Tuned In

Running a 725hp Texas Speed LS-based build and TREMEC Magnum transmission, Cam Cocalis has followed on from his LS3 V8 Toyota 86 build with a full chromoly tube frame BMW E30 Vert project and pushed himself to dive into some new build aspects, a C6 Corvette suspension swap in particular, as he continues to learn the ins and outs of fabrication and custom car building.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

At the ‪@toyotires‬ booth during ‪@semashow‬ Cam gives us some insight into his welding progression and working process without the use of CAD, with that being a skill he wishes to learn during future projects. The CSF triple pass radiator is rear mounted to aid with weight distribution, and interestingly, this model of E30 came with rear ballast from the BMW factory. The Radium Engineering fuel system behind the Ford 8.8 rear diff also helps to get weight over the rear and a 48/52 split.

The Redux Racing ITB-equipped 7L LS-based engine is controlled by a suite of Haltech electronics, and a Live To Offend kit is fitted to the E30 care of SOS Customs handiwork. We didn't get a rundown on the full brake package, but a Wilwood pedal box is equipped which will serve Cam well if he decides to hit the track for some time attack racing in the future.

*** We’ll be taking a break over the Christmas/New Year period and will be back in action mid-January.

That means that although there won’t be any new episodes for a few weeks, we’ll be taking another look at some of our favourite conversations from 2024.  ***

If you’ve spent any time on YouTube, you’re probably already aware of this episode’s guest and the various projects his channel is involved in — most famously “Project Binky”, a classic Mini running a Toyota Celica GT-Four engine and AWD driveline.

Richard Brunning from Bad Obsession Motorsport joins us to down a few cups of tea, talk motorsport, and run through the ins and outs of neverending project cars, the business of operating a popular automotive YouTube channel, and much more.

Use “BAD100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Motorsport Fabrication Package:
https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Richard, like many guests of this podcast, has his father to blame for his motorsport obsession. Some of his earliest memories involve hanging out in old sheds while his Dad restored vintage vehicles, tickling up RC cars to get the edge in racing, and days spent on the couch watching Formula 1.

This early focus on all things automotive drove Richard towards a life that revolved around motorsport, first starting out in kart racing, before moving on to Caterhams, formula cars, and even some Formula Mazda racing in the States. In this episode, Richard spends time talking us through these different forms of motorsport, and discusses how each type of vehicle could be set up, tweaked, and modified within the rules in order to gain more speed.

Eventually, Richard’s good friend and eventual partner in crime, Nik Blackhurst, enticed Richard back to the UK to help him go rallying, and it was at this point, way back in 1992, that Bad Obsession Motorsport began.

Fast forward a good few years, and Richard and Nick were fed up with the car modification TV shows like Pimp My Ride, Monster Garage, and their contemporaries that were on offer at the time — none of them actually showed why and how any of the work was done. This got the pair thinking that they might be able to do better, and with that goal in mind, the Bad Obsession Motorsport YouTube channel was founded.

It took a couple of years, but Richard and Nick’s channel began picking up steam, not in small part thanks to “Project Binky”, a Toyota Celica GT-4 powered and driven classic Mini. Richard dives deep into this build, answering our burning questions — chiefly ‘Why’? But also “What’s taking so long”?

This in-depth discussion around the challenges of fitting so much engine and driveline into such a small package is a great look into what it takes to complete a complicated project to a high standard. Lastly, we also spare some time time to touch on the joys of motorsport wiring, ultra-budget racing in the City Car Cup, and making a living out of building cars on YouTube.

Follow Bad Obsession Motorsport here:
IG: @badobsessionmsp
FB: Bad Obsession Motorsport
YT: Bad Obsession Motorsport
WWW: badobsessionmotorsport.co.uk

Don’t forget, you can use “BAD100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Motorsport Fabrication Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Turbosmart is well known for many quality performance accessories including wastegates, blow-off valves, fuel pressure regulators, anti-lag valves, boost controllers and more, but until recently they stopped short of selling turbochargers themselves.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

At the World Time Attack Challenge, Matt Wright gives us some insight into how Turbosmart decided to not only sell turbochargers but to sell their own designed in house with help from industry experts like Harry Hruska to get the ball rolling. There's no two ways about it, this move simply makes sense for a company like Turbosmart to explore.

Unlike how design was done by the pioneers of aftermarket turbocharging years ago using a lot of prototyping, these days Matt explains how the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) means a lot more theories can be discussed and tested before physical prototypes are made, giving Turbosmart the chance to explore a lot of design elements that traditionally would simply be too expensive to entertain.

Also touched on are some of the material and manufacturing considerations, turbo selection and how leveraging industry experience helps decide what target markets want a wider range of turbocharging options/solutions.

In this pit lane interview, Sean from Ramsdell Racing will explore the advanced EMtron ECU technology behind the Dream Project S15 at the World Time Attack Challenge. Sean breaks down how the EMtron ECU is one option using traditional OEM tuning strategies to transform power management in high-performance applications, making it possible to deliver more and more horsepower effectively through the tyres and onto the race track.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

With Emtron’s sophisticated tractive force calculation, Sean explains how the ECU is optimizing torque delivery based on real-time data from tyre diameter, diff ratios, gearbox ratios, and more. This technology ensures the S15 can push the limits while maintaining traction in every gear, ultimately translating to faster lap times and a smoother driving experience.

A major innovation highlighted in this interview is throttle mass flow modelling, which lets torque be precisely mapped to the driver’s foot pedal. This linear relationship offers drivers enhanced control, enabling quick adjustments without sacrificing power. This level of control, traditionally seen only in OEM systems, is now at the forefront of the aftermarket scene with Emtron’s developments.

*** We’ll be taking a break over the Christmas/New Year period and will be back in action mid-January.

That means that although there won’t be any new episodes for a few weeks, we’ll be taking another look at some of our favourite conversations from 2024. ***

Anyone with even a passing interest in Time Attack has likely heard of Norris Designs, a UK-based tuning company probably best known for its insane north-south oriented, twin-charged, short-wheel base Evo IX time attack monster. On this episode of Tuned In, we sit down with founder Simon Norris to get some insight into this brain-melting build, plus much, much more.

Use “NORRIS100” to get $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb

Like many of us, Simon Norris began his love affair with cars and motors early in life, pulling apart engines on the kitchen table as a child. While there was a slight detour after leaving school to study engineering, it wasn’t long before Simon spied a new opportunity in the burgeoning JDM aftermarket tuning scene just as he was cutting his teeth working in a Nissan dealership in the mid-nineties. So, after seeing how others were starting to mess with tuning ECUs, Simon decided he could do better, and promptly opened Norris Designs way back in 1998.

Nearly three decades later, Norris Designs is one of the biggest names in the UK tuning scene. In this conversation, we first kick into the business side of Simon’s life, finding some great insight into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to building a company in the motorsport industry. 

We next get into tuning in general, where Simon discusses different ECU options, dyno styles, and the many factors that can cause discrepancies between individual dyno runs. From there it’s on to the real meat and potatoes of this episode — Simon’s incredible Mitsubishi Evo IX. 

With its north-south-orientated billet supercharged AND turbocharged 4G63, the AWD Evo is an engineering masterpiece that absolutely tears up any race circuit it’s unleashed upon. Simon does his best to answer the many questions we have about this car in an attempt to get to the bottom of what makes this shortened and roof-chopped weapon tick, and why Simon made the choices he has with this build. 

Follow Norris Designs here:

IG: @norris_designs
FB: Norris Designs
YT: Norrisdesigns
WWW: norrisdesigns.com

Don’t forget, you can use “NORRIS100” to get $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb

Time Stamps:
3:41 How did you get into cars?
8:25 Did you have much industry experience before starting your business?
12:39 What sparked the interest in JDM cars?
16:18 How did Norris Designs grow?
25:56 Overview of Norris Designs today
31:12 What does your day-to-day look like at Norris Designs?
38:36 What vehicles are you specialising in?
42:54 How did you learn to tune?
52:44 Are you relying on knock control and close loop fuel control?
57:35 Did you start with an engine dyno or rolling road?
1:01:17 Do you have fixtures and harnesses for quick and easy engine dyno setups?
1:02:27 How accurate is the engine dyno?
1:10:23 Repeatability issues with rolling road
1:14:16 ECU of choice?
1:20:20 What is a short wheelbase Evo 9?
1:24:33 Engine package
1:34:45 Billet blocks for street applications?
1:38:41 Twin charge setup
1:44:24 Transmission
1:50:39 What’s next in the development of the car?
1:52:33 Lap time difference with new aero package

In this interview, we sit down with Charles from Lamspeed to explore what it takes to turn Toyota’s GR Yaris into a record-breaking machine, using a surprising amount of standard parts! The team currently holds the title for the world’s fastest GR Yaris, with a 9.6-second quarter-mile at 155 mph at the time of filming and a 9.4-second pass since then, resetting their own record. Charles dives into the challenges and engineering breakthroughs Lamspeed encountered along the way.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

To push the Toyota Yaris G16E-GTS 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine to extreme levels (pushing almost 900hp out of a 3-banger is impressive!), Lamspeed relies on key components from top brands, including MoTeC for advanced engine management, handled by Phil from Armour Motorsport, and Carrillo CP for custom pistons and rods to support the high-power demands. 

For turbocharging, Lamspeed initially used a Garrett G30-770 for circuit racing and has since continued refining setups to extract maximum performance with a Kelford Cams valve train aiding in great turbo response along with the retained variable valve control system. A ported head and supporting mods added around 180hp along with head studs custom-produced by ARP to address head-sealing issues early in development, a critical factor for reliability under high boost.

Transmission upgrades include a Kotouč 7-speed sequential gearbox for drag racing reliability and previously tested options from Drenth. With Lamspeed’s detailed and iterative approach, every part and upgrade has been meticulously selected and tested to push the limits of the GR Yaris platform without compromising performance.

Ever wondered if a wheel’s stiffness can affect camber or how rotational inertia plays into vehicle response? Eddie from Titan 7 explains their commitment to minimizing deflection, reducing tyre creep, and designing spokes that strike the perfect harmony between strength and aesthetics.

No more cut tyres, bent rims or poor fitment, No excuses. The HPA Wheel and Tyre Fitment online course is here to help. 50% off and instant access, enrol now:  https://hpcdmy.co/bw7

Big thanks to Eddie and the JDM Yard team for giving us the inside scoop on what makes aftermarket wheels stand out during the World Time Attack Challenge

Whether you’re an engineer, racer, or just someone who appreciates top-tier wheel design, this breakdown of Titan 7’s strategy is for you.

*** We’ll be taking a break over the Christmas/New Year period and will be back in action mid-January.

That means that although there won’t be any new episodes for a few weeks, we’ll be taking another look at some of our favourite conversations from 2024.  ***

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a massive increase in the availability of ultra-high-performance billet parts — especially blocks and heads. This week’s guest, Chris Smith of Crest CNC, was one of the pioneers of this practice in the import category, but now he’s branching out from the 5-axis CNC and heading to the foundry to produce cast engine parts — we find out why.

Use “CREST50” to get 50% OFF our HPA 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Chris Smith came up in the trade as an engine reconditioner, before buying his first CNC mill and starting on a career path that would eventually see his business become the go-to supplier of billet blocks and heads for some of the world’s fastest racers, as well as the odd OEM manufacturer.

This week’s conversation first jumps into the ins and outs of metallurgy and tribology (which, by the way, is the study of interacting surfaces in motion). We learn the difference between various materials commonly used in high-end performance applications — like 6061 and 7075 aluminium, for example —  as well as the pros and cons of different 3D scanning tools, coordinate measuring machines, and CAD software.

The conversation then steers itself towards the weaknesses of both Nissan’s VR38 and Subaru’s EJ motors, delving into how failures occur and how Chris addressed them with his billet block and head offerings. While on the subject, Chris also goes into detail on the advantages and disadvantages of wet and dry cylinder sleeves, as well as the reliability and maintenance requirements of billet engines.

This naturally brings us to the elephant in the room — why a billet engine specialist is now offering aftermarket cast engine products. Chris lays down the reasons why it’s a good idea, and takes pains to explain how aftermarket cast is very different from the cast blocks and heads that come off an OEM manufacturer’s production line.

Are aftermarket cast engine parts the way of the future? Listen to this episode with Chris Smith of Crest CNC and come to your own conclusion.

As discussed, you can listen to Tony Palo’s episode here: https://hpcdmy.co/tonypalo

Follow Crest CNC here:
IG: @crest_cnc_pty.ltd
FB: CREST CNC PTY. LTD.
TIKTOK: @Crest_CNC
WWW: crestcnc.com

Don’t forget, you can use “CREST50” to get 50% OFF our HPA 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Can you drastically improve head cylinder sealing without resorting to machining or damaging your high-performance engine block in the process via some of the tried and trusted options on the market today?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Christian from Nitto Performance Engineering answers this question and more from the World Time Attack Challenge paddock in relation to high-quality aftermarket head gaskets, including some of the design and manufacturing processes that go into ensuring the gasket can not just contain your combustion charge but also your oil and coolant, which are often overlooked yet are just as important.

