Pre-Dyno Tuning Checklist
To get optimal results from your a dyno tune, please go through the following list prior to your appointment.
#1 Check Fluids
- Oil
- It is suggested to being extra oil to the tuning session.
- Make sure oil is at the appropriate level / top off if necessary
- Limited oil varieties are kept on hand
- Coolant
- Top off coolant
- Make sure all the coolant hoses / lines are secure and tightened
- Properly bleed the coolant system to ensure there are no bubbles that may cause random overheating
- Transmission Fluid
- Make sure the transmission has the proper fluid
- Low fluid or improper fluid will cause premature wear on the synchros and gears
- Make sure the transmission has the proper fluid
- As much as possible make sure there are NO FLUID LEAKS! Fluid leaks can get on the dyno rollers and may cause the session to be aborted.
#2 – Engine
- Timing
- Ensure timing belt and components are installed correctly
- Having an excessively loose or damaged timing belt is unacceptable
- Ensure timing belt and components are installed correctly
- Compression
- Check the compression of your engine.
- You don’t want an overall variance greater than 10%
- Check the compression of your engine.
- Valve adjustment.
- Ensure valve lash is properly set as this will effect the the performance of the engine
- Spark plugs
- Install a new set of spark plugs
- Ensure proper heat range spark plugs are being used for the application
- Ensure the proper gap is being used for the application
- Failing to have a proper spark plug setup may cause damage to your engine
- Install a new set of spark plugs
#3 Transmission/Clutch
- Make sure transmission is in good working order
- Gears that pop out during runs are unacceptable
- Make sure a proper shifter (linkage is used) that allows the transmission to get into gear correctly
- Be aware of the limitations of of your transmission
- Inform us of which transmission you are using so we have a general idea of what it will be able to handle
- Clutch.
- Make sure the clutch setup being used can handle the potential hp/tq
- A clutch that cannot handle the power will cause “slippage” and the dyno tune can no longer proceed.
- Having a clutch installed that is not rated for the intended power may cause transmission damage from failure
- Make sure the clutch setup being used can handle the potential hp/tq
#4 Electrical
- Inspect wire harness and make sure it is not causing electrical problems
- An exposed wire may cause a short or a plethora of other issues.
- A proper tune cannot be performed when electrical problems persist.
- Have a working battery and alternator
- Having proper voltage is required for a proper tune.
#5 Fuel
- Have at least ½ tank of fuel when you arrive for your appointment.
- Having low fuel during a high rpm pull can cause engine damage due to not enough fuel being pumped by the fuel pump.
- Have a clean and properly working fuel system
- Having dirty injectors or filter can impede fuel flow resulting in a poor tune
#6 Suspension / Tires
- Check ride height
- The car will be strapped to the dyno and will lose about 0.5-2 inch in ride height
- Make sure tires have adequate height and are holding proper air
- The last thing we want is a tire blowout or any accidents during the session
- EXCESSIVELY LOW (SLAMMED) VEHICLES THAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE DYNO FOR ANY REASON WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
#7 Exhaust Set Up
- Verify your exhaust setup (size) is what you need for your goals
- Ensure your vehicle has a wide band o2 set up and properly working.
- This is vehicle dependent as many newer vehicles already have one from factory but older vehicles or custom projects might not.
- To get an optimal tune we like to have the wide band o2 properly wired (communicating) with the ecu
- contact us and we can help you out
#8 Forced Induction Setup
- Ensure there are no boost leaks.
- Any boost leaks will need to be addressed and will cause delays during the dyno session, resulting in additional charge.
- Ensure all vacuum lines are routed properly
- A common problem is improper vacuum line routing to the boost controller resulting in over boosting or no boost control at all.
- Secure all connectors (rubber couplers / vacuum lines / hoses etc)
Summary
Please make sure your car is in tip top shape prior to your tuning appointment. Minor problems may be resolved same day. If a problem cannot be resolved same day, the dyno appointment will have to be rescheduled or further action will have to be discussed.
Be aware vehicle problems greatly affect tunes. For optimal tunes ensure no vehicle problems are present.
Feel free to send us an e mail or give us a call if you have any concerns. Email: slidewayztuned@gmail.com