Time to set a debate

[Metzger82]

What matters more to you, what the dynamics sheet says or the "butt" dyno?

I think both have their place but I think a "butt" is more impressive or make its because I'm too cheap to dyno my car.

 

[PVDave]

Butt dynos are far to sensitive to external inputs such as induction noise or a deeper exhaust note. Human senses are very subjective, and are also swayed by a modification that made a big hit on our wallet. When we spend money, our subconscious wants to justify the expense.

Because of these factors, lots of folks been disappointed by the dyno sheet after installing a K & N filter and a cat back exhaust- "But it sounds so much more powerful!"

 

[ck80]

Depends on the purpose.

I get more enjoyment from how a car feels and handles than numbers on sheet of paper.

But if I'm buying something (car, motor, etc) then I want to know I'm getting what I'm paying for. So if I'm paying for a 450 hp motor, I don't want it to feel fast due to being in a light car with gearing and turn out to be the same 300hp slug I can buy new from gm for less. I want the paper sheet.

 

[SS_Malibu]

I think the "throw back in your seat feeling" is what most us really want to enjoy however, when buying a crate engine getting what we're paying for is important. That is one reason why I like the Blueprint Engine. Plus a warranty. While dynos aren't all the same and have variables, at least you know you will be close to the engine HP advertised.

 

[64nailhead]

HP is a relative term and falls into the category of 'whatever floats your boat' really. 300hp can feel very fast until you drive something that is 600hp. And I personally can't tell, on the street between 600-800. There is a point where the HP is just not usable in a street application despite all of the claims and wants of people to have 4 digit power.

I remind people of what it was like 'back in the day'. I can remember a fellow student that had a brand new Monte Carlo SS in 1985 that would roast a tire for 100' and I thought it was awesome how much power that car had - 305 SBC, ehh, 180-220 or somewhere there abouts. Whoopee.

There are members here that have some high HP stuff - evidence can be found in alot of threads. Presently in my area, it's shocking how many people feel the need to chase a number, and how others are viewed that aren't making 'that' number. This situation is somewhat ridiculous.

So my to answer your question is more a of question than an answer - are you happy with the butt dyno or do you need a dyno sheet to make you happy? You decide. And no matter of any else's opinion, a 300-400hp car makes for a really fun driver.

 

[SS_Malibu]

I can remember when I was in my 20's (just barely remember) my first Malibu had about 300 HP. I kept having to do little things to regain that "butt dyno" feeling. After a while you get used to it and want more however, anyone who jumped in the car with me could feel it right away. The HP does become kinda addictive.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I can remember when I was in my 20's (just barely remember) my first Malibu had about 300 HP. I kept having to do little things to regain that "butt dyno" feeling. After a while you get used to it and want more however, anyone who jumped in the car with me could feel it right away. The HP does become kinda addictive.

The problem with addictive items is that users develop tolerance to it over time. As a result addicts require ever increasing amounts to achieve the same high that was experienced the first time which in turns requires ever increasing amounts of money compounded by the law of declining returns. A very nasty cycle that can end tragically. Its not just drugs and alcohol either, addiction tolerance build up can happen with gambling, p*rn, shopping, social media, etc. Marketers often encourage this to their advantage.

HP is a relative term and falls into the category of 'whatever floats your boat' really. 300hp can feel very fast until you drive something that is 600hp. And I personally can't tell, on the street between 600-800. There is a point where the HP is just not usable in a street application despite all of the claims and wants of people to have 4 digit power.

I remind people of what it was like 'back in the day'. I can remember a fellow student that had a brand new Monte Carlo SS in 1985 that would roast a tire for 100' and I thought it was awesome how much power that car had - 305 SBC, ehh, 180-220 or somewhere there abouts. Whoopee.

There are members here that have some high HP stuff - evidence can be found in alot of threads. Presently in my area, it's shocking how many people feel the need to chase a number, and how others are viewed that aren't making 'that' number. This situation is somewhat ridiculous.

So my to answer your question is more a of question than an answer - are you happy with the butt dyno or do you need a dyno sheet to make you happy? You decide. And no matter of any else's opinion, a 300-400hp car makes for a really fun driver.

People tend to forget that fast is pretty relative. What was fast 20 years ago is considered a dog now. Its also not just merely peak HP numbers, its also torque, RPM band, power to weight ratio, aerodynamics, and how well matched the powertrain components are to each other. A 200 HP car that is lightweight and highly aerodynamic with well matched components can spank a 600 HP car that is a heavy brick with poor aerodynamics and poor part selections. However, peak HP numbers are convenient for bragging and marketing. For street cars average HP is far more important.

In hotroding circles there are various sociological effects going that can affect individuals' behaviors and attitudes such as the band wagon effect, reference groups, echo chambers, parroting, and plain old circle jerking. There is also trend influencing and manipulation by numerous automotive marketers.

 

[bruisedbanana79]

I have what is called a wife dyno, I can tell I made improvements based upon how loud and what words come out of her mouth during a pull. I will know I am making real power when she goes speechless 🤣

But in all seriousness unless you are racing the car its whatever puts the biggest smile on your face.

 

[64nailhead]

I have what is called a wife dyno, I can tell I made improvements based upon how loud and what words come out of her mouth during a pull. I will know I am making real power when she goes speechless 🤣

But in all seriousness unless you are racing the car its whatever puts the biggest smile on your face.

So what does it mean when she won’t get in the car with me? Did I win or lose?

Holy sheets, thanks for making me laugh 😂

 

[bruisedbanana79]

So what does it mean when she won’t get in the car with me? Did I win or lose?

Holy sheets, thanks for making me laugh 😂

Means that project is “done” and time for a new one promising her that you’ll keep it just a cruiser 😂