Engine, hub, and chassis are the three main types of car dynos. Each of these types of car dynos can improve your 4×4’s performance, but each has pros and cons to consider.
After 20 years of tuning 4x4s, I’ve seen which dynos offer the most benefits and when to use each one.
In this guide, I’ll cover the types of car dynos, pros and cons of each, and my personal favourite car dyno.
Types of Car Dynos
Engine Dyno
An engine dyno measures power right at the engine’s crankshaft. An engine dyno is one of the less common types of car dynos, but it is considered the most accurate. By removing the drivetrain and transmission from the equation, engine dynos offer accurate power measurements.
How It Works
For an engine dyno, the engine gets removed from the vehicle. It is then bolted to a stand so a dyno can be connected directly to the crankshaft.
Pros
- Enables the most precise testing and tuning of the engine
- Considered the most accurate way to measure an engine’s power
- Ideal for large-scale engine builders, racing teams, combination modifications, and endurance testing
Cons
- Priciest option
- Requires the entire engine to be removed from the vehicle
Chassis Dyno
A chassis dyno is the most common car dyno. I consider this the best out of the types of car dynos because of how easily it can be adjusted.
A chassis dyno can be easily adapted to a wide range of vehicle types, making it highly versatile. Chassis dynos can be two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive and adjusted according to the car’s size.
Another reason the chassis dyno is my favorite type of dynamometer is how well it simulates real-world driving conditions. Chassis dynos are also known for being a highly accurate representation of how much power will transfer during actual driving.
How It Works
For a chassis dyno, the vehicle is driven onto a platform. Power is measured at the wheels, allowing drivetrain losses to be taken into account. I like to strap down the 4×4 to the rollers to prevent the tyres from spinning or climbing the rollers.
Pros
- Mimics real-world driving conditions to give a more accurate representation of how much power will transfer during actual driving
- Easily adapts to most vehicles
- Quick setup (simply drive the car on)
- Good for a wide range of applications
- Highly accurate and repeatable
Cons
- Tyre pressure and alignment can affect the measurements
- High-power vehicles may exhibit wheel spin that decreases reading accuracy
Learn more: What Is a Chassis Dyno?
Hub Dyno
A hub dyno measures power directly from the hubs. This direct attachment eliminates wheel and tyre losses, ensuring consistent, repeatable results that are highly accurate.
How It Works
For a hub dyno, the car is jacked up and the tyres and wheels are removed. The dyno is bolted right to the hubs to measure the vehicle’s output.
This removes the risk of tyres slipping, ensuring an accurate final reading. A hub dyno also eliminates variables such as tyre pressure, tread, or weight, further enhancing accuracy.
Pros
- Provides highly accurate and repeatable measurements
- Ideal for high-powered vehicles
- Eliminates variables by measuring power directly from the hubs, enabling more consistent results
Cons
- Requires more effort and a longer setup time, especially compared to a chassis dyno
- Not ideal for quick diagnostics
- Not recommended for mainstream customers
What Type of Dyno Is Best?
My favourite is the Chassis dyno, which is why I utilise the Mainline Dynamics AWD3600 chassis dynamometer at Elite Tune.
While engine dynos are regarded as the most accurate way to measure power, I still prefer the chassis dyno. Since the rollers help simulate actual driving conditions, a chassis dyno is a better representation of how much power will actually reach the road.
Your dyno preference will come down to your 4×4 and what you hope to do with it.
For an overall tune, you can’t go wrong with the chassis dyno. I recommend an engine dyno if you are looking to evaluate a newly built engine. Got a 4×4 bursting with power? I’d suggest a hub dyno for 4×4’s with a lot of power.
Not sure which type of car dyno will benefit your 4×4 most? Get in touch with me for a personalised recommendation and free quote.
You May Also Like: What Is Dyno Tuning? Definition, How It Works & What It Does
Custom 4×4 Dyno Tuning in Perth
Chassis, engine, and hub are the main types of car dynos. Each type offers pros and cons and can help you unlock your 4x4s’ full potential.
The right type of car dyno for your 4×4 will depend on your performance goals and your 4×4’s make, model, and condition. We perform in-house dyno tuning and can help you boost your engine’s power, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Contact us to get a free quote for your dyno tuning in Perth.
