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Dyno new engine-worth it?

Posted By: '72CudaRacer

Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 02:30 AM

I'm running short on time to get my engine together and in the car to be ready for 1st pts race. How much does it normally cost to dyno a new engine? What usually is included?
I had machine work done (was even allowed to help with some of it) but I'm doing all the checking/fitting and final assembly myself, in my shop.
I'm concidering the dyno time to make sure that the engine is ready to go and broken in, no leaks, carb matched, timeing optimal ect. I think if I do go with the dyno time, I can put the engine in and go race right out of the trailer.
What do you guys think? Is it worth it?
Thanks, Brian
Posted By: 70blackfish

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 02:36 AM

around here 600.00 for the day...its good for A/f and knowing if you have any leaks.
Posted By: Dunnuck Racing

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 02:39 AM

A good dyno operator can catch many problems before they take out a lot of expensive parts.
They keep tabs on a lot of things the average guy can't.
If you can afford it,it's not a bad option.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 02:58 AM

You probably won't need a whole day Brian. I'd call around could get it done for maybe 450.00

I'll scoot down there and give it the back road tune for ya
Posted By: 69CHARGERMD

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 10:35 AM

I saw a huge benefit.

Caught some minor stuff during break in...tweaked it,,,and got the optimal power out of it..while on the dyno...well worth the money to me....

then when i dropped it into the car,,,i knew everything was fine,,,and didnt have to go thru months at the track of trying to figure out various problems,,,I think it saved alot of headache,,and perhaps time/money to get it right on the dyno,,,
Posted By: moparniac

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 10:42 AM

only real dyno is the track dyno. sure it engine dyno's for max power but it needs to be track dyno'd for best et
Posted By: 40ford

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 11:59 AM

A dyno can help to optimize A/F ratio, ignition timing, spot leaks and seat all moving parts. Your engine will be ready to race when back from the shop.

A trip to a dyno is definitely worth the cost---even for a mild street engine. The last street engine we dynoed was about $400 total. Competition engines can cost a little more---about $500.

The costs in your area may be better----there are a lot of dynos in East TN.
Posted By: Old School

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 01:59 PM

Quote:

You probably won't need a whole day Brian. I'd call around could get it done for maybe 450.00

I'll scoot down there and give it the back road tune for ya



Posted By: Saskabusa

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 02:00 PM

Quote:

I'm running short on time to get my engine together and in the car to be ready for 1st pts race. How much does it normally cost to dyno a new engine? What usually is included?
I had machine work done (was even allowed to help with some of it) but I'm doing all the checking/fitting and final assembly myself, in my shop.
I'm concidering the dyno time to make sure that the engine is ready to go and broken in, no leaks, carb matched, timeing optimal ect. I think if I do go with the dyno time, I can put the engine in and go race right out of the trailer.
What do you guys think? Is it worth it?
Thanks, Brian



I paid around 600 bucks to have mine dyno'd. It was dyno'd at the shop that built the motor.

It's a good time saver. If there is a mechanical problem you'll know right away. You skip installing it in your car, driving to the track finding out you have a problem there and then having to fix it.

You get a chance to quickly see what a lot of tunning changes will do to your motor. It's a lot easier to change valve lash and carb jets whith the motor up on a dyno stand than in the engine bay of your car.

It's not a question of wether or not it's a good idea it definately is. It's a question of money and time. You could do all this at the track and you will have to make some adjustments there any way. Or you can skip a lot of the basic set up and go straight to the fine tunning.

If you have the money I would definately do it.
Posted By: RapidusMaximus

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 02:13 PM

...I wont mention any names...but I was in a far away place where there was no Mopar engine builders...so I went to a VERY well known Chevy engine builder (I know, I know)...he built the short block for my low deck stroker...part of the deal was a dyno session after I completed the build...made 5 dyno pulls...best pull was 782 hp...no signs of trouble engine sounded great...cut the filter apart, no signs of metal or foreign material...pulled it off of the dyno put it in the dragster and headed straight to the first race of the season. First pass it was 3 tenths slow, tuned on it, next pass it was a tenth off...3rd pass it grenaded big time, took out everything but the valve covers and intake manifold. The carnage was so bad we couldn't figure out what broke first...most likely cause was either too tight clearance on the 7/8 rod journal or it pulled the pin out of the piston on the #8 rod...so I guess my point is the extra cost of the dyno did me no good...and my next short block will be either built by myself or a reputable Mopar shop and I probably wont waste my money on dyno time.
Posted By: Crizila

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 03:16 PM

Good to know where the torque and HP curves fall in to get your drive train in the ball park.
Posted By: LA360

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 08:23 PM

Quote:

...I wont mention any names...but I was in a far away place where there was no Mopar engine builders...so I went to a VERY well known Chevy engine builder (I know, I know)...he built the short block for my low deck stroker...part of the deal was a dyno session after I completed the build...made 5 dyno pulls...best pull was 782 hp...no signs of trouble engine sounded great...cut the filter apart, no signs of metal or foreign material...pulled it off of the dyno put it in the dragster and headed straight to the first race of the season. First pass it was 3 tenths slow, tuned on it, next pass it was a tenth off...3rd pass it grenaded big time, took out everything but the valve covers and intake manifold. The carnage was so bad we couldn't figure out what broke first...most likely cause was either too tight clearance on the 7/8 rod journal or it pulled the pin out of the piston on the #8 rod...so I guess my point is the extra cost of the dyno did me no good...and my next short block will be either built by myself or a reputable Mopar shop and I probably wont waste my money on dyno time.



