Have you ever considered dyno testing your engine? If you are reading this, it simply means you want to learn more about how to dyno test an engine.
Dyno testing an engine is not rocket science. You start by powering up the engine and adding a significantly controlled amount of resistance. A dynamometer efficiently measures the engine’s horsepower, force, and torque as you perform the test.
But why should you carry out a dyno test on your vehicle engine? Is it to find out about the metrics, i.e., the number of horses under your hood?
Why You Should Dyno Test Your Car Engine
Here are some reasons you should consider taking your vehicle for a dyno test:
To Take an Engine On Its First Run
Taking an engine on its first run via dyno testing is a wise move that experts commend. It is easier to establish engine break-in routines specified by ring and cam manufacturers under highly controlled conditions.
As the piston rings seat, a professional can monitor blow-by. Pre-heating and pre-lubing of the engine can be performed before each start.
To Ensure the Car Engine Runs Properly
The use of a computerized dynamometer reveals highly accurate RPM and torque numbers. This implies that the measuring instrument can also measure horsepower accurately.
The technician in charge of tuning your car engine gets a verifiable basis for adjusting the engine’s tuning. In a worst-case scenario, the technician may suggest that you change the engine.
Dyno testing enables the variables that permit the tuning of engines this way. Here are the variables in no particular order:
- Cam grind and timing
- Intake manifold selection
- Carburetor spacers
- Primary tube length and diameter for the headers
- The size of the carburetor and jetting
- Advance curve and ignition timing
As you can see, these variables play a crucial role in tuning a car engine.
To Obtain Full Details/Information of Your Car Engine’s Overall Performance
Dyno testing your engine furnishes you with explicit details about every test. This usually includes the graphs of your engine’s overall performance, the weather condition on the day the dyno test was performed, etc.
Getting these details in a report allows you to personally compare your experiences with the dyno numbers. This informs you to get ready for future modifications or adjustments.
Moreover, additional information from the dyno test can indicate the following details:
- Volume metric efficiency
- Horsepower
- The temperatures of the pistons and cylinders
- Airflow
- Torque and peak torque
In other words, a dyno test gives accurate measurements of nearly all engine functions.
To Discover the Temperature of Your Vehicle’s Exhaust Gas
Many vehicle owners/drivers don’t know this, but knowing your exhaust gas temperature is incredibly important. Experts say this metric is even far more essential than torque and horsepower numbers in many cases. When it comes to tuning your fuel distribution, carburetor spacers, size, and jetting, this is a fact.
As a result, vehicle owners who are unaware of this crucial information end up with major engine repairs in the short or long run.
Factors to Consider as You Prepare for Dyno Testing Your Engine
Dyno testing your car greatly boosts the performance of the engine. But here are some factors to consider as you prepare to tune your vehicle via the use of a dynamometer:
Diagnostics
Most of the costs generally involved in tuning your engine via a dynamometer require the technician performing the procedure to go through an initial diagnostic run.
One diagnostic run will not be enough, though most car owners seem to think or believe so.
The best results are obtained when an engine undergoes several runs on the dynamometer in order to determine the engine’s baseline.
The technicians can then diagnose any issue that may have been encountered during the diagnostic runs.
Aftermarket Components
You should also consider the costs of aftermarket parts that may be required when tuning your vehicle on a dynamometer.
You may not need or have to add anything. But the best tuning job is performed when you replace some components with suitable aftermarket components.
Know Precisely What You Are Looking At
Unless you are a specialized mechanic well-versed in dynamometers, you may not know diddly-squat about the tool. This can easily push you to start making assumptions without knowing the true reality of precisely what the numbers are saying.
This is why this procedure should be left in the hands of a professional who knows the ins and outs of a dynamometer. Experts that use dynamometers will explain what the A/F ratio means and inform you if it is a little off and requires the changing of valve timing in order to make it much better, etc.
Leave the adjustments to the experts, but keep an eye on the metrics in case you need to perform the procedure by yourself.
Execute Several Baseline Runs
The best – and most efficient – way of determining the power and overall performance of a car’s engine is by carrying out several baseline runs.
This reveals the vehicle’s state in its entirety before making any modifications or adjustments.
Performing different baseline runs is essential due to the way numerous factors change the performance of vehicle engines.
Determine What Needs to Be Changed before Dyno Testing Your Engine
Do you have any thoughts on the parts or components of the engine that you need to change? This is crucial and must be determined even before dyno testing your engine.
Knowing what needs to be changed or modified saves you a lot of money and time. This is because you would have paid for and gotten every necessary component and tool required to make a successful tuning process on hand.
Getting Dyno Testing for Your Engine
The importance of dyno testing your engine cannot be overstated. A dyno test is an incredibly valuable tool that helps ensure your engine remains in top-notch shape. The optimal performance of your car engine is a crucial element that must never be taken for granted in your regular maintenance routine.
Therefore, locate the nearest specialized engine shop in your locality to assist you with dyno testing your engine. This puts the engine in excellent shape, and you will enjoy its top-notch performance for a long time.
At Gearstar, we perform dyno testing on each transmission and converter. Our team strives to provide customers with peace of mind knowing it’s in perfect condition long after leaving the shop.
Whether it’s a Ford, GM, or Mopar, we’ve got you covered. Reach out or call us today for questions or inquiries.
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