You can also gain some quick insight into whether reusing a head gasket is generally a good idea given the time and money that goes into a performance engine build, as well as some other knowledge bombs on head cylinder sealing in general.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Head Gasket Limitations
0:31 - Nitto Upgrade G16E Example
0:53 - Factory Gasket Issues
1:15 - Aftermarket Head Studs
1:50 - Stainless O'Ring Feature
2:08 - Head Gasket Functions
2:13 - 1.) Cylinder Pressure
2:20 - 2.) Oil Sealing
2:25 - 3.) Coolant/Water Sealing
2:33 - Bead Sealing & O'Rings Do The Job
3:06 - No Damage To Head Or Block, No Machining
3:38 - Reusing Head Gaskets
4:26 - Head Gasket Cost Vs Labour
4:45 - Gasket R&D Insight
5:25 - Colour Vs Pressure
5:45 - Factory Gasket Comparison
6:10 - Can Use It To Test For Bowing
6:39 - Last Steps Before Production

There was a time when fanny packs were a status symbol, a shag cut had nothing to do with the backseat of your car, bricks were considered aerodynamic and Nissan was a brand no Datsun owner had heard of.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

This Open Class 1971 Datsun 1600 (510) time attack weapon is keeping the best part of those things alive, with plenty of modern upgrades. Powered by a, ahem, 'Datsun' SR20 pushing 350kW (470hp) to the wheels via E85, 25psi (1.7Bar) of boost, a BorgWarner EFR7670 and a Samsonas 6-speed sequential, this flying brick is a credit to all involved especially owner/driver John Healey of V-Sport Australia.

Electronics are handled by an EMtron Kv8 ECU, MoTeC C125 dash and PDM 15. John is getting as much value as possible from the PDM which is about at its limit powering everything in the car, including the electric steering setup, something we don't commonly see used in time attack builds.

The SR20 is a bit of an unknown, with John having had some head work done, but the bottom end left as it was purchased secondhand. A Bosch DBW throttle body to assist in rev-match downshifts to help avoid some of the issues that are well known to kill SR20s, and along with a 7,800rpm limit, so far so good!

A universal Sydney Composites aero kit has been fitted, and as you would expect of someone from V-Sport, the brake package is on point with the Datsun 510 utilising an AP Racing pedal box and 4 pot front brack calliper, Brembo 4 pot rear and pretty much the biggest discs you can squeeze under 15" wheels.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Datsun 510/1600
0:08 - V-Sport Australia
0:14 - Open Class Vs Club Sprint
0:35 - Why A Datsun 1600?
1:00 - Engine & Gearbox
1:34 - Why Not A SR20VE?
1:53 - Power & Boost
2:19 - Powerband - From 3,500rpm
2:40 - Rocker System Issues?
3:04 - Shift Cuts
3:40 - Unknown Bottom End, Future Plans
4:10 - Why A Dry Sump?
4:44 - Electronics Package
5:00 - PDM Setup
5:15 - Electric Vs Hydraulic Steering
5:44 - Aerodynamics Package
6:27 - Universal Components
6:55 - Driver Feedback
7:07 - 15" Wheel Brake Package
7:51 - Why Fit A Pedal Box?
8:17 - Brake Data
8:40 - Pedal Box Setup

New technologies have enhanced our ability to create stronger, lighter, and better components since the earliest days of motorsport. Recently, we've been seeing another great leap forward in tech, with the 3D scanner being one of the main drivers behind it. Now that these devices are only getting cheaper and easier to use, is it time you picked one up and started pushing the boundaries of what you can build?

Use PEEL50 to get $50 off HPA’s 3D Scanning for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/3Dscanb

On this episode of Tuned In, we sit down with Gabrielle Williams of Peel 3D, one of the bigger players in the rapidly evolving 3D scanning space.

Straight out of high school, Gabrielle joined the US Navy and found her way into a position as a nuclear operator aboard an aircraft carrier. After her tour finished, she gained a mechanical engineering degree and found herself working for Creaform and its sister company, Peel 3D.

While Creaform is focused on high-end large-form scanners, Peel 3D is aimed at the consumer market — in other words, us. In this conversation, Gabrielle talks through the basics of the technology, covering how different systems work and which one would suit your application best, why the prices vary so wildly between systems, as well as the metrics that matter like frame rate, field of view, and data points.

Gabrielle also breaks down some of the ways we can be most effective in the workshop with a 3D scanner, where the sweet spot is price-wise for the average enthusiast, and what to expect from this technology in the coming years.

You might not have considered 3D scanning before, but now that you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to afford one, is it time to consider adding a 3D scanner to your workshop?

Follow Peel 3D here:
IG: @peel.3D
FB: Peel 3D
YT: youtube.com/c/peel3d
WWW: peel-3d.com

Don’t forget, you can use PEEL50 to get $50 off HPA’s 3D Scanning for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/3Dscanb

Time Stamps:
4:20 What’s your background and how did it lead you to working for Peel 3D?
8:00 Overview of Peel 3D and Creaform?
12:47 What training options are there for learning how to 3D scan?
13:52 How do industries use these 3D scanners?
23:13 How does a 3D scanner actually work?
33:45 Technical aspects that affect the performance of a scanner?
42:20 What do we need to know when choosing the right scanner for our needs?
43:50 What sort of PC/computer power do we need to run these scanners?
45:40 How do we get our scan into CAD software?
51:40 Where do you see 3D scanning tech going in the future?
54:02 Final three questions

Suspension dampers (aka shocks) are well-established products, so in this day and age, surely anything you get off the shelf from a high-end brand should be ready to roll, right? Wrong.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Andre Nader of DNA Autosport & Modal Suspension explains some of the variances that generic off-the-shelf products, no matter the price, must operate within compared to dialling in custom bespoke suspension for your car, tyre choice and driving style.

He runs through some key points around ride/suspension frequency and its relationship to spring rates, as well as what a driver might be looking for in order to know that his damper setup is sub-optimal, which includes hopping or skipping on the surface of the race track and instability under braking.

Why remote reservoirs are used, how a 'safe' car balance isn't necessarily fast and how trying to cover up the poor suspension with extreme alignment/setup changes is a slippery slope is also explained.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Dampers: Omitted Performance?
0:25 - Andre Nader - DNA Autosport
0:38 - Why A Bespoke Damper?
1:10 - Race Suspension
1:34 - Window Of Performance
2:30 - Chasing Tyre Performance
3:20 - Issues To Look For
4:20 - Spring Rate Selection
5:16 - Ride Frequency
6:01 - Tyre Temperature Data
7:05 - Alignment Vs Springs & Dampening
8:18 - Car Balance Vs Spring Rate
9:26 - Ride Frequency Calculation
10:05 - Modal Damper Construction
11:01 - McPherson Strut Vs Multilink
11:43 - Compression And Rebound
13:21 - Why? - External Reservoirs
14:40 - Lap Time Gains: Off The Shelf Vs Custom
15:32 - Where To Spend Your Money?
16:22 - Modal Suspension
16:44 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE

Back when tidy AE86s were still going for $3,000 AUD, Ben of Third Strike Fabrications knew he needed one in his life, and 4 or so engine swaps later he gave us some insight into his build and the Toyota AE86 Corolla Levin/ Sprinter Trueno platform in general during the World Time Attack Challenge.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Ben touches on known issues relating to the rear suspension, why a K24 instead of the 4AGE or 7AG (which he has tried), retaining variable cam control (VTEC), future fine tuning plans and more in this interview of what was certainly one of the tidiest AE86's we've seen in a while, including (but not discussed) it's full titanium exhaust system made in-house by Ben and his team.

Basic rundown:
Engine: 'Built' 260hp K24 with Drag Cartel aftermarket camshafts
Electronics: Insight Motorsport wiring, EMtron KV8 ECU
Transmission: 6 speed J160
Fuel: Dedicated E85 build
Past engines: 4AC, 4AGE, 7AG

Creating a turbo manifold isn’t THAT hard but creating one that doesn’t fall to pieces in harsh motorsport conditions is a different story. In this episode, we sit down with Full Race’s Geoff Raicer — someone who understands turbocharger and manifold development better than most and is more than happy to share what he’s learnt... plus a whole lot more.

Use RACE50 to get $50 off HPA’s 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course:
https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Full Race has been around for a long time and has always been known for building some of the best turbo manifolds and turbo kits available — primarily for the Honda, Mitsubishi, and Nissan markets. Geoff and Full Race were even instrumental in bringing Borg Warner’s line of EFR turbochargers to the aftermarket and yet, despite that successful history, you won’t find a single fabricated exhaust manifold for sale on Full Race’s shop these days — so what happened?

In this episode, we chart Geoff’s journey towards founding Full Race just as the modified import scene began to explode, how his business evolved through some challenging years, and what it’s morphed into today — a very different beast from its early days.

This is a fascinating story that saw Geoff and his team pivot in an interesting direction during the 2008 financial crisis, involving themselves directly with Borg Warner and later Ford in the development and testing of the 2.3 inline-four and 3.5 V6 EcoBoost engines years before the public saw them. This relationship has continued and we now see a completely different Full Race that puts the majority of its eggs in the Ford basket, pumping out some of the best Raptor 3.5-litre Ecoboost go-fast parts seen anywhere in the world.

This episode touches on a wide range of subjects that touches on a wide range of subjects — from the limitations faced by Geoff in the early days of turbocharging, to the secrets to building manifolds that don’t fail, to some seriously technical discussions around turbochargers, working with OEMs, the ins and outs of Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5 litre V6, plus a whole lot more.

Follow Geoff here:
IG: @fullracemotorsports
FB: Full-Race Motorsports
YT: Full-Race Motorsports
WWW: full-race.com

Don’t forget, you can use RACE50 to get $50 off HPA’s 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Time Stamps:
3:28 How did you get into cars?
6:43 Why were earlier turbo manifolds cracking and how did you fix them?
19:02 Supporting the turbo
22:55 Road to starting Full Race, building turbo manifolds
27:28 Why did you go down the road of robotic welding?
30:02 Where is Full Race at today, Ford Ecoboost?
33:51 What is turbo lag?
36:38 Twin scroll vs single scroll
40:40 Why do OE manufacturers still focus on the aftermarket?
50:23 Building relationship with Ford continued
56:02 OEM’s relationship with aftermarket and performance upgrades.
58:53 Weak points of the 3.5L V6 Ford Ecoboost engines
1:06:24 What does Full Race’s product line look like for the F150?
1:11:32 Challenges involved in casting products. Big upfront costs.
1:15:45 Why did you completely change Full Race’s direction to solely focus on the Ford Ecoboost platform?
1:19:24 What’s the difference between Gen2 and Gen3?
1:21:13 Are there any other trucks you’re looking to make kits for?
1:26:00 Where do you see turbo technology heading

Home Built EJ25 Swapped MiniRex: A Subaru-Powered, Mid-Engined Mini Masterpiece

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

We've seen our fair share of engine-swapped Minis, from Honda's B and K series to Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engines, but this EJ25-powered Mini takes things to the next level. Steve from ‪@DutchysGarage‬ has crafted something truly unique: a 1961 Morris Mini transformed into a mid-engined, RWD beast, all thanks to the heart of a 2010 Subaru WRX EJ25.

This 'MiniRex' stole the show for us in the World Time Attack Challenge carpark, with Steve personally handling 99% of the build himself —impressive work, especially given Australia’s strict vehicle regulations, which was one of the reasons for using an older pre-1973 chassis. The impressive 1-man-band craftsmanship and road-legal engineering make this build a real standout, combining eye-catching aesthetics (who doesn't love a sunroof!) with serious performance potential.

Key Build Details:

• 1961 Morris Mini – Mid-engined, RWD conversion
• Subaru EJ25 engine: Essentially stock, producing 250hp and 400Nm of torque
• Haltech Elite 2500 ECU with an iC7 dash, sensors, and wiring harness
• Process West intercooler for added cooling performance
• 3.9 final drive ratio for optimal gearing and acceleration of the 15" wheels
• Mazda MX5/Miata suspension, hubs, and subframe integration
• Viking coil-overs
• Subaru inner CVs, custom axles, Mazda outer CVs
• 2003 BMW Mini panoramic sunroof – because style matters too!
• An unbelievable power-to-weight ratio, making this Mini a true sleeper

If you're into unconventional engine swaps and unique performance builds, this one is definitely for you. Watch as we dive into the details of this incredible Mini and why it’s got us so excited!

Base maps are one of the first hurdles in any tuning project, and while they often seem daunting at first, with hindsight and experience, they’re actually much simpler than we expect but some people become so overwhelmed they throw in the towel before having the chance to get that far.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

To help car enthusiasts worldwide reduce stress and have a greater chance of easy success with their tuning projects, Haltech has developed a new app for their Rebel ECU range, specifically targeting the LS community (for now). This app, called Haltech Connect, offers a simple 7-step process to wire your V8-swapped project, get it running on a Haltech ECU, and even potentially driving with minimal further input (exceptions and common sense apply, of course).

• Why a phone app instead of the typical Windows OS software?
• What information is needed for the 7 steps, and where can you find it?
• Are system checks included to ensure everything is correct before firing up?
• With various LS engine variants, how is the wiring made universal?

All these questions and more are answered in this quick interview from the World Time Attack Challenge paddock.

What Haltech Connect can do:

• Connects via WiFi
• Android and iOS supported
• View and clear DTCs
• View data display functions and monitor engine parameters in real-time on your smartphone, tablet and, in some cases, head unit.
• Change basic settings and adjust basic engine parameters

What Haltech Connect can't do:

• Advanced tuning calibrations
• Freely access any and all functions and settings (although it should let you get to most!)
• Data logging

So who is the Haltech Connect app for? 
Someone who just wants to get their basic LS swap project up and running with minimal fuss and isn't worried about getting all the power possible out of their LS V8 engine. From there, they have the option to pull out a laptop and dive deeper if they wish.

Who isn't the Haltech app for? 
Those with highly modified engines using aggressive aftermarket cams and/or high boost applications, as well as those using race fuels or ethanol blends who want to make as much power (reliably!) as possible.
Basically, any setup that a 'self-tuning' function will be out of its depth on/dangerous 🤘

Many enthusiasts want to build something unique simply for the sake of “being different”. And while that’s fine, different doesn’t necessarily mean better — or even good, for that matter. Morgan Clarke of MCD1 doesn’t have that problem, though. What he creates is definitely different… But it’s also very, very good.

