Being prepared for a tuning appointment is very important to us here at TDC. We have comprised a checklist that will help make your tuning experience go a bit smoother and net the best results possible. Please understand that it is not the Tuners job to repair a car that is to be tuned or while on the dyno.
Quality fuel, please show up with the appropriate octane rating of fuel, please also note the fuel you are tuned on is what will need to be used continually unless doing multiple tunes or have a flex sensor installed.
At least a half a tank of fuel or more. All power-adder cars, cars running ethanol, or any car requiring a lot of dyno time should come in with a full tank. If we have to use up dyno time refueling your car it will cost more than just the price of the fuel.
A fitting in the exhaust for our dyno wideband air/fuel ratio sensor (O2 bung). In some cases we can use one of the factory rear O2 sensor bungs. In Some vehicles we can turn off the front 02 and feed wideband readings back to the ECU, however in some cases we may need to install a wideband bung in order to tune.
Proper registration, insurance, license plate, working seatbelt, headlights, turn signals, brake lights and safe suspension and brakes, so that we can perform a street test drive to make final adjustments to the tune. Real-world driving adjustments are included in the price of a TDC tune. However, if we can’t safely test the car during your original tune appointment you will be charged for any follow-up adjustments that are required. Proper credentials to drive your vehicle are a must, we will not road test without them!
Good ignition wires and/or coils with no burns, your ignition system should be up to par in order to make the power you desire.
Good fresh spark plugs of the correct type, heat range and gap. Dyno time is expensive. Spark plugs are cheap. If the car is misfiring even the slightest it will degrade the quality of your tune. When in doubt, swap em out. Call us for recommendations before your tune appointment. We also stock a variety of plugs just in case you may need them.
No exhaust leaks between the engine and the muffler. ANY leaks located from the engine back to a distance 1 foot rearward of the rear-most O2 sensor will compromise the accuracy of the tune.
No excessive fluid leaks (oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, rear end fluid). You will be charged for cleanup. $150.00 clean up fee will be charged for oil or antifreeze in the dyno.
No fuel leaks whatsoever.
No unresolved trouble codes or “check engine” lights. Unless the check engine light is for something that you have specifically discussed with us ahead of time, don’t assume it will be fixed by the tune alone. To properly tune, all sensors and equipment must be working properly and no trouble codes should be present.
No vacuum leaks (air leaks) anywhere in the intake manifold or air intake tract from the air filter to the engine. We have special equipment to check for leaks. Call us ahead of time to make an appointment if you are not sure.
The fuel filter must be clean and clear and appropriate for your setup. If you have modified your car to substantially increase its power then you will need to change the fuel filter more frequently to ensure adequate fuel flow though the factory sized filter.
Tires with enough traction for the power level you plan on making. Don’t show up with rotten all-season tires if you are planning on making more than 450 horsepower. If you can’t get traction on the street in 3rd gear, we can’t get traction on the dyno. Get some drag radials.
Matched tires of the same diameter on the left and right side, in good condition with no cracked or dry rotting and no exposed cords. Top speed on the dyno usually ranges from 120 to 170 mph, depending on the vehicle. Make sure your tires are safe for these speeds.
The cooling system must be working properly. We cannot tune a car that is overheating. We can fix your cooling system for you, but you must make an appointment for that BEFORE your dyno tune.
The alternator must be in proper working order and the battery in good condition.
Wiring: The engine harness should be free from breaks and have no exposed wires. Breaks or exposed wires should not be twisted and taped together. Loose connections and stray wires in the engine bay can be hard to track down, costing time and money, so make sure your wiring is correct and secure.
