Dive into the complete episode list for Tuned In. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
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122: The Skyline GT-R is Fundamentally Flawed.
29 Aug 2024
02:10:27
Driving talent only gets you so far in professional motorsport — if you want to make it, you’ll need the full package… Plus a healthy dose of luck.
In this episode, professional driver Billy Johnson gives us his thoughts on the challenges of turning driving into a job, the best way to spend 10k as a track newbie, why the Skyline GT-R is seriously overrated, the less glamorous realities of 24-hour racing, and much more.
Use “BILLY50” to get $50 off HPA’s Race Driving Fundamentals course: https://hpcdmy.co/raceb
Billy Johnson is a professional driving coach, race driver, and factory development driver who has had a long career in the game despite his young age.
We start by discussing the path Billy took to be able to drive for a living full-time, despite not coming from a motorsport family. Predictably, this involves a deep dive into karts and his progression through the ranks towards working for Ford developing the GT, GT350, and GT500.
Billy has also raced for Ford in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and NASCAR, as well as many other prestigious competitions all over the globe, meaning he’s able to give some great insight into what it takes to drive these gruelling competitions and the extremely long stints they sometimes demand.
This discussion provides a fascinating insight into the cutthroat world of motorsport at the higher levels, giving us a much better idea of what it takes to rise above all the other equally talented drivers out there gunning for the same seat.
The conversation also covers the cars themselves. With Billy’s experience behind the wheel of extremely rapid time-attack Honda NSXs, we have to ask him what makes this 90s icon so good, and, in his opinion, why it's so superior to another popular time attack weapon — the Skyline GT-R.
With some interesting discussion around motorsport-level driving aids, simulators, and the best beginner track car for under 10 and 50k (is Miata always the answer?), this episode is packed with great info!
Don’t forget, you can use “BILLY50” to get $50 off HPA’s Race Driving Fundamentals course: https://hpcdmy.co/raceb
Timestamps: 4:04 How did you develop an interest in cars? 13:38 Having an understanding of engineering as a driver 18:49 Why are karts a normal stepping stone into a motorsport career? 20:28 What is race craft? 31:18 What is it that makes time attack an interesting form of racing? 39:24 Difficulties of going from one warm-up lap to a flying lap in time attack? 44:21 What do I do to improve my lap times? 54:28 Time Attack NSX and its handling 1:07:14 Engine package in the NSX 1:09:08 Oil starvation and dry sumps 1:15:53 NSX aero package 1:18:18 Driver aids 1:32:40 24-hour endurance racing, physical and mental fitness 1:37:13 Tyre management over a long stint 1:44:29 Tips for novice drivers taking their car to the track 1:50:41 Does sim driving improve driver skills? 1:56:32 What is a good entry-level track car? 2:03:29 Final three questions
Field Report: 2140HP, 78 PSI of BOOST | RB26 World Record With TRP.
27 Aug 2024
00:11:56
Why an RB26 is better than a 2JZ and vice versa is a common discussion between many 6 cylinder fans and while the 2JZ might have the edge when it comes to OEM components on lightly modified street builds, the RB hasn't been pushed or developed as far as the 2jz yet to see how things compare at the other end of the scale…
Since filming the team has run a PB of 6.35 @ 222mph to set a new RB-Powered world record.
Dom from Tony Rigoli Performance runs us through some of the 12,000rpm spinning Nissan 350z build which uses a ‘tickled’ RB26 pushing out 2140HP (Mainline Dyno) at the hubs...for now. The plan is to fit a larger Garrett G57 turbocharger and GFB wastegates to push for 2300-2400HP in the quest to hit the 5’s with this full tube chassis car that runs an EMtron KV16 ECU, M&W CDI system, Rams cylinder head, Plazmaman inlet manifold, a Liberty Gears 5 speed, EZ Motorsports clutch, Spool crankshaft, Supertech valvetrain and in-house TRP pistons, rods and cam grinding.
Also discussed via this Sydney Jamboree interview is the switch from the old Nissan 300zx ¾ tube chassis to their new 350z full tune chassis, the difference between them and some of the advantages a full tube chassis allows the team. The clutch setup is also discussed as being something constantly being reset and adjusted, as well as up to this power level how bearings are the only major part that is checked regularly to ensure reliability.
As the event was rained off we didn't manage to get any in-car, but we'll be back.
Field Report: 6-Second Rotary — Building a Reliable 13B Powered Mazda 6.
16 Jul 2024
00:14:02
Using the Blueprint Racing 6.53 @ 213mph Mazda 6 for some examples we dive a little into how to build a rotary engine for drag racing.
Getting 1500HP out of a rotary engine isn't hard these days with the knowledge in the industry, but doing it with a window of safety and repeat reliability is still a struggle as Jon of Jon Blanch Racing explains. Naturally, some comparisons are made between the rotary and piston world in respect to aftermarket part support which has been growing in recent years but still lacks in many areas no matter how big your budget is, but most interestingly from what is out there the OEM Mazda rotors with some modification are still the go-to choice for performance builds.
An area where the aftermarket has made massive improvements, however, is when it comes to the plates with billet options not necessarily helping engine builders and tuners make more power but instead giving a little more reliability and tolerance to the small windows you have to work within when it comes to getting power out of your rotary.
Porting is also discussed and Jon shares why a semi-peripheral port (semi-pp) is preferred along with why the perfect port placement depends on more than just a single perfect physical location.
Revisted: Can You Actually Tune An EV For MORE Power?
22 Jun 2023
01:37:00
No matter how you feel about electric vehicles, there's no denying the incredible performance that can be achieved with these impressive driveline systems. With more and more rapid EVs hitting the streets every day, inevitably, enthusiasts are now beginning to ask just what can be gained when working with them.
This week's HPA Tuned In podcast guest is Sasha Anis of Mountain Pass Performance, someone who has dived deeper than most into the world of high-performance EVs.
Sasha is an accomplished driver and tuner who has, in recent years, refocused his efforts into the EV world, and his insight into this fairly new and constantly changing field of hyper-performance is invaluable.
In this episode, Sasha first breaks down the basics of how an EV system works, and spends time clearing up a few misconceptions around what is and isn't possible, the constant compromises that need to be made, and the future of EV tuning. MoTeC's M1 Build platform and how Sasha uses it in his EV builds is also discussed.
More of this new breed of vehicle on the roads equals more people crashing them, and that means some seriously enticing drivelines have begun popping up at the local wreckers. Sasha was an early adopter of EV swap exercises, and takes us through the process of swapping these monster drivelines into conventional ICE vehicles, and details what needs to be considered, eliminated, and purchased before the first spanner is turned. Mountain Pass Performance's Blue Lightning — a Tesla-swapped Lotus Evora package — is also picked apart.
Sasha also spends time discussing the braking and handling upgrade options he provides for Teslas, as well as a deep look at his well-known Nissan 350Z time attack car that uses a monster NA VQ engine working in tandem with a custom hybrid KERS system that Sasha has spent years developing and improving himself.
It doesn't matter how you feel about electric vehicles, this conversation with Sasha Anis of Mountain Pass Performance is genuinely fascinating and well worth the listen.
Want to learn more about motorsport wiring? Claim your spot for the next FREE lesson: https://hpcdmy.co/wireb
Field Report: Setting Records: RZ34 Z First 9-Second Pass.
20 Jun 2023
00:08:27
The RZ34 Z is the newest offering in the Nissan Z line, and AMS Performance was quick to set a world-first 9-second pass using (by today's standards) relatively basic upgrades.
Back in 2022 9.92 at 137mph was the first run in the 9's in a RZ34 Z 2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec and Nick Cassara of AMS Performance gives us some insight into the similarities and differences of this new platform compared to Infinity Q50 and Q60 models when it comes to the 3l V6 twin turbo VR30DDTT engine, and Nissan 370z on the chassis front.
The car is running upgrading turbocharges, a bigger DI fueling system, drag slicks and not much else to make 719hp with the aid of EcuTeks reflash tuning software capabilities. The biggest issue to overcome with this platform, party due to its very compact packaging, is heat soak and cooling complications making it the first port of call for any owner looking to make more power with aftermarket mods and tuning.
Revisited: Building the Perfect 7-SECOND Street Car.
15 Jun 2023
01:12:14
On this week's episode of the High Performance Academy Tuned In podcast, Andre is joined by an absolute legend of the import scene.
John Shepherd has been around since the very early days of import drag racing. Through campaigning his AWD Eagle Talon, John lead the first charge and pushed the boundaries of just what was possible with a Japanese performance car.
John talks about his early days and the many workarounds and bodges that were necessary during the sport's infancy. The Ohio-based racer and car builder was squeezing record-setting high-ten-second quarter miles out of his 4G63-powered Talon, and as the game progressed, so did the car. Andre and John track the development of the Eagle through to its retirement, at which point it was running 7.7-second quarters — all still in a time well before billet blocks, proper race transmissions, and modern turbo technology.
John has since moved on to Nissan GT-Rs and Audi R8s, and lays down his recipe for what he considers to be the "perfect" street car when working with these platforms. Easy to live with, perfectly fine to take on long road trips,... and capable of mid-seven-second quartermiles.
Finally, the guys dive into the world of dual clutch transmissions. These DCTs have become ShepTrans' bread and butter in recent years, and John goes into detail on how the clever gearboxes work and how we can make them far stronger in order to put up with the massive torque figures modern performance engines provide.