Use MCD100 to get $50 off HPA’s Motorsport Fabrication Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Morgan Clarke isn’t your typical vehicle designer and fabricator — he tends to avoid CAD and 3D scanning, he doesn’t have any formal training, and he’s certainly had a rough road to get to where he is today — yet he’s a highly regarded and sought after builder in the world of offroad vehicles.

Starting his career in industrial fabrication, cars were only an occasional side hobby for Morgan. That is, until people in the industry started to recognise his design and fabrication talents and enticed him away from the boring 9-5 and into a motorsport-focused fab shop. Morgan talks us through his challenging journey from directionless troublemaker to the owner of a successful and very much in-demand design and fabrication shop.

In this episode, Morgan takes the time to drop some great advice on how we can all improve our fab skills, and discusses why he doesn’t feel the need to use CAD or 3D scanning in his work, bucking the industry-wide trend towards harnessing tech in the build process.

We then get into the juiciest part of the conversion, as Morgan goes deep into the details on his most well-known build, an incredible Lamborghini twin turbo V10-powered Range Rover Velar Prerunner, known as the MCD1 Dakar Prototype.

This machine is a testament to the idea that beautiful form follows well-executed function, and every inch of the jaw-dropping build is an absolute work of art, from the chassis, to the suspension, to the mid-rear mounted boosted V10 capable of 2000hp. We’re able to dig deep into this project’s inner workings and the concepts that make this desert-destroying weapon what it is.

With great discussions around the pros and cons of different materials, off road suspension system choices, what makes his vehicles so fast and capable and plenty more, this episode featuring Morgan Clarke is a must-listen.

Follow Morgan here:
IG: @morganclarkedesign1
YT: MORGAN CLARKE DESIGN
TK: morganclarkedesign1
WWW: shopmcd1.com

Don’t forget, you can use MCD100 to get $50 off HPA’s Motorsport Fabrication Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Time Stamps:
4:03 How did you get into cars?
7:00 Where does your engineering knowledge come from?
13:26 What sort of off-road vehicles are you building?
17:47 How did you learn to fabricate?
23:32 Welding Chromoly
31:25 How did you get into motorsport fabrication?
37:06 Tips on how to develop fab skills
41:48 How and when do you use CAD?
47:15 Fabricated vs billet
50:34 What is the Dakar Prototype and how did the concept come to life?
58:56 Pros and Cons of Independent rear suspension vs live rear axle
1:05:09 Engine package
1:09:45 Drivetrain
1:13:42 What electronics are you using?
1:15:30 Designing and manufacturing complex parts
1:18:43 How do you feel about such a work of art being beaten up when driven in the desert?
1:22:44 Overview of MCD and how you got it to what it is today?
1:36:03 Final 3 questions

It's unusual to see a new V10 engine go into production these days with the V10 and V12s engines of previous Formula 1, Prototype (LMP) and Grand Touring classes long being replaced by V8s and V6s, but Rodin Cars are bucking the trend with their RC.TEN engine project.

Mike Gartrell of  @RodinCars  runs us through some of the ins and outs of this V10 project, including how partners like Neil Brown Engineering have helped with the design and  @PanklRacingSystems  with production. However, with low quantity runs costing as much as €45,000 ($49,000 USD) per crank, the long-term plan is to bring the manufacturing in-house to their New Zealand base.

The 2024 World Time Attack Challenge was the first outing and test of the engine as part of the Rodin SINTURA project, a controversial carbon monocoque chassis that has been given an exemption to compete at the event.

RC.TEN Specs:

• 3998cc - (244ci) 72° naturally aspirated V10
• 12,000rpm
• 185bhp/litre
• Cast Aliminium head and block with Nikasil coated steel liners
• 86mm bore, 68.8m stroke
• DOHC
• Bosch direct injection system running 102 RON fuel
• 15:1 compression ratio
• 720bph @ 11,000rpm - N/A goals
• Twin Turbo Capable
• 160kg
• Link G5 ECU & electronics package

For most builds, gone are the days of zip-tying an old Bosch 044 fuel pump into place with a healthy dose of sealant, partly because these days there are simply more options but also because builds have gone from 400hp up to 1000-1500hp+ for many performance street applications, and the budgets have increased to match.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Kevin from Frenchy's Performance Garage runs us through some of the main considerations that go into some aftermarket solutions, including their own for the GTR platform being used as an example.

The 3 main problems Kevin and the team hope to solve with an aftermarket fuel pump setup are:

• Surging (lack of fuel supply)
• Mounting (lack of tidy solutions for popular pump options)
• Powering (easy to source wiring connectors)

We'll take a quick look at these points and touch on how aftermarket solutions can be integrated into your stock fuel lines and what exactly it is about stock solutions that don't work on many street-turned-race cars.

Have you ever wondered how small aftermarket companies are able to drastically improve on parts from OEMs and huge players like Garrett or Borg Warner that have massive R&D departments and even bigger budgets behind them? If you ask this week’s guest, Robert Young of Forced Performance and Xona Rotor, he’ll tell you: “We try harder and we’re better at it”.

Of course, the reality isn’t quite that simple… Luckily we’ve got a full two hours to dig into this topic and many others surrounding the world of performance turbocharging.

Use FORCED25 to get $25 off HPA’s Boost Control Tuning Course: https://hpcdmy.co/boostb

On this episode of Tuned In, we start by looking at how Robert became the turbocharger guru he is today as the name behind Forced Performance and Xona Rotor — the latter formed in partnership with Greg Jones of Tial Sport.

This is a story that involves years spent studying physics and mechanical engineering, as well as hands-on experience at turbo shops and with his own projects that ranged from old Ford Fairlanes and fast air cooled VW drag cars, to the early DSM drag world of rapid Mitsubishi Eclipses. 

Both Robert’s companies produce ultra high performance aftermarket turbochargers and turbocharger components for a range of vehicles, and as one of the main brains behind these sought-after products, Robert is an absolute goldmine of turbo knowledge.

This means that the conversation quickly dives very deep into the world of boost, discussing a huge range of topics — journal vs ball bearing, billet compressor wheels, compressor maps, turbo sizing, and so much more.

This episode is a true turbo tech info dump in the best way possible. If you have any interest in going fast, don’t sleep on this fascinating conversation with a big brain of the forced induction world.

Follow Robert here:
IG: @forcedperformance, @xonarotor
FB: Forced Performance Turbochargers, Xona Rotor
WWW: forcedperformance.shop, xonarotor.com

Don’t forget, you can use FORCED25 to get $25 off HPA’s Boost Control Tuning Course: https://hpcdmy.co/boostb

Time Stamps:
3:35 How did you get involved with cars?
8:52 Where did the passion for turbocharging come from?
20:15 Starting your own turbocharger business?
25:10 How hard was it to design a cast stainless steel exhaust housing?
29:06 Ball bearing vs journal bearing turbos
38:51 Forced Performance overview
43:35 Turbos for Subaru’s EJ engine
47:10 How did Xona Rotor start?
51:42 Why didn’t you copy Garrett’s bearing technology?
59:46 Why is Xona Rotor its own company?
1:01:51 How are Xona Rotor turbos so good, frustrations of copied turbos
1:11:40 Development process for the compressor wheels?
1:31:34 Evolution of turbine wheels
1:44:06 How do we find the right size turbo?
1:59:22 Final three questions

Many people think driving skills can only be a 'gift you either have or don't' and something that doesn't need any work or effort to build and maintain. Those people are wrong.

Mike McGinnis of Innovative Tuning shows how 'the science of speed', aka data analysis, is used by both professional and amateur (Pro-Am class) drivers, using Cole Powelson of LYFE Motorsport and Jeremiah Burton of Donut Media & Big Time as examples at the World Time Attack Challenge.

🔥 The LYFE Motorsport R35 GT-R boasts 1200hp from a 4.1L VR38DETT engine and MoTeC electronics package including their i2 Pro data analysis software. This setup is designed to optimize the car's performance, especially in competitive environments including WTAC and hill climb events. The vehicle features twin Garrett GTX3076 turbos, which contribute significantly to its power output and performance capabilities.

Despite the advanced electronics and data systems, Mike highlights that valuable insights can still be gained from a more limited range of sensors. In some cases, even the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sensors can be leveraged for purposes different from those initially intended. This approach allows for flexibility and innovation in data collection and analysis, potentially improving vehicle performance without the need for extensive additional equipment, making it much easier to get started with.

There are also a few helpful tips here on how to best leverage your data including why you might consider overlaying your data based on distance rather than time and where pro drivers can pick up huge amounts of time with their more aggressive braking confidence, a skill that is certainly learnable with some data, rather than just 'butt dyno' opinions.

When pushing OEM engines to their limits, factory components often fall short. Platinum Racing Products in partnership with Crest CNC addresses these issues with their new cast cylinder head for the Subaru EJ series.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

✅ Solving EJ Series Problems
Known for head lifting and cracking, the EJ20 needed a robust solution. PRP's cast head offers improved intake port spacing for larger valves, thicker head material, and a redesigned exhaust port for better flow and reduced back pressure.

☝️ Why Cast Over Billet?
While billet is great for prototypes, casting is ideal for mass production, offering better thermal expansion properties and consistent quality.

🔥 Enhanced Performance
The new design supports 14mm head studs and versatile coil mounting options, making it easier for high-power builds. Customizable port designs allow for CNC porting up to 420 CFM, ensuring optimal performance.

Creating high-end race cars and parts for a living is a dream for many of us, but how do you turn that dream into a reality? We don’t have all the answers, but we can pick the brains of the people who’ve pulled it off, like this week’s guest, Joe Scarbo.

Use SCARBO50 to get $50 off HPA 3D Modelling course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Joe Scarbo of Scarbo Performance and Scarbo Vintage began his love affair with all things motorised like many of us — young and elbow-deep in a deconstructed radio control car trying to fix and improve it. This episode first covers Joe’s early days as he gained an appreciation for all things automotive through his love of both RC cars and go-karting. After a few too many crashes in the kart, Joe steered his passions towards the engineering side of the game, and began building his first car completely from scratch.

With little experience and zero computer power, Joe designed and built a four-seater 350 SBC-powered off-road sand car that’s still hitting the dunes to this day, despite it being finished before Joe was even out of his teens.

While he was still studying mechanical engineering at university, Joe found himself employed as a fabricator and machinist at a high-end race shop. From there, his career began to snowball as his design skills became more and more in demand. We dig into the design side of Joe’s career in this conversation, discussing the creation of strong and light wheels, chassis’, and everything in between.

After that, Joe talks us through different fabrication and manufacturing processes, discussing some of the pros and cons around CNC, water and laser cutting, notching, materials, and more. This chat also goes into the business side of the equation as we attempt to answer age-old questions like: how do you accurately quote your work? And when is it better to just outsource certain jobs?

The star of this episode, though, is undoubtedly Joe’s current passion project, the SV1 Rover. This monster off-roader is a marvel of engineering, and a machine that Joe has labelled the world’s first “hyper truck”. Whether he’s right or wrong about that we’ll leave up to the listener, but either way, the details we get into on this 30-inch travel go-anywhere-at-very-high-speeds beast is well worth a listen. Find out how it was designed, what powers it, what it’s capable of, and much more in this episode of Tuned In.

Check out Method Race Wheels here: https://www.methodracewheels.com

Follow Scarbo Performance here:
IG: scarboperformance
FB: Scarbo Performance Corp
WWW: scarboperformance.com

Don’t forget, you can use SCARBO50 to get $50 off HPA 3D Modelling course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Time Stamps:
3:30 How did you get interested in cars?
8:32 What did you become passionate about through your mechanical engineering degree?
14:27 Designing a car at 19, how did you figure out how strong to make all the components?
18:20 What happened after your degree?
25:31 Design work for Method Wheels
31:35 How do you balance weight, strength vs looks when designing wheels?
36:27 Starting your own company
52:18 Overview of Scarbo Performance
1:08:48 SV Rover — what was the initial concept?
1:18:13 How much did RC cars influence your design? 
1:46:43 Engine configuration in the SV Rover and an EV option?
1:50:01 Did the SV Rover work out of the box or were there teething issues?
1:57:28 Where is the SV Rover at? Are you going to be offering this to customers?
1:58:59 Final three questions

What do you do when you're bored of being one of the fastest 5-cylinder drag cars in the world? Double down and reach for a V10 is the answer Hank Iroz of Iroz Motorsport went with, and we're glad he did!

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

With world-leading experience gained on the RS3 platform, the switch to the Audi R8 V10 is a similar area for the Iroz team, and with the R8 and Huracan platforms being similar and very active in the drag racing world, it's a great platform to be active with.

It was early days for the car during this interview with a lot of work done but limited testing yet, however, the car was setup with weight balance as a primary focus, and as such the Xona Rotor X5C TR9980 performance turbos were not located out the back as we commonly see, but rather don't he side where some cooling is usually found, and a GT4 chassis was used as the starting point given they are already well caged and come with all the sensors you need, and probably some you don't for drag racing.

With an AMS Performance and Dodson parts package plus a MoTeC electronics system as part of the puzzle, we're interested to see where this project heads in the future.

Big Power Engine Parts | Design, Manufacturing & Selection.

Aftermarket parts including crankshafts, pistons, rods, engine blocks and more—we all use them—but what goes into deciding what is made and what material is used to ensure you are really getting something better than OEM, and how do you know if you need such an upgrade?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Christian from Nitto Performance Engineering gives us some insight into these topics and more, with examples including high-volume SR20 oil pumps, RB32 Torrington bearing upgrades, and ACL custom bearings, as well as how 3D printing is used for research and development.

