Computer simulation programs (dyno, drag, etc.)
 

I am considering buying a dyno and drag simulator. Anyone here use these?

Car Craft features www.proracingsim.com in their December issue. Desktop Dyno is supposed to have a new version out now. Haven't heard of anyone using it, though. I think there is an "Engine Analyzer" some people use on this board also.

Just curious on what you think about them, their usefulness, etc. Which one would you recommend? Cost seems high, but it might pay for itself.

I have DD2000, as well as a lot of other people on here, and I like it a lot.

I can't say how truly accurate it is, but I can tell you it's handy to see what effect certain parts have on TQ and HP.

For the $40 I paid, I'd certainly say I got my money out of it. If anything, it's just good entertainment on a boring evening. ;)

I can't say I'd want to pay the $130 for the new one though. That's just crazy and totally contradicts the reason the first version (Desktop Dyno) developed.

It was designed and priced to give the average consumer a good way to experiment for a great price. Now they're charging as much as the professional programs.

Granted the program certainly has more features than the first DD did, but enough to justify adding $100 to the price? IMHO, no.

I really doubt you'll see a lot of people spending the money to buy it. They really missed the market with a price like that.

I guess it boils down to..... If you feel like spending that much money, and being one of a few people to own it, go for it.

If you don't want to spend that much, but still want a reasonably accurate program, find a version of DD2000 and snag it. ;)

I'm pretty sure the professional programs start out around $500 and work their way up from there.


You can get a good idea of what the engine analyzer software is like by looking here:

http://www.performancetrends.com/EA30.htm

I have used DD2000 and Ea3.0. I like DD2k better. It seems to me to have more features. Not to mentione that I can't get EA to crap out anything realistic.

You’re kidding right? DD2K & even DD2K3 sucks when it comes to short block design. (ie pistons, accessory drag, windage, etc etc.
Not to mention the total lack of intake & exhaust design...
Sure it's harder to use, and yes you need to have crap loads of number to put in, but saying DD2* is better -- no, I think not.

Don't get me wrong I like DD2003, but I put more heart into EA3.0 & the newer 3.3.

Ron

It could be the version of ea3.0 I have but there are massive amounts of information I cannot put in. Head port flow, cam specs, and a host of other crap. Granted It could be the version I have or just me being dumb but DD2k is lightyears better for me than EA3.0

Yea, I dig 'Cronic3rd', the facts are that I been using EA3.0 Standard since '99, and boy it is showing it's age!!!
The newer 3.3 has a little better interface, and a more current database. (Saves from having to dig up all those numbers, and cam cards - etc.)
So it comes down to looks or power...RS/DD?=129 or EA3.2 Standard =110...hmmm
It used to be a no brainier when DD was 39 bucks, just from an economy stand point. But now with the prices being so close - it's WAR!!! ;)

I'm currently messing around with the EA3.2 Pro version beta, and boy it has some serious stuff. But currently it has issues (ie beta). The databases are very bleak, making it very tough to use. But it does look promising, and yeap there's your 500 dollar sim because that’s what it will probably retail for.

Anyhow, they're both fun to mess with at the very least :D

Ron

I want to be able to plug in head flow numbers. I also see websites (www.prestage.com) where you can download information to plug into DD2000. I'd assume it would work for 2003 as well, so...I might be leaning towards that one then.

I want the program to help me decide things like what cam to use for certain heads, and how head flow affects power, etc. If EA can't use the headflow numbers...

I downoaded the demo versions of EA. Haven't checked out the Dyno version yet, just the drag. So if I'm wrong about the headflow capability...

www.motionsoftware.com

No demos to download...but it appears to me that Desktop Dyno 2003 and the procracingsimulation programs recently featured in Car Craft appear to be the same thing. Anybody know for sure?

i've gotten pretty darn good with dd2k over the past few years.

even though it doesn't have exact dimensions if you get good at manipulating it.. it can be accurate to within a few hp.

compared to it's projections, and then racing my car down the track. looking at trap speeds it was within about 5-8 hp... and low at that initially.

Just gotta read the destructions and view things conservatively and put them in a few different "ways" and take the averages and it gets pretty darned close.

What I dont like about dd2k is the unrealistic boost it gives hydraulic roller camshaft engines over hydraulic flat tappet.

I like DD2000, it has proved to be quite accurate when all the information is properly inputed.

were can i get DD2000. i would love to play around with the new setup im going to be putting together

Kazza. Or jegs if you feel like paying for it.

My engine builder really likes DD2K, he says as long as you are honest about the info you put in, it will give you good info back. The thing he doesn't like is if you keep upping the CFM on the carb it will keep giving you power, however realworld thats not the case.
About the cam, hydraulic/roller, i think it says somehwere in the manual, but depending on your .050 stats, and how aggressive your cam is depends on which you should put in. An xtreme cam, even though its hydraulic, because of its aggresive ramp design could be considered a roller in DD2K, hope this helps.
Jason