There's plenty of nostalgia to be found in this episode, and if acronyms like DCT and TCM have always left you scratching your head, you definitely don't want to miss this one.
Field Report: Dart's 2500HP+ Aftermarket 2JZ CAST IRON Block.
13 Jun 2023
00:09:04
Say goodbye to the old saying "cast ain't fast" with Dart's 2JZ cast iron engine block.
When it comes to the many limitations factory cast blocks have when we try and take them from 200-300hp to 2000-3000hp or more, the go-to option in the aftermarket is generally a billet alloy block that offers more strength and improved design (sometimes application specific), but at a substantial cost given the nature of manufacturing.
On display at SEMA, @DartMachinery has come to the rescue with their newly developed cast iron engine block which gives us a middle option where we can gain many of the advantages we get with billet offerings, namely design improvements that address known weak points, for a lower cost,. This allows us to safely produce more power and also gives us a reliable source for replacements if the worst does happen as secondhand factory 2JZ blocks become more scarce with time too.
As Mike from @racewinningbrandsautomotiv766 explains with this aftermarket cast block you can expect added thickness to the bores and deck surface, reduced core shift, and a billet 4-bolt cap (centres are 12mm, outers 10mm) for improved strength as well as screw-in freeze plugs helping prevent a blow out which OEM press-fit versions sometimes do after a head lift. Additionally, the block can be clearanced on order to take alloy rods, making it perfect for those running stroker combinations and it retains the ability to run your factory accessories when it comes to oil and water pumps etc.
While at the moment we can still source factory-cast 2JZ blocks from Toyota, Dart's more accurate casting process ensures consistent rather than unpredictable wall thicknesses and they don't force you to purchase accompanying factory components that you will never use in your performance build. Yes, this is the angle you can take with the wife when you tell her how much you are SAVING when you buy this block. It's foolproof, honest.
We're hoping to see these on the market in late 2023 for around $4,500 USD, but note no price has been confirmed yet.
088: Is Your Throttle Body WAY Too Big?
08 Jun 2023
01:22:49
What makes a good intake plenum? How do you fabricate one to ensure it can handle 100+psi of boost without blowing itself to pieces? And why do we even need to fit an aftermarket intake plenum in the first place? This week’s episode with D’Arcy French of Plazmaman answers these questions and many more.
D’Arcy started his journey in the motorsport world as a machine shop apprentice, but it wasn’t long before he stepped up in a serious way by joining the crew of a Top Fuel team as the blower tech. Eventually, this translated into full-time work designing and CNC milling parts for highly-regarded Australian performance part specialist, Plazmaman.
Plazmaman is well known for its ultra-high quality intercoolers, throttle bodies, and intake plenums and this is naturally where the conversation heads, as Andre and D’Arcy discuss the process of designing and fabricating these works of art that do a great job of attaining an ideal balance of form and function.
Throttle body sizing, the intricacies of plenum design, CAD modelling of parts, 3D printed prototyping, expected results of fitting an aftermarket intake manifold, and much more are all covered in this episode.
Converting a FWD Honda to a RWD platform is not easy task, but it does come with some solid benefits as we will discuss looking at this F20c powered space framed Honda Prelude [TECH TOUR].
With an Ethanol fed, 24-26 PSI boosted, 9,000 RPM 750hp Dandy Engines F20c boasting Eagle Rods, factory crank and camshafts (because they're that good), aftermarket pistons, SuperTech valves and a new Garrett G35-900, this Fastr sponsored RWD converted Honda Prelude is no slouch in its regular appearances in the ACL Race Series.
Professional driver Brett Dickie took a few moments while at the World Time Attack Challenge to discuss his build (with the help of his skilled father) discussing the some of the advantages the rear wheel drive (RWD) conversion gives a driver behind the wheel along with his thoughts in passing on EMtrons torque management system.
As you might have guessed, the car runs an ProWire Performance Wiring fitted EMtron KV8 ECU along with a MoTeC CDL dash for some extra logging bandwidth and driver display duties which Brett felt was the best combination he could get for performance and his requirements without blowing out the budget too far.
We caught up with Brett just before his first run with the new Garrett G35-900 turbocharger which is replacing a 3076 and we look forward to getting his thoughts on a comparison next time we chat along with some of the data this system can and will provide him with as he and his team gets it all dialed in with the help of a Turbosmart E-Gate (electronic wastegate), DBW blow off valve, MAP sensors pre and post the throttle body and an exhaust pressure sensor.
With no bolt-on solution available, the dry sump setup is a mix of BDG dry sump components and a custom sump, with Brett sharing some thoughts on what he has learnt and would do differently second time around.
Tucked behind the F series engine is a 6 speed TTi GTO sequential gearbox and Motorsport Services strain gauge lever which feeds a GJ Drivelines driveshaft and R200 LSD diff center nicked from a Nissan Skylines rear end. The Nissan parts list also includes the uprights, with 300ZX ones used to help try and reign in custom work and give more bolt in part options, and of course being something that physically worked with the package.
Also touched on are some of the boost control strategies employed, but Brett is pretty straight up that his knowledge is more focused on being behind the wheel than behind the laptop, and with 20+ years of it his no doubt his feedback goes a long way to help dial things in for race day.
You can catch Brett and this build racing in the ACL Race Series, and you can catch Brett racing other cars like the previous title winning Elusive Racing DC2 Integra at the World Time Attack Challenge as well as other cars in Global Time Attack and Pikes Peak Hill Climb events.
087: Is Toyota’s 4A-GE Worthy of its Legendary Status?
01 Jun 2023
01:40:23
The 2JZ-GTE isn’t Toyota’s only iconic tuner engine — before the famous straight six was anywhere near production-ready, enthusiasts and racers were already years deep into the development of the venerable 1600cc four-cylinder 4A-GE. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Trevena of MT Performance Engines to discuss everything Toyota 4A-GE, engine building, and much more.
As a teenager, Matt Trevena fell in love with a neighbour’s 4A-GE powered KE70, and that exposure, combined with a healthy dose of Initial D, started Matt on a path that would shape his entire career, culminating in where it is today, building some of the most hardcore 4A-GEs around — including a genuine holy-grail Formula Atlantic motor.
Matt spent the first few years of his career building everything from lawnmower engines to massive car-sized 16-cylinder train engines before jumping on board with Sydney’s Maatouk’s Racing to put together big-power RBs and everything else in between. Now running his own performance engine building company, Matt has become the go-to guy when it comes to hardcore Japanese motors — but especially the Toyota 4A-GE.
As you probably already guessed, this episode goes way deep into the weeds on all things 4A-GE, covering the differences between the available variants, the best combinations of parts and generations, how to extract the most power, revs, and longevity out of them, as well as a deep dive into the ultimate 4A-GE — the Formula Atlantic motor.
This conversation also covers plenty of general performance engine building information, so even if this classic Toyota motor isn’t of particular interest to you, the knowledge found in this episode makes it a must-listen for any self-respecting enthusiast.
Running a Nitto 3.2l stroker kit, this RB30-powered R32 GTR Nissan Skyline runs a nice mix of low stress off the shelf parts along with some unique custom features as Josh Ray from Driver Motorsport explains in this [TECH TOUR] from SEMA.
Power wise the RB runs 650hp on pump gas, 1100 on an E85 ethanol blend, and is expected to see 1400hp using nitrous with the aid of a Precision 6875 turbocharger at anywhere from 15 to 30psi depending on fuel.
Engine and chassis control is handled by a Haltech NEXUS R5 which simplifies the wiring when it comes to the fact this car has no fuses or relays as we traditionally expect. One tradeoff is the use of a mechanic fuel pump to manage the finite amount of electronic input and outputs, but when 1400hp pushes are planned that is certainly not a bad insurance to have.
An RB26 pocket ported head has been used with a Supertech valve train, GSC Power Division billet cams and Kelford Cams cam gears for added adjustability. Nissans 360 degree optical cam sensor is in the rubbish bin with a Platinum Racing Products electronic crank trigger replacing with the reason explained by Josh.
The car still runs a wet sump but the known issues have been addressed in regards to the oil pump and oil flow restrictors added. Underneath a Platinum Racing Products block brace has been utilized along with a Holinger 6-speed sequential, DriveshaftPro single-piece shaft and aftermarket axles all while retaining the AWD system which is also controlled by the Haltech ECU/PDM/Swiss Army Knife.
086: Forget Billet for a Second… What’s With Aftermarket Cast Blocks?
25 May 2023
01:38:53
Over the last year, we’ve seen a handful of well-respected manufacturers teasing something brand new that pushes against the idea that billet is the only way to go — aftermarket high-performance cast blocks and heads. On this episode, we have Platinum Racing Products’ Herman Urriola, one of the figures driving this new development, to talk us through the design, manufacture, and use cases for aftermarket cast engines and much more.
Platinum Racing Products is well known worldwide thanks to its ultra-high quality parts for a range of high-performance engines that deftly walk the fine line between form and function.
Billet rocker covers, crank trigger kits, fuel rails, RB sump adapters, and much more are PRP’s bread and butter, but recently we’ve seen teases of an ambitious new product from the Australian company — an aftermarket cast aluminium RB26 block and head that doesn’t just reproduce the factory item but improves on it in numerous ways.