The difference between Sine Drive and Flat Drive oil pumps is also covered, as well as some of the power levels that see engine builders move from OEM to aftermarket parts and materials, including 4340, EN40B and EN26.

Imagine if Formula 1 got rid of most of its rules and regulations — how fast could they go? The freedom to design and build whatever will result in the fastest time is a dream for many in the higher levels of motorsport, but for British hillclimb champion Alex Summers, it’s a reality.

Use ALEX100 to get $100 OFF HPA’s Track Day Package: https://hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

There have been a lot of great families in motorsport over the years — the Earnhardts, the McRaes, the Andrettis — but when it comes to the prestigious world of British hillclimbing, one surname is better recognised than most — the Summers. This week’s guest, Alex Summers, comes from legendary hillclimbing stock, with his grandfather, father, and mother all committed participants of the sport at the highest levels. That Alex is a British hillclimb champion and three-time runner-up isn’t much of a surprise with that kind of family history.

In this episode, we first cover Alex’s early days in racing, as well as his schooling and engineering education. Starting out working for McLaren during a university placement, Alex then moved to Aston Martin, where he’s been for the last decade. During all that time, he’s never stopped racing.

This leads us to his current weapon of choice, the ‘P4t’. This absolute rocketship was designed, engineered, and built by Alex himself. It weighs 500kg and runs a 700hp, 16,000rpm Cosworth IndyCar V8, resulting in one of the fastest cars on the generally very short venues that make up the British hillclimb championship season. Unlike many overseas competitions, Britain doesn’t have much in the way of elevation, meaning runs generally last well under a minute.

This form of very short and sharp racing is described as “drag racing with corners” by Alex, and this, along with very few regulations, makes for some very unique requirements when building a competitive car. We dig deep into the P4t build, asking the big questions about the engine, chassis, and suspension setup.

Alex is also known for his involvement with the McMurtry Spéirling development team, and was one of the first drivers to test the insanely fast 1000hp fan car. We find out what a car as fast and unique as the Spéirling and its 2000kg of downforce is actually like to drive and what it takes to get record-setting runs out of it.

Follow Alex here:
IG: @alex_summers_hillclimb
YT: Alex Summers
TK: @alex.summers.hillclimb

Don’t forget, you can use ALEX100 to get $100 OFF HPA’s Track Day Package: https://hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

Timestamps:
3:47 How did you develop an interest in cars?
6:27 How much time do you need to spend in a kart to be really good?
11:57 Seriousness of the British Hill Climb Championship
18:42 What’s your formal education?
26:39 Opportunities in the UK for high-end motorsport
31:29 Australian V8 Supercars and British touring cars
34:34 What happened after you finished your degree?
40:20 How do you mentally switch on for a hill climb run?
47:55 How do you improve at hill climb when track and car time is limited?
59:44 What are these hill climb cars based off?
1:02:28 Would a British hill climb car be competitive at Pikes Peak?
1:05:36 Pros and cons of turbocharging in these cars, different engine combinations
1:12:57 How do you set up suspension with your aero package for hill climb?
1:18:13 What is a heave spring and how does it work?
1:21:05 How and why the carbon monocoque?
1:35:10 How did you get involved with the McMurtry team?
1:41:08 How do you guess as a driver the level of grip available from

1200hp is nothing to sneeze at in a full-fat RB-powered Nissan R32 GT-R 'Godzilla', but it's outright wild in an SR20-powered 4wd Nissan pulsar GTi-R running 45 psi of boost! With the naming convention so close is this car worthy of the title 'Mini Godzilla?'

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Owner Akin Uykun gave us some insight into this build, which features a lot of great work from the PowerTune team, including their adaptor kit that allows the use of a Holinger sequential designed for the Mitsubishi EVO platform.

Running a MoTeC electronics package, the SR20 has a VE head, and some of the issues with the DE/DET heads at this level are discussed along with the cylinder head sealing the dry deck Bullet Engineering billet block utilises. The difference between a dry vs wet block is also explained, along with some insight into the fuel setup.

A high performance Precision 72-75 turbocharger is used to make the bulk of the 1200hp, but nitrous is also use lower in the rev range to help with spooling and up top to add the last 200hp to the peak output.

Without a doubt, this is one of the fastest Pulars in Australia if not THE fastest, and if Akin manages to hit the low 8's in the future, a world record could even be possible, but he's not quite there yet.

Braking at 3g = approximately -105kph (-65mph) in 1 second.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Meet the RP968: A 1500hp capable beast that shattered the Sydney Motorsport Park lap record with a blistering 1:17.860, dominating WTAC for four straight years in the EMtron Pro class.

It takes the full package to smash an outright lap record, and that's what the RP968 has done with teams of clever people like Ashley Field of 909 Motorsport behind the scenes and Barton Mawer behind the wheel. Despite running a large capacity 4-cylinder engine and a 1500hp+ capable Thor billet block from Elmer Racing, amongst other performance goodies, the Bosch Motorsport ABS system that is there to reduce speed, not increase it, has been a key player in getting the lap times as low as possible on the day.

With a switch from the M4 to the M5 unit and more fine-tuning of brake pad compounds and spring rates, the team has gone from seeing 2g under braking to 3g, giving everything on and in the car (especially the driver) a huge workout.

To reach this level of performance takes more than just slapping on a 'big brake kit' and calling it good, however, and Ashley discusses some of the considerations that go into a high downforce car when it comes to trying to have braking performance at both high and low speed without bouncing or loss of traction.

Embarking on a big build with limited experience can be a disaster as the builder quickly finds themselves out of their depth — and while this scratch-built, tube-frame Pontiac Firebird Trans Am project wasn’t without its bumps in the road, builder Riley Stair has pulled it off incredibly well and learned a whole lot in the process.

Use “RILEY100” to get $100 Off HPA’s Fabrication Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Riley Stair had a unique journey towards cars. Before picking up a TIG torch or heading anywhere near a race circuit, he spent his days honing his craft as a professional BMX racer. 

It was only after one too many injuries on the bike that Riley decided it was time to stop racing and start building serious cars. Instead of following the usual route and enrolling in a trade school, he decided to dive in with both feet and build a vicious track car from scratch in what just might be the boldest hands-on learning exercise we’ve ever seen.

We start this episode by following Riley’s path towards starting his own business, RS Motorsport, and delve into his reasoning behind learning everything by doing. Riley came out the other side of this process as a great welder, fabricator, and builder of very cool cars. He also has a super-high-quality 1000hp, 10,000rpm, tube-frame Pontiac to show for it.

This conversation dives deep into a host of motorsport fabrication topics, discussing everything from TIG welding tips and tricks, to choosing the right material for your project, designing and building a tube frame chassis, and much more.

We also dig into the 1970 Firebird Trans Am build in detail, covering why Riley wanted to keep it NA, how he designed the pushrod suspension system and the mistakes that needed to happen so he could learn and improve.

As a one-man-band outfit, RS Motorsport has its limitations and challenges — so to finish up, Riley discusses the business side of the equation, talking about the hidden headaches of setting up and running a company offering services that are very much in demand.

Watch the interview with Carl Thompson here: https://youtu.be/9TIrPvG7iHM?si=Q75nyYJi5PC_r_EO

Follow Riley here:
IG: @riley_rsmotorsport
YT: RS Motorsport
WWW: rsmotorsportusa.com

Don’t forget, you can use “RILEY100” to get $100 Off HPA’s Fabrication Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Timestamps:
4:07 How did you develop an interest in cars?
6:41 What drew you towards road racing over drag racing?
9:09 Do you have any formal qualifications that relate to your business?
13:50 How did you learn to TIG weld?
16:23 Welding process for reactive metals, shielding gas
23:47 Accurate fit up when TIG welding
25:35 Materials for turbo manifolds pros and cons?
32:47 Using off-the-shelf merge collectors vs hand fabricating
34:31 Gas lenses and cups, what are they and how do they work?
40:12 What are the challenges with aluminium welding?
56:11 Pontiac Firebird build
1:11:11 How did you plan out the tube chassis?
1:17:05 Pushrod suspension
1:18:49 Why NA? And why the aim for 1000HP?
1:24:19 8 into 1 headers
1:27:42 What ECU is the Firebird running?
1:28:08 What happened when you got the car to the track?
133:58 What changes have been made since you got the car on track?
1:40:42 Challenges with RS Motorsport business
1:56:36 Are you using any 3D scanning or CAD in your fab work?
2:02:25 Final 3 questions

Don't waste time shifting gears.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

The 1000hp capable Honda K24 in Mike Burroughs Stanceworks 244 GTK Ferrari build is useless without the ability to put power to the ground, and Scott Hilzinger of Haltech explains how the Haltech electronics system handles this via a Quaife 5-speed dog engagement gearbox.

This setup utilises a load cell gear knob and shift position sensor as well as other sensors on the car to give data on if the gear changing is optimal when it comes to keeping the car balanced and as fast as possible, with INCREASED reliability over manual gear shifts.

Also, why are 'pops and bangs' bad for an engine, and what can a tuner do to help avoid them to give some mechanical sympathy?

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!

Follow Billy here:
IG: @billyjracing
FB: Billy J Racing
X: @billyjracing
LI: Billy Johnson
WWW: billyjohnsonracing.com

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

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…

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

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.

What considerations go into tuning a 1300HP EV such as the Palatov D2EV?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

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.

Legendary tuner Shane Tecklenburg returns to talk about turning LMP3 race cars into hill climb monsters, calibrating V12 air race planes, the realities of compound turbo setups, and much more.

Use “SHANET100” to get $100 off HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/tuningpackageb

Shane Tecklenburg, or “Shane T” as he’s more commonly known, is one of the biggest names in the tuning industry, and for good reason. This long-time friend of High Performance Academy has been in the EFI tuning game for many years now, and has a reputation as the ultimate problem solver who can rectify all manner of difficult tuning issues that others have given up on.

After appearing in episode #1 back in 2021, Shane now returns for episode #120, allowing us to catch up on his latest projects, starting with an in-depth look at what it takes to transform an LMP3 circuit racer into a hill climb weapon with a sub-10 minute Pikes Peak ascent in its sights.

This leads us into a fascinating conversation around anti-lag, IMAP vs EMAP, and retaining as much power as possible as a car gains altitude.

Next, we get an interesting insight into the world of air racing, as Shane details his tuning adventures with V12-powered Thunder Mustang race planes and the unique challenges that come with calibrating these unique machines and their dual ECUs. 

Back in 2021, we talked to Shane about one of the most interesting projects he’s been involved with — the Mazworx SR20VE-powered triple-compound turbo drag car. This machine is fairly well-known online thanks to its incredible aesthetics and unique turbo setup, so the update on this project from Shane is a very welcome one as the team strives for that magical 3000hp goal.  The conversation then falls down the very deep compound turbo rabbit hole as Shane gets into the finer details of this forced induction arrangement.

As mentioned, you can listen to episode 60 featuring JT Oliver of JTO Power here.

Follow Shane here:
IG: @tunedbyshanet
FB: Tuned By Shane T
YT: TunedbyShaneT
WWW: motorsportcontrol.com

Don’t forget, you can use “SHANET100” to get $100 off HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/tuningpackageb

With the ability to go over 250MPH and make 5 second passes despite strict parity regulations, the NHRA Pro Modified drag racing series is possibly one of the most competitive in existence.

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At the last PRI trade show, we managed to catch Shane Tecklenburg once again to gain an insight into his exploits with the NHRA - E3 Spark Plugs Pro Mod Drag Racing Series via the Elite Motorsports/Modern Racing team. With 3 cars on track piloted by Erica Enders, Alex Laughlin and Steve Matusek the Pro Mod series was a new project after the teams' success in the Pro Stock series, but it didn’t come without a steep learning curve given the heavy dependence on experience (guessing and checking) the Pro Mod drag racing regulations spur.

Some of the differences between a turbocharged and supercharged car are discussed along with some of the processes the NHRA implements to ensure ECU’s supplied by MoTeC and other companies do not give teams any technical advantage over one another in the form of traction or boost control of which there is a restriction that can be changed during a season in the interests of parity. 

What's the point of drag racing if you're limiting performance via rules and regulations?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Varun Sharma gives us a rundown on the 3.3L 2100HP at 75PSI Oceania College/101 Motorsport X275 Drag Radial JZA80 Supra which runs a methanol fed Bullet Race Engineering Billet block-based 2jz engine with a best ET of 6.79s at 212mph making it the fastest Sport Compact in Australia at the time of filming at Sydney Jamboree.

Discussed is the decision behind running a TH400 3 speed automatic and the lock up converter setup that is required to prevent transmission slippage as they dial the power level higher and higher. The safety a billet block offers is also touched on along with how despite the extra weight the team run a water to air intercooler setup. We also talk about some of the class limitations including the tyre size which see any loss of traction turned into an aborted run and how the old independent rear suspension setup is much more difficult to get dialled in for the drag strip along with behaving differently too.

The X275 Drag Radial class sees competitors restricted by tyre and power adder sizes among other rules added and changed over the years around the use of a stock location firewall, factory roof and quarters and an emphasis on equipment that was originally produced in an OEM form or is readily available in the aftermarket. As Varun explains this, along with the use of a 1/8th mile strip at many events, helps keep the competition close and the costs lower to help ensure a healthy field of competitors.

Do I need electronic wastegate control? What about CO2? And how do I know what size wastegate is needed for my build? These questions and a whole lot more are answered thanks to this week’s guest, Matt Wright from Turbosmart.

Use “MATT25” to get $25 OFF HPA’s Boost Control course: https://hpcdmy.co/boostb

Matt has a unique understanding of the industry, having worked for two of Australia's biggest aftermarket performance brands — two decades at Haltech and a more recent move to Turbosmart.

