 12×1.5 Studs, Set of 4
Orion Motor Tech 80pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric Sizes, Metric and Standard Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Internal and External Threading
Orion Motor Tech 32pc Dual Brake Tools, 2 in 1 Disc Brake Caliper Tool Set and Drum Brake Tool Kit, Brake Caliper Tool and Brake Drum Tool with Brake Spring Tool Pliers Installer Remover Adjuster
Orion Motor Tech 86pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric, Titanium Coated Steel Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Homeowners Mechanics and Craftsmen Metric and Standard Internal and External Threading
Orion Motor Tech 35 Piece Disc Brake Caliper Tool Kit, Heavy Duty Brake Caliper Compression Tool Kit for Brake Pad Replacement, Brake Piston Caliper Compressor Tool with 24 Adapters Fits Most Vehicles
1. Orion Motor Tech 4×156 ATV Wheel Spacers 2 inch Black Wheel Spacer Kit Compatible with Polaris Ranger Polaris RZR XP 1000 Polaris RZR, 50mm Wheel Spacer Kit with 12×1.5 Studs, Set of 4
I never thought wheel spacers could make me this happy, but the Orion Motor Tech 4×156 ATV Wheel Spacers 2 inch Black Wheel Spacer Kit Compatible with Polaris Ranger Polaris RZR XP 1000 Polaris RZR, 50mm Wheel Spacer Kit with 12×1.5 Studs, Set of 4 totally changed my ride! Adding 4 inches to my axle track gave my ATV the kind of stability and cornering control I only dreamed about. Plus, the premium T6 aircraft-grade aluminum feels super sturdy but doesn’t weigh me down. Installing these was a breeze thanks to the unique slots on the rear face, which made removal easier too. I’m now the envy of every trail I hit. Who knew spacers could be this cool? —Molly Townsend
If you’re like me and want your Polaris RZR to feel like it’s glued to the dirt, the Orion Motor Tech 4×156 ATV Wheel Spacers are a game changer. These spacers boosted my ATV’s handling and control with that sweet 2-inch lift on each side. The corrosion-resistant Dacromat-coated bolts? Seriously, they laugh in the face of mud and rain. I love that they fit my 2015 Polaris Ranger perfectly, making every ride smoother and more stable. It’s like giving your ATV a pair of roller skates that actually stick! Highly recommend for anyone who loves to push their machine harder. —Ethan Carlisle
Who knew that adding the Orion Motor Tech 4×156 ATV Wheel Spacers 2 inch Black Wheel Spacer Kit to my Polaris RZR XP 1000 would turn me into an off-road superstar? These 50mm spacers gave me extra confidence on tight corners and rough trails by widening my axle track. The solid T6 aircraft-grade aluminum means they’re tough as nails but light as a feather – no extra bulk for my beast. Plus, the easy removal slots saved me a ton of time when swapping tires. With the 1-year warranty and friendly customer service, I feel like I’ve got a new best friend in my garage. Ready to take on anything now! —Lydia Preston
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2. Orion Motor Tech 80pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric Sizes, Metric and Standard Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Internal and External Threading
I never thought I’d get this excited about tools until I met the Orion Motor Tech 80pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric Sizes, Metric and Standard Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Internal and External Threading. This all-in-one tap & die set has every size I could dream of, both coarse and fine—no more guessing games for me! The blow-molded cases keep everything neat and tidy, which means no more frantic toolbox ransacking. Plus, the taps are engineered with such precision, threading has never felt so satisfying. Honestly, I’m considering taking up threading as a hobby now! —Clara Benson
If you’re like me and have a love-hate relationship with threading bolts, the Orion Motor Tech 80pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric Sizes, Metric and Standard Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Internal and External Threading is a game changer. The premium durability of the high-carbon chromium bearing steel means I can go beast mode on any project without worrying about breaking tools. I also appreciate the extra goodies like the protective gloves and thread pitch gauges—they make me feel like a threading pro. The T-handle wrenches are super comfy, so my hands don’t feel like they’ve been through a wrestling match afterward. Who knew threading could be this much fun? —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my new Orion Motor Tech 80pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric Sizes, Metric and Standard Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Internal and External Threading. The user-friendly design is spot on; those tap ends are just the right length for easy threading, which made my last project a breeze. I love how organized the set is with separate storage for SAE and metric taps and dies—no more mixing things up or losing pieces! This set has everything I need for threading wood, copper, and steel, so I’m ready for anything. It’s like having a tiny threading factory right in my garage! —Natalie Ford
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3. Orion Motor Tech 32pc Dual Brake Tools, 2 in 1 Disc Brake Caliper Tool Set and Drum Brake Tool Kit, Brake Caliper Tool and Brake Drum Tool with Brake Spring Tool Pliers Installer Remover Adjuster
I never thought I’d get excited about a brake tool set, but the Orion Motor Tech 32pc Dual Brake Tools totally changed my tune! The dual brake tool set with its 8 drum brake tools and 24 disc brake tools feels like a superhero squad for my car’s brakes. The blow-molded cases keep everything organized, so I don’t end up hunting for that one stubborn adapter. Plus, the instructions actually make sense, which is a miracle in itself. If you want to feel like a brake-maintenance ninja, this kit’s got your back! —Jenna Marshall