In this conversation, we dive pretty deep into Herman’s reasoning behind putting the huge amounts of time and money required into this new product and we touch on who it’s for, why it’s better than billet in a lot of situations, and why an enthusiast would want one in the first place.
Herman also gives us insight into his thriving business and details some of the mistakes he’s made, as well as what he considers the key to operating a successful aftermarket parts business.
A large part of the Platinum Racing Products process involves hundreds of hours of market research, R&D, design, CNC manufacturing, and testing — Herman gives us a really interesting look at what can be quite a high-stakes way of doing business. After all, it can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to take one new part from idea to product on the shelf.
This is going to be a great listen for anyone interested in part development, CAD, CNC manufacturing, engine building, or business development in the aftermarket industry.
Frank Vasquez from KW Suspension answers these questions and more around high and low-speed compressions and rebound, driver feedback and why buying the most expensive dampers might be a waste of money.
Field Report: 4 Rotor Build Out, 7.4L N/A V8 In.
09 Jul 2024
00:15:00
Quad Rotor vs V8, Procharger vs Natural Aspiration and more.
It's hard to nail form and function, but Carl Thompson has it down to a fine art when it comes to drift builds between his old 1300HP 26B 4-rotor Aristo/GS300 build and this high compression 'small block' @Mast Motorsports 454ci (7.4L) LSX based V8 Nissan S15 Silva one that is another work of art. Even if you are a solid rotary fan it's hard not to appreciate the same level of detail and perfection that has gone into this LS-based S15 build.
We'll discuss why Carl moved away from his 4 rotors (one of which now powers Rob Dahms AWD RX7 build) and towards the MoTeC M130-controlled LS V8 platform as he has gotten more serious about competing and doing full-season campaigns along with why he chose a naturally aspirated setup despite having a procharger bolted on at some point in time.
The difference in power levels required for D1NZ and US series also pops up as well as the performance increases gained from his Dailey Engineering dry sump system and what the main driver displays and warnings he pays attention to during a competition run and interestingly why he went with a cast-iron LSX based block over the aluminium LS(x) blocks that are also able to handle sizeable power figures.
00:00 Intro 00:25 Rotary Vs LSX 01:31 Engine Specs 02:10 Iron Vs Alloy Decision 03:35 Procharger Vs N/A 05:06 Procharger Powerband 06:08 Dry Sump Setup 07:02 30HP+ From Good Vacuum 08:49 @MoTeCAustralia ECU, Indiindividual cylinder fuel delivery 10:55 Dash Display Settings 12:21 Drivetrain 14:00 Diff, Suspension
To get power to the ground the car runs a Holinger Engineering RD6 sequential, Tilton bell housing, flywheel and triple-plate carbon clutch leading to the Winters 25cm IRS quick-change and 35-spline stub axles.
A MoTeC M130, PDM30 and C125 logger/dash display and EMtron ETC4’s (for individual cylinder monitoring) round up the electronics side of things and giving Carl the ability to clutchless shift off the line.
085: Doing a Track Day Right.
18 May 2023
01:38:49
Got a modified road car and are interested in seeing what it’s capable of on the track? On this episode of Tuned In, Andre Nader from DNA Autosport joins us to give some guidance on all things track day setup and preparation.
Although Andre’s first love was of the motorbike persuasion, a degree in mechanical engineering, a thesis on race car aerodynamics, and a job at Bilstein Suspension soon had him veering off towards motorsport on four wheels. After spending a good while working in the suspension industry, Andre formed DNA AutoSport to support Sydney-based track enthusiasts and pro racers four years ago.
In this episode, we first jump into all things track day preparation. Andre talks us through all the things anyone who is heading to a track day — whether it's their first or their fiftieth — should be getting sorted in prior to the weekend. This means tyre choices and pressures, brakes, wheel alignments, and much more.
Andre also discusses some common mistakes that often he sees newbies (and occasionally not-so-newbies) making — covering everything from a lack of preparation, backwards thinking when it comes to setup changes, and wasted money on unnecessary modifications.
Lastly, the conversation turns to one of DNA AutoSport’s specialities — TracTive Suspension electronic dampers. Andre breaks down how these work, what’s involved in setting them up and tuning them, as well as the sort of improvements a driver should expect once they’re ready to go.
With some great info on drag racing suspension setup, anti-roll bar tuning and much more, this is an excellent listen if you’re looking to boost your handling and car setup knowledge.
Don’t forget, use “DNAAUTOSPORT50” for 50% off our HPA Motorsport Wheel Alignment course here: https://hpcdmy.co/alignmentb
Field Report: Getting 1200HP To The Ground | R35 GTR Wheel Alignment.
16 May 2023
00:06:34
@LYFEmotorsport and their 1200HP R35 GTR are no strangers to Time Attack or track records having reset their own R35 record at the 2019 WTAC (when this was filmed), BUT, it takes a lot more than just bolting a bunch of parts together and going ‘full send’ to achieve these results as Cole Powelson explains in relation to wheel alignments.
The 4L Nissan VR38 powered and MoTeC-controlled car runs CCW 18*12.5 one-piece wheels which are wrapped in controlled Yokohama Advan tyres. To get the most out of the package, the team rely on data from the car via tyre temperatures, shock potentiometers above the Ohlins TTX dampers, and driver feedback to make logical changes. This attention to detail is part and parcel when it comes to ensuring that the tyre temperatures are even across their widths and that the car has the maximum contact patch possible where required on track.
Cole explains why Infrared sensors are great for live data, and why teams will still physically check temperatures under the tyre surface as quickly as possible when the car hits the pits after a hot lap. When adjustments need to be made, a simple string alignment kit and ruler are used due to their simplicity, ease of transport and most importantly their accurate and repeatable results.
At this event, Cole reset the team's own R35 GTR record but fell just short of the 1-29 that they really wanted to hit with a best time of 1-30.0230, so close! The car was doing dual duties due to a rule change this year and saw Rob ‘Chairslayer’ Parson’s WTAC debut with an impressive 1-34.1840.
084: Going From Inductive Ignition to CDI and Gaining 500hp.
11 May 2023
01:45:04
Bolting a 4000+hp twin turbo V8-powered drag car onto a dyno and pushing it to its limits isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s just another day in the office for this week’s guest, Anderson Dick of FuelTech USA.
Founding FuelTech 20 years ago as an electrical engineering student in Brazil, Anderson started from absolute scratch with very little support and no other ECU products on hand to even take inspiration from.
The problem, as Anderson explains in this episode, was that extremely strict import regulations put the Brazillian motorsport scene a good couple of decades behind the rest of the world — so much so that enthusiasts were pulling EFI systems off cars and fitting carburettors in order to run forced induction. If that sounds backwards to you, Anderson doesn’t disagree, and took it upon himself to create what was then a very simple programmable EFI computer to try and bring his country into the 21st century.
Two decades later and FuelTech is a leader in the EFI management space, especially when it comes to extremely high horsepower drag applications. So, after Anderson talks us through the very early days of his career and the unique challenges he came up against, the conversation naturally moves to tuning big power cars.
Petrol vs Ethanol vs Methanol tuning, Inductive vs CDI ignition systems, reading spark plugs, and much, much is covered in this fascinating episode. If you want to pick up some new tuning knowledge from one of the best in the industry (we certainly did), this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
Don’t forget, use “FUELTECH100” for $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter package here: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb
Field Report: Building For 1000hp, But Aiming For 650hp | Ryan Tuerck’s Stout.
09 May 2023
00:14:47
When you think drifting, you also think of a 1966 Toyota Stout right?
Even if you don't, Ryan Tuerck's mate did, so that is what he's built with @toyotausa and @OfficialMobil1. Moving on from the previous Ferrari-powered GT86 (GT4586) and Formula Supra (Judd V10 powered) time attack builds this drift ute, or drift truck depending on your regional dialect, fell just short of laying rubber at @semashow 22', but is tantalisingly close to doing so very soon.
Powered by a 3S-GTE that's also a little bit 5S-FE, 600-650hp is the goal although 1000hp would be possible, it probably wouldn't work well with the 275's on the rear and light weight.
The 3SGTE (MR2, Celica) based build sports a @Turbobygarrett GTX 770 turbocharger, mild cams, 10:1 compression, non-stroker crank and 87mm bore giving a capacity of 2.1L. The 5S-FE block which is normally 2.2L is used for its increased strength over the 3S and the team hopes to get 3 seasons of runs out of this setup before a refresh is due with @JohnReedRacing tuning the project.
Electronics are handled by @unicorngarage6095 and a suite of @MoTeCAustralia products from the M150 ECU, C1212 dash logger to a PDM30 which will see the car run without fuses or relays, something the Toyota engineers in the 1960's no doubt wouldn't have thought likely all those years ago. Probably weren't expecting 600hp+ rather than the stock 85hp either!
Drivetrain and suspension wise the somewhat classic Holinger sequential transmission and @wintersperformanceproducts rear end will play nicely with the tried and tested double A arm setup out of a Chevrolet Corvette which should give no nasty surprises and only straightforward setup changes once shakedown runs begin.
'Sick utes' aka pre-runner aficionados @Kibbetech handled the tube frame chassis design and fabrication with CNC support from Bending Solutions (Rob Parsons) with many hours spent in CAD beforehand to give an accurate finished product rather than one that needed some major or minor 'fettling' as is sometimes the case with one off 'build as you go' projects that need more time than was on hand for this particular project.
