[ForteGT2]

They claim some numbers, but have no dyno sheets to back them up.
I can say I put a filter on my car and got 10 hp, but I can't prove it without a dyno.

ACTUALLY...using a DYNO to prove a change that is 10 HP up or down is not accurate unless it is under VERY controlled conditions. Changes in Air temperature, humidity level, Barometric (atmospheric) pressure, engine temperature, tranny temperature,and even the dyno's temperature can change the HP/TQ readings that much.

If you run a test on a car after you just drove it to the dyno and then install an air filter -- then wait until the car is completely cooled down -- you WILL get a big HP increase. But it won't be because of the air filter...

 

[ForteGT2]

THIS!
Sounds like dyno noise.

Care to elaborate?

Oops, sorry...probably too big of a word for you.

What do you mean?

 

[ForteGT2]

So what your saying is that you dispute any dyno claim that is not at least what? 10HP? 20HP? TurboKits.com claimed +6HP on a dyno, do you dispute that as well? Not all parts make large gains, and if you can manage conditions then a dynometer is an accurate representation of power. I would like to point out that this was done in SoCal in fall, so the weather outside is ideal for these sorts of measurements.

punksmurph...I have issues with dyno tests used to sell a product...not because I think a company willfully alters the readings but because of the minimal experience i've had with having tested my own cars on dynos. I have pulled three runs back-to-back with the same car, on the same dyno, with no changes and seen different readings each time. Differences as much as 7 HP! With results like that I find it hard to believe a single product that produces a small change can be accurately identified. It is even possible that TK's dyno run may have shown 6 HP gain but the real overall gain could have been higher -- if that particular run was actually one of the worst for the car at that time.

Another issue too is altering -- the owner/operator of the dyno I last used was able to adjust the readings...how do you control that?

And finally...the way you run a dyno is not the same as when you floor your car at the dragstrip (for example). I believe the engine often makes more HP in real use Vs a dyno. Why? Because on the dyno you take the engine to 2K RPM to start the test -- and you push the acellerator briskly but do not slam it WOT. On the street/strip you "floor it" off idle (Auto) or "pop" the clutch (manual) at a higher RPM to get a good jump. The dyno doesn't "see" these "takeoffs".

Me personally, I like to see dragstrip results (1/8 mile or 1/4 mile) -- I think these show whether or not a product really works.

 

[ForteGT2]

I know a lot of Lancer guys and I have never seen 20HP gain from a tune for a 2.0L, maybe the Ralliart 2.0L Turbo but not the base 2.0L. RPW was able to get 5HP gain from a full tune on a car with just a HKS filter, but not 20HP. I think that ideas of power are way out of line. Heck even Works only got 4HP and 6 lbs/ft out of a flash. These are reputable companies that put a lot of time and effort into the Lancer and that is the gain they get. The piggy makes the same number and you can tune it down the line when you have future mods.

I am currently working on tuning my 3rd car I have owned, and I have help a couple other friends with theirs. In my experience with all the different makes and models I have never seen the gains at the price you guys want. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN. One day there may be a plug and play ECU option but it will cost you, in my experience around $500-$600. The cheapest I have ever seen a car tunned is the Evo, but there is a ton of support for the car and competition lowers prices.

I agree with you on this for the most part...depends on the way a vehicle comes from the manufacturer too. I can tell you one of my early Fords, which came with a 6 banger and a 1.75" factory exhaust was a slug when I bought it. I did all the tricks to the engine (bigger carb, retuned ignition, electric fan, etc) and the darned thing would only do 80 MPH. I replaced the exhaust with a 2" free flowing custom one and a turbo muffler -- and the car would scoot past 100 MPH with ease! Today's cars are better made and tuned but there are always ways manufacturers kill HP...probably to ease the warranty repair burden...LoL

 

[ForteGT2]

OP...sorry we got off topic...on dyno operations...is there any chance you could give us some dragstrip times/comparisons in the near future?