Ok, I'm new to the forum and Vette ownership so please forgive me ? I keep seeing threads talking about (dyno tune). What exactly is this and what does it do ? I have tried doing a search but can't find the exact answer. Can someone please explain this or direct me to a thread that explains it ? Thanks in advance..

 

It means that your car is placed on a measurement device (dyno) and the engine operating characteristics are adjusted and optimized according to the results on the dyno.

 

Basically what is done is your car is placed on a dyno. A machine used for measuring the amount of horsepower and torque a car produces at the wheels. The HP/TQ numbers that a car is advertised with is the amount that the engine produces. Since the engine has to transfer that power to the wheels in order to get the car moving, it loses a bit. The percent it loses varries from about 12-18% depending on car, transmission, differentials, drivewheels, etc. So the dyno readings will always be lower than the engine's. But this is the power that is important because this is a true accurate reading of the car's power. Ok, so the car is driven onto the dyno with it's rear wheels(since it's rear wheel drive) placed on a large, (or sometimes two seperate) rollers. The car will then be run up to redline and the rear wheels will start to spin the rollers. The rollers are connected to a computer with all sorts of fancy doo-dads and calibration equipment. The computer will then calculate how much power was needed to spin the rollers, thus giving you a reading of the amount of HP/TQ produced at the rear wheels. The C6 LS2 is rated at 400hp/400tq. Most stock cars will produce on average between 330-350rwhp/rwtq, depending on transmission(auto/manual) and dyno.

A dyno tune is when a tuner taps into the engines computer and starts to alter the settings programmed into the car from the factory. Basically they will optimize the engines air/fuel ratio, spark, torque management, and a whole bunch of other things that will make your head spin. Since GM, or any car manufacturer has to follow certain guidelines and restrictions, as well as keeping the car safe and driveable under all conditions, they "tune" the cars quite conservatively. So a good tuner will be able to go into the car's computer and get more power and a little better driveability for those of us who want a slightly more aggressive performance vehicle.

Since a dyno tune will usually run you anywhere from $200-$500 it's best to wait until after you have done some engine modifications, ie; CAI, intake, headers, gears, etc. before you get a dyno tune so you don't have to pay to have it done twice.

I know I went into a little more detail than you probably needed. And I'm not trying to be condescending. I'm just assuming you know nothing so I can base my answer on how much info you may need. Better to have too much, than not enough. Good luck and if you need anymore help, we're here.

 

K0bun...Exactly the information I was looking for thank you very much.. 3 more questions for you . First.. does a tune make the car any more unreliable.. Second.. will it affect the manufacturers warranty .. Third.. I really only plan on getting a Vararan CAI & aftermarket exhaust.. would a tune still be worth it with these simple mods ? Thanks again

 

Depending on the tuner, no the car will not be anymore unreliable. A good tuner will still keep all adjustments within safe limits. With the exhaust(I'm assuming you mean catback and not headers) there wont be any power gain. It's simply for sound. So a tune is not necessary. With the VR(good choice) a tune might not be needed, however even a stock car can benefit from a tune. The tuner will be able to eliminate the torque management allowing you almost full control of how much power you can get to the ground. What transmission do you have, A6 or M6?

As far as warranty. Well it depends on the dealer you take it to. Although I have yet to hear anyone say they had a warranty denied because of a tune. But your tuner can save a copy of your stock tune and reinstall it if you have to bring the car in for warranty work. That is something you'll have to work out with your tuner. However your warranty for the non-engine related parts will not be affected. Windows, radio, seats, etc. Where are you located(state)?

 

Thanks again.. Great information.. You answered everything I needed to know. The forum is great I knew I could count on someone to give me the right answers. Appreciate your time K0bun.. By the way I have 07 MS, 2LT, Z51, MN6 no mods yet other than a few cosmetic things.. 1st Vette and I LOVE it !

 

Not a problem, glad to help. I've certainly been on the receivng end of some great info myself.

The reason I asked what trans you had is because most people seem to beleive the torque management is more intrusive in the A6. So a tune would definately help with that. Not to mention alot of good tuners are changing the shift points and making the A6s much more fun to drive. The M6 will benefit from a tune as well though. Depending on where you live, there are a lot of good tuners out there. Best of luck.