We start this episode by delving into the path that Matt took to get where he is today, covering the early days of Haltech that saw him dealing with some fairly rudimentary electronics and software as a support tech. Matt grew with the company and would go on to head up Haltech’s expansion into the United States. There are some great discussions here about VE-based tuning, the future of standalone ECUs, and what Matt thinks is missing from the current crop of standalone offerings.

After 20 years of service, Matt decided to move across the road to Turbosmart, where he’s helped push the development of new products — especially its new range of turbochargers. Matt discusses these new turbos before diving deep into the world of boost control, getting way into the weeds on all things external wastegate.

Sure, the idea behind a wastegate is simple enough, but things get a little more demanding and complex when a vehicle’s performance starts to get pushed to its limits.

Follow Matt here:
IG: @turbosmarthq
FB: Turbosmart
YT: Turbosmart
WWW: turbosmart.com

Don’t forget, you can use “MATT25” to get $25 OFF HPA’s Boost Control course: https://hpcdmy.co/boostb

Timestamps:
4:39:20 How did you gain an interest in cars?
16:54 Did you move into Haltech tech support with almost no tuning experience
24:28 What was your role at Haltech?
27:10 The difference between American and Australian car scenes
32:15 Haltech’s growth into the US market
39:45 Key changes in ECU tech over the years
47:30 What do you think is missing from aftermarket ECUs?
54:43 How does an ECU company balance technical features while keeping it user-friendly?
1:03:55 How did the opportunity at Turbosmart come up?
1:08:38 Overview of Turbosmart
1:13:10 Turbosmart’s external wastegate, Why is it so good?
1:17:54 Pros and cons of electronic wastegate?
1:34:08 What is a StraightGate?
1:42:52 How do we pick the right size wastegate?
1:47:30 Bringing Turbosmart turbochargers to market
2:05:35 Final 3 questions

What are some of the advantages of having an automatic gearbox in a 2400HP 6-second drag car?

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Nate from 99 Racing gives us some insight into the transmission setup in their 6.29s at 225mph 2400HP Toyota Camry drag car and how it allows for more consistent passes without some of the disadvantages of the past.

The Sydney Jamboree event was sadly rained off but we're keen to see what the team can do with their new GCG Turbochargers Garrett Gen 2 106mm Turbo once things wind back up.

Racing simulators are becoming more popular in the home and, if you're lucky, office, but are they good enough on a professional level without an endless budget?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Jota Sport WEC LMP2 Race Engineer Tomoki Takahashi runs us through some of the advantages a simulator setup offers, the limitations and why a motion platform can be more hindrance than help without a blank chequebook.

Discussed is a direct comparison between two drivers at the same event, one who practised on the simulator beforehand, the other who couldn't, how the race engineer and data engineer treat simulated sessions the same as physical practice sessions, which interesting can lead to better results when it comes to quick decisions on car setups and track conditions come race day.

What does it take to build, tune, and drive a monster Mitsubishi Evolution VIII with a 4.1-litre VR38DETT putting down 1065 hp to all four treads — on pump gas, no less? On this episode of Tuned In, we talk to the Armchair Tuner to find out.

Use “EVO100” to get $100 off HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/tuningpackageb

Conrad Bradley has been building fast cars and bikes for a long time, although he currently works outside of the automotive industry in the nuclear field. Conrad couldn’t tell us much about his current work projects for obvious reasons, but when it comes to his many interesting automotive projects, he’s an open book.

Over the years, Conrad’s built many fast cars — from rapid Subarus, to even faster Evos, to an immaculate Beams-powered AE86 — we discuss all those builds in this conversation, but it’s his one-of-a-kind Evolution VIII that we’re most interested in.

We dive deep into this build with Conrad, digging into the big questions, like:

• Why ditch the 4G63?
• Why the VR38DETT?
• How is it still 4WD?
• What was the hardest part of the build and how was it dealt with? 
• Has it changed how the car drives?
• Why even build something as unique as this car in the first place?

This is a fascinating look into a very serious build that presented a lot of problems, requiring unique solutions.

Further into the conversation, we also discuss the challenges of owning and operating a tuning shop, reflashing challenges, Evo strengths and weaknesses, and much more. This is a great listen for anyone interested in thinking outside the box when it comes to building cars and going fast.

Follow Conrad here:
IG: @armchairtuner
FB: Armchairtuner
YT: Armchair Tuner

Don’t forget, you can use “EVO100” to get $100 off HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/tuningpackageb

Time Stamps:
4:25 How did you form an interest in cars?
14:01 How did you end up owning a tuning shop?
20:43 Pros and cons of owning a tuning shop.
27:50 Transition from motorbikes to cars.
29:23 Why JDM vehicles?
34:05 Reflashing JDM vehicles.
39:29 Was it Subaru's reliability issues that drove you to the Mitsubishi platform?
43:04 Toyota AE86.
58:03 Back into the Mitsubishi world? Evo X.
1:04:17 Manufacturers making it difficult for us to tune modern engines.
1:09:34 What came after the Evo X?
1:11:31 Building an Evo for drag racing.
1:24:36 How did the Evo GT-R come about?
1:27:36 What was involved in fitting the VR38?
1:34:49 What is the transmission?
1:41:22 Motec M1 custom package for 4wd setup
1:47:10 How much does it weigh with the VR38?
1:48:06 What was the goal for the VR38?
1:56:07 Are you running PDMs?
1:58:50 Are you using the data from all your sensors for anything in particular?
2:00:02 Is the Evo GT-R finished?
2:06:09 Final 3 questions.

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.

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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.

Quad Rotor vs V8, Procharger vs Natural Aspiration and more.

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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.

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.

Follow Dmitriy and BBi Autosport here:
IG: @orlovdesign, @bbiautosport
YT: BBi Autosport
WWW: orlovdesign.com, bbiautosport.com

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?

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.

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?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

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.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - AN Fittings
1:30 - Braided Hose
1:43 - Rubber
2:10 - PTFE
3:04 - Exotic Fuel Vs Rubber
3:50 - Push Lock
4:35 - PRO TIP!
4:48 - Reusable Hose Ends
5:22 - Crimp Hose Ends
6:15 - Weight PTFE Vs Rubber
6:35 - Hard Lines
7:24 - Silicone Couplers
7:50 - Wiggins Clamps
8:51 - Flare/Beads
9:47 - Don't Be A Gorilla
10:14 - Flexible Options
11:09 - Understanding 'Dash' Sizing
12:19 - Hose & Fittings Compatibility
12:51 - Raceworks - Thanks Jamie!
13:15 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE

What you need to know about tuning General Motors’ LS engines thanks to Matt Sanford of Tuning-Tips.com.

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Matt Sanford is a self-taught tuner that you might recognise from his YouTube channel of the same name, or his frequent appearances on mega channels like Cleetus McFarland.

Matt has been tuning all types of gasoline and diesel vehicles since his teenage years, but his main speciality and passion is GM’s LS family of V8s. In this episode, Matt first tells us how he came up in the diesel tuning world before switching to gasoline engines.

While he is fully versed in aftermarket standalone ECUs, Matt prefers using HP Tuner’s excellent reflashing platform. We take a deep dive into the Gen 3, 4, and 5 GM engine control modules, discussing how they work, and how we can get the absolute most out of reflashing them.

Of special interest is how these computers manage load measurement, using both mass airflow and speed density — and the process you need to go through to properly tune both.

The conversation then moves into tuning strategies around adding forced induction and/or an aggressive cam. Many people think you have to put up with reduced driveability with these modifications, but Matt explains that that’s simply not the case — if you know what you’re doing, a heavily modified LS can drive like a stock motor.

This episode is definitely for the LS crew, so if General Motor’s ubiquitous V8 is something you have an interest in, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Follow Matt here:
IG: @matt.p.sanford
YT: Matt Sanford
WWW: www.tuning-tips.com

Don’t forget, you can use “MATT100” to get $100 OFF HPA’s Tuning Starter Package:  https://hpcdmy.co/starterb

Timestamps:
4:44 How did you get interested in cars?
8:02 Where did the interest in tuning come from?
13:05 What can the MPH number on a drag strip tell you about your engine tune?
19:42 At what point did you get access to a dyno?
21:39 Going from tuning gasoline to diesel and then back to gasoline.
29:01 Why move from EFI Live to HP Tuners and what is reflashing?
41:05 Key differences between tuning a standalone vs factory ECU.
48:31 Speed density in the GM world.
54:26 How should we be going about the tuning process?
1:01:04 HP Tuners built-in calculator for making changes to the virtual VE tables.
1:07:26 How do you calibrate MAF?
 1:14:33 What is acceptable in terms of a short-term and long-term fuel trim combination?
1:19:40 What is spark air mass?
1:22:15 High octane and low octane tables.
1:31:07 GM’s knock control system.
1:40:37 Thoughts on MAF-less tuning?
1:42:50 Tuning options for a really aggressive cam.
1:51:46 Other common mistakes with LS tuning.
1:53:40 Injector upgrades.
1:57:35 Final 3 questions.

How do you know if it is safe to turn your 1300HP R35 GT-R Skyline engine tune right up to 11 and hit the track?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

What checks do you need to do before you know it is safe to turn up the boost or even just use what you know is safe on a different type of fuel? What sort of process do professional tuners follow when troubleshooting issues during a race weekend? This interview dives into these topics and much more!

Mike McGinnis of Innovate Tuning is also a High Performance Academy tutor and all-round engine and transmission tuning expert. He knows his stuff and, luckily for all of us, is happy to share that knowledge at events like the World Time Attack Challenge.

The LYFE Motorsport R35 GT-R Skyline is no stranger to time attack or even this channel having been featured before here and also Pikes Peak. It has seen numerous changes over the years. At WTAC it ran a stroked 4.1L VR38DETT with twin Garrett GTX3076 turbos, Shepherd Transmission DCT with PPG gearset Dodson Motorsport Promax clutch and a MoTeC electronics package.

This GT-R pushes 1300hp on a Dynojet in the United States and 1120hp on a Mainline in Australia, which helps show that not all dyno numbers are 'equal' to the point they generally don't matter in the way most of us think, beyond being data for the tuner behind the laptop.

Owner Cole Powelson had his best WTAC event in the car, hitting a 1:25.9450, which put him third in the EMtron Pro Class and the fastest US driver to take a stab at the event over the years.

The car did double duty, with Donut Media YouTuber Jeremiah Burton also hitting a solid 1:31.4800, which is more than solid for someone new to the car, track and speeds involved.

Let's be honest, power is easy to make these days. Anyone with a modest budget can build a 1000hp dyno queen, but what about high-output engines that are expected to last for more than just a few full-power dyno pulls?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Mixing a unique roots style blower (aka supercharger) with 8-into-1 headers for wow factor, Mitch Pullen of Pullen Spec Engines hasn't glossed over the essential parts to ensure this LS-based build will last. Improving rod angle, slowing piston speed, and choosing a stout valvetrain option over pure peak HP figures are all part of this, along with running a dual DBW throttle fuel-injected setup with 16 injectors over the carburettors you'd typically see on a setup like this.

Why roots-type blowers are considered so inefficient compared to other supercharging and turbocharging options is discussed, along with individual cylinder trimming and running rich 0.80 lambda of E85 fuel to help cool combustion charges for 8 PSI of boost, making an easy 800hp during the Garrett International Drifting Cup at World Time Attack Challenge.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Blown S13
0:30 - Why The LS
0:54 - Roots Blower
1:38 - Haltech NEXUS R5
1:55 - PDM & Can
2:26 - 16 Injectors
2:58 - Primary Injectors
3:05 - Fuel Cooling & Lubrication
3:12 - Trimming Injectors
3:20 - Liquid Intercooling
3:55 - Why A Roots Blower Is Considered Inefficient
4:24 - Boost Pressure
4:58 - Pre Supercharger Fuelling
5:28 - Ethanol Fuelled
5:35 - Fuel Mixture & Cylinder Trims
6:12 - EGT-Based Fuel Trims
7:45 - EGT Temperatureres
8:03 - Transient Throttle Tuning
8:32 - Acceleration Enrichment
9:23 - Short-Term Fuel Trims
10:47 - LS Engine Specs
11:14 - Why Short Stroke?
11:49 - LS Rod To Stroke Ratio
12:43 - Dart Block
13:30 - Power Level & 8,800 RPM
13:55 - Cylinder Head
14:30 - Rectangle Vs Cathedral Port

If you like doing things yourself, building weird cars, and making the most of what you’ve got, this episode with Matt Brown — AKA Superfast Matt — is a must-listen.

Use “FAST50” to get $50 OFF our 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

After walking out of college with an engineering degree, Matt Brown started his career developing engines for NASCAR teams, engineering various parts for Tesla in its early days, and working on secret projects for Apple.

Then came 2020, and with lockdowns forcing Matt to work from home, he began investing more and more time into building interesting cars and showcasing his work on YouTube. After a while, Matt decided to take the plunge and commit to his Superfast Matt YouTube channel full time, which now has over 420,000 subscribers.

In this conversation, Matt first talks us through his journey to full-time YouTubing, discussing how he earns enough to pay the bills and what kind of videos work best on his channel. We also spend time running through some of the fairly simple tools that Matt uses in his workshop with impressive results, covering basic CNC routers, 3D scanners and printers, and much more.

Matt is best known for his crazy builds, including a CBR1000RR-engined Honda S600 and a Bonneville Landspeed streamliner. These interesting projects get airplay in this interview, but the real focus is on Matt’s current obsession — a Dodge Viper built for the dirt.

We dive deep into this unusual build, first by questioning Matt’s sanity… After all, why would anyone want to do something like this? There’s plenty of interesting fat to chew on here, with discussions on suspension geometry and performance, rear-end transplants, and more. 

