Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickt
But what am I to make of all the youtube vids and posts showing how to fake dyno numbers? And all the threads, including this forum, where dyno operators tell us they can manipulate the numbers at will?  |
Sadly, for the most part, that is true of virtually all adjustable mechanisms that require setting a baseline or datum reference. Even after the datum reference is established then you need to frequently apply a scaling factor to account for differences in air density, correcting back to an accepted standard for temperature and pressure. Ultimately you rely on the honesty and integrity of the operator / shop. Eventually the bad eggs usually, but not always get weeded out.
There is more than one performance related business that fits into the ought to be weeded out category. Usually, but not always, their customer service or quality of service / workmanship track record tags them for who they really are. The tough part is the new charlatans who have not yet done enough damage to get their own dot on the charlatan radar screen.
I undrerstand your caution and also healthy concern over reported dyno numbers. One of the quick and dirty ways to assess dyno veracity is to measure the pounds of air consumed at a given engine speed to validate the power. The magic number is 10 lbs of air per 100 HP. When the power numbers exceed this number they suspect.
Like a burner, of any type, there is a maximum amount of energy it is capable of delivering. Engines are no different. That magic metric is 100 HP per 10 lbs of air consumed. Very easy to get below that number. Not impossible, but virtually impossible to get above it.
Ed