Jon Sibal has done a great job of helping this vision look awesome not just in the mind but also in the flesh with his work on the body kit which thanks to some laser scanning and great work from ADV Fiberglass has turned out perfect.
083: Is Tuning on the Street Actually Better Than the Dyno?
04 May 2023
01:41:28
What’s the best bang-for-buck calibration platform for a late-model GM vehicle? Is there anything you can’t do on a good reflashing platform? And just how hard is it to make money in the automotive YouTube space? Jeremy Formato of Fasterproms joins us this week to answer these questions and many more.
Many will know Jeremy from his popular YouTube channel and tuning business, Fasterproms. Those that have watched, will know that this is a guy who has been in the tuning game for many years, growing up with a father that was a pioneer in the aftermarket fuel injection tuning space.
In this episode, we discuss Jeremy’s start in the game as he learned the ropes from his father and his father’s colleagues before taking over the business nearly straight out of high school. Like anyone who has been doing this for a while, Jeremy’s got some great anecdotes from the early days, which are always a good reminder of just how good we’ve got it now.
We next dive deep into the world of reflashing GM vehicles — by far the most cost-effective way of modifying the calibration of these potential-filled machines. The amount of power that we’ve now got when it comes to reflashing these vehicles is astonishing — there’s really not a lot we can’t do. There are of course cons to go with all the pros, so Jeremy and Andre break these down and discuss at what point someone should consider moving to an aftermarket standalone ECU.
Next, we spend some time talking about the different ways we can approach tuning — everyone associates tuning with a dyno, but with the prevalence of street tuning, as well as the increasing popularity of e-tuning, it’s not the only way to get it done.
This conversation also spends a little time discussing YouTube, and Jeremy is open about exactly why he reduced his video output dramatically over the last year.
Don’t forget, use “FASTERPROMS75” for $75 off our Practical Reflash Tuning course here: https://hpcdmy.co/reflashb
Field Report: Goodnight 2JZ? | 1200HP B58. Stock Block, Stock Bores & No Dry Sump!?
02 May 2023
00:18:40
When everyone was knee-jerk reacting negatively to the B58 engine in the A90 Toyota Supra, Stephen Papadakis & crew were the guys getting data, testing setups and then getting results on track on the 8,900rpm limiter.
As discussed, Papadakis Racing hasn't had a B58 development program without any issues, but I think after this interview we can all honestly say there were not as many as we all might have thought! From boost response to bearing and engine coatings, lubrication and cooling systems, the quest for more and more power vs grip, this interview covers a lot of ground.
Getting 1200hp from the 8,900rpm limited platform, the team hits 2023 fresh off a championship win in Formula Drift and dives into further development of their 3.2L stroker version on tracks that favour more power, vs their tried and trusted 3.0L version on shorter runs.
The 6 cylinder alloy block runs JE pistons with stock rings, aftermarket bearings via ACL or King Bearings removing one choke point for failure along with a Supertech valvetrain and post 2021 6 port A91 B58 head. A BorgWarner 9274 is used with the 3.0L build and a 9280 with the 3.2L ensures appropriate turbo response for the multiple title-winning driver Fredric Aasbø. Low boost is around 1.2 Bar, high 2.3 Bar (17-33 Psi) with help from TiAL wastegates and AEM boost control solenoids
Also discussed is why the CSF Radiator setup and similar are now so often found in the rear of a drift car along with some insights into the stock lubrication system, Valvetronic setup and how impressive, or unimpressive in the case of the stock bearings, OEM coatings can be on modern engine builds.
Not discussed but of interest, the car runs an AEM Infinity ECU, Injector Dynamics ID 2000 injectors delivering E85 fuel, Brian Crower 100mm crank, MOAR series I-Beam Rods, Gforce GSR 4 speed dog box, RS-R Custom Coilovers, RS-R Racing springs and Tilton 600 Series pedal box.
082: Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Braking System?
27 Apr 2023
01:54:14
Braking is an element of automotive performance that many enthusiasts tend to overlook, or potentially even worse, simply throw the biggest discs and calipers they can fit behind their wheels and hope for the best. In this episode, we’ve invited Alcon’s Steve Hodgkins to help us understand the ins and outs of performance braking systems and smash some myths in the process.
Use “ALCON50” for 50% off our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course here: https://hpcdmy.co/raceb
Steve has been at Alcon Brakes since the mid-90s and has been a part of a massive technological shift towards ever-improving brake technology and performance. It’s this advancement over the last nearly three decades that we start the podcast with, discussing how and why motorsport braking systems are so much better than they used to be.
To get the full benefit of these advancements, though, we need to properly understand the system as a whole — and this is where the conversation gets into the nitty gritty side, covering everything from properly sizing discs and calipers, to brake bias, to selecting the right pad compound, bedding in brakes, and much, much more.
There are so many great tips and tricks in this episode, with plenty of potential for an “ah-ha” moment as you listen to Steve’s clear and simple explanations of all areas of a vehicle’s brake system. Even if you have little interest in brakes, the fundamental, common-sense knowledge found in this episode makes it an absolute must-listen for any self-respecting enthusiast.
As per this conversation, check out Alcon's simple brake balance explanation and diagram here: https://hpcdmy.co/bias
Stewart Mahony from @TurbosmartHQ gives us some insight into what a boost or vacuum-actuated straightgate can and does do compared to the traditional poppet-style wastegate options.
One of the first questions on your mind might be how much this butterfly valve will leak. 0.006% is the answer thanks to specific valve seat design considerations that are different from a throttle body where we typically see butterfly valves in use.
Turbosmart claims the self-balancing nature of the StraightGate50 means a huge tuning window of over 5 times base spring pressure can be obtained with Stewart stating they had no issues from 5-35psi on their test rig using a 3-port solenoid, 5lb spring at 45% duty cycle. 35psi was the limit of the test rig, not the straightgate. Note features listed since this interview (included below) state 6psi to 42psi of control with the supplied base spring.
Compared to the electronic version the boost or vacuum-actuated option gives those without a somewhat uncommon 20Amp H-Bridge output on their ECU or an external H-Bridge module another option as well as more friendly emissions considerations in relation to OEM style vacuum-actuated control as discussed.
It's mentioned and worth noting the StraightGate50 (pSG50 or pSG50v) 50mm butterfly style flows more air at 383.9 CFM than a traditional PowerGate60 (WG60) 60mm poppet style at 360.9 CFM, and without the requirement for a 90-degree turn in the wastegate flow and also heat dynamics are changed for the better, all with a wider window of precise control. Some of this does come at a cost though with the max safe pressure ratings for the StraightGate50 being 100psi vs 220psi for the PowerGate60.
081: PROPERLY Understand Knock and Become a Better Tuner.
20 Apr 2023
01:53:31
It’s something that can destroy your engine in seconds… but how much do you really know about pre-ignition, knock, and super-knock? On this episode of Tuned In, we’ve invited Ioannis Andrianakis from Plex Tuning to talk us through these terms, how his highly-regarded series of knock sensors work, and what we do and don’t need to worry about when it comes to all things detonation.
Calling in from Athens, Greece, Ioannis has been in the tuning game since the mid-nineties and has some great stories about what he had to resort to in order to tune a vehicle at a time when there was next to no such thing as standalone ECUs outside of the professional race world.
We then delve into the creation of Plex Tuning, as well as how and why Ioannis developed his popular range of data loggers, digital dashes, data acquisition tools, boost controllers, and of course the much-loved series of knock monitors.
And this brings us to the main focus of the conversation, as Ioannis jumps straight into the deep end of the knowledge pool and gets very nerdy on all things engine knock. If you want to improve your tuning knowledge and gain a far better understanding of the causes, solutions, and variations of knock, then this episode with Plex Tuning’s Ioannis Andrianakis is a must-listen.
Explanations on caster angles, Ackerman, toe and comparisons between circuit racing and drift setups are discussed in this interview with Mike Squire of Squire Motorsport and Custom.
Mike explains some of the traps people fall into who are starting out or have come from a circuit racing background including the importance of managing tyre temperates to retain the grip that is now required to be competitive at the levels the sport has now reached.
If you’re planning a big race or street car build, it’s worth thinking about how you can harness the power of 3D scanning, CAD, and additive manufacturing on the big jobs.
In this episode, BBi Autosport’s Dmitriy Orlov explains how you can incorporate these tools into your build process, how he utilised them when building the infamous “Hoonipigasus” Porsche 911, and a whole lot more.
Use “ORLOV50” to get $50 OFF your 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb
BBi Autosport is one of the best known aftermarket Porsche specialists out there, pumping out a range of high-quality parts and builds over the last decade. Based at the company’s California facility, Dmitriy is the product development engineer behind it all, despite not having the educational background in mechanical engineering that you might expect of someone in his line of work.
Dmitriy is self taught, and that gives him a unique perspective on design and manufacturing. He talks us through his design process, and discusses how far technology has come in the last few years — both in terms of what it can achieve and how accessible it’s become to the home enthusiast. Dmitriy explains how the average person can harness all this tech to drastically trim down the amount of time and money being spent on a serious race or street car build.
This then gets us on to the topic of 3D printing final parts in metal, and Dimitri dives into just how useful this technology has become. As he points out — sure, you might not have the capability to print metal at home, but it’s now becoming viable to send your design to a third party which can then create the part using its own multi-million dollar printers.