I wouldn't let one bad experience put you off using this valuable tool of Race Engine Building. Like any tool, if not used properly you won't get the best results. There are several engine dynos near my house, but I would only ever choose to use one. Reason being the operator is an Engine Builder himself and is exceptional at spotting any problems that may arise. Sadly there are many dyno operators out there that will just sit in his chair and pull the handle.
Have a talk to some local racers and see who they use and go from there.
AL....
Posted By: galen

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 08:37 PM

I did not do mine, I wish I had as I am now trying to sort it out in car. I chose the wrong convertor and that cost me, I misjudged my horsepower and torque curve. Not to mention all the plugs and carb parts. Next engine for me will be dynoed. Galen
Posted By: MegaDart

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 08:52 PM

I dyno every motor I have whenever possible. Will be heading to the dyno here pretty soon... not only is a day at the dyno fun the information gleened is valueable
Posted By: smokinwoody

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 08:58 PM

we had our engine dynoed..500 bucks and was worth it..carb was jetted, rockers set, dialed in the timing...you can even try different headers if available...
Posted By: quickd100

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 10:23 PM

I'm tired of fighting it at the strip trying to dial it in there only to have chassis problems screw up my tuning session. On the 1st I take off to pick up a 2000 hp Land&Sea engine dyno for my garage. Hopefully I'll have it up and running sometime this summer.Dave
Posted By: jim sciortino

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/20/10 11:52 PM

I wouldn't put an engine in my car without dynoing first.

Saves a ton of time and laps. Timing, leaks, HP & TQ #, etc., how can you possible know how to gear and converter a car without knowing what you have. Not just peak #s, but also where the power falls off.

And, if you have extra time and money, the ability to try different oils, fuels, curves, carbs, spacers, headers (if there happen to be multiple sets available) and so on, is invaluable.

An engine on the dyno is NOT exactly the same as an engine in a car making a run at speed, but the baselines from the dyno session will give you a headstart on zeroing the combination.



PERIOD!!!!
Posted By: tubtar

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/21/10 12:31 AM

Quote:

On the 1st I take off to pick up a 2000 hp Land&Sea engine dyno for my garage. Hopefully I'll have it up and running sometime this summer.Dave



Ya don't say , neighbor ?
I will have mine done before then , but I am using R&R in Spring Lake Park.
They are doing the heads now and though they aren't MoPar guys per se , they are highly recommended and have been at it for a good while.
Like most of you have stated , it will be instrumental in deciding my converter and nice to know some baseline tuning.
Especially since this will be my first trip down E-85 lane.
Posted By: roadhazard

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/21/10 12:58 AM

Quote:

I wouldn't put an engine in my car without dynoing first.

Saves a ton of time and laps. Timing, leaks, HP & TQ #, etc., how can you possible know how to gear and converter a car without knowing what you have. Not just peak #s, but also where the power falls off.

And, if you have extra time and money, the ability to try different oils, fuels, curves, carbs, spacers, headers (if there happen to be multiple sets available) and so on, is invaluable.

An engine on the dyno is NOT exactly the same as an engine in a car making a run at speed, but the baselines from the dyno session will give you a headstart on zeroing the combination.



PERIOD!!!!



Well said
not to mention knowing your fuel curve

Don't hurt to ask around and see who you might trust with their tuning abilities. I won't mention names but not all dyno's and operators are created equal so talk to someone you know that has good first hand info.
Posted By: Pale_Roader

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/22/10 09:11 AM

Good to know. The engine builder i've got lined up builds 2000HP Chevy engines, but has a lot ov experience with racing a Mopar 383 back in the day. He has a dyno and said it'd run around $500 extra to dial it in and give me some numbers, try a couple things, etc. Sounds like a deal. Personally, i was leaning towards doing that, but after reading this thread i think i'll hold off on the build till i've got that extra 5 bills.
Posted By: 11secdart

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/22/10 12:27 PM

I`ve dynoed all my motors for the last 20 years I wouldn`t have it any other way. I eliminates a lot of guess work and break in before putting the motor in the car. I literally take the motor off the dyno put it in the car and go racing. Because I`ve been using the same engine builder for so many years he has the records of all my builds and dyno pulls. Its cool to try different things and see HP / Torque gains. Example: found a 12 hp gain going from a Strip Dominator to a Victor intake, my small motor liked the 1 7/8 headers I use with my bigger motor over set of 1 5/8 headers, the Super Sucker carb spacer was worth a few hp, my combo didn`t find any gain going from a 750 to a 950 carb. My friend/ mentor works at the shop I use he`s been a Mopar builder/racer for many more years than I`ve even been racing which is 25, he assembles my motors and dynos them and builds my 904s for me on the side.

Attached File
Posted By: actionange

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/22/10 12:51 PM

Quote:

only real dyno is the track dyno. sure it engine dyno's for max power but it needs to be track dyno'd for best et



Posted By: jim sciortino

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/22/10 03:18 PM

Quote:

only real dyno is the track dyno. sure it engine dyno's for max power but it needs to be track dyno'd for best et

While its certainly true that the track is the place to sort out a car for best ET, saying the track is the best dyno is like saying the track is the best flow bench. Its a false analogy.

The engine dyno, like the flow bench are tools. The track is where you refine the entire package.
Posted By: Adrielp

Re: Dyno new engine-worth it? - 03/22/10 04:18 PM

If you are worried about cost, try to find a good chassis dyno. We went to a local shop and you can have a day for $125/hr. Flywheel HP is nothing unless you can deliver it to the rear tires. Like Jim said, its a tool that can be utilized to find things ahead of time to help you better your ET by utilizing all of the power your making. We dyno'd our car for the first time this year and found that we were running out of the engines power range and found that the timing was out of wack. After the dyno session, we change the timing and went to the track. We picked up a tenth. Its worth it and its good for selecting the proper converter for your car. just my .02 though
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