[martopoulos]

(I mentioned this in another thread but think it merits a new one to discuss Dinan specifically)

While the Dinan intercooler alone shaved off 0.2 seconds from my 0-60 times (from ~4.6 sec to 4.38), the installation of the stage 3 tuner yielded no improvement whatsoever (very slightly slower even-- 4.41, but that could be a coincidence). Times are being measured with a Matrix accelerometer. (FWIW, I also have Dinan's intake and another vendor's perf exhaust).

I think heat has been eliminated from the equation, unless I'm missing something. According to the hidden menu, oil temperature at first launch was 103 deg C after waiting 15 min for it to cool down (from around 110 deg C). That is well within the normal operating temperature range. FWIW, I did note that after a single launch, the temp spiked up to 111.

Dinan support claims that if the tuner were incorrectly installed, there would most likely be a CEL or similar. I'm not sure what else to try here. It's looking like I will need to return the tuner. A number of people in the forum here have claimed Dinan's tuners are a scam. I note that most (all?) of the people on here who claim the contrary have only given subjective assessments (i.e. it *feels* more responsive)...

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by martopoulos

(I mentioned this in another thread but think it merits a new one to discuss Dinan specifically)

While the Dinan intercooler alone shaved off 0.2 seconds from my 0-60 times (from ~4.6 sec to 4.38), the installation of the stage 3 tuner yielded no improvement whatsoever (very slightly slower even-- 4.41, but that could be a coincidence). Times are being measured with a Matrix accelerometer. (FWIW, I also have Dinan's intake and another vendor's perf exhaust).

I think heat has been eliminated from the equation, unless I'm missing something. According to the hidden menu, oil temperature at first launch was 103 deg C after waiting 15 min for it to cool down (from around 110 deg C). That is well within the normal operating temperature range. FWIW, I did note that after a single launch, the temp spiked up to 111.

Dinan support claims that if the tuner were incorrectly installed, there would most likely be a CEL or similar. I'm not sure what else to try here. It's looking like I will need to return the tuner. A number of people in the forum here have claimed Dinan's tuners are a scam. I note that most (all?) of the people on here who claim the contrary have only given subjective assessments (i.e. it *feels* more responsive)...

You should dyno the car before and after and compare

[Sam_M]

What does the dyno say?

[BMWZ4]

While I did not do any dyno, I definitely noticed a major difference from stage 2 to 3.

[Sam_M]

The only reason I ask is if he did dyno it, that would clearly show the difference, or indeed lack of a difference.

Makes it more easily to challenge Dinan about it then

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Although 0-60 is a measurement of testing in itself it might not always be a controlled test or offer valid results for performance since it's only a small measurement of power with potential traction loss and other exterior factors such as launch.

Perhaps you are actually losing traction or not getting a perfect launch with the extra power? I'm just speculating of course.

Wheel spin and launch sequence can still vary which will skew results.

Consider a Dyno to get a true delta of difference in power or another popular test for performance is a Vbox 30-130 test.

[martopoulos]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Although 0-60 is a measurement of testing in itself it might not always be a controlled test or offer valid results for performance since it's only a small measurement of power with potential traction loss and other exterior factors such as launch.

Perhaps you are actually losing traction or not getting a perfect launch with the extra power? I'm just speculating of course.

Wheel spin and launch sequence can still vary which will skew results.

Consider a Dyno to get a true delta of difference in power or another popular test for performance is a Vbox 30-130 test.

There was no perceptible wheel spin during my runs, anyway. Though I suppose since we're talking about fractions of a second, I probably couldn't rely on my ears and body to sense wheel spin for such a short period.

BMWZ4: You added an intercooler between stage 2 and 3, correct? That could account for the perceived improvement, as it definitely improved things here. My situation was somewhat unique in that the intercooler and tuner were installed on different days, giving me a chance to test improvements from the individual components.

[martopoulos]

I'll consider blowing $300 on Dyno sessions after I hear from the installer. I would like to confirm that everything is in working order from their perspective before I potentially throw good money after bad. I say that because I'm not sure how conclusive the run results will be. Like, say there is no significant difference between the sessions. That could either mean that something is 'wrong' or the device is simply worthless, which is basically the situation I'm already faced with, no?

[XutvJet]

You really need to get some 1/4 mile times and mphs or comparison dynos. 0-60 is not remotely enough distance to really measure improvement. The car is only using 1st and 2nd for a majority of that and full boost is not realized in those gears either. I'm certain that in a 0-130 run, the car would be quicker and faster.

[Dylan86]

I'm pretty certain my 60' would get worse with more power. In stock form the car hooks up really well. Best way is hit the strip and look at your MPH. 0-60 times are for magazines!

[bryan_G01]

first off, a dyno is not 300$. It is the only way to measure performance gains vs. stock.

Second, are you seriously comparing 0-60 runs to show an improvement in overall performance of a car?