The conversation then moves on to Dmitriy's most well-known project, the “Hoonipigasus” Porsche 911 hillclimb monster. This is a car that most people will be aware of and think they know a lot about, however Dmitriy is able to give us some really interesting insights into the build, its immense challenges, and how he and his team overcame those challenges.
Don’t forget, you can use “ORLOV50” to get $50 OFF your 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb
Timestamps: 4:06 How did you become passionate about the automotive industry? 8:15 How did you learn your skillset? 9:57 Does having shop floor experience make you a better designer? 11:42 Are there any drawbacks to not having an engineering degree? 15:51 When did you start diving into 3D modelling and CAD? 20:32 What are the steps from CAD model to actually machining a physical part 23:10 What did you do before working for BBI and what is BBI? 32:28 Design process. 43:06 Choosing the right manufacturing process for the part. 51:07 Designing a manifold not just for 1000hp, but to fit and work on a factory vehicle. 58:05 How has 3D scanning changed things for BBI? 1:06:40 Are there affordable scanners that are worth buying? 1:12:10 What CAD software do you use and why? 1:20:46 Do you use FEA? 1:27:18 What is the Hoonipigisus? 1:31:15 Engine and gearbox configuration. 1:34:28 Biggest challenge? 1:38:49 Challenge of running a drive shaft from a rear trans to front differential?1:41:30 How much of a disadvantage would it have been rear wheel drive? 1:48:50 Are there any key aspects you’d do differently?
080: The Most Punishing Form of Motorsport in the World.
13 Apr 2023
01:43:31
Bouncing off rocks the size of houses and pinning it through the unforgiving desert at maximum speed, the vehicles competing in California’s King of the Hammers race have to be the absolute toughest in the world — all while still being fast enough to be competitive. After interviewing Sam Dobry of Dobry Designs recently at SEMA, we knew we needed to get him on the podcast so we could dive much deeper into this brutal form of motorsport.
Use ‘DOBRY25’ for 25% off our HPA Motorsport 3D Modelling and CAD course here: https://hpcdmy.co/cadb
Sam specialises in designing and constructing high-end 4400 Ultra4 Class race trucks — this isn’t a form of motorsport that a huge amount of people have a good understanding of, so this conversation has been an enlightening one.
We first dive into exactly what’s involved in this form of competition, which is essentially a mix of two polar opposite disciplines — high-speed desert racing and extreme rock crawling. This presents some unique challenges when it comes to creating a vehicle that can do both things well, as they each require very different abilities.
What is universal, though, is the need for extreme levels of strength, performance, and reliability, and with an attrition rate of around 80 percent each year, the King of the Hammers event is designed to break even the toughest engines, drivelines, and suspension. Building anything to take this sort of punishment and make it across the finish line while still being fast enough to get there before everyone else is a unique exercise in mechanical engineering, and Sam has some very interesting takes on everything from engine building, to chassis design, to diff and trans longevity.
This conversation also covers how Sam got into this line of work, his thoughts on 3D modelling and validation, working with Chromoly steel, heat treatment, proper TIG welding techniques, and much more.
Don’t forget, you can use ‘DOBRY25’ for 25% off our HPA Motorsport 3D Modelling and CAD course here: https://hpcdmy.co/cadb
079: Suspension Setup Secrets From KW’s Head of Motorsport.
06 Apr 2023
01:45:41
What spring rate should I run? How should I adjust my bump and rebound damping? And how low is too low? We’re always getting asked the same questions when it comes to suspension, so on this episode of Tuned In, we sit down with KW Suspension’s Head of Motorsport Thomas Rechenberg to get some definitive answers from someone who knows his way around a coilover, to say the least.
Thomas Rechenberg grew up a mere 50 kilometres from the Nurburgring, and after spending his youth watching all kinds of motorsport at the fabled track, the question of what to do with his life was an easy one.
We kick off this episode by following Thomas’s trajectory as he left school to study mechanical and motorsport engineering before joining famous teams like Zakspeed and VW Racing to work as a tyre technician, a race mechanic, and a specialist engineer. With this sort of resume, podcast host Andre couldn’t resist getting Thomas’ opinion on subjects like tyre heat management and pressure before moving on to the meat and potatoes of the conversation — suspension.
After a stint going out on his own as a gun-for-hire race engineer, Thomas joined KW as its head of motorsport back in 2018, and has since helped develop the company’s race car programs and motorsport-focused coilover offerings. This means he’s the perfect person to get right down into the weeds of suspension, breaking down his thoughts on everything from spring rates, damping, roll centres, and much more.
Thomas also spends time talking us through how the everyday home enthusiast that doesn’t necessarily have access to high-end data-logging equipment or advice from professional drivers and engineers should go about initially setting up and tuning their suspension systems.
Ultimately, how quickly you can drive is always going to come down to the contact patch between your four tyres and the track surface. Suspension plays a massive role in how big that contact patch is at any given time. Want to get a better understanding of suspension systems? This episode of Tuned In with KW’s Thomas Rechenberg is going to be the perfect way to spend a couple of hours.
As discussed in this episode, check out images of the Porsche 963 rear suspension system here: https://hpcdmy.co/963
Has this conversation inspired you to improve your own car’s handling? Use the discount code ‘THOMASKW50’ to get 50 percent off our Suspension Tuning & Optimization course: https://hpcdmy.co/alignb
Field Report: 22 x Track Records, 1 x 1300HP Corvette C6.
04 Apr 2023
00:20:15
What makes this 1300hp V8 time attack machine tick?
With 780hp at 8psi low boost and 1300hp at 20psi high boost (that's 969kW at 1.38 Bar) options on tap via 2 externally-ish mounted Garrett G35-900 turbochargers and an LME-built, 430ci LSX, Feras Qartoumy's C6 Z06 Chevrolet Corvette is no stranger to a trophy or two as discussed at SEMA.
The LSX is a 2000hp spec build using an RHS block, Callies crank, rods, Diamond pistons, Brodix head, a custom-ground camshaft from Comp Cams, and an MSD Atomic Airforce intake manifold. Part of building up to this level over the years involved using a lot of aftermarket parts that would support the required power levels, but were more suited for drag racing and dyno queen runs (no offence intended!), leading to some unexpected development requirements all for the better.
The car uses a MoTeC traction control system via the M150 ECU to help keep the full boost from 3500rpm under control, and a Bosch Motorsport ABS system at the other end of the straights which has had the biggest impact on car confidence so far.
So what next? One of the biggest future goals is to reduce weight. To get where it is at 2950lbs (1228kg) other than general parts stripping, the car has shed 40lbs thanks to carbon fibre body panels from Anderson Composites and a whopping 60lbs from the removal of the stock wiring harness some years ago. Adding a paddle shift setup to the PPG 6-speed sequential is also high on the list along with suspension data solutions and some tidying up of the impressive Verus Engineering & Feras developed aero package.
At the time of filming the car holds at least 22 track records.
078: Viper V10 — Tickled-Up Truck Motor or Lambo-Derived Powerhouse?
30 Mar 2023
01:32:32
Eight-point-something litres, 10 cylinders, one camshaft, and a whole lot of noise — the Dodge Viper is as weird as it is cool, and in this episode of Tuned In, we’re joined by Viper-specialist Mike Kuchavik of Havik Performance to dive deep into this unique piece of engineering to get the truth behind America’s poster-worthy supercar and it’s brutish V10 motor.
Havik Performance specializes in all five generations of the Dodge Viper platform, which makes it a fairly niche business, but this has allowed Mike and his team to build up a loyal customer base of Viper owners, as well as an in-depth knowledge in this most American of supercars.
In this episode, we explore Mike’s path to opening Havik Performance in Pennsylvania at a fairly young age, as well as his early love for Chrysler’s supercar that would go on to become his bread and butter later in life. As you’d expect, we’re also able to take a good look at the different generations of the Viper and discuss all their pluses, minuses, foibles, and limitations — including some in-depth discussions around the car’s famous V10.
Although part of Mike’s day-to-day involves looking after private Viper collections upwards of 60 cars, he doesn’t stop at just general maintenance, so the conversation naturally covers the modification and tuning of the Dodge V10 — whether that be staying NA and focusing on headwork and cams, or going nitrous, turbo, or supercharger — Mike and his team have built and tuned them all and have plenty of insight to give.
With some good discussion around aftermarket standalone ECU vs reflash for the Viper, as well as the challenges that working within such a niche realm and at such a young age present, this episode with Mike Kuchavik of Havik Performance is well worth a listen.
Field Report: Are Ultra4 4400s The STRONGEST Motorsport Builds On The Planet?
28 Mar 2023
00:14:51
Sam of Dobry Designs runs us through this @GenRightOffRoad 600hp LS7 powered Ultra4 racer built for one of the toughest offroad racing events on the planet, King of the Hammers. KOH sees vehicles race at opposite ends of the offroading world at the same time seeing speeds over 100mph across open desert into rock sections that see vehicles doing single-digit speeds, or sometimes even less as they hit reverse to try another line or drive around (sometimes even over) a struggling competitor.
