18/07/2026
I've spent many years building and dynoing cars. Here are some helpful tips I've learned over the years. This is general guideline and some things may be different from shop to shop or tuner to tuner. I hope this helps prepare for the next tuning session or dyno day.
Here are some Do's:
Before picking any tuner/dyno...
Make Sure Your Car is Mechanically Ready
This means, no fuel leaks, wiring issues, oil leaks, slipping clutch or transmission, and all other mechanical things are in order. If those things are done, every tuner will thank you
Communicate
Tuners are not mind readers.
Inform them of the modifications on the car. Talk about schedule and availability. Be real with your expectations. Most tuners can gauge where a car should be power wise with certain mods. This allows them to plan accordingly.
Do:
Set up transport for vehicles. Whether it is a tow truck or trailer. Be prepared to have vehicle ready for the scheduled dyno date. If your car is a running and driving example. Be prepared for drop off and pickup
Do:
Prepare the budget:
The dyno is a great tool to help safely extract data is a safe environment. Sometimes this data will point to areas where a particular setup might need to be improved and requires spending to fix it.
Here are some Dont's:
Don't expect every tuner to be the same.
No two people are alike and no two tuners are alike. That means knowledge, services, prices, schedule, facilities, methods and abilities will differ.
Don't:
Put unrealistic expectations on your setup or the tuner. Their job is to work with the setup given and provide a safe end result
Do:
Expect the unexpected.
Things happen, you can have the best parts and have done everything right and problems still occur. Don't get discouraged. Sometimes it's part of the process
Do:
Be patient. You picked the tuner and facility. If problems arise be ready to work them out. You can't tune out dead cylinders, broken or defective parts. But when everything is working as it should you will get the results in the end.
Do:
Be safe, have fun and enjoy your build.
