TDP Championship Winning Mapping

Dyno preparation guide

Good preparation saves time and helps you get the most from your dyno session. Read this guide before completing your booking request.

Tell us what needs doing. If you cannot complete a check, or the vehicle has faults or unfinished work, declare this when booking so we can allow the right time and resources. Do not guess or mark an unchecked item as complete.

What your session is for

A dyno session is intended for calibration and validation of a properly prepared vehicle. It is not intended as a vehicle assembly, fault-finding or repair session. Time spent diagnosing faults or completing unfinished work reduces tuning time and may result in additional charges.

If the vehicle is insufficiently prepared, you are responsible for resulting delays. Depending on workshop capacity, we may need to reschedule or charge for the work required. If we cannot rectify issues on the day, the vehicle will need to rejoin the workshop queue.

Fix known problems beforehand or bring suitable spare parts. New builds that have not been thoroughly tested may reveal unexpected issues during their first test under load. The vehicle should be mechanically ready for full-load operation; this is not an instruction to test it at full throttle on a public road.

Agreed work, additional work and collection

We schedule time and resources for the work agreed when booking. Declare any preparation you cannot complete because of equipment, facilities, knowledge or experience, and include it in the requested work. Undeclared work can cause delays, additional charges or rescheduling.

Any additional faults, deficiencies or repairs discovered during inspection, preparation or tuning will be discussed with you before further work. Where capacity allows, we will quote for the additional work and proceed with your approval. Otherwise, we may ask you to collect the vehicle and have repairs completed elsewhere, or return at a later date when workshop capacity is available.

Vehicle collection: Workshop space is extremely limited and is not available for long-term storage. Vehicles must be collected within 72 hours of notification that the agreed work is complete. The same applies if we ask you to collect a vehicle because additional work cannot be accommodated. Storage charges may apply after this period.

Additional preparation labour is charged at our standard hourly rate.

Basic preparation

Bring the wheel-lock key. The wheels are removed and the hubs bolted directly to our Dynapack units. Tell us about unusual wheel-nut or stud threads.
Complete the disclaimer in as much detail as possible and bring it with you. A blank copy is emailed with booking confirmation.
Fill the tank with the fuel you intend to run.
Check engine oil, coolant, gearbox oil and differential oil where applicable.
Ensure there are no fluid leaks or exhaust leaks.
Fully bleed the cooling system and check that all radiator fans work.
Check the drivetrain, wheel bearings, suspension and associated components are in good condition.
Check all sensors function correctly; bring spares for sensors that have caused problems.
Check ground clearance. Very low vehicles may need side skirts, splitters or bumpers removed before the appointment.
Prepare the exhaust so our wideband lambda sensor can be fitted if required.
Be ready to provide gearbox and final-drive ratios if requested.
Ensure wheel nuts or studs are correctly torqued before arrival.
Ensure the battery and charging system are in good condition.

Forced-induction vehicles

Carry out a boost-leak test. Boost leaks can significantly affect boost control and engine performance.
Record fuel pressure at idle, during sustained operation and again after returning to idle. If you cannot do this, declare it when booking.
Check hoses and pipework are secure and free of wear, cracks or damage.
Confirm the wastegate and boost-control system are installed and functioning correctly.
Ensure the turbocharger and exhaust are securely mounted.
Verify the ignition and fuel systems can support the intended boost level.
Ensure the clutch can handle the intended torque without slipping.

Useful spare parts include spark plugs, ignitors, ignition coils, boost-control solenoids and common sensors.

Standalone ECUs and new installations

Verify ignition timing correctly and mark or record it.
Confirm all sensors function correctly. Diagnosing sensor faults is chargeable.
Ensure the ECU is not password protected or locked against access by TDP.
Check wiring is correctly grounded, secured and protected from heat.
Ensure the vehicle starts, idles and drives correctly before arrival, or declare any exception in your booking request.
Complete throttle calibration correctly on drive-by-wire vehicles.
Provide a copy of the calibration file before the appointment if possible.
Bring the software licences, USB dongles, communication cables, CAN templates and other items needed to access the ECU. Arrange any required password access directly with TDP; do not enter passwords in the booking form.

Before you fill in the form

Use the preparation and ECU-readiness fields to explain what has been checked, what is untested and what needs our attention. Include known faults, suitable dates, operating limits and the work you want agreed. We are happy to help with work you cannot complete yourself when time and capacity have been arranged.

This web guide is adapted from TDP’s Dyno Preparation and Terms & Conditions document. It does not replace the checklist and disclaimer required before testing.

Questions? calibration@tdp.ie

Read the dyno checklist Complete your booking request