AWD Dyno Tuning

The most important things to check before a tuning appointment. There is a list for each category below. Please read through to make sure your vehicle is ready to save us and yourself time/money/headaches.

  • TOP ELECTRICAL ISSUES

    WIRES & CONNECTIONS
    No Exposed Wires
    Solder All Connections
    CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
    Clear all Check Engine Lights prior to tuning
    EXCEPTIONS
    O2 Sensor Code
    O2 Heater Code
    Knock Sensor Code
    Battery/Alternator
    VOLTAGE
    13.5-14 volts at all operating conditions
    Exceptions: 16V Battery/Crank pulley that underdrives the alternator
    GROUND POINTS
    Pick good ground points
    Clean around ground points
    MAJOR GROUNDS
    Transmission Case to Chassis
    Valve Cover to Chassis
    Battery to Chassis

  • TOP FUEL ISSUES

    INTERNAL PUMPS
    DO NOT install a pump if there is dirt, rust, or debris in the fuel tank.
    SUMPING
    Clean all metal chips, welding slag, and debris after sumping.
    EXTERNAL PUMPS
    Check pre & post filter
    Use stainless filters
    GAUGES
    We recommend fuel pressure gauges for every application
    SENSORS
    If possible we recommend getting a fuel pressure sensor
    FUEL PRESSURE
    Note fuel pressure before tuning
    Base fuel pressure should be 40-50psi
    REGULATORS
    Aftermarket Fuel Pressure Regulator not necessary for every application
    LEAKS
    Check for vacuum or fuel pressure leaks as a result of torn or old o-rings
    INJECTOR SIZING
    Make sure your fuel injectors are sized appropriately for your power goals

  • TOP MECHANICAL ISSUES

    COMPRESSION
    Make sure your engine has healthy compression in each cylinder
    No more than 20psi variance between cylinders
    FLUIDS
    Check Oil Levels
    Check Coolant Levels
    SETTINGS
    Make sure the engine has proper valve lash for the cams being used
    VALVE ADJUSTMENTS
    Adjust valves with the engine completely cool
    TIMING BELT
    Needs to be installed properly
    Should have minimal to no slack
    FUEL AMOUNT
    Roughly half a tank of gas is needed in the car for the tuning session, so come with a FULL TANK.

  • CLUTCH

    POWER RATING
    Make sure your clutch is rated for the torque capacity of the power you plan to make
    We recommend a twin disk clutch more than 500-550whp
    STOCK CLUTCH
    If your build will make more than the stock clutch can handle the tuning session may need to be cut short due to clutch slippage.
    CLUTCH BREAK-IN
    If your clutch requires break-in it must be done before tuning

  • OIL

    OIL TYPE
    All Motor: 10w30
    Forced Induction: 10w30
    CHANGE FREQUENCY
    Turbo: ~2000 miles (1000 miles if run harder)
    All Motor, Supercharged, Nitrous: ~3000 miles
    COMMON LEAKS
    Oil Pan
    Cam seal
    Distributor seal
    Valve cover gasket seal
    Oil filter
    Oil cooler

  • TOP TURBO SYSTEM ISSUES

    GENERAL ISSUES
    Secure all pipes
    Tighten all bolts
    Use the correct oxygen sensor bung
    Tighten the blow off valve
    Use and correctly install the proper oil lines
    Check turbo shaft play
    BALL BEARING TURBOS
    These turbos must use coolant lines
    These turbos should never be allowed to see more than 40psi of oil pressure
    Anything smaller than a -4 a.n feed line will starve the center section of oil
    INTERCOOLER
    We suggest using Garrett and BELL intercoolers
    We do not recommend using eBay intercoolers
    LEAKS
    Check for cracks and/or pinhole leaks
    WASTEGATE-SPRING SIZE
    Make sure you have the correct size wastegate spring in your wastegate
    BOOST CONTROL
    We suggest using a boost solenoid whenever possible

  • TOP EXHAUST ISSUES

    SIZING - TURBO
    We recommend a minimum of a 3" downpipe, test pipe, and exhaust
    SIZING - ALL MOTOR
    We recommend 2.5" to 3" minimum depending on displacement
    CATALYTIC CONVERTER
    We do not recommend catalytic converters on any turbocharged vehicles
    NOTE - Vehicles without catalytic converters will no longer meet most state requirements for driving on public highways. If you are removing your catalytic converter your vehicle only be able to be used for off-road use.
    OXYGEN SENSOR
    Must have an oxygen sensor bung in the downpipe/header
    Be sure the oxygen sensor can be removed for tuning and is not stuck
    Be sure the oxygen sensor hole is opened to the entire diameter of the threaded bung

  • TOP IGNITION ISSUES

    STOCK
    OEM Plugs / Coil Packs are recommended
    MSD
    Digital Series is recommended
    Make sure you have the proper coil to go with the Digital 6 or 7 ignition box
    Cap / Rotor
    REPLACEMENT
    New OEM cap and rotor are recommended
    When using aftermarket CDI ignition is with distributed spark and external coil, use an MSD cap and rotor
    SPARK PLUGS
    Be sure that you have the proper heat range and gap for your application prior to tuning

  • TOP MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

    HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
    Make sure that you are properly prepared with connection and power cables etc. for your application. We have some stuff if you forget but are not set up for every situation.
    SPARK PLUGS
    Most cars use more than one set of spark plugs during an appointment
    AUTO TRANSMISSIONS
    For tuning or testing an automatic car make sure the transmission is able to be locked into a particular gear

Paying close attention to detail when addressing the points above will save money and time when at a dyno/tuning appointment. We can only fix certain issues on the day of an appointment depending on scheduling for that day. If you come to an appointment with a vehicle that is not working properly we may not be able to complete your appointment. If the problem is minor enough to be fixed at the shop during the day we can fix it. Our labor rates apply for time spent troubleshooting and repairing if required.