new and stupid [Archive] - Pontiac G6 Forum

: new and stupid


Worm4000
01-16-2010, 09:19 PM
ok so i see these terms like "tune" and "dyno" and i tried to read on like i full understand these concepts
I just wish for further clarification on these terms? are tune and dno synonymous or are they 2 specifically different way of modifying the engine?
from what i read i can't fully grasp what dyno is specifically, but tuning seems to be related to the ECU chip (whatever that is)
I know i look stupid asking this, but i'm TOTALLY new to car maintenance and performance modification and well i'm just biting the bullet and willing to expose my ignorance to the topic hoping i get answers

MattInSoCal
01-16-2010, 11:48 PM
A few minutes spent on Google could further your education.

ok so i see these terms like "tune" and "dyno" and i tried to read on like i full understand these concepts
I just wish for further clarification on these terms? are tune and dno synonymous or are they 2 specifically different way of modifying the engine?

They are not synonymous nor are they particularly related. Dyno is short for Dynamometer (Dynamo + Meter) which is a device that is used for measuring the output of a motor or other generating device. In this instance, it refers to a testing unit that consists of a treadmill-type device connected to some instrumentation that puts a calibrated load against the drive wheels of an automobile. The amount of the load can be dynamically changed, and the total horsepower the car is producing can be measured and/or calculated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamometer

but tuning seems to be related to the ECU chip (whatever that is)

ECU = Engine Control Unit. Also called an ECM, or Engine Control Module. It is the computer that controls your engine.

What an 'ECM tune' does is change the program that is in that computer. Most of the time they are programmed for a balance of best fuel economy versus fair performance while keeping exhaust emissions to a minimum. Most people who tune their cars want the maximum power possible and are willing to sacrifice fuel economy. In many cases 'tuning' your ECM will result in the need for you to start using Premium gasoline only and the engine will knock like crazy with regular. It can also alter your emissions to illegal levels, especially if you live in California or Canada.

Generally someone will research and create a "one program fits most" file for the ECM for a particular model year and engine, and sell that to the general public. The tune will work pretty well for you, but may not squeeze every possible bit of performance out of the engine.

A 'Dyno Tune' uses a Dynamometer in concert with a Computer with tuning software. The tuning software is continuously 'tweaked' to give you the best performance at different engine loads and vehicle speeds. It will give you the absolute maximum power available for your car, but the ECM programming file that will be created would not necessarily work well with another car, even of the same year and engine size.

I know i look stupid asking this,

A stupid person is one who will ask no questions, then proceeds blindly down a path that usually leads to harm. In this case the harm could be to your engine and transmission and possibly yourself.

and well i'm just biting the bullet and willing to expose my ignorance to the topic hoping i get answers

Great, that means you are getting an education. There are plenty of people here willing to share the knowledge they have gained through experience.

~ MattInSoCal

Fuzz12285
01-17-2010, 12:12 AM
i'm more happy that you asked a "stupid" question instead of saying that you have a turbo g6...

Matt pretty much said it all, I just want to assure you that there is no stupid questions. if you aren't sure about something, just ask or google it...i find myself google-ing random things all the time just to find out simple information. it works

Lampoon
01-17-2010, 06:35 AM
Welcome!!

G0VTCH33ZE
01-17-2010, 04:06 PM
You can know everything and still have more to learn, it's all good man!:)