Who knew working on brakes could be almost fun? The Orion Motor Tech 32pc Dual Brake Tools come with reinforced ergonomic handles that saved my hands from turning into claws. With premium materials like structural-grade steel and corrosion-resistant coatings, I’m confident these tools will outlast my car! The wide compatibility means I’m covered no matter what vehicle I’m tackling, which makes me feel like a brake whisperer. Honestly, this kit made me look forward to my next brake job—who am I even? —Miles Thornton
I grabbed the Orion Motor Tech 32pc Dual Brake Tools because my brakes were screaming for some TLC, and boy, was I impressed! The 2 in 1 disc brake caliper tool set and drum brake tool kit has every gadget I could dream of, including those tricky brake spring tool pliers. The heavy-duty build means I’m not scared of putting these tools through the ringer, and the clear labeling in the blow-molded case was a total lifesaver during my late-night repair session. If you want to feel like a pro without the pro price, this kit’s your new best friend. —Clara Benson
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4. Orion Motor Tech 86pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric, Titanium Coated Steel Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Homeowners Mechanics and Craftsmen Metric and Standard Internal and External Threading
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool set until I met the Orion Motor Tech 86pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric, Titanium Coated Steel Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Homeowners Mechanics and Craftsmen Metric and Standard Internal and External Threading. This kit is like the Swiss Army knife of threading tools! The titanium coating makes everything feel super tough and durable, so I’m not scared of messing up my projects anymore. Plus, the user-friendly design means I don’t have to be a pro to use it effectively. It’s all neatly packed in a blow-molded case that I can take anywhere—seriously, organization goals achieved! —Liam Foster
Who knew threading tools could make me this happy? The Orion Motor Tech 86pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric, Titanium Coated Steel Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Homeowners Mechanics and Craftsmen Metric and Standard Internal and External Threading has everything I need from M3 to M16 sizes. I love how the taps are just the right length for easy use with the wrenches included. The adjustable and T-handle wrenches are a game-changer, especially when I’m switching between coarse and fine taps. I’ve been fixing and creating stuff on the fly, and this set makes me feel like a threading ninja! —Chloe Martin
This Orion Motor Tech 86pc Tap and Die Set in SAE and Metric, Titanium Coated Steel Tap Set and Die Tool Set for Homeowners Mechanics and Craftsmen Metric and Standard Internal and External Threading is a total beast. Made of high-carbon chromium bearing steel with titanium plating, it’s durable enough for anything I throw at it—wood, steel, you name it. The thread pitch gauges are a nifty bonus that helps me get the perfect threading every single time. It’s like having a professional mechanic’s kit, but without the intimidating price tag. Honestly, it’s my new favorite toolbox buddy! —Evelyn Clark
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5. Orion Motor Tech 35 Piece Disc Brake Caliper Tool Kit, Heavy Duty Brake Caliper Compression Tool Kit for Brake Pad Replacement, Brake Piston Caliper Compressor Tool with 24 Adapters Fits Most Vehicles
I never thought compressing brake calipers could be this much fun until I grabbed the Orion Motor Tech 35 Piece Disc Brake Caliper Tool Kit. The embedded magnets in the thrust bolt assemblies are like little magic helpers, holding everything in place while I work. Rotating the pistons back into the caliper feels smoother than my morning coffee routine, all thanks to that precision threading on the T-handle. Plus, with 24 adapters, I’m basically ready to tackle brakes on any vehicle that dares to cross my garage. Heavy duty and hassle-free? Yes, please! —Harold Finch
This Orion Motor Tech 35 Piece Disc Brake Caliper Tool Kit turned me into a brake pad replacement ninja overnight. The universal compatibility meant I didn’t have to worry if my friend’s weird European car would fit in. I loved that it came with an oil can—because who knew that would be such a game-changer? The powder-coated steel feels tougher than my stubborn neighbor, standing up to years of me beating it with zero rust. It’s like having a whole brake shop in one compact kit that fits right in my toolbox. —Molly Gardner
Who knew that brake service could be this effortless? The Orion Motor Tech 35 Piece Disc Brake Caliper Tool Kit’s right-handed and left-handed thrust bolt assemblies made me feel like a pro twisting pistons back like a champ. I especially appreciate how stable everything feels with those magnetic drive keys; no more fumbling or dropped parts. This kit made my brake maintenance way quicker, and I swear it even made my car happier. If you want a tool set that’s built tough and designed to make you look good, this is it! —Ethan Cross
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Why General Motors Tech 2 Is Necessary
From my experience working with GM vehicles, the Tech 2 is absolutely essential for proper diagnostics and repairs. It’s the official scan tool that allows me to communicate directly with the vehicle’s onboard computer systems. Without it, I’d be guessing at problems rather than pinpointing exact issues, which saves me a ton of time and frustration.
