What You Need to Know for Your Dyno Tuning Appointment

Getting ready for your dyno appointment is extremely important, and extremely valuable. Right now you have the opportunity to prepare and potentially save yourself hundreds of dollars. Please accept responsibility if you need to come back for another appointment because you have failed to follow our guidelines. We offer various tuning forms for download before your visit.

Generally speaking, the more modified the car, the more preparation and spares will be needed at the dyno session. For those of you with heavily built cars: a general rule of thumb, anything that has ever been a problem with your car will show up on the dyno. Bring spares. Anywhere you’ve cut corners, will be a problem. Fix it beforehand.

Any car that can successfully drive full throttle down the track will not have a problem on the dyno. Problems usually only occur on new builds that have not yet been tested – as the dyno is the first test, naturally any issues show up. One of our specialties is reviewing complicated builds and we HIGHLY recommend some level of consult before your dyno session for extensively modified vehicles.

The Basics:

Bring your wheel lock key. The Dynapack is a unique dyno that bolts to the hubs of the vehicle. Bring your wheel lock key. Advise us if your lug nuts are an abnormal thread pitch (we stock M12x1.5 and M12x1.25).
Thoroughly fill out the vehicle specification sheet and send it in 48 hours before your appointment. This will allow adequate time to review and look for potential red flags that need to be addressed or discussed prior to the appointment.
Ensure the vehicle has the same type of fuel you will be running, and that the vehicle has a full tank.
Ensure all fluids are at the correct level (engine oil, coolant, gear lubricants).
Ensure there are NO leaks of any kind. This includes exhaust leaks.
Ensure the coolant is entirely bled and radiator fans are working. If radiator fans are operated by a switch, be sure to tell us that the fans are NOT automatic.
Ensure the drivetrain is in good condition, including wheel bearings, suspension and related components.
If any sensors are faulty or not working, repair or replace them prior to your appointment.
If your vehicle is wide-body or has wide side skirts, be sure to let us know beforehand so that we can ensure we have large enough spacers to fit the dyno pods.
Prepare the port for our wideband O2 sensor. If you have a spare bung, remove the plug and ensure the threads are not damaged, and lightly tighten the plug back in. If we are removing an existing sensor, remove it and reinstall it gently. Remember, you are paying to install the sensor, make it easy for us!

For Forced Induction Vehicles:

Perform a boost leak test and fix all leaks prior to your appointment. Boost control tuning and in some cases fuel tuning will NOT be accurate if performed with a boost leak. No one thinks they have a boost leak, everyone usually does.
Ensure fuel pressure is set, locked and recorded. Fuel pressure should be referenced with the engine off, fuel pump running continuously, and again at idle.
All vacuum and boost hoses must be zip-tied or secured at their ends. Any hoses that are suspect to chafing or wear should be re-routed or replaced prior to the appointment.
Ensure boost control and wastegate correctly plumbed. If in doubt, ASK!
Ensure turbo and exhaust components are tight and properly fastened. I highly suggest the use of stainless or Inconel hardware and safety wire for all bolted components. Stainless hardware can be purchased from HD supply and safety wire and tools can be purchased from Aircraft Spruce.
Ensure your ignition and fuel system can support the amount of boost you’re planning to run. If ignition is suspect carry spare parts: spark plugs, coils. This will help diagnose any issues.

Remember, we are here to help. Please ensure the vehicle is 100% complete and ready before your appointment. Bringing a rushed vehicle will be a waste of your time and money, and I can almost guarantee a re-tune will be required. These vehicles also do not help our reputation.

Although some shops would gladly take your money twice, we want you (the customer) to be happy. Tuning your car twice won’t make you happy, so for that reason, we won’t tune your car unless we are confident it will be problem free.

For more information on how to prepare for your tuning appointment, see this page.