What Is Dyno Tuning?

Key Points

- Dyno tuning is a process that uses a dynamometer to measure and adjust the performance of a vehicle, including engine horsepower, torque and air-fuel mixture.

- There are two main types of car dynos: engine dynos, which measure engine numbers, and chassis dynos, which test the power generated by the wheels.

- Dyno tuning can increase a car's horsepower and torque, improve drivability, minimize backfire and provide stronger and faster acceleration.

- Before a dyno tuning session, it is important to prep the vehicle by checking plugs and filters, fluids, belts, hoses and tires.

- Students in UTI's Automotive Technology program can train with a dynamometer during the Power & Performance courses, where they learn about engine rebuilding, tuning adjustments and dyno testing.

There’s a lot going on under the hood of a vehicle that can affect its performance and efficiency on the road. Being able to measure the production rate of these different parts and systems can allow for adjustments to be made that can increase a car’s capabilities.

This is where dyno tuning comes in. Using a dynamometer, or dyno, to tune a vehicle helps measure things like engine horsepower, torque and the mixture of air and fuel in the engine. As changes are made to a vehicle, you can see firsthand how the power of an engine is affected.

There are two main types of car dynos: engine and chassis dynos. Engine dynos measure the engine numbers, while a chassis dyno allows the full power generated from the wheels of a vehicle to be tested.

Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from a dyno tune, as well as how students in the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) get the chance to train with this equipment.

Reasons for Dyno Tuning

There are several reasons for using a dynamometer on a vehicle.

Being able to measure the performance and output of a car helps the driver tune the vehicle, giving it increased horsepower and torque.

It’s a good call to get dyno tuning done before adding performance work and upgrades to a vehicle as well. This is so you can maximize power but balance it out and still maintain efficiency. After modifications are made, a vehicle can then go back on the dyno to see what was gained.

Dyno tuning works by using the preferred settings of a vehicle and the systems to help enhance the performance to optimum levels. Some benefits of dyno tuning can include:

• Increased drivability after modifications
• Minimizing backfire
• Maximum power
• Stronger/faster acceleration

Another benefit is the possible prevention of maintenance and repairs. An engine that has been optimized for performance through dyno tuning will have stronger and faster acceleration. It won’t have to work as hard to accomplish the same performance, helping it to last longer.

How much does a dyno tune cost?

The cost of a dyno tune depends on several things, including the type of vehicle and the amount of modifications it has. General prices can range from $300 to $500 for a basic dyno tune all the way up to $1,500 for a more comprehensive dyno tune for high-performance vehicles or ones that have been heavily modified.

Street tune vs. dyno tune

Street tuning involves adjusting the vehicle's engine parameters while driving on public roads or closed circuits. This method provides real-world data on how the car performs under actual driving conditions. One of the main advantages of street tuning is its ability to capture the nuances of everyday driving scenarios, including varying loads, temperatures and road conditions.

However, street tuning has its limitations. The primary challenge is the lack of controlled conditions, which can make it difficult to achieve precise adjustments. Additionally, safety concerns arise when making high-speed runs or aggressive accelerations on public roads, potentially endangering the driver and others, and there are also legal restrictions to consider.

Dyno tuning, on the other hand, is conducted in a controlled environment using a dynamometer, which measures the engine's power output and other performance metrics in real time. One of the key benefits of dyno tuning is the ability to replicate specific conditions consistently, making it easier to fine-tune the engine for maximum performance and efficiency.

The controlled environment of a dynamometer also eliminates many of the safety and legal concerns associated with street tuning. While dyno tuning provides detailed performance data, it may not fully account for real-world driving conditions, such as aerodynamic drag and varying road surfaces. Therefore, a dyno-tuned vehicle might still require some minor adjustments when taken back to the street.

Dyno Tuning Checklist

Before a dyno tuning session, it’s important that the vehicle is prepped. This means having parts and systems in the best condition possible so the most accurate readings can come from the dyno pulls.

Any leaks or mechanical issues can affect the results you get from a dynamometer, which is why you want to be sure to tune up your ride. Preparing a checklist of what to focus on can help:

• Plugs and filters: Be sure to check the different plugs on the vehicle to ensure they’re clean and in good condition. This goes for the air, oil and fuel filters as well.
• Fluids: Going into a dyno tuning session with fresh oil, as well as transmission and differential fluids, can help things go smoothly. Ensure there are no leaky plugs or gaskets and make sure you have plenty of fuel in the tank.
• Belts and hoses: Dyno tuning sessions can be hard on the engine, so any weak or old belts and hoses could be at risk of tearing or bursting. Be sure yours are in good shape.
• Tires: Your car’s tires run directly on rollers during a dyno pull, so you’ll want to be sure they’re in good condition and have proper traction. You don’t want to risk popping a tire on a dynamometer — it can put you and others at risk.

Having some spare parts and tools on hand when going into a dyno tuning session can come in handy as well. Replacement spark plugs or an ignition coil, for example, are good to have in case you need them.

Tune a Car in UTI’s Power & Performance Courses

Students enrolled in UTI’s Automotive Technology program get the chance to train with a dynamometer firsthand during the nine weeks of Power & Performance courses.³⁷

Developed alongside industry leader Roush Yates Engines, the curriculum is designed with speed enthusiasts in mind. The program covers how to perform full-engine teardowns and rebuilds. It also teaches students how to make tuning adjustments to maximize engine output.

Power & Performance I: Engine Build

During Power & Performance I, students will become familiar with calculating compression ratios and will gain knowledge of basic engine rebuilding procedures when given specifications (blueprinting). Course material will be used to help disassemble a V-8 engine and inspect every component.

Students also gain an understanding of dynamometer testing, with an emphasis on tuning. Chassis and engine dynos are used to show how changes to an engine’s induction, fueling and exhaust systems affect performance.

When the course is finished, students will have assembled a V-8 engine, which they will take with them to the second section of the program.

Power & Performance II: Bolt-On Performance

Students will use the knowledge they gained in Power & Performance I to build on their understanding of engine installation and dynamometer operation. Students will be able to install an engine on a rolling chassis, installing exhaust, ignition and carburation systems.

After completing and checking various systems, students will experience their engines running for the first time and get the chance to strap their chassis to the dyno! This will allow them to see the amount of torque and horsepower produced by the engine.

Students also get to install a heavily modified V-8 on the chassis to perform dyno tuning. This will allow for a comparison between their engine and the modified one.

Power Performance III: Computer Performance Tuning

During this portion of the Power & Performance courses, students are taught how an engine’s computer is affected by vehicle modifications and performance-oriented equipment.

Students are also taught how to use aftermarket software to change a vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) and how it can help with managing modifications and performance enhancements.

Dyno Tuning FAQs

What are the benefits of dyno tuning?

There are many potential benefits to dyno tuning your vehicle, including increased engine performance, fuel efficiency and a smoother drive. Dyno tuning can also help reduce emissions and dynamometers can help identify issues with things like engine timing or misfires.

How long does a dyno tune typically take?

The duration of a dyno tune can vary based on several factors, including the vehicle type and specific tuning goals. A basic dyno tune may be one to two hours, whereas a comprehensive dyno tune for heavily modified or high-performance vehicles could take as long as six to eight hours.

Learn Engine Tuning at UTI

You can have the opportunity to build, test and tune engines when you enroll in UTI’s Automotive Technology program. You can download the full course catalog to get more in-depth information on what’s covered in the Power & Performance courses.

Pursue your passion for the automotive industry and graduate in less than a year with the skills and hands-on training needed for an entry-level career.^1,7,18 Request more information today.

UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

• Avondale, Arizona 
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• Orlando, Florida
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