MagnaFlow's two in-ground dynamometers, are located in our fully equipped 30,000-square-foot R&D Tech Center which is the home to the CAD Engineering Department, the Prototype Department & Fixturing Departments, flow-bench, and sound testing. Each new component must pass both quality and performance evaluations prior to a manufacturing commitment. MagnaFlow's product development is a result of our commitment to performance products that deliver results. 

Although testing can sometimes be lengthy and cumbersome, MagnaFlow will NEVER sell an exhaust system that doesn’t increase power over the stock exhaust system. Continue reading below to learn more on how we deliver those results.

Dynamometer Test Cell (What it is)

• Insulated and temperature monitored room with environmental control.
• Complete exhaust isolation and evacuation system.
• Complete cooling fan array to simulate test speed airflow.

Test Cell Equipment: (What we use)

• In-ground DynoJet 248C dynamometer equipped with wide-band fuel monitor and atmospheric condition monitor
• In-ground Mustang MD-1000 dynamometer equipped with 5 gas analyzer atmospheric condition monitor
• Multi-channel data logger with infrared, voltage and thermocouple probes for systems monitoring.
• OBDI and OBDII analyzers for computer PCM interface and monitoring.

Test Protocol: (How we do it)

• Dynamometer is cycled and room is brought to stable operating temperature.
• Vehicle is brought to test temperature / test condition using OBDI/OBDII monitors/analyzers to maintain consistent sensor readings.
• Dynamometer test is run once operating condition of the vehicle has reached test condition to simulate proper heat soak and air/fuel mapping.
• Dynamometer tests are run “hood-down” to simulate proper air flow and heat soak.
• Cool down procedure and warm up is conducted between validation passes.
• Atmospheric compensation can be used for data comparison on non-like test conditions.

When we conduct dyno testing, we feel it is important to be consistent and accurate. Many factors go into creating valid data. Here at MagnaFlow, we go through great lengths to ensure our data is valid. 

Under our testing protocol, we monitor not just the RPM of the motor as it is measuring the power output, but we look at many other conditions, as well. 

In the world of late model fuel injection, it is necessary to monitor what the computer is telling the motor to do. To achieve consistent results, it is necessary to keep the PCM in as much of a controlled condition as possible. Allowing for proper temperatures to be achieved before each test will dictate how much fuel or spark advance the motor will get. Minor changes in fuel and spark can net a dramatic change in power output. Knowing not only the conditions of the test, but how the computer will react, is essential to getting consistent results. Also you have to consider in what gear the test is started (automatic transmissions), how much load the motor is seeing, and even how quickly the accelerator is pressed all have a factor in creating good data. 

Even after considering these factors the condition of the air the motor is taking in must be factored in. 

Having “good” air is as much a part of the equation as having enough air. In our test cell, we have an evacuation system to keep unusable waste/exhaust gas from mixing with the rest of the test center air supply. Separating the exhaust will keep the air uncontaminated and at stable temperature. We also test with the hood down to accurately simulate heat soak and factory air supply as some systems can falsely benefit from an open hood condition which will supply greater amounts of air than could normally be achieved.