In this [TECH TOUR] via the @semashow@TorcoUSA stand Connor & Sam discuss: - What is KOH? - Cooling for desert racing - Design fundamentals including 'Rod Ends In Bending' explanation (REIB) - Oil pressures vs parts reliability and longevity & damaging oil vapour - Full independent suspension vs solid axle for KOH - Drag radials as 40" offroad tyres - Massive ground clearance without the height/COG (center of gravity) issues - Tyre construction & weight gives huge advantages for mixed terrain & speeds
BUILD BASICS: 600hp LS7 based engine with @EdelbrockTV RHS tall deck, All Pro heads, @Compcams1976 COMP cams & Johnsons High Tech Performance driven dry sump system. Custom Griffin radiator, oil cooler only for summer racing. Turbo 400 transmission, spool rear one way locker front using Tubeworks 9.5" fork style differential & @AdvanceAdapters1971 Atlas transfer case. 4-wheel independent suspension, double wishbone with a 5-link rear. Portal axles allow 3:1 diff ratio for high-speed section advantage and less CV breakages 40" @mickeythompsontires Baja Boss tyres on 17" rims.
For more KOH & offroad racing content (thanks for the footage too team!) check out: @jordanpellegrino @jamipellegrino @jordanpellegrino3867 & of course Genright Offroad and Mickey Thompson.
How useful are flow bench numbers? Should we be mirror-finish polishing our ports? What about adding dimples like a golf ball? On this episode of the podcast, David Localio of Headgames Motorworks joins us to dive deep into one of the most misunderstood areas of the performance automotive world — cylinder heads.
David Localio of Headgames Motorworks is best known for building and developing some of the fastest import cylinder heads anywhere in the world. He’s able to do this thanks to two decades worth of experience in the game, as well as a healthy passion for making anything on four wheels go faster.
We first learn about David’s early years, in which he saved up his paper run money to buy his first muscle car at 12 years old (then subsequently got that car taken off him after driving it around the neighbourhood one too many times), then jumping into the street racing world before eventually finding his true passion through both an education and hands-on experience at some renowned engine building shops.
After soaking up all that knowledge, David then started New Jersey-based Headgames Motorworks, where he continues to hone his craft, all while building heads for some of the best-known and decorated import cars in the world.
Head porting is an area that seems to suffer — or benefit, depending on how you look at it — from a crossover between science and art, so much of this conversation is spent getting into the finer details of many aspects of head work, from port and polishing, to valve grinding, cam selection, and much more.
David has some very interesting non-conventional views on what works well and what doesn’t when it comes to headwork, and while any ordinary person might have those controversial opinions dismissed by the masses, this is a guy with the results, the records, and the trophies to back it all up. This is one episode of Tuned In NOT to be missed.
Field Report: Haltech R3 NEXUS - Still Five Devices In ONE, Just Smaller.
21 Mar 2023
00:04:46
CU, PDM, datalogger, oscilloscope and a wideband controller, all in one unit that now fits in your pocket. It's not for your pocket flex game though, so let's take a look at what the NEXUS R3 is aimed at accomplishing for you.
We've talked about the Haltech NEXUS R5 VCU (vehicle control unit, a fancy term for 'many features in one') before and are excited to see a baby brother at a lower price point soon hitting the market as discussed with Anthony Truong from Haltech.
The R3 uses RadSok power connectors, 1 x Deutsch DTP connector for the PDM side of things, 2 x AMP Superseal 1.0 26-pin connectors, WiFi antenna port & a USB C data connection that we love seeing here as much as we did on the R5 (great for gloved hands on race day!).
So who is this for? Maybe you? If you are running a high performance 4 cylinder with some common bells and whistles like staged injection, the R3 is going to handle this for you along with a V8 setup that has one injector per cylinder and it retains the same functions as the R5 when it comes to advanced tuning options like torque management, nitrous control, race timer, flat shift and closed loop boost control. It does this while also controlling your engine electrics and drive-by-wire throttle system keeping the wiring simple and more affordable depending on how your accountant looks at these things.
This is all controlled via one piece of software, which like the USB C port is a nice touch for ease of use, especially when in a rush at an event or leaving a hand free to grab a beer instead of hovering over Alt+Tab keys.
076: The R32 GT-R is Cool, but is it Actually any Good?
16 Mar 2023
01:44:40
From fighter jets to JDM icons.
In this episode of Tuned In, we speak to Josh Ray of Driver Motorsports, who left a 20-year-long career in the US Navy as a fighter jet technician to follow his passion, pouring all that military experience, attention to detail, and knowledge into a new career building and tuning the ultimate Japanese legends for a living.
Josh Ray always wanted to build and tune cars, but after leaving school at 17, he couldn’t afford to pay for the education or equipment to make that dream a reality. Do you know who’d gladly pay for it though? The US military.
Josh joined the Navy and worked his way up to Senior Chief, responsible for the maintenance and repair of fighter jets like the F14 Tomcat and FA18 Super Hornet. Along the way, he was given huge amounts of training and experience — far more than you could ever hope to get in the civilian world — that would put him in perfect sted for when the time came to leave the Navy and work with high-powered JDM icons.
In this episode, Josh discusses how he transitioned away from the military and joined Driver Motorsports, where he builds everything from engines to full car projects, as well as manning the laptop in the dyno bay *spoiler alert* our own High Performance Academy courses had a part in filling any knowledge gaps he had.
Josh has always loved 90s Japanese cars, so the conversation naturally turns towards stalwarts of the era — specifically Nissan’s Z32 300ZX and R32 GT-R — in an attempt to separate hype from reality. Josh owns both, so he’s more than qualified to weigh in on the subject.
With some great conversations around buying cars at Japanese auctions and then importing them into the States, the ins and outs of road tuning, and minimising dyno result inconsistencies, this conversation with Josh Ray is well worth a listen.
Field Report: Expert Insights on (Probably) the Most Impressive 4 Rotor AWD RX7 EVER.
14 Mar 2023
00:31:00
Running an R32 GTR transfer box off the back of a Holinger RD6, Winters Quick Change rear differential, Haltech R5 NEXUS ECU/PDM, Garrett 94mm OR 106mm turbo, Clearview oil filtration system along with Ti Automotive a dual brushless pump setup among a long list of other parts, we caught up with Rob Dahm at @semashow to discuss his ever-evolving and now essentially complete FD RX7 quad rotor build.
The Haltech R5 doesn't just handle engine management; the built-in PDM also controls many of the electrical components leaving the car without fuses or relays. A standalone ECUMaster PMU splits this duty in 2 adding redundancy plus more inputs and outputs. A FuelTech FTSpark Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI) also helps in the ignition department. Interestingly this build draws up to 80amps, and as you can see (and hear) Rob has made sure that isn't an issue with this setup.
Traction control is also handled by the Haltech R5 via a Nissan ATTESA-based control system and some 'fettling' by Rob which allows him to demand a dynamic or set torque ratio between the front and rear of the car allowing for versatility when launching and cornering across many surface conditions. We also touch on some Nikasil-style coating that is used to make sure aluminium and steel alloys play together nicely. Interestingly the engine is clearanced specifically for Valvoline 20-50 oil which shows the level of detail this build has reached.
The long list of topics continues with Precision Engineering eccentric shafts, rotary irons, apex seals, 16-point total TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) and the gremlins auxiliary systems can cause a rotary engine.
Last time we spoke to Rob he mentioned his interest in more A-B testing, and he has followed through on this and discussed some poor injector placement and cooling issues that upon investigation and data collection he has resolved often by taking it upon himself to learn the skills to do the job himself. Machine work, wiring and tuning are just a few skills he has picked up as a direct result of this build.
075: The Realities of Driving and Maintaining Your Own F1 Car.
09 Mar 2023
01:22:59
David Higgins of Kinetic Simulation and Classic Revival drops into the podcast this week to give us some insight into creating no-holds-barred bespoke race cars from scratch, modernising and racing iconic motorsport legends, and owning and running your own real-deal Formula 1 car.
David is probably best known for his work in motorsport engineering and aero design, but that’s just scratching the surface of what he gets up to on a day-to-day basis.
To find out more, we first look back at David’s journey from his early days spent racing his Dad’s classic Porsches and Formula cars, to getting a mechanical engineering degree at university, to eventually finding his feet, taking a punt, and starting his own motorsport design and engineering firm, Kinetic Simulation.
This has meant David’s had a hand in designing and testing plenty of fast projects, and time is spent in this episode discussing how simple aero enhancements have shaved seconds off his client’s cars.
We also take a detailed look at one of David’s most extreme projects — a modernised replica of a BMW E21 Group 5 race car, developed in collaboration with Kiwi company RaceLab. The project has gone through various iterations on its journey to where it is now as a full carbon fibre monocoque weapon with a stressed-member V8 and transaxle setup that should prove stupidly fast when finished.
While motorsport design, FEA, and CFD testing do play a big part in David’s day-to-day duties, there’s also the Classic Revival side to the equation. This is a family-owned group that David, along with his father and brother, use as an outlet for their passions — namely sourcing, restoring, and running motorsport icons of the 80s and 90s.
These include a GT300 Mazda RX-7, a Group C Porsche 962, and a couple of Leyton House Formula 1 cars — the latter of which we get into the nitty gritty of, discussing what the restoration process was like, what they’re like to work on, and what it takes to actually get them fired up and ready for a track session.
Want to learn how to design and model parts for your project car? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb
Field Report: What IS this thing!?!
02 Jul 2024
00:12:16
Why does this 800hp car look like it belongs to racing classic DTM cars, and what's up with the 6 cylinders?