Dinan stage 3 was 382 WHP without a downpipe when i dynoed last summer.
My car full bolt on is 328whp without any tune on stock map.

With dinan stage 3 and catted DP, car was 393 whp. I than removed dinan and went enzoracing flash tune and saw 396 whp and about 30 lbs more tq than dinan.

I than replaced catted DP with cattless and enzo tune, car now makes 405/460.

All these are dyno proven.

Results: Dinan gives you a good performance increase for about 10x more than a flash tune will cost you. A flash tune is roughly 1400.00 vs Dinan costing 6000.00 + installation.

A dinan stage 4 setup is only 400whp. Thats another 4000.00. So about $10,000 all in to get same performance results as a jb4 which is 700.00 ish, or 1400 for a flash tune that also removes speed limiter and isnt a piggy back.

***But the warranty*** yes Dinan fans, keep telling yourself that to make you feel better at night.

[martopoulos]

We all get our kicks in different ways. For better or for worse, getting thrown back in my seat does it for me. Sure, it's not a great metric for overall performance, but one would think that bumping up to 382 WHP from 293 would at least shave off *something*. If the answer is no, then this was probably a mistake. I assume that going up to Stage 4 with a Big Turbo wouldn't yield any launch time improvement either, then?

[Luminous]

Good luck with Dinan, when I had their stage 1 tune I did before and after dynos showing the tune made less than half the advertised power gains. They didn't care and blamed it on my car.

[martopoulos]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

I than replaced catted DP with cattless and enzo tune, car now makes 405/460.

So, with your final setup, what is your 1/4 mile time? And (at the risk of getting yelled at) what about your 0-60? Also, are you sure about getting 382 whp with Dinan Stage 3 and a stock DP? That is quite a bit higher than I would expect, actually. Dinan says 399 hp, so you'd think that would be closer to 360 whp.

[bryan_G01]

im pretty sure, but i'll have to check my dates and dyno times.

I ran a 11.8 yesterday.

0-60 is near impossible to measure. my torque pro app which who knows is accurate shows 3.37 0-60.



https://www.facebook.com/bryanduncan...1152069421027/


might have got better times, but they shut the track down due to a bomb threat...

[martopoulos]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

im pretty sure, but i'll have to check my dates and dyno times.

I ran a 11.8 yesterday.

0-60 is near impossible to measure. my torque pro app which who knows is accurate shows 3.37 0-60.

11.8, okay. That gives me something to compare to. And yeah, there's no way your 0-60 time was 3.37 sec. Matrix's accelerometer seems to do a good job, FWIW, as it consistently was 4.6 - 4.8 sec on my setup pre-intercooler.

[pz619]

Originally Posted by martopoulos

11.8, okay. That gives me something to compare to. And yeah, there's no way your 0-60 time was 3.37 sec. Matrix's accelerometer seems to do a good job, FWIW, as it consistently was 4.6 - 4.8 sec on my setup pre-intercooler.

Seems plausible to me. To run a 11.8 quarter you are likely going to be in the 3.5 0-60 range.

[bryan_G01]

Originally Posted by martopoulos

11.8, okay. That gives me something to compare to. And yeah, there's no way your 0-60 time was 3.37 sec. Matrix's accelerometer seems to do a good job, FWIW, as it consistently was 4.6 - 4.8 sec on my setup pre-intercooler.

I'm running a 3.4 0-60 now.

Intercooler adds no HP. It's only use is to avoid heat soak. The dinan is heavier than stock so it actually adds weight.
On a dyno, it may show a gain after b2b runs, but on a drag strip it won't make a difference if both cars are cool.

Go see what kind of 1/4 mi times you run.

My Car vs. Luminous Enzo Single Huge turbo car. He's about a 3.2 seconds 0-60. Sorry for low quality, but it is a 360 vr vid.

[martopoulos]

Okay, I have some 1/4 stats, though unfortunately the accelerometer only gives MPH for 1/4 mile:

Best run in Bypass mode: 107 mph
Stage 3 (only did one run): 110

So I guess it's active after all... just disappointing.

[martopoulos]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

Intercooler adds no HP. It's only use is to avoid heat soak. The dinan is heavier than stock so it actually adds weight.

I'm aware it adds no HP, but clearly there were some heat related issues pre-intercooler because I could not break 4.6 seconds. After intercooler install, I regularly hit 4.38 - 4.41.

[martopoulos]

Random: today, I saw an E60 528 (maybe 535) wearing an M550i badge. A model that didn't even exist in that generation. Just wanted to share that cringe-worthy sighting with you. You're welcome.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by martopoulos

Okay, I have some 1/4 stats, though unfortunately the accelerometer only gives MPH for 1/4 mile:

Best run in Bypass mode: 107 mph
Stage 3 (only did one run): 110

So I guess it's active after all... just disappointing.

What's the temperature and altitude?

Which tranny?

Which driving mode?

How much wheel spin?

Are you spinning so badly that it's forcing an early upshift?