Prelude Dyno Plots
Author: Todd Marcucci
 


Newbie Stuff - What is a Dyno?
A dyno (short for dynomometer) is a device used for measuring the output of an engine. This can be done either through the wheels (effective power put to the ground) or at the crankshaft (with an engine dyno). Since measuring at the crank requires removal of the engine, most people opt for dynoing at the wheels.

Most any dyno you find will be computerized and capable of a color printout of one or more dyno/torque plots vs. RPM. What this means is that you should get a printout of your car's power/torque output from low RPMs up to redline or fuel cutoff. Keep in mind that by measuring at the wheels you will see between 15% and 17% lower numbers than you might expect due to drivetrain losses. Automatics will typically lose a little more power than manuals as well.

Please keep in mind that few measurement devices are perfect. Though most dynos will be accurate to within .5HP or .1%, this is usually dependent on proper calibration and compensation. Depending on age and condition, your results may vary. Also, different cars behave differently depending on age, condition, and all manner of factors throughout it's lifetime. For instance, if you haven't tuned up in a while you might see as much as a 5HP or more loss.

The plots that follow are of members' cars with various mods. Where possible, the mods and anything that might improve power output are listed. Although you shouldn't expect to be able to duplicate someone's output, this should be useful as a rough guide as to what mods provide what power. As mentioned above, individual vehicles may vary as well as the numbers obtained from different dynos.

Note: click on plot thumbnails for larger 800x600 images.

A special thanks to Phillip and Intercrew of Richardson and NTPOG Event Coordinator Shawn Adams for setting up the first "NTPOG Dyno Day!"


5th Gen Dyno Plots
     
    Model: 1998 Base, Sport Shift, H22A 2.2L VTEC
    Owner: Oscar Martinez
    Max Power: 147
    Max Torque: 126

    Mods:
    Stock air filter/box removed (for top power run)
     
     
    Model: 1998 Base, 5 Speed, H22A 2.2L VTEC
    Owner: John Haley
    Max Power: 156
    Max Torque: 130

    Mods:
    Iceman Cold-Air Intake, Tanabe DTM Exhaust
     
    Model: 1998 Base, 5 Speed, H22A 2.2L VTEC
    Owner: William Howell
    Max Power: 162
    Max Torque: 136

    Mods:
    UR Underdrive pulley, AEM CAI,GReddy PE Exhaust, NGK Copper spark plugs
     
    Model: 1998 Type SH, 5 Speed, H22A 2.2L VTEC
    Owner: David Rierson
    Max Power: 175
    Max Torque: 140

    Mods:
    AEM CAI, DC Sports Header, GReddy PE Exhaust, UR Underdrive Pulley, Field SFC/VTEC Controller


4th Gen Dyno Plots
     
    Model: 1996 Si, 5-Speed, H23 2.3L
    Owner: Eric Siegel
    Max Power: 142
    Max Torque: 140

    Mods:
    Iceman Intake, DC Sports Header, Custom Dual Exhaust, AEM True-Time Cam Gear


3rd Gen Dyno Plots
     
    Model: 1988 Si 4WS, 5 Speed, B20A 2.0L
    Owner: Dustin Palmer
    Max Power: 101
    Max Torque: 97

    Mods:
    K&N Filtercharger, MSD Blaster 2 Ignition Coil, MSD6AL Ignition Coil Amp, 16 lb. Flywheel, ACT Extreme Pressure Plate, ACT Street Clutch, 2.5" Custom Mandrel Bent Cat-Back with 2.5" x 24" Glass Pack and 3" Jaguar Racing Muffler
     
    Model: 1988 Si 4WS, 5 Speed, B20A 2.0L (Turbo)
    Owner: Keith Maddox
    Max Power: 178
    Max Torque: 163

    Mods:
    Garret T3 Turbocharger, MSD Timing/Boost Controller, 2.5" Custom Mandrel Bent Cat-Back with Flowmaster 


If you have any comments, additions, or corrections, as always, email the author.



This page last updated 2/26/03.