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Auto Tune Vs. Dyno

  
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Auto Tune Vs. Dyno

 
Beeyouel Beeyouel
User | Posts: 83 | Joined: 10/09
Posted: 05/02/11
12:52 PM

I finally broke down and purchased a full aftermarket exhaust system for my 09 CBR1000RR. I will need to buy a fuel management system to piggyback onto the stock ECU. I am strongly leaning towards the Bazzaz Z FI Fuel Control Unit instead of the traditional Power Commander. I also found that both Bazzaz and Power commander offer an “auto tune” system that basically creates the custom map for you without the need of a dyno tune. I am looking for some expert advice on this issue.
Should I have the bike Dyno tuned and create a custom map, or buy one of these plug-in auto tuning systems? Any advice is appreciated.  

 
kento1 kento1
Administrator | Posts: 915 | Joined: 09/07
Posted: 05/02/11
03:23 PM

The problem with "dyno tuning" is that there needs to be a load on the engine in order for the a/f ratio to be set correctly, especially at partial throttle settings. The more common inertia dynos that are prevalent in many shops do not put sufficient load on the engine; the dyno must be an eddy current or brake dyno in order to properly load the engine, and even then, it requires a skilled dyno operator to achieve good results.

On the other hand, the auto tune systems require a "bung" in the collector of the exhaust for an O2 sensor. Also, a "wide band" O2 sensor is included, because the stock O2 sensor is a "narrow band" type that can only tell the ECU that the a/f mixture is rich or lean, but not by how much. This is one reason why the stock O2 sensor is only used for idle and very light throttle settings; everything else is controlled by the MAP (manifold air pressure) sensor. You cannot leave the wide band sensor in the exhaust for long periods, because carbon and other exhaust particulate buildup will render its oxygen measurement capability useless. But, provided everything is hooked up and working properly, we've heard that excellent results can be achieved with the auto-tune setups.  

 
Beeyouel Beeyouel
User | Posts: 83 | Joined: 10/09
Posted: 05/03/11
02:02 PM

I was initially hesitant “dyno tuning” the bike because I was uncertain that I could find a skilled qualified operator. How can you really know? (I’ve had my experience over the years with poor mechanics/technicians).

Perhaps looking for someone who works exclusively on the race circuit might be a good place to start, but then again, a lot of these guys don’t really operate retail shops. The absolute last thing I want to do is hand my bike over to someone who would charge me $350-$400 and not really improve the performance at all or worst yet decrease performance.

I was unaware of the potential load problem with the majority of the Dyno machines, but I did find one guy who markets his service locally who uses an eddy current. In the end, I decided to go with the Bazzaz  Z-AFM Self-Mapping system. What is unique about this system is that it is not a “closed-loop”. You can use it just as you would a dyno to build a custom map, but once you have the map you can pull out the O2 sensor to extend sensor life. Essentially, you can plug it in when you want to create a map and unplug it when you’re not using it.

Thanks for the advice.  

 

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