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Image 1: Dynamometer
Wheel-spin will lead to inaccurate results. |
The Dynamometer tool (Image 1) allows you to easily estimate a vehicle’s horsepower and torque curves throughout a specific RPM band.
Accuracy of the ProScan Dyno
The most reliable way to dyno a vehicle is with the use of a chassis dynamometer. However, ProScan is able to estimate a vehicle's horsepower and torque curves based upon factors such as vehicle weight and acceleration.
As with all acceleration-based dyno tools, such as the popular G-Tech, there are many environmental factors that cannot be controlled (e.g., wheel-spin, aerodynamic drag, road condition, slope, etc.). These factors can lead to unreliable results if care is not taken to minimize their impact.
Tips for Best Results with the ProScan Dyno Tool
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You will need to be on a level road surface. If you are accelerating downhill, your vehicle will accelerate quicker than normal and ProScan will think your vehicle has more power than it truly does. If you accelerate uphill, ProScan will under-rate your vehicle's power.
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You will need to avoid wheel-spin. ProScan cannot determine when your vehicle is spinning its tires. If you spin your vehicle's wheels, ProScan will think you are accelerating faster, and the resulting horsepower and torque calculations will be higher than actual.
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You need to make certain that your vehicle's speedometer is properly calibrated for any wheel or tire size changes. If your vehicle’s speedometer is not accurate, use the speedometer calibration factor in the vehicle’s profile to compensate.
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You should always perform dyno runs on the same stretch of road, in the same direction, and during similar weather.
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Make sure your vehicle profile’s weight and tire size settings are accurate.
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You should not expect your ProScan dyno numbers to match those generated from a chassis dyno.
The ProScan Dyno is an excellent tool for analyzing a vehicle's performance throughout an RPM band. Providing that you follow the above tips, before and after ProScan dyno charts can be compared to determine how well a modification has impacted performance.
Using the ProScan Dyno
This tool is intended for off-road use only, and requires the assistance of a passenger.
To generate horsepower and torque curves for a specific RPM range, you must first specify the range to analyze.
Under the “Setup” group box, select the desired RPM range. If you have an automatic transmission, try to use an RPM range that will allow smooth acceleration without a change in gears.
Position your vehicle on a straight and level road and begin driving. Get the vehicle in the desired transmission gear and maintain an engine speed lower than the starting RPM. When ready, have your friend click the “Begin Dyno Pull” button.
ProScan will not begin collecting data until the engine speed reaches the starting RPM. You should accelerate the vehicle as quickly as possible through the RPM range. ProScan will stop collecting data once you pass the ending RPM value and the calculated horsepower and torque curves will appear.
If you aborted the run and never reached the ending RPM value, you will need to click the “Reset” button and start over.