Since this podcast was recorded, Matt has taken the Viper out for its first offroad adventure check it out here: https://youtu.be/6d7aRoYvYs0?si=i4drFZyDyxlK0R5v

Follow Superfast Matt here:
IG: @superfastmatt 
FB: Superfast Matt
YT: SuperfastMatt
TT: Superfastmatt

Don’t forget, you can use “FAST50” to get $50 OFF our 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Timestamps:
3:48 How did you become interested in cars?
6:17 What companies have you worked for?
8:29 Rules in motorsport.
11:17 Why did you leave Nascar?
12:50 Sodium-filled exhaust valves.
13:47 Working for Tesla.
26:35 What comes after Tesla?
29:00 Starting a YouTube channel.
36:43 Producing videos that get views.
41:36 Is it easy to become a YouTube sensation?
44:38 Access to CAD, 3D Printing and 3D scanning as a hobbyist.
50:06 3D printing materials.
57:48 Do you use 3D Scanning?
1:03:35 What is a CNC router?
1:12:57 How did you develop your composite skills?
1:20:42 YouTube comments.
1:23:57 Off-road Dodge Viper.
1:32:55 Land speed car, what is it?
1:40:00 Final three questions.

If you know anything about time attack, chances are you have seen or heard the incredible R32 'Xtreme' GTR, but do you know the story behind it? 

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

This RB power AWD R32 GTR Skyline reset the record in the GCG Open Class at the World Time Attack Challenge event under Tim Slade's capable jandals with a blistering 1:25.92. Recent upgrades to the car helped make this happen, including some aero changes courtesy of Sydney Composites and a bigger Precision Turbo & Engines 8080 Gen2 to make the most of it.

In a slightly different angle from the tech we generally dive into, this chat with owner Michele Guyer gives a little insight into some of the organisation and trust that goes into a long-term project like this GTR, which is now undoubtedly one of the world's fastest and best-presented time attack competitors.

As always, a lot of people and companies are involved behind the scenes, including FE Motorsports, Platinum Racing Products, Racetech Performance, Plazaman, Nitto Performance Engineering, Bosch Motorsport, Amaando Seals, Nulon, Xtreme Clutches, DAS and more.
------------------------------------
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Michele Guyer
0:15 - Building The Team
3:02 - The Origins: BSM GTR
4:10 - Billet Before It Was Cool
4:53 - Pro Vs Owner Driver
6:19 - Engine, Transmission Etc
7:08 - Recent Upgrades
9:36 - Future Plans?
10:10 - Spoiler: They Won Their Class
11:18 - Thanks Michele!
11:35 - Tim Slade Jandal Down!
12:20 - Braaaaaaaap!
13:00 - 1:25.92
13:13 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE

14 minutes of race car build tips & experiences.

Money. No matter how much we have, no one likes to or wants to waste it. A motorsport application will cost precisely the amount you budget for it, plus some more. In this interview, some tips are discussed on how to trade a bit of your time to make better decisions for your build and your wallet, even if you don't intend to do all the physical work yourself.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Running Nitto 2.2L stroker kit, Kelford Cams, and ARP head studs to make around 500kw at 2.2 bar (670hp, 32psi), this RevZone built 4g63 powered EVO 7 Open Class Time Attack build is a constant work in progress for Darren Bishop, but not just in the way most people immediately think when it comes to simply adding more and more power.

At the World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC), Darren shared valuable insights into developing his time attack EVO. The knowledge base build to undertake this project has included using High Performance Academy (HPA) course materials, engaging in practical work, and consulting with specialists on their own level.

Using quality electronics like the EMtron KV8 ECU, MoTeC C127 dash, and Power Distribution Module (PDM), alongside a comprehensive array of engine and chassis sensors, Darren, with the help of Benchmark Solutions trackside dial in the car from multiple angles over the race weekend. This process involves adapting to the specific demands of each race weekend, including track layout (working to perfect every braking zone and corner), weather conditions (temperatures heavily influence tyre pressure, engine settings and traction control), and the unique preferences of both the car and driver discovered only by plenty of seat time, ensuring a solid performance between Darren's driving capabilities and the vehicle's technical setup.

Darren narrowly got squeezed out of the top 5, finishing with a respectable 6th place in the Open Class with a 1:30.3870 only JUSTTT off the pace of the 1:29.9110 set by the 5th place finisher.
------------------------------------
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Open Class EVO 7
0:30 - Engine Package
0:50 - Power and Boost
1:10 - Gearbox
1:25 - Electronics
1:44 - Why Use Course Material?
2:30 - How It Helped
2:50 - Spend Wisely
3:15 - Why 2.2L 4G63?
3:48 - Wiring Process
4:59 - Wiring Documentation
5:42 - PDM Configuration & Electronic Setup
6:38 - ECU Setup
7:01 - Not Just For Cost Savings
7:20 - Data Analysis
7:36 - Judd V10 On Song

Is 3D printing going to replace CNC machining in the near future?

Even your Mum has probably heard of 3D printing at this point, but what’s not so well understood — even by enthusiasts — is just how quickly this technology is advancing, and what's now possible when it comes to making your car faster, stronger, and more capable.

One person helping to push that technological envelope is this week’s guest, Joe Dopkowski of 3D Systems.

Use “3D50” to get $50 OFF our 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course:
https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Joe has a background in mechanical engineering, and previous to working with 3D Systems, he spent time at OEM manufacturers developing parts for new vehicles. A long-time motorsport enthusiast, Joe has been able to combine his interests and work to push technological boundaries in the pursuit of more speed, working with F1 teams and aftermarket companies like BBi Autosport and English Racing.

In this conversation, Joe starts out by talking us through the history of 3D printing, but what we’re most interested in, is where the tech is at now, and where it’s heading in the near future.

Joe gets us up to speed here, discussing just how far this field has come in a short amount of time, and exactly what’s possible right now with current 3D printing capabilities. This means printing not just prototype plastic parts, but producing ultra-strong, ultra-light finished components from titanium, aluminium, and nearly any other metal you can imagine.

This episode goes deep on all things additive manufacturing, and is going to challenge any assumptions you might have about 3D printing. Prepare to open up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to creating bespoke performance parts for your vehicle. 

Follow 3D Systems here:
IG: @3dsystems
FB: 3D Systems Corperation
YT: 3D Systems
WWW: 3dsystems.com

Don’t forget, you can use “3D50” to get $50 OFF our 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport Course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Timestamps:
4:43 When did you develop an interest in cars?
6:19 What does a mechanical engineering degree entail?
12:20 What OE manufacturer did you work for and how was it?
18:05 What is tolerance stacking?
20:50 How did you end up working for 3D Systems?
24:41 Overview of 3D systems.
27:18 What’s your role at 3D Systems?
32:40 What does additive manufacturing mean?
39:06 How do 3D systems plastic printers work?
45:16 3D printing in F1.
54:12 3D printing materials.
1:00:20 Steps between 3D model and physically printing the part.
1:04:47 How much are these plastic printers?
1:06:54 How does metal printing work?
1:11:29 Speed of printing metal vs plastic.
1:13:11 Strength of metal printing.
1:15:15 What areas of motorsport lend themselves to metal 3D printing?
1:19:15 What is generative design?
1:22:28 Cost of metal printers.
1:26:44 3D printing in F1 part 2.
1:35:42 What is 3D printing going to look like in 5 years?
1:43:22 Final 3 questions.

Brake boosters—why don't you find them on race cars? Are motorsport ABS systems harder to use than your OWM setup?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Ashley Field of 909 Motorsport answers these questions and more in relation to aftermarket ABS systems like those offered by Bosch Motorsport along with how easy they are to install, if OEM components can be used and most importantly how ABS can only regulate the braking power you give it meaning if you don't have an optimal brake package before you fit ABS it can't work any magic to change that for you!

Why fit aftermarket ABS? The likes of Bosch Motorsport ABS systems (note, we don't sell them!) offer advanced features that enhance braking performance and customization compared to standard OEM ABS systems including not going into 'ice mode' when a driver least wants that to happen! While the Bosch Motorsport ABS may require more expertise to set up and calibrate due to its professional-grade capabilities, it provides benefits like faster response times, better grip utilization, and the ability to fine-tune brake bias for improved efficiency and control according to driver preference as well as data acquisition to aid with car and aero setup.

How? Motorsport-dedicated versions of ABS have a more sophisticated 'brain' and valving system, allowing it to lock and release tyres faster, maximizing available grip more effectively.
------------------------------------
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Power Vs Stopping Power
0:20 - Factory ABS & Motorsport
0:45 - OEM Vs Motorsport ABS Focus
1:25 - Not All ABS Is Equal
1:50 - Is Motorsport ABS Harder To Use?
2:35 - What Is Different With Aftermarket ABS?
3:13 - 'Ice Mode'
3:38 - What Is Needed For Bosch ABS Fitment?
4:27 - OEM Parts Usage
5:04 - Brake Boosters & Pedal Boxes
6:01 - Why Remove A Brake Booster?
6:45 - Brake Bias Adjustments
7:35 - Crosslinked Brake System
8:02 - Front Rear Split
8:18 - ABS Won't Work Magic
9:00 - Driving Style Vs ABS Setup
9:58 - KEY POINT!
10:36 - Driver Adjustment Options
11:12 - Driver Preference
11:38 - Data Logging & Vehicle Dynamics
12:10 - Thanks 909 Motorsport!
12:25 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE

If replica wheels are just as good as the genuine articles like many claim, why don't we see them used in top-tier motorsport?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Kosumi Wakana from Rays Japan answers this question and more on rim stiffness/compliance, how to identify a replica wheel and where to find help if you can't, along with some of the manufacturing options available to wheel manufacturers like Rays.

If you’ve spent any time on YouTube, you’re probably already aware of this episode’s guest and the various projects his channel is involved in — most famously “Project Binky”, a classic Mini running a Toyota Celica GT-Four engine and AWD driveline.

Richard Brunning from Bad Obsession Motorsport joins us to down a few cups of tea, talk motorsport, and run through the ins and outs of neverending project cars, the business of operating a popular automotive YouTube channel, and much more.

Use “BAD100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Motorsport Fabrication Package:
https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Richard, like many guests of this podcast, has his father to blame for his motorsport obsession. Some of his earliest memories involve hanging out in old sheds while his Dad restored vintage vehicles, tickling up RC cars to get the edge in racing, and days spent on the couch watching Formula 1.

This early focus on all things automotive drove Richard towards a life that revolved around motorsport, first starting out in kart racing, before moving on to Caterhams, formula cars, and even some Formula Mazda racing in the States. In this episode, Richard spends time talking us through these different forms of motorsport, and discusses how each type of vehicle could be set up, tweaked, and modified within the rules in order to gain more speed.

Eventually, Richard’s good friend and eventual partner in crime, Nik Blackhurst, enticed Richard back to the UK to help him go rallying, and it was at this point, way back in 1992, that Bad Obsession Motorsport began.

Fast forward a good few years, and Richard and Nick were fed up with the car modification TV shows like Pimp My Ride, Monster Garage, and their contemporaries that were on offer at the time — none of them actually showed why and how any of the work was done. This got the pair thinking that they might be able to do better, and with that goal in mind, the Bad Obsession Motorsport YouTube channel was founded.

It took a couple of years, but Richard and Nick’s channel began picking up steam, not in small part thanks to “Project Binky”, a Toyota Celica GT-4 powered and driven classic Mini. Richard dives deep into this build, answering our burning questions — chiefly ‘Why’? But also “What’s taking so long”?

This in-depth discussion around the challenges of fitting so much engine and driveline into such a small package is a great look into what it takes to complete a complicated project to a high standard. Lastly, we also spare some time time to touch on the joys of motorsport wiring, ultra-budget racing in the City Car Cup, and making a living out of building cars on YouTube.

Follow Bad Obsession Motorsport here:
IG: @badobsessionmsp
FB: Bad Obsession Motorsport
YT: Bad Obsession Motorsport
WWW: badobsessionmotorsport.co.uk

Don’t forget, you can use “BAD100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Motorsport Fabrication Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

Timestamps:
4:04 How did you develop an interest in cars?
7:00 Did you learn anything from racing RC cars that could transfer to driving a go-kart?
8:10 How was your experience driving karts?
17:46 What is it about karts that makes it such a good learning platform for racing?
22:53 What is a cost-effective way to get into racing?
25:26 What other motorsports have you been involved in?
32:49 Transition from racing to Bad Obsession Motorsport
36:23 Automotive skill set before starting Bad Obsession Motorsport?
40:20 What were you thinking when you decided to start a YouTub

The KOVAL EVO is one of the most successful roll racing cars in Australia and has seen a few iterations, owners, and a couple of catch cans over the years, as well as 80-90PSI of boost and up to 11,000rpm.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

At GTR Fest, where Andre pretty much only looked at EVOs (he knows his type) we caught up with Dom Rigoli of Tony Rigoli Performance (TRP), a world-famous in Australia full service workshop with a proven history of getting incredible power out of many platforms including this venerable EMtron controlled 4g63.

Dom's answer here are short, sharp and accurate covering a range of topics from dry blocks, billet vs cast, head cylinder sealing with bronze aluminium rings aka fire rings along with some insight into what a car like this might do if it was fully setup for drag racing rather than the street too.

Previously, the car had made 1200hp at the hubs but now pushes over 1500hp and uses methanol or ethanol blends depending on the legalities of the event/location with 8.8 passes so far and plenty more to come if the owner wants to upgrade the car to safely compete at 1/4 racing, which are requirements that differ from roll racing events.

