How long does a dyno test take?

A typical baseline test takes about an hour total including the strap down and unhook phases which take 20-30 minutes total on a typical vehicle. A typical chip tune requires 2.5 to 4 hours. Each weekday is divided into two four hour time slots for tuning sessions, and cars that occupy one of those time slots are charged a minimum 2.5 hours. Baseline tests and other short duration tests are usually scheduled to start at 5:30 pm on tuesdays through thursdays and will be charged actual time.

How much power can I expect to gain with a chip tune?

On modified vehicles we are typically able to gain 3% to 8% with a chip tune, although we have experienced gains as high as 23%. Forced induction cars respond best to chip tunes, while naturally aspirated cars typically gain less. A chip tune can also dramatically improve idle characteristics and cruise performance. Call us to discuss what we can do for your particular application.

How much notice do you need to arrange an appointment?

During the busy summer season there is typically a lead time of up to six weeks. Current lead times are posed on the main page of the Tecmotion web site. In the off season lead times are usually lower.

What dimensions must my vehicle conform to?

The MD-600-HP’s 108” outer track means you can test wide vehicles such as dual wheel trucks without having to remove the outer tires. The dynamometer can accomodate vehicles with a minimum inside track of 26". Due to the hoist+dyno configuration, rear drive vehicles cannot exceed 17' from the rear bumper to the centerline of the front wheels, and front drive vehicles cannot exceed 17' from the front bumper to the centerline of the rear wheels. Please call ahead to discuss loading if you have an oversized vehicle. Also note that Tecmotion does not offer dyno services for diesel trucks, but will test gas trucks and diesel powered light cars such as the VW Jetta.

How is dyno time calculated for billing purposes?

For hourly rate customers, billing begins when the vehicle is pulled into the shop and ends when the vehicle leaves. The customer pays the hourly rate for any setup time including strap down and installation of sensors, and for the time required to remove any installed sensors. Hourly customers pay in half hour increments with a minimum charge of 2.5 hours when the vehicle is run during a regular 4 hour weekday tuning slot, and a minimum of one hour otherwise. Flat rate services include any setup time that is required.

Is the dynamometer testing procedure dangerous for my vehicle?

The testing procedure is no more dangerous than operating the vehicle on a race track within the same RPM range. Any vehicle may be tested to destruction if its safety limits are exceeded, and it will be up to the customer to specify testing limits which are acceptable for the vehicle. Tecmotion is not responsible for any damage to customer vehicles while in the shop, and all customers are required to sign a waiver in order to participate in dynamometer testing.

Can I perform parts swaps on the dynamometer?

Yes, however it is best to provide advanced notice that you intend to swap parts on the dyno so that an appropriate amount of time may be allocated. It is also the responsibility of the customer to bring any tools that are required for the proposed parts swaps. Customers will be billed the standard dyno time rate for the duration of the vehicle's stay in the shop even if a large portion of that time is spent swapping parts.

Can I bring my own tuning advisor?

Yes, but please call ahead.

Can I arrange an evening or weekend dyno session?

Tecmotion does not generally offer weekend appointments, but does offer evening appointments tuesdays through thursdays. We will make a reasonable attempt to arrange a dyno session that is compatible with your busy schedule. Please call to discuss any special scheduling arrangements that you may require.

What should I bring with me?

Bring the car, any parts you intend to substitute on the car, any tools you might require for parts substitutions, and any detachable tuning device such as an SDS box that is required to change the computer setup of your fuel injected car. If you are tuning your Ford with a Predator or Xcalibrator, please bring it with you.

What preparations should I make to the vehicle prior to arriving at the dyno shop?

Make sure that your vehicle is in good repair, that the tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure that your engine oil level is good, and be prepared to provide us with an RPM operating range for testing. For freshly built vehicles, please ensure that the car can be started before bringing it to the shop unless you have called ahead to discuss a vehicle that doesn't run. Tecmotion reserves the right to refuse to test any vehicle. We also appreciate working on a clean vehicle!

Do you test vehicles without mufflers?

We will test vehicles with open exhaust or unusual exhaust arrangements, however we strongly prefer to test such vehicles during off-hours in order to promote better relations with our neighbors! Call ahead to discuss testing requirements for vehicles with very loud or unusual exhaust configurations.

Who operates the vehicle during the test?

A representative of Tecmotion will operate the vehicle within the RPM range and other parameters agreed to by the customer. Under no circumstances are third parties permitted to run front-drive vehicles on the dyno.

Can you test vehicles other than Mustangs?

Yes. A "Mustang Dynamometer" is made by a company called Mustang Dynamometer but is designed to test any kind of two wheel drive vehicle including muscle cars, sport compacts, family sedans, and pickup trucks. The system can easily accomodate both front and rear wheel drive vehicles.

What is a chassis dynamometer?

Think of a chassis dynamometer as a treadmill for cars. The car's wheels run on rotating drums, and the rate of acceleration of the drums is used to determine power and torque output of the vehicle, at the wheels.