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Dynamometers for Historic Engines Course

300-hour online course in dynamometers applied to historic engines. 6 modules covering SAE J1349 (net engine power), ISO 1585 (engine test code for road vehicles) and Dynojet WinPEP. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Differentiate the types of power dynamometer and their advantages for historic engines.

02

Apply the atmospheric correction standards SAE J1349 and ISO 1585.

03

Design a safe test procedure that preserves the integrity of the historic engine.

04

Interpret torque, power and mixture curves obtained on the dynamometer.

05

Adjust carburation and ignition advance based on measured data.

06

Identify symptoms of wear or failure from test results.

07

Document tests and write technical reports for clients and collectors.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Power dynamometer technician who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
  • Historic engine tuner who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
  • Engine test engineer who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
  • Classic car tuning mechanic who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
  • Engine laboratory manager who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
  • Technical consultant for historic competition vehicles who wants to specialise in dynamometers applied to historic engines.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to join engine preparation workshops.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • SAE J1349 (net engine power)
  • ISO 1585 (engine test code for road vehicles)
  • UNECE Regulation No. 85 (net power measurement)
  • DIN 70020 (engine power, historical reference)
  • ISO 3046-1 (reciprocating internal combustion engines)
  • RD 1215/1997 (safety of work equipment)
  • ISO/IEC 17025 (testing laboratories)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1What a dynamometer test is for
  2. 1.2Brake power and wheel power
  3. 1.3Measurement standards and their effect on the figure
  4. 1.4Historical figures and how to compare them
  5. 1.5Risks of testing a historic part
  6. 1.6Deciding whether to test
  7. 1.7Preparing the engine beforehand
  8. 1.8Engine documentation and its history
  9. 1.9Realistic expectations of the result
  10. 1.10Workshop: preparing a test plan
  1. 2.1Engine dynamometer and roller dynamometer
  2. 2.2Hydraulic, electric and inertia brakes
  3. 2.3Coupling to the historic engine
  4. 2.4Mounts and safety of the installation
  5. 2.5Cooling during the test
  6. 2.6Exhaust and gas extraction
  7. 2.7Fuel supply
  8. 2.8Instrumentation and sensors
  9. 2.9Dynamometer calibration
  10. 2.10Practical: mounting an engine on the dynamometer
  1. 3.1Running in and bringing to temperature
  2. 3.2Tests at stabilised speed
  3. 3.3Sweeps and their rate
  4. 3.4Number of repetitions
  5. 3.5Correction for atmospheric conditions
  6. 3.6Safety limits during the test
  7. 3.7Monitoring temperatures and pressures
  8. 3.8Criteria for aborting the test
  9. 3.9Recording the conditions
  10. 3.10Practical: running a complete test
  1. 4.1Torque and power curves
  2. 4.2Specific fuel consumption
  3. 4.3Air-fuel ratio
  4. 4.4Exhaust gas temperature
  5. 4.5Detection of knock
  6. 4.6Identifying engine limitations
  7. 4.7Comparison with historical data
  8. 4.8Uncertainty of the result
  9. 4.9Technical test report
  10. 4.10Practical: analysing a test and writing its report
  1. 5.1Carburation adjustment by range
  2. 5.2Ignition advance curve and its optimisation
  3. 5.3Trade-off with engine reliability
  4. 5.4Available fuel and its octane rating
  5. 5.5Validating each change
  6. 5.6Risk of overstressing a historic engine
  7. 5.7The restorer's conservative approach
  8. 5.8Recording tested configurations
  9. 5.9Communication with the owner
  10. 5.10Practical: documented optimisation
  1. 6.1Inspecting the engine after the test
  2. 6.2Detection of damage and wear
  3. 6.3Subsequent maintenance
  4. 6.4Traceability of the engine's history
  5. 6.5Client service and liability
  6. 6.6Cost of a test and its justification
  7. 6.7Alternatives to bench testing
  8. 6.8Common errors and losses
  9. 6.9Documented real cases
  10. 6.10Final project: a test campaign on a historic engine
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The software used is Dynojet WinPEP, MAHA LPS (roller dynamometer), MATLAB, Python (pandas, matplotlib), advanced Excel (curve correction), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real power dynamometer procedures: roller dynamometer, engine brake dynamometer, and tuning tests with a gas analyser. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Inspecting the engine after the test

Differentiate the types of power dynamometer and their advantages for historic engines.

Detection of damage and wear

Apply the atmospheric correction standards SAE J1349 and ISO 1585.

Subsequent maintenance

Design a safe test procedure that preserves the integrity of the historic engine.

Traceability of the engine's history

Interpret torque, power and mixture curves obtained on the dynamometer.

Client service and liability

Adjust carburation and ignition advance based on measured data.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Power dynamometer technicianHistoric engine tunerEngine test engineerClassic car tuning mechanicEngine laboratory managerTechnical consultant for historic competition vehicles
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with Dynojet WinPEP, MAHA LPS (roller dynamometer), MATLAB, Python (pandas, matplotlib), advanced Excel (curve correction). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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