A dynamometer or dyno is a device that measures your vehicle’s power. To give you an idea of the chassis or engine’s performance, the device will create a load to match the speed and torque levels specified by the manufacturer. It is possible to vary the load to get the required readings and tune up the vehicle to improve its performance.
To make sure that the dyno tuning cost gives you a good return, it will help to prepare a handy checklist for the dyno tuning session. That way, you will be able to stay on top of things and focus on how to supercharge your vehicle.
Dyno tuning session checklist
Here are some of the things you need to do before you take your vehicle for a dyno tuning session:
Research dyno tuning cost and testing types
The dyno tuning cost will depend on whether you choose engine dyno testing or chassis dyno testing.
With the engine dyno testing, the auto shop will check the vehicle’s engine to confirm its performance. They generally do such checking with newly-built engines prior to installing them or before selling them to customers. They will mount the engine on the rolling cart and couple the engine dynamometer to the engine via a drive. After creating a load, the engine dynamometer will determine if the engine is overheating or has performance problems and sensor issues.
The chassis dyno testing is for checking the maximum power of the entire car. The vehicle is mounted up for the tuning session and tested for its full power at the wheels. The chassis dynamometer will test the drivetrain’s rotating parts, corroborate the engine’s power and torque, do a performance evaluation, and address noise and safety issues. The main benefit of this testing is that you can save time and avoid the inconvenience of road-testing the vehicle.
Tune the car engine
Tuning the car engine beforehand will let you ascertain if it is in good enough condition to create a maximum amount of power.
Check the car plugs and filters
Make sure you have the right car plugs and that they are well-gapped. Additionally, find out if that the air, fuel, and oil filters are in good condition. Clean all the moving parts and check that they are clean and work as they should.
Replace the belts and hoses
Even if the belts and hoses seem okay when you check them, it will be smarter to replace them before taking the vehicle to the dyno tuning session. You don’t want them breaking in mid-session and that could be a possibility if they have been in use for a while. Dyno tuning can put a lot of pressure on the engine and such breakages are not unknown.
Change the oil
Put in fresh oil in the car’s engine as well as in its transmission and the differential. While you are at it, check if there are any plugs or gaskets that are leaking and fix those issues. You should also fill up your petrol or diesel tank and take also extra fuel. You never know when you might need it and it is best to be prepared.
Get new tires
If your vehicle has worn-out tires, you definitely need to replace them before heading for the dyno tuning session. Firstly, you don’t want to risk a burst tire while you are getting the vehicle tuned. It can be downright dangerous. Secondly, to offer good traction and get an accurate reading, your vehicle’s tires must have wide contact with the rollers. With new tires, you can get that and you can also avoid the risk of a tire bursting at high speed.
Take along a well-equipped tool kit
You must always keep a well-equipped tool kit in your vehicle. So if there are any problems while you are out and about, you can quickly fix them. The same holds true when you take the vehicle for a dyno tuning session. You might need to change the spare belt, the ignition coil, or the spark plugs. So, taking along spare ones will help. You must also have wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, and other tools that will help you to make any necessary repairs.