It Is Possible to Modernize your Old Dyno (Dynamometer)

If you have an old Dyno with analog gauges I’m sure you know that newer Dynos are much more accurate, repeatable, and easy to operate. There’s nothing wrong with your old dyno, it’s just using old technology for recording the data.  But there are ways to modernize your old dyno.  Performance Trends can update your dyno with new electronics and software. Usually for less than $3,000.  Considering that new dynos from Superflow or DTS usual start at $30,000 to $50,000 this is a bargain.  If you have an old Go Power, Clayton, Stuska, etc. you don’t have to spend “an arm and a leg” to get your dyno updated with the latest computer technology.

DataMite III USB
DataMite III USB

The good news it that is doesn’t matter what type of dyno you are using either.  The Dyno Datamite data logger systems work on interia dynos and brake dynos, either engine only dynos or chassis dynos, bringing your dyno into the 21st century.

Once you start using the Dyno Datamite software, your testing will be much faster and more accurate.  Your computer will be recording data at 50 times per second so you can sweep through the entire RPM range in as little as 10 seconds.  You save time and engine wear, and gets lots of data to produce accurate power curves.  Then the software will also make corrections for weather conditions, acceleration affects, etc.  All this is done automatically, the same for each test.  This makes testing very fast and repeatable.  Aren’t computer’s great?

Dyno Datamite v3.7
Dyno Datamite v3.7

Plus if you dyno a customer engine, the dyno software allows you to give your customers useful computerized printouts (graphs and reports) with your company name and logo right on the printout, with the customer’s name, engine numbers, followed by all the customers engine information.  You can easily charge $100/hr or more for testing time on a computerized dyno.  Your dyno could turn into a nice little “profit center” for your business.

Another reason to dyno motors YOU build is to check for the correct power levels to ensure the build is correct, the carb and ignition tune are correct, cam timing, etc.  You are also checking for leaks, excessive blow by, noises, etc.  Then when you give the customer a computerized printout of the results for each engine build, you demonstrate you are a professional engine builder.  Your customer is happy paying more for your engine build than the other guy down the street.

These dyno systems are also used when people want to build their own dynos.  An inertia wheel (flywheel) dyno is surprisingly easy and inexpensive to build, especially for small karting motors.  If you have the ability to build your own dyno, but you need the electronics and software to complete the system, you should look into purchasing one these dyno packages.