You won't see this B2R Motorsport 2.0L 1200hp++ EK Honda Civic up at your local skifield, but it actually has the AWD/4WD system to get there faster than you could imagine if wanted!

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Making over 1200hp at 56psi boost and plans to hit between 80-90psi with a Precision 8085 turbo, Moe El-asmar's EK Honda Civic is aiming to be the first in its class to hit a 7-second pass on Australian soil. This build focuses on keeping it simple and solving one problem at a time, as opposed to going crazy and creating more with too many rushed changes, and it certainly seems to be an approach that is working.

Off-the-shelf parts for engine components are one of the aspects that follows this building principle with an OEM Honda K20 crank, SpeedFactory pistons, and BME rods housed in a Bullet Billet Block sandwiched to a 4 Piston cast head with an MLS head gasket. 

Interestingly, Moe discusses how the cost of sleeving was halfway to billet but with a much shorter lifespan, helping him make the call to go with a Bullet block that is also a 'wet block', enabling him and the team to do more passes back to back vs a dry block setup.

Electronics wise, a Link G4X ECU, MoTeC PDM30 and ProWire custom wiring harness keep the smoke in the wires, with Platinum Racing Products coil packs Elixir fuel pump and Aftermarket Industries tank and hanger rounding off the electrics and fuel system.

The 4WD conversion is something Moe sees becoming more and more popular over time, with an AWD conversion from a Honda CRV mated to a Quaife sequential gearbox.

Looking to up your game with a super-informative masterclass on professional-level motorsport wiring? This episode of Tuned In featuring Erik Reinertsen of Hardwired Performance is exactly what you're after.

Use “HARDWIRED50” to get $50 OFF our HPA Motorsport Wiring Starter Package:  https://hpcdmy.co/wiringstarterb

Erik specialises in building top-level motorsport wiring harnesses, choosing to focus primarily on the demanding offroad racing market — but wiring wasn’t always on the cards for this Californian. Despite growing up around hotrods and motorsport with a father who built cars for a living, he was actively discouraged in following his Dad’s footsteps, instead being pushed towards a more conventional career.

The problem was, you can’t really expect your kid to not become a diehard car guy when he spends all his time messing around in your shop full of cool builds and weekend after weekend at the track. So, straight after school, Erik walked into an apprenticeship at a hotrod shop and began building his skills in fabrication, engine building, and nearly everything else in the car building world — but it was wiring that he excelled at. Many years later, Erik is a self-taught maestro building ultra-high-end motorsport looms for some of the most impressive race cars and trucks out there.

In this episode, we dig deep into Erik’s huge bank of knowledge and experience, discussing a big range of wiring-related topics — from the art of concentric twisting, autosport connectors, which tools are worth the investment, the correct gauge of wire to use for different applications, and a whole lot more.

Erik also weighs in on the myth of “Milspec”, discusses the many cases in which a pro motorsport wiring harness is complete overkill, and the lessons learned from running his own wiring business — particularly when it comes to the challenge of accurately quoting work and turning down jobs that you know just aren’t right for you.

Vicious Mustang: https://www.instagram.com/viciousstang

Follow Erik here:
IG: @hardwiredperformance

Don’t forget, you can use “HARDWIRED50” to get $50 OFF our HPA Motorsport Wiring Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/wiringstarterb

Time Stamps:
4:06 How did you get interested in cars?
13:50 How did you get into motorsport wiring harnesses?
19:57 Why did you decide you were most passionate about wiring?
33:18 When did you go out on your own?
37:50 Overview of Hardwire Performance
44:57 Colour coding in wiring
47:41 What makes up a professional motorsport wiring harness?
52:39 Why do we concentric twist our harnesses?
1:07:44 Do you use software for designing your harnesses?
1:11:36 Coupon code
1:14:39 Advantages of an Autosport connector
1:20:53 Tooling required to work with Autosport connectors
1:34:05 What are service loops?
1:42:10 Using glue-lined boots vs non-glue-lined boots
1:46:19 Sizing wire gauge for circuits
2:00:12 Final three questions

Can 3D printed parts hold up in an engine bay or elsewhere on a car when compared to the use of lightweight aluminium or similar, or is it still just technology best leveraged for prototyping?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Grant Luttinen of Intamsys helps us understand some of the pros and cons of additive manufacturing, what is required when it comes to software and some options out there for printers as a hobbyist or professional.

We take a quick look at printing options from $1,700 to $150,000 USD, as well as printing media/materials that start from $20-40 for a spool of ABS plastic and then go to $100, $600 or more for nylon, PEEK carbon fibre and 3D printed metal options.

Accusumps. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, a professional racer, or simply keen on advanced car maintenance, this video covers many of the common questions on how an Accusump can enhance your engine's reliability and performance and bridge the gap between a wet sump and (let's be honest, expensive) dry sump upgrade.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Iann Criscuolo from Canton Racing Products answers some of the common questions we all have when it comes to how an Accusump works by filling with oil and supplying it via manual or electronic control that can be based on RPMs, g-force and more, how easy Accusumps are to setup with their optimal -10 ('dash 10') hose sizing recommendations and how long you can expect oil to be supplied at 7-10 psi of pressure.

It's important to note that you can set your Accusump to fill much faster by using higher pressures, but that also means the oil will be supplied to your engine much faster, so racers need to find a balance that suits their application whether that is drift, drag, circuit, offroad racing or something else.

The formula for building a big-power LS is pretty simple — but things get a little more complicated when the motor needs to produce all that power for sustained periods of time in applications like drift or circuit racing. In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Pullen of Pullen Spec Engines, who specialises in putting together ultra-durable LS builds to discuss the ins and outs of these motors and much more.

Use “PULLEN50” to get $50 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package:
https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Thanks to his father’s involvement in motorsport, Mitch Pullen started young, assisting in the pits and moving into the karting world at 10 years old. By 14, he was building engines, creating his own wiring harnesses, and figuring out fabrication. It’s probably no surprise, then, that he left school fairly early to learn everything he could about nearly all aspects of motorsport engineering.

Although Mitch is a jack of all trades, he decided to focus on performance engine building, and this now sees him running the well-respected and very busy Pullen Spec Engines based out of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

In this conversation, Mitch goes into detail about how he builds LSs, discussing their inherent weaknesses and strengths and the work that’s needed to create a motor that can sustain high horsepower and high RPMs for more than just a pull or two on the motorway or a run down the strip.

Mitch is also well known for his unique S13 Silvia competition drift car, which runs a massive Roots-style blower sitting atop a Dart iron-block LS. There are a few obvious questions when it comes to this setup — why bother with this type of supercharger, how does it behave in a drift car, and can you even see anything when you’re driving? Mitch answers all these questions and more.

The conversation finishes with some great discussions around car setup, forged vs cast engine parts, performance aircraft engine builds, and more.

Watts linkage illustration: https://hpcdmy.co/watts

Follow Mitch here:
IG: @pullenspecengines, @mitchellpullen
FB: Pullen Spec Engines
WWW: pullenspec.com

Don’t forget, you can use“PULLEN50” to get $50 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Timestamps:
4:08 How did you form an interest in cars?
11:31 Did you do any formal engine-building training?
15:09 Where did you go from rebuilding 2 stroke karts?
20:07 Watts link vs Pan hard rod overview.
24:53 Getting more power in the KE70.
31:43 How did you learn all these skills at such a young age?
32:52 What happened after the Khanacross?
35:03 Learning about LS engines and circuit cars.
45:40 Load on an engine for a sustained amount of time.
48:52 What do you do in your LS to make it live?
59:08 LS engine package.
1:07:27 Forged vs cast pistons.
1:16:52 Does the LS have enough factory clearance for boosted applications.
1:27:16 Why the roots blower?
1:35:57 Overview of Pullen Spec Engines.
1:45:50 Focusing on the LS.
1:48:47 Final three questions.

Why can't you tune any ECU however you'd like or fit any aftermarket ECU to your vehicle without a care in the world?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Ryan Nicholls Powertune Australia answers these common questions and more in relation to what can be done with the right skill set and tools, in this case, MoTeC's M1 Build and knowledge of C# (C Sharp) development language.

Some key takeaways from this chat include some insight into CAN Bus, LIN Bus and FlexRay, plus the fact that reflash tuning is not equal for all platforms, and some are much better developed than others. Ryan also mentions how you are often relying on an interpretation rather than an absolute when it comes to reflash tuning software vs the lack of OEM information, as well as sharing encouragement from Ryan for anyone interested in learning the skills he has to do so, even at a hobbyist level.

This interview was recorded at GTR Fest Australia, where we somehow managed to film more about EVOs and MoTeC ECUs than GTRs, and had a ball doing it too.

Hot rodding has been and always will be a HUGE part of American car culture, and electric vehicle conversions are bringing a wider range of options to the street.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Why do a Tesla swap and not use aftermarket components? What happens to the 12v electronics including the lights and indicators without an alternator or the brakes without engine vacuum to operate with?

At SEMA, Casey Loter gives us some answers to the above and insight into this customer's 1959 Chevy Apache Fleetside electric vehicle conversion, which is powered by a Tesla Model S motor and battery pack that's been rehoused for better packaging and suspension options.

While Tesla parts are used, they are scrubbed clean of Tesla's limited software by companies like EV Control, who can easily tap in remotely for this process. An Orion battery management system is used along with Stealth EV charging components and a cooling system for the charger and batteries up from and motors in the rear for this specific Chevy Apache conversion.

Simon Longdill wasn’t impressed with the engines available to him in his class of racing, so he built his own. On this episode of Tuned In, we catch up with the man behind Synergy’s small-capacity, ultra-high revving, 400+hp V8s to talk through the ins and outs of these screaming motors and much, much more.

Use “SYNERGY50” to get $50 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

While “building your own engine” in the literal sense might sound like a more-than-daunting task for most, with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, this was something that Simon Longdill was more than capable of. Limited to 2.4 litres in his Speedway midget class, Simon hatched an idea that would go on to become a full-time business.

Using two sets of 1200cc Kawasaki ZX12R cylinder heads and barrels, Simon got to work creating a vicious 2.4-litre V8 that would go on to crush the competition on its debut in New Zealand, before doing the same in Australia, then doing so well in the US that the rule book was changed and Simon and his team were never invited again. These days, you can find Synergy V8s of differing capacities and power levels motivating all manner of race (and a few street) cars across the globe.

In this conversation, we get down into the weeds of this fascinating engine’s story, answering all the big questions around the 11,000 RPM screamer’s inner workings and development journey. Simon didn’t just stop at the first iteration either — these motors have been continuously developed over the last decade as the tech has improved, new lessons are learnt, and big improvements are made.

With some fascinating looks into Simon’s side projects that include a 400hp BMW 1000RR two-litre V8 built for Bonneville, an 800hp twin-turbo Synergy V8 for Pikes Peak, hydrogen power systems, and plenty more, this is a tech-heavy episode that’s going to please anyone with an interest in serious automotive engineering.

Follow Simon here: prototipo.co.nz, synergypower.co.nz

Don’t forget, you can use“SYNERGY50” to get $50 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Timestamps:
4:27 How did you develop an interest in cars and engineering?
7:24 Where did you see your studies taking you?
8:40 Tertiary education continued
13:20 Does EGT form a big part of two-stroke tuning?
16:39 Is the two-stroke dead?
20:29 How did you go from a two-stroke Ph.D. to owning your own business?
23:05 What does the term BMEP mean?
24:15 How can we make a high performance 2.4L engine
30:54 Is it as simple as a larger bore and shorter stroke equals more efficiency?
32:37 What additional parts were designed to merge the two 1200cc engines?
34:31 What software are you using to model the engine?
35:59 What was the most challenging part of this project?
40:19 How did the engine perform once you got it running?
45:49 Overview of Prototipo
46:16 Working on amphibious vehicles
48:18 Trip to the Chilli Bowl
55:53 Synergy V8 GT86 package
1:02:49 Unequal trumpet lengths
1:08:30 Developments from gen 1 synergy engine?
1:17:08 Direct injection in sports bike engines
1:21:13 Were you tuning the engine differently for land speed records?
1:23:49 2.3L turbocharged V8
1:25:35 Rod to stroke ratio
1:30:24 Hydrogen fuel Pros & Cons
1:37:18 Developing your own dyno

Traditionally, a bigger manifold has been considered the holy grail of performance because the bigger something is, the more air you can hammer on through, right? But, is this actually true and why do companies like ARTEC Performance do things differently?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Exhaust flow vs exhaust port sizing, turbo inlet, outlet and cylinder capacity and more are all touched on in this interview along with casting vs custom fabrication, materials and a commonly overlooked consideration with aftermarket turbo setups, turbo bracing.

Big thanks to Ben Creswick for sharing his time at GTR Fest and we hope testing with the Inconel manifold applications goes well.

The 2.9L RB26 swap in place of the stock Nissan SR20 is easy to zero in on here, but it's not the modification that has made the most difference outright to lap times and driver confidence...

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With the ability to get 1500hp from this setup, owner and driver Chris Kostakis shows a lot of restraint and the realities of power vs performance when circuit racing a vehicle that is continually developing along with its owner with help from the likes of Advance Motor Mechanics and 909 Motorsport.

What are the downsides of swapping a SR20 for an RB26?
What are some advantages drive by wire (DBW) throttle control gives?
What are some key considerations of traction control for motorsport?
Does motorsport ABS really make a difference?

These questions and more are covered by Andre and Chris while they were at the Australian GTR Festival at Sydney Dragway and we look forward to seeing where Chris and his engine swapped 180SX head in the future when it comes to an aero package and time attack, although he sure has more than enough to keep a grin on his face as this car sits now!

