Understanding Dyno Results: A Guide to Real Horsepower Measurements

Understanding Dyno Results: A Guide to Real Horsepower Measurements

By Michael Harrison

January 4, 2025 at 12:16 AM

Engine dynamometer (dyno) testing requires understanding correction factors to accurately compare power outputs under different conditions. Weather conditions like temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect engine performance by up to 5%, making uncorrected dyno numbers only valuable for specific testing conditions.

Red lifted truck on dirt road

Red lifted truck on dirt road

Some key points about dyno testing:

  • DynoJet dynos are considered reliable because they have fixed parameters and produce consistent results across different locations (within 1% variance when using SAE correction)
  • Other dynos allowing calibration adjustments can show variances up to 25%, even between identical models
  • Always compare modified engine output to stock baseline measurements to validate performance claims
  • Calculate percentage improvements rather than focusing on absolute numbers

Understanding Power Measurements:

  • Brake Horsepower (BHP): Power measured at the engine's flywheel
  • Wheel Horsepower (WHP): Power measured at the wheels on a chassis dyno
  • Typical drivetrain power loss is about 15%

Yellow Supra on service lift

Yellow Supra on service lift

Power Conversion Formulas:

  • WHP to BHP: Divide WHP by 0.85
  • BHP to WHP: Multiply BHP by 0.85

This conversion applies to all drivetrains (FWD, RWD, AWD), as differences are minimal in real-world testing.

Man viewing financial data graph

Man viewing financial data graph

To avoid misinformation:

  • Verify claims against baseline measurements
  • Understand correction factors and their impact
  • Be skeptical of unusually high power claims without proper documentation
  • Consider the source and potential motivations behind performance claims

Horsepower correction factors chart

Horsepower correction factors chart

DSPORT magazine subscription gift card

DSPORT magazine subscription gift card

Related Articles

Previous Articles