Engine Dyno
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Engine Dyno
Hi, I want to buy (I think) an engine dyno for my shop, I have no idea what I should get, this for my own use (race car) and would like to spend the least that I can get away with (I'm cheap) where to look and what to buy?
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Schurkey
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Re: Engine Dyno
Buying the dyno is bad enough.
THEN you get to build the dyno room around the dyno. Real estate and concrete are expensive.
THEN you get to build the dyno room around the dyno. Real estate and concrete are expensive.
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rebelrouser
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Re: Engine Dyno
Last year I purchased a used dyno and rebuilt it. A dyno is not something you just turn on a switch and operate safely. If you really want one, education is your first requirement. If you go the used route, technical support and replacement parts are the first hurdles. You have to understand that since it is a small market, mass production does not really provide a cost savings, every part is small run limited production. I have very little is cheap when buying parts for my dyno. And then you may find parts are just not available. I was lucky because I have some ability to machine simple things. If you decide to buy a used one my advice is to research what you can buy, and what breaks on them.
Re: Engine Dyno
Buying and setting up a engine dyno and the word Cheep are not comparable! A used dyno purchase is probably the less expensive part. The room and support equipment to make the dyno repeatable is very important and is not Cheep! If the dyno can not repeat the data is of no use.
You are only limited by your machinery and your imagination!
Re: Engine Dyno
Hi, I already have a room, and a good size machine shop, I have never had or used a dyno, however I find the need now, there is no one around me that I can talk to, I don't know the cost (high or low) or good or bad, I'm thinking about a Superflow 901 (?) this is a rebuilt unit for $14,000.00 with a 1 year warranty, I don't know if that's 1/2 or double (price).
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thedynoguy
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Re: Engine Dyno
just be aware that Superflow no longer supports the 901's. Replacement electronics are getting really hard to find. I bought a new 901 in 1988 and it served me well for a long time. When I had a major electronic failure in 2017, I bought the "902" upgrade kit that eliminated all of the old electronics/sensors/etc. At the time, that upgrade ended up costing north of 25k...
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rustbucket79
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Re: Engine Dyno
I suggest you open a line of communication with a dyno shop within driving distance, who is willing to discuss the true costs of set up and operation, load up your engine, pay for a couple of days of dyno service and go through the process from start to finish.
When our shop owner first decided he wanted to invest in a dyno he went to a couple of dyno/machine shops in other cities and talked with them at length, the dyno itself is a pretty small part of the equation.
When our shop owner first decided he wanted to invest in a dyno he went to a couple of dyno/machine shops in other cities and talked with them at length, the dyno itself is a pretty small part of the equation.
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rebelrouser
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Re: Engine Dyno
My experience was very good with performance trends dyno software, and sensors. They have some reasonable priced software, data recording equipment, and the technical support to iron out the bugs was good as well. So for an older dyno that is one route to consider. And I also agree that the dyno itself is only 1/2 of the equation. When you start building brackets to hold engines, buying headers, welding in bungs, AN fittings for hooking different engine combinations up, bellhousings, flywheels, etc. etc. It really adds up quick.
Re: Engine Dyno
Holy cow! We paid less for our Land and Sea dyno brand new. Granted a superflow is well respected in the industry, we could not justify the price and we were able to get good service from Land and Sea. We were out the door for right around 22k with about another 3k for tank and equipment to get up and running.thedynoguy wrote: ↑Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:52 pm just be aware that Superflow no longer supports the 901's. Replacement electronics are getting really hard to find. I bought a new 901 in 1988 and it served me well for a long time. When I had a major electronic failure in 2017, I bought the "902" upgrade kit that eliminated all of the old electronics/sensors/etc. At the time, that upgrade ended up costing north of 25k...
To the OP, it really depends on your clients and the service you look to provide. We will NEVER got our money back out of ours, but we knew that when we bought it. (Yep, we are/were one of those idiot). There are plenty of new and used options out there. As many have said, your dyno cell will be as important as the dyno itself. Go in with eyes wide open.
Paul
"It's a fine line between clever and stupid." David St. Hubbins
Re: Engine Dyno
I bought a used Land&Sea 13" dualrotor. I had to buy the software upgrade to get in the good graces with L&S. (Software is tied to original purchaser) but all in all I am very happy with it. The company is very customer service friendly.
They have had one hiccup, the owner pasted away early last winter and they were forced to close for a short time. Now with the covid-19 scare their service dept is running way behind.
Would I buy one again or recommend one, in a heartbeat!
They have had one hiccup, the owner pasted away early last winter and they were forced to close for a short time. Now with the covid-19 scare their service dept is running way behind.
Would I buy one again or recommend one, in a heartbeat!
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