10 things to know before you hit the Dyno
March 13, 2019(This post contains affiliate links. Check out the affiliate disclosure here)
This time I will be talking about how you can make your dyno tuning session to go as smoothly as possible.
Whether you have dyno tested you car before or it’s your first time there are still some things to think about. Both you and I know that dyno tuning is an expensive thing to do. Let’s make sure that you have done what you can for the best possible result. Remember happy tuner equals great results.
Time for dyno tuning
10 fundamental things you need to know before you hit the dyno.
- Start the engine and make sure it runs on all cylinders
This might seem obvious, but for some it’s not. Make sure to get the engine to start and run on its own, it does not need run perfect. You will save tons of money if your tuner can avoid doing this. Are you struggling with the start-up, contact your tuner and ask if they can help you with a start-up tune. Usually they can.
- Wideband o2 sensor
This is a must, you should not try to tune a car without it. Very cheap safety to prevent your engine from destroying itself. Wideband sensors are not the cheapest part you can buy, but try to put away some money for one.
- Zero mark
Do you have a zero mark on the engine. Some engines actually comes without this. Are you missing one, take your time to fix a zero point. And in either case, be certain that it is correct.
- Check the ignition
Does your ecu gives out the right amount of ignition timing, use a stroboscope to find out. Most aftermarket ecu:s can lock the ignition at a specific angle just for this purpose.
- Boost pressure
Are you running a boosted engine? Go over the hose clamps one extra time so they are tight. We don’t want to send a pressure pipe flying into the clouds. On the subject of boost, maybe it is a good time to mount that boost gauge too.
- Controlling boost
Bring some extra springs if you are running an external wastegate. If it’s an internal one, have some kind of boost controller. Speaking of boost controller, it’s recommended to use with both internal and external wastegates.
- Check fluids
One more good thing to do is to bleed the radiator and top it of with antifreeze. Changing the oil doesn’t hurt and throw in a fresh set of spark plugs when you are at it.
- No leaks
Don’t make a mess at the tuner. Make sure that your freshly built car does not leak any fluids. The most important thing is to check and check again that there are no leaks in the fuel system. It can interfere with the measurements or be a safety hazard.
- Finish your build
Finish the car before you go to the dyno tuner. Especially the wiring harness. Things get hot and spins at high speeds in an engine bay, you don’t want your car to destroy itself right? Take 5 minutes and tidy up that wiring loom.
- Other good to have things
There are more things that are good to have but is they are not crucial for the success on the dyno.
* Exhaust temperature sensors in the manifold.
* Place for knock sensors.
* Oil-pressure gauge.
* Oil-temperature gauge.
* Water temperature gauge.
