TunerBench learning center

Understand the math behind the build

Worked examples, primary sources, and practical limitations—connected directly to calculators you can rerun with your own numbers.

Worked examples

Latest guides

10 guides

Worked tire comparison

225/45R17 vs 245/40R18: Diameter, Speedometer Error, and Fitment

A worked comparison of 225/45R17 and 245/40R18 tire sizes, including diameter, sidewall, circumference, speedometer error, and the checks the numbers cannot answer.

6 minute read · Read guide →

Worked ethanol blend

How Much E85 Do You Need to Make E30?

Calculate an E30 fuel blend from the fuel already in the tank, the actual ethanol content of pump E85, and the target tank volume.

7 minute read · Read guide →

Wheel fitment geometry

Wheel Offset Explained: Calculate Poke and Inner Clearance

Understand positive wheel offset and calculate how a width and offset change moves a wheel toward the fender and suspension.

6 minute read · Read guide →

Datalog workflow

How to Read a Turbo Datalog Without Chasing One Channel

A practical workflow for comparing boost, timing, lambda, fuel pressure, trims, throttle, RPM, and temperature in a turbocharged-engine datalog.

9 minute read · Read guide →

Fuel-system planning

Injector Sizing for E85: A Worked Horsepower Example

Size port injectors from horsepower, BSFC, injector count, and duty cycle, then understand why pressure and ethanol content still matter.

7 minute read · Read guide →

Dyno comparison

SAE vs STD Dyno Correction: Why the Numbers Differ

Understand SAE, STD, and uncorrected dyno numbers, how weather normalization works, and how to make a defensible before-and-after comparison.

7 minute read · Read guide →

Power math

Why Horsepower and Torque Cross at 5,252 RPM

Derive the familiar horsepower equation from torque, rotational speed, and the horsepower unit instead of treating 5,252 as engine magic.

6 minute read · Read guide →

AWD tire planning

AWD Tire Circumference Mismatch: Why One Universal Limit Is Wrong

Calculate front-to-rear tire circumference mismatch and understand why the vehicle manufacturer—not a universal internet percentage—sets the final limit.

8 minute read · Read guide →

Compressor-map math

Turbo Pressure Ratio at Altitude: Why 20 PSI Is Not Always the Same Work

Calculate compressor pressure ratio from gauge boost and atmospheric pressure, then see why the same boost target is harder at altitude.

6 minute read · Read guide →

Vehicle identification

VIN Decoder vs Build Sheet: What Each Can Actually Tell You

Understand what NHTSA VIN data can identify, what requires a manufacturer build sheet, and why recalls and enthusiast codes are separate layers.

7 minute read · Read guide →

Garage references

Chassis and engine indexes

3 references

BMW reference

BMW chassis codes

Look up E, F, G, and U-series chassis families by generation and body style.

Reference table · Open →

BMW reference

BMW engine codes

Match common BMW engine families with their layouts, induction, and applications.

Reference table · Open →

Porsche reference

Porsche chassis codes

Decode familiar internal model numbers across modern Porsche generations.

Reference table · Open →

Useful before searchable

Every guide begins with a real decision, shows the equation or evaluation process, and states what the result cannot prove. Articles cite primary or manufacturer sources where a formal definition or platform behavior matters.

Use these pages to understand the assumptions, then open the connected calculator to work with your own vehicle.