A dynamometer is basically a tool to deliver an effective comparison or analysis of an engine output or performance. Dynamometers are a lagging indicator, which means the dyno only tells you what has occurred during the dyno run or test period. After you have applied your best engine building skills, the dyno serves the purpose of evaluating the engine’s capabilities at a specified moment in time.
A dynamometer mainly measures Horse Power (usually at the crank shaft but in the case of a chassis dyno, Horse Power is only measured at the rear axle), torque, RPM range over which the engine was tested, temperature and air flow (volume and velocity of the air that ventilates the engine).
Some dynamometers also measure noise levels of exhaust and intake manifold pressure, fuel flow, BSFC (the measured fuel flow in pounds per hour divided by the horsepower), and pressures such as oil pressure when appropriate.
Top racers own a dyno, as it is a very powerful tool. It provides valuable information about the performance of engines, transposed in a set of graphs. As dynamometers measure engine output, isolate and quantify the metrics of horse power and torque,...