Aleck Kazakovski of GotItRex explains some of the tech talk story of how this GC8/Type R STi has grown into the monster it is today, with multiple time attack wins in Australia and a unique but well-proven setup.
The turbocharged EG33 is capable of 9,500rpm and 750kw (1000hp) at 40 PSI, but the team dials things back in the interests of reliability and wallet health to a 'modest' 600kw (800hp) at 25 PSI and a 9,000rpm limit. Madness!
There isn't much that hasn't been touched on the EG33 to make this happen, including being bored and stroked with extensive headwork to give a very usable powerband with full boost from 4,500 rpm. Lubrication is handled by a custom GIR dry sump setup using existing off-the-shelf components. Clever!
An EMtron electronics package helps keep it all working as intended, and a Modena sequential transmission package puts the power to the ground without turning into Swiss cheese as you would expect the OEM Subaru parts to; however, OEM housings and much of the physical placements are retained or at least are very close to where they were which keeps some of the heritage rather than being a complete Frankensteins monster. No doubt, this also enables an easy time with spares and repairs.
A PE Racing pedal box and AP Racing calipers and rotors help haul the car up for the corners, with Aleck and the team opting to avoid some of the oversized rear brake issues many Subaru owners fall into the trap of, and ABS is on the cards for the future to help leverage the system further.
Field Report: What Is Torque Mapping?
07 Mar 2023
00:22:12
What was great, is now even better! But how does torque control work in MoTeC's firmware update?
There is no shortage of quality ECU options on the market these days, and @MoTeCAustralia are certainly well set up with their product lineup and software layout which allows the purchase of some packages giving those with the right skillset almost limitless possibilities. On top of this though there is of course still internal development, and the recent release of torque-based control features as discussed with Brad Sheriff of Racetech Performance at the @WorldTimeAttackChallenge.
The biggest takeaway from the discussion here other than added performance capabilities is also the fact that if you don't want to leverage them, you are still fine to use your MoTeC M1 ECU as you always have.
074: Why Aren’t You Using a PMU in Your Next Build?
02 Mar 2023
01:41:53
Every so often in this industry, a new technology comes along that improves the quality of both cars being built, and the work of their builders. The PMU — also known as a PDM — is one of those technologies. This week, Zach Denney of ECUMaster USA joins us to discuss how these brilliant devices work and how you can use one in your next build, as well as all things standalone ECU, dyno tuning, and much more.
After appearing on our radar a few years ago, ECUMaster has been steadily gaining popularity in most markets around the world. We’ve been using ECUMaster products in a couple of our own projects for a few years now, so we’re in a good position to ask Zach some challenging questions about ECU development, PMU applications, and motorsport electronics in general.
First though, we dive into Zach’s journey from working at a tyre shop to becoming the North American distributor of ECUMaster, along with some other key European brands. It’s never an easy road, but through continued education and hands-on experience, Zach has built up his business from scratch and made it work despite the challenges of selling and supporting standalone ECUs.
With ECUMaster releasing its brand new range-topping EMU Pro series a couple of days ago, we next look at some of the challenges around producing ECUs that are powerful and feature-rich, while still being accessible to the average enthusiast or tuner.
We’re also big fans of PMUs here at HPA, and as we’ve been using a pair of ECUMaster’s excellent PMU16s in our SR86 race car, this discussion inevitably swings in the direction of power management units, with Zach and podcast host Andre spending time breaking down how they work, what they can do, and why they’re so good.
This episode also contains some great discussion around the liabilities and — for lack of a better term — finger-pointing that can come with tuning other people’s cars, as well as all the variables that can affect a dyno-session’s outcome. We know who’s going to be first in line to cop the blame, so how do we, as tuners, avoid becoming public enemy number one if something goes wrong later down the track?
Interested in learning how to install and utilize a PMU/PDM on your own project? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/PMUb
Field Report: You're Building Your 10,300rpm, 8 Second Subaru EJ All Wrong. Maybe.
28 Feb 2023
00:14:49
Subaru engines don't have the best reputation for reliability in the aftermarket performance world, but is it just the design that is to blame like internet Subaru experts claim or are people actually following some incorrect advice and information?
At the World Time Attack Challenge, Leigh Bird of Deshele Performance gave us some insight into what goes into building a reliable performance engine using a Subaru platform, and gave us some insight into his own approx 870hp Ej25 based build which is pushing 45psi through a Precision Turbo & Engine 7675.
Bearing clearances and common mistakes, oiling supply upgrades and head stud torque settings are discussed along with why Leigh used an automatic transmission from a Subaru SVX in this application. While we didn’t get in depth on it, there is also some interesting discussion about harmonics with 10,300rpm being hit in his own 8.80 second at 161mph drag application.
Also touched on is the use of nitrous (NOS) to get the turbo spooling to launch off the line, with a 75hp shot used for the entirety of 1st gear, and interesting all 45psi of boost being delivered throughout the run for now.
Also discussed are some of the engine specs for the EJ25 based build in the GC8 discussed, which runs a closed deck, 14mm head stud conversion, 2L 75mm stroker crank, longer steel rods and a single entry .95 housed Precision 7675 turbo.
073: The Barra — Indestructible Monster or Overhyped Taxi Engine?
23 Feb 2023
01:32:09
Ford Australia’s straight-six Barra engine enjoys an almost mythical status in many parts of the internet, but is that status justified? This week on Tuned In, we’re talking to The Skid Factory’s Al Butler to get to the bottom of the Barra question, as well as many other topics like turbo-sizing, wastegate location, chopping up ultra-desirable classics, and much more.
Al Butler, also known as “Turbo Yoda” by many, has spent his life messing around with cars, and after many years as a mechanic and performance workshop owner, Al decided to strike out into the online world by starting a YouTube channel with friend and co-host Woody. The Skid Factory channel now has a quarter of a million subscribers and features the varied custom work that Al gets up to — everything from a blown big block Toyota Crown, to a 1000+hp Barra-powered Bedford van, and even a rare Hakosuka Skyline motivated by a monster Nissan VK56 V8.
In this conversation, we first talk about Al’s background as a long-time mechanic and how the profession has changed dramatically in the last few decades, as well as the types of skills a modern mechanic now needs in order to do his or her job.
Befitting of the “Turbo Yoda” nickname, podcast host Andre Simon and Al then get down into the weeds on all things turbocharging, including turbo sizing for a given application, wastegate location, and the technological advancement that has broadened just what is possible with modern forced induction.
This inevitably brings up the Aussiest of motors — Ford’s highly-regarded Barra 4.0-litre straight six. There’s a lot of talk about this engine and its capabilities online, so we take the opportunity to get the facts and debunk some myths with Al, a guy who has worked on and built countless Barras over the years.
With some great insight into starting and running a YouTube channel as a full-time gig, as well as a breakdown of the internet-famous VK56 Hakosuka built, this episode is going to be a great listen for anyone wanting to step up and out from the grassroots and onto the next level.
Shannon from @PlazmamanAus explains the difference between tube and fin, bar and plate and supercharger vs turbocharger intercoolers in relation to construction, weight, heat dissipation and what is generally preferred for drag racing vs street and circuit applications, noting there are no hard and fast rules, just general guidelines to consider when making the choice.
072: Making BIG Power With 10 Cylinders and Plenty of Boost.
16 Feb 2023
01:30:12
How easy is it to throw a couple of turbos on a Huracan or R8 and go really fast? How much power can these V10s handle in stock form? And does knock even matter once we go to E85?
Alex Soto of Sheepey Race is here this week to talk us through these topics and plenty more.
We’ve followed Alex and his business Sheepey Race for years now, so we’re stoked to have him on the podcast to discuss all things fast Hondas, DCT transmissions, and of course, twin-turbo V10 exotics.
Alex got his start in the Honda show car world before transitioning to chasing records instead of trophies in the import drag racing scene. This is common ground for a lot of our guests, and Alex goes some way into explaining what the appeal to Hondas was, and still is — especially in North America.
It was only on a whim that Alex decided to really push the limits of his finances and buy his first Lamborghini but, as anyone who has seen Sheepey Race’s work over the last few years is already aware, that snap decision paid off as the California-based outfit has quickly become one of the premiere go-to workshops for all things twin-turbo V10 Lambo and Audi.
This is an area that Alex now has a huge amount of experience in, and in this conversation, he details the initial development phase of his twin turbo packages, the many challenges faced when pushing anything from 1000hp to 2500hp out of these cars, and the financial realities of dealing with such high-end machinery.
How much power the stock V10 can take, the struggles of DCT transmissions at high horsepower levels, and more are gone over in detail.
This episode is also going to be super valuable for anyone in the industry — whether you’re a business owner or an employee — as Alex goes deep into how he started Sheepey Race in his garage and turned it into the big player in the exotic game it is today, sitting in a 36,000 sqft facility with 18 staff. Alex talks through some of the lessons he’s learnt as a boss and has some great advice for both employees and employers.
Field Report: 1300HP AWD EV — How To Tune An Electric Car.
14 Feb 2023
00:15:44
What considerations go into tuning a 1300HP EV such as the Palatov D2EV?
While electric vehicles (EV's) have long been touted as the future of the performance world for a long time by many, the reality is between the costs, lack of aftermarket support and products that are not suited to motorsports have kept us waiting.
Thanks to the likes of Cascadia Motion, AEM Performance Electronics and their team including John Romero, aftermarket control for EV applications is gaining traction and in this interview from PRI we dive into some of the equipment required, what the main considerations are for an EV tuning compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) applications for motorsport.
