I see frequent references to dynomometer testing to evaluate and to tune engine modifications. Occasionally people post the plots from the tests.

Is there a thread, book, or other source that explains how to interpret dyno results, and how best to use them? I'd like to know a bit more about this before I head over to the local speed shop and throw myself at their tender mercy.

I've been searching the "Under the Hood" forum, but have not found the right search parameters to find anything useful to me.

Any references or suggestions will be helpful!

 

None that I have seen. Best bet is to keep reading threads on them, you will pick it up.

There's not much to interpret- the higher the torque and HP numbers, the better off you are. Keep in mind that the torque/power "to the wheels" (what a chassis dyno measures) is lower than crank/mfr. rated power due to drivetrain loss, wheel size, gearing, etc.

Air/Fuel plots (you will see these on some) are important for understanding and improving your tuning. Search for air/fuel, a/f, AFR, etc., to learn more about what the proper a/f ratio is for YOUR setup and how to correct/adjust it. A "wideband" O2 sensor (oxygen sensor) is needed to measure a/f ratio accurately, stock ones just read rich/lean and aren't accurate for much other than "stoich" which is not usually where peak power is made.

Keep reading...

 

Thanks, marcucci!

The air-fuel suggestion sounds like a good one.

 

Don't forget to monitor coolant temps.