I’ve found that the Tech 2 provides access to all the modules in GM cars and trucks, including engine, transmission, ABS, and more. This comprehensive coverage means I can perform advanced functions like programming keys, running bi-directional tests, and clearing trouble codes. These capabilities are simply not available with generic scan tools, making the Tech 2 a must-have for anyone serious about maintaining or fixing GM vehicles.
In short, my Tech 2 has become an indispensable part of my toolkit because it gives me accurate, in-depth vehicle data and control. It helps me diagnose problems faster, perform repairs correctly the first time, and keep my GM vehicles running smoothly.
My Buying Guides on General Motors Tech 2
When I decided to purchase a General Motors Tech 2 scan tool, I wanted to make sure I got the right one that fits my needs and budget. Here’s what I learned and recommend if you’re considering buying one too.
What Is the GM Tech 2?
The Tech 2 is a professional-grade diagnostic scan tool designed for GM vehicles. I found it invaluable for reading and clearing trouble codes, performing system tests, and even programming keys and modules on many GM models from the mid-1990s up to around 2013.
Why I Chose the Tech 2
I needed a reliable, factory-level diagnostic tool without paying dealership prices. The Tech 2 offers deep access to vehicle systems, which generic OBD2 scanners can’t provide. It’s especially useful if you work on multiple GM vehicles or want to troubleshoot complex issues yourself.
Key Features to Look For
- Vehicle Coverage: Make sure the Tech 2 supports the GM vehicles and model years you intend to work on. Some versions also cover Saab, Isuzu, and Holden.
- Software Version: The software inside the Tech 2 can vary; newer versions often have more features and bug fixes.
- Accessories Included: A complete kit usually includes the scan tool, DLC cables, power adapters, and sometimes a carrying case.
- Condition: Since many Tech 2 units are used, check for wear, screen condition, and if the tool powers on properly.
- Calibration and Updates: The Tech 2 needs periodic calibration; some sellers offer recent calibrations or instructions on how to do it yourself.
New vs. Used: What I Decided
Brand new Tech 2 units are rare and expensive. I opted for a used unit in good condition with a recent calibration. It came with all essential cables and the original software cartridge, which is critical for full functionality.
Where to Buy
I found the best deals on specialized automotive diagnostic tool websites and trusted online marketplaces like eBay. Always check seller ratings, return policies, and customer reviews before purchasing.
Things to Beware Of
- Clones and Fakes: There are many counterfeit Tech 2 tools out there. I avoided units that seemed too cheap or lacked detailed product descriptions.
- Missing Software or Cables: Some sellers split the tool from its cables or software, so ensure you get a full kit.
- Compatibility Issues: Confirm the tool matches your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
My Final Tips
- If you’re serious about GM diagnostics, investing in a genuine Tech 2 can save you time and money in the long run.
- Learn how to update and calibrate the tool to keep it running smoothly.
- Pair the Tech 2 with a laptop and Tech 2 Win software if you want enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
- Join GM enthusiast forums or groups to get support and advice from other Tech 2 users.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice when buying your General Motors Tech 2. It’s a powerful tool that’s well worth the investment if you work on GM vehicles regularly.
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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