Topics covered include the uniquely EV issues such as battery temperature related to output and how cooler isn't actually always better plus interestingly the difference between production line EVs like Teslas or Nissans Leafs and the way they DON'T manage this well. An AEM VCU can be used to give you power where and when you want it for motorsports applications by letting to focus on this aspect, and also even for a street application you will be able to 'tune' for longer battery life too.
Is aero completely ineffective unless you’re going warp speed? How do you test the real-world effectiveness of your aero package without a wind tunnel? And should you just trust the claims aftermarket aero companies are making about their products? This week, we’ve got Paul Lucas of Verus Engineering to help answer these questions and more.
Verus Engineering is well known for the development of aero components for a range of popular enthusiast cars like the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, MKV Supra, and Porsche GT3 just to name a few.
As Verus products are on the higher end of the market, this conversation provides an interesting look into how these aero pieces are first decided on, then designed, manufactured, and validated to ensure that the real-world performance matches the simulation data.
The ins and outs of popular aero devices — like swan-neck rear wings, for example — and how they work are also covered, which should give listeners a better understanding of what is and isn’t worth their time when they look to bite the bullet and invest in aerodynamics for more speed.
Paul studied engineering at university and has spent his career honing those skills in the automotive world. Besides founding and co-running Verus, he also contracts out to other companies and race teams for general motorsport engineering design services, and that means this episode is full of useful information and advice ready to be soaked up by any listener that’s looking to get into, or further their career in, the engineering side of our industry.
Interested in learning how to do your own wheel alignment for the track or street? Start with a free alignment & suspension 101 lesson now: https://hpcdmy.co/alignb
Field Report: 1000HP+ A90 Supra Pistons.
07 Feb 2023
00:09:04
What is the design and thought process behind aftermarket piston manufacturing for relatively new engines to the scene like the BMW B58 found in the Toyota A90 Supra?
At PRI Barry Pettit from Mahle Motorsport took us through some of the considerations they put into their forged A90 Supra B58 engine pistons. Interestingly even with the idea in mind that their customers would want to crank up the boost and take things to 1000HP and beyond, unusually, these forged examples are LIGHTER than the OEM versions, yet stronger. Nailed it!
Off the bat, the compression ratio has been lowered a little to 10.5:1, however as Barry explains Mahle can supply pistons with lower ratios as required with ease upon request. The lower ratio is a nod towards the fact that many in the aftermarket switch from direct injection to port injection for more flexibility, but the ‘injection bowl’ required to get an efficient burn in DI setups is retained meaning the piston can still be used with either option.
Oversized pistons are potentially an option for the future, and Barry also touches on why the thicker crown is beneficial for cooling and not just strength and how Mahle’s role in manufacturing the OEM pistons for BMW did give them a solid headstart in relation to the design and production of these performance application alternatives.
This week, powertrain performance and race data engineer Chloé Lerin joins the podcast from snowy Milwaukee to give us a little insight into something we’ve never covered before — motorcycle engine development and data analysis.
During the week, Chloé works as a combustion engineer for Harley Davidson, while on the weekend she moonlights as an Aimsport analysis specialist/data engineer for various teams competing in the MotoAmerica championship.
Chloé took the route of education in her career, so we first look into her path towards a master's degree in combustion engineering and how that has affected her career as she went off to work for big equipment manufacturers like John Deere and Cummins. This eventually lead to her current role at Harley Davidson, and it’s here that we’re able to dig deep into the motorcycle engine development world — there’s probably quite a lot of information here that’ll surprise you, especially when it comes to the perception of Harley Davidson versus the engineering reality.
The conversation gets pretty deep in the weeds when discussing the very fine points of combustion characteristics, knock avoidance, and cam phase control, but to counter that Chloe also answers some very basic questions like; why do Harleys sound like that, and just why do they have to be so damn loud?
The latter half of the episode is all about motorsport — Chloe is currently building her own Yamaha R6 race bike and has long been heading to track days, which is where she began working with Aimsport as a data engineer for privateer teams in the MotoAmerica championship. There’s some really interesting insight to be found here as Chloe discusses the differences between motorcycle and car data acquisition — some obvious, and some that you might never have thought of.
You may or may not have an interest in bikes — either way, the engineering is all relevant and the knowledge that Chloe drops in this episode is well worth taking in.
Field Report: Overlooked Essentials or Overkill Components?
25 Jun 2024
00:13:28
When building a performance engine, everyone talks endlessly about forged pistons, H vs. I beam connecting rods, high-flow injectors, and '1000hp capable' turbochargers ready to produce 60-100 PSI of boost. That's all exciting and, depending on your goals, critical, but what about your fittings and hoses that none of these components would last without?
Jamie from Raceworks runs us through some of the popular options you will find in all forms of motorsport, including monsters at events like the World Time Attack Challenge. These include braided rubber and PTFE (Teflon) hose options, what areas of the engine you might choose flexibility over comparative durability, push lock and crimped hose ends.
You will also get a quick rundown of AN fittings and adaptors, including how the AN fitting sizing system works and some insight into hard lines, Wiggins, clamps, and silicone couplers, along with some options on flaring your pipe/tube.
069: Making 500hp Per Cylinder Without Windowing Your Block.
26 Jan 2023
01:37:05
After an extended break over the new year period, The HPA Tuned In podcast is back with our first guest for 2023 — the talented Devin Schultz of Boostin Performance.
Devin and his shop Boostin Performance are best known for their absolute mastery of the DSM world thanks to their ‘Red Demon’ Talon/Eclipse, which is currently the world’s fastest Mitsubishi, running as quick as a 6.97 @ 213mph.
This 2000hp car is capable of a 1.4 second 0-60 sprint, and is in fact the first 4WD four-cylinder to break into the sixes, anywhere in the world. Now, if you’ve been following this podcast for a while, you’re probably already aware of host Andre Simon’s passion for all things Mitsubishi 4G63, so as you might guess, this conversation between two 4G fanatics dives very deep into the Mitsubishi weeds to discuss these iconic four-cylinder engines in detail.
Time is spent talking through what’s involved in getting a 2000hp four-cylinder to run reliably and hold together pass after pass, as well as the pros and cons of billet blocks, big and small port heads, and solid-filling your block. Round that out with some discussion around turbo technology, slipper clutches, and nitrous strategy, and you’ve got plenty of tech-heavy info to dig into.
Devin also discusses how he built his business, his branching out into GT-Rs and Supras, and just how important it is to have a solid level of mechanical understanding to back up your tuning career.
It doesn’t really matter if you’re a Mitsubishi fan or not, this episode is full of interesting engine-building and tuning yarns that are well worth the listen.
**We're spending a couple of weeks away from the microphone over the Christmas and New Year period. This means that although we won’t be publishing any new guest appearances until mid-January, we’re going to be bringing back some of our favourite older episodes that deserve another listen.**
What are some of the BEST 'bang for buck' modifications you can do to your car gain performance and improve your lap times?
In this episode of Tuned In, Andre & Tim are talking to Grant Hosking from Honed Developments about the technical skills and desire needed to develop specialist components for various Honda vehicles with a focus on the 90s models.
Topics discussed are the reason why Honed was created and the philosophy behind what parts Honed decided to make. The biggest errors people make when modifying cars and what can actually prove to be the biggest gains with modifications.
Want to learn how to EFI tune? Start with some free lessons right here: hpcdmy.co/efilesson
Another key point discussed is the approach of tuning car setups for the track vs the road and what the biggest compromises that need to be considered are.
Revisted: The Unreliable Rotary — Fact or Fiction?
12 Jan 2023
01:42:33
**We're spending a couple of weeks away from the microphone over the Christmas and New Year period. This means that although we won’t be publishing any new guest appearances until mid-January, we’re going to be bringing back some of our favourite older episodes that deserve another listen.**
You've seen him roasting tyres on Netflix, swinging wrenches on Donut Media's HiLow series, and smashing out laps in Formula D competition, and now Aaron Parker is here and ready to talk rotary engines, motorsport wiring, and a whole lot more on this week's episode of the HPA Tuned In podcast.
Aaron Parker will be a name and face known to many listeners thanks to his high-profile gigs in the industry — he's more than just a media personality though. Aaron has a wealth of experience and a whole lot of knowledge in the automotive space, particularly when it comes to Mazda's rotary engine and professional motorsport wiring.
Aaron and Tuned In host Andre Simon jump straight into Aaron's rise through the industry, beginning with his danger-soaked early obsession with street bikes and eventual progression onto four wheels — the rotary-powered Mazda FD3S RX-7 in particular.
Everything rotary then takes over the conversation, covering why these unique motors have such a shaky reputation for reliability, how you can build one properly and have it last for years' worth of hard driving, why rotary tuning and turbo selection needs to be approached differently, and plenty more.
When he's not building cars on the internet, competing in drift competitions in his RX-7, or stunt driving in Hollywood productions, Aaron spends his time running Wolf Motorsport Wire, providing high-end motorsport wiring solutions for some of the fastest cars on the planet.
Aaron and Andre get deep into the ins and outs of the motorsport wiring world, discussing future proofing, providing a service that keeps customers happy, and what makes a good wiring job in motorsport.
There's a lot to chew on in this episode — it's well worth a listen, especially if you think rotaries are garbage.