BUILD OVERVIEW:
Factory SR20 removed
1500hp capable setup, running 900 for drag racing and 550-600 for circuit racing for now
N1 RB26 Block
Carrilo Rods
CP Pistons
Spool Imports RB29 Stroker Kit
BorgWarner EFR 9280 turbocharger
Rams Head Service cylinder head package
Peterson Fluid Systems dry sump system
Holinger RD6 sequential gearbox
MoTeC M150 ECU
Increased tyre/wheel sizing (295 fronts)
AP Racing Pro 5000 R's front calipers
Endless 4 pot rears
Bosch Motorsport ABS system
DNA Autosport Blistein suspension package
Benchmark Solutions torque and traction management strategies
Street registered 🤯

The Snot Rocket is here! This week on Tuned In, we welcome Brett Lasala, the owner, builder, and driver of 2024’s Sick Week-winning Mustang, Snot Rocket. In this episode, we find out what it takes to secure the outright win at a drive-and-drag competition like Sick Week, how he’s extracted over 3000hp from his Coyote V8, why he prefers Ford machinery, and a whole lot more.

Use “BRETT50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Practical Engine Building Course: https://hpcdmy.co/practicalengineb

Ever since trading an old washing machine for his first car as a teenager, Brett Lasala has been obsessed with making vehicles go faster. This led to a lifelong career in the automotive industry, first learning the ropes through local shops, then becoming an accomplished Mercedes Benz tech specialising in AMG products, to then moving full time into the aftermarket space working with legendary companies like Real Street.

Over that time, Brett has absorbed the knowledge of everyone around him, and is now in a position where he’s able to perform much of the work himself — although with that said, the level of success this car has seen is only possible thanks to the wealth of talent found in the other members of the team.

In this conversation, we first discuss drive and drag events like Sick Week, and the unique challenges in tuning, engine building, and setup that a brutal day-after-day race and road trip presents. Competing is one thing — but winning outright is a whole different ball game entirely.

This brings us to Brett’s well-known ‘Snot Rocket’ bright green Ford Mustang. We dive deep into the build, discussing its beginnings all the way through to its current state as a consistent low six-second pass twin-turbo monster. Powered by Ford’s Coyote motor, the Snot Rocket has allowed Brett to really get to know everything there is to know about the 5.0-litre DOHC V8.

In this conversation, Brett is kind enough to share some of that knowledge with us, discussing the motor’s strengths and weaknesses, how to get good results from them, and if they’re actually better than GM’s ubiquitous rival motor, the LS.

With conversations around engine and transmission tuning strategies, CO2-regulated boost control, and much more, this episode is jam-packed with quality information!

Follow Brett here:
IG: @brett_lasala
YT: Brett Lasala
WWW: brettlasala.com

Don’t forget, you can use “BRETT50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Practical Engine Building Course: https://hpcdmy.co/practicalengineb

Timestamps:
4:44 How did you develop an interest in cars?
9:00 Where did the passion for drag racing come from?
10:26 Have you got any formal qualifications?
13:03 Spinning spanners on modern vehicles?
15:02 Fabrication skills?
18:21 What was your position at Real Street?
22:05 What is a Drag and Drive event?
26:15 Overview of original car
29:15 Why did you start from fresh rather than further modifying the original car?
32:15 Why turbos over supercharger?
33:34 Coyote vs LS3? Pros and cons.
34:36 What have you done to the Coyote engine?
47:59 What’s your head gasket sealing solution?
56:25 Do you think you’ll need to move to a billet block?
1:00:01 What is the electronics package in the car?
1:08:22 What is DA in Drag Racing?
1:11:03 How does your wheelie detection work?
1:18:06 How has moving up turbo sizes affected drivability?
1:22:25 Are you using traction control?
1:27:43 Transmission
1:32:20 How much faster would the car be if it was a dedicated drag car?
1:36:35 Final 3 questions

Numbers like ‘1000HP’ and ‘100 PSI of boost’ catch our attention the most when it comes to motorsport builds as we can easily understand what they mean, but brake setups, while being equally if not more important, take a backstage role by comparison. For most, admittedly, it is much harder to get excited about figures or terms like ‘380mm’ and ‘staggered-piston design’, at least it is until you understand what it all means...

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

In this interview with Phil Stubbs of Alcon Brakes, we’re going to take a look at why stock brakes on a production-turned-race car are terrible on track and what aspects you need to consider when looking to bin your OEM discs and calipers for something more effective.

Slots and gloves plus caliper and disc size in relation to braking performance are discussed along with airflow requirements, where sliding calipers braided brake lines sit when it comes to brake feel, plus on the other end of the spectrum what carbon-carbon brakes are vs carbon ceramic and what their weaknesses are compared to cast iron.

What is actually happening when you are bedding your brakes and the importance of doing that process correctly is also touched on, along with how in the motorsport world, companies like Alcon and similar offer pre-bedded brake packages, which save race teams time and potential inconsistency of doing it themselves on a race weekend when they should be focused on car setup and increasing driver confidence.

Why don't race cars use brake boosters and does your master cylinder size really matter all that much compared to your brake caliper sizing?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

In this video, we talk to Kirk from Tilton Engineering about the importance of creating a perfectly balanced braking system for your motorsport vehicle. He discusses the differences between tandem master cylinders and dual master cylinders, the importance of pedal ratio, and how to size your master cylinders and calipers correctly.

Key takeaways:

- Dual master cylinders are typically used in motorsport vehicles because they provide better brake balance and tunability.
- The size of your master cylinders should be based on the piston sizes in your calipers, rotor diameter, tire diameter, vehicle weight, weight distribution, and pedal ratio.
- A manual brake system will give you more driver feedback and a firmer pedal feel than a boosted system.
- The typical pedal ratio for an OEM vehicle with a brake booster is 4:1.
- The typical pedal ratio for a motorsport vehicle with a dual master cylinder is 5:1 to 6.5:1.
- The balance bar on a dual master cylinder allows you to make fine adjustments to your brake bias on the track.

As cars become more and more complex and ECU reflashing technology becomes more advanced, the gap between sticking with a vehicle’s factory computer and going to an aftermarket standalone only gets narrower and a little less clear. On this episode of Tuned In, we dive into this topic, along with many others, with PCMTec’s Roland Harrison.

Use “PCMTEC50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Practical Reflash Course: https://hpcdmy.co/reflashb

As a co-owner and founder of PCMTec, Roland is extremely well versed in the world of reflashing, with the company traditionally focusing its efforts on the Australian market Ford Falcon platforms, which of course includes the famous four-litre Barra straight six. Recently though, PCMTec has been moving into the more global Ford market, offering advanced tuning options for Mustang, F150, and Explorer models.

It wasn’t always all about cars for Roland though, having spent a good majority of his working life in the oil and gas industry, calibrating and maintaining massive industrial engines and electrical systems. After learning all he could from the business, Roland, along with a business partner, decided to turn his hobby of messing around with reflashing into a business and full-time career.

Roland takes us through the whats, whys, and hows of making this transition — even spending some time discussing some of the more surprisingly interesting aspects of his work in oil and gas. With that said, the real meat and potatoes of this conversation come when Roland and host Andre Simon move into the world of reflashing, discussing all aspects of this sometimes very complicated field.

There’s a lot to learn here as Roland breaks down the process of creating a reflash solution for Ford’s sometimes extremely complex ECUs, as well as how they’ve added an impressive array of custom functionality to these computers, and more.

You’ll also find a great discussion around one of the main differences between most reflash options and standalone ECUs — live tuning, as well as map switching on the fly and plenty more.

PCMTech is currently offering solid discounts off its US DIY and Workshop Editor editions, and the deep dive development blog mentioned in this episode can be found here.

Follow PCMTec here:
IG: @pcmtec
FB: PCMTEC
YT: PCMTEC Tuning
WWW: pcmtec.com

Don’t forget, you can use “PCMTEC50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Practical Reflash Course: https://hpcdmy.co/reflashb

Time Stamps:
3:38 How did you get involved in the automotive scene?
5:40 Do you have any formal mechanical education?
13:28 PID algorithm cross over from oil and gas to auto industry
19:01 Mechanical issues vs software issues while tuning
23:25 Ziegler Nichols Method?
25:18 How did PCMTec come about?
42:25 Accessing parameters within the ECU based on the amount of modifications
44:36 Features you’ve added that weren’t available in the OE controller.
48:13 Reasons for re-flashing over standalone ECU
51:55 How do you add features into an OE controller
1:03:13 Overview of PCMTec today
1:09:22 Weighing up functionality options for software
1:13:25 Do you support live tuning or is it re-flash only?
1:24:25 How does your data logging work?
1:29:56 Are you providing any support for trans tuning?
1:34:13 Final three questions

Turbocharging N/A engines is nothing new, and has some known downsides...

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

But like anything, if you know the weaknesses to watch out for it is easier to manage and avoid them as Haltech's Mitch Smith explains in relation to this 780whp 2JZ-GE being used in a time attack applications.

Using modern aftermarket ECU systems one tool tuners have on hand is torque management, and Mitch explains how vis boost and ignition control, he can maintain a flat torque curve with the goal of mechanical sympathy on this stock 2jz bottom end.

With a stock bottom end, build cylinder head, Precision 6870 turbo pushing 25 PSI at max boost this Supra is limited to around 7,500 rpm in order to help keep the stock rod bolts intact and the car doing laps.

After this interview, Feras went on to win the Plazamaman Pro-Am Class with a blistering 1:27.0160 🔥🔥🔥

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

'If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail' is a well-worn saying that is as relevant today as it was decades ago. During Feras Qartoumy's WTAC trip we get to gain some insight into how some time spent on some basic preparations can make a world of difference, including sim racing.

Interestingly, around 160kg (350lbs) of ballast has been added to meet tyre sizing and class rules, with WTAC entering a new era of tyre options from this year, helping cars like this Corvette have more grip and a bigger contact patch than previously possible.

GENERAL INFO:
28+ x Track Records, 1 x 1300HP Corvette C6  and one dedicated driver.

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 @momo equipped 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.

Anyone with even a passing interest in Time Attack has likely heard of Norris Designs, a UK-based tuning company probably best known for its insane north-south oriented, twin-charged, short-wheel base Evo IX time attack monster. On this episode of Tuned In, we sit down with founder Simon Norris to get some insight into this brain-melting build, plus much, much more.

Use “NORRIS100” to get $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb

Like many of us, Simon Norris began his love affair with cars and motors early in life, pulling apart engines on the kitchen table as a child. While there was a slight detour after leaving school to study engineering, it wasn’t long before Simon spied a new opportunity in the burgeoning JDM aftermarket tuning scene just as he was cutting his teeth working in a Nissan dealership in the mid-nineties. So, after seeing how others were starting to mess with tuning ECUs, Simon decided he could do better, and promptly opened Norris Designs way back in 1998.

Nearly three decades later, Norris Designs is one of the biggest names in the UK tuning scene. In this conversation, we first kick into the business side of Simon’s life, finding some great insight into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to building a company in the motorsport industry. 

We next get into tuning in general, where Simon discusses different ECU options, dyno styles, and the many factors that can cause discrepancies between individual dyno runs. From there it’s on to the real meat and potatoes of this episode — Simon’s incredible Mitsubishi Evo IX. 

With its north-south-orientated billet supercharged AND turbocharged 4G63, the AWD Evo is an engineering masterpiece that absolutely tears up any race circuit it’s unleashed upon. Simon does his best to answer the many questions we have about this car in an attempt to get to the bottom of what makes this shortened and roof-chopped weapon tick, and why Simon made the choices he has with this build. 

Even if Time Attack cars and Mitsubishis aren’t your thing, this episode drops some great knowledge and is well worth a listen regardless of your chosen motorsport or what type of car you’re into. 

Follow Norris Designs here:

IG: @norris_designs
FB: Norris Designs
YT: Norrisdesigns
WWW: norrisdesigns.com

Don’t forget, you can use “NORRIS100” to get $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb

Time Stamps:
3:41 How did you get into cars?
8:25 Did you have much industry experience before starting your business?
12:39 What sparked the interest in JDM cars?
16:18 How did Norris Designs grow?
25:56 Overview of Norris Designs today
31:12 What does your day-to-day look like at Norris Designs?
38:36 What vehicles are you specialising in?
42:54 How did you learn to tune?
52:44 Are you relying on knock control and close loop fuel control?
57:35 Did you start with an engine dyno or rolling road?
1:01:17 Do you have fixtures and harnesses for quick and easy engine dyno setups?
1:02:27 How accurate is the engine dyno?
1:10:23 Repeatability issues with rolling road
1:14:16 ECU of choice?
1:20:20 What is a short wheelbase Evo 9?
1:24:33 Engine package
1:34:45 Billet blocks for street applications?
1:38:41 Twin charge setup
1:44:24 Transmission
1:50:39 What’s next in the development of the car?
1:52:33 Lap time difference with new aero package

'Why fit a Formula 1-inspired Judd V10 engine into a Toyota A90 Supra' is probably not a common question we are all struggling with regarding our own personal projects. Still, we love that people like Ryan Tuerck can answer it for us!

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

This 4L 730hp (630hp ATW), 11,000 rpm capable Judd V10 powered 'Formula Supra' was at World Time Attack, and if you didn't see the car, you certainly heard it on song from all corners during its exhibition laps with Ryan Tuerck at the wheel. But how did the build come about, and what makes it tick?

Before falling into Ryan's hands (while fistfuls of cash fell out of them in exchange), the Judd GV4 V10 itself was a spare for an old Benetton Formula 1 car (an everyday use case) and thanks to Ryan's solid relationship with Toyota, it found itself not at home in an A90 Toyota Supra chassis sporting a MoTeC electronics package and tuning from John Reed Racing including the venerable M150 ECU and PDM30 which help put the power to the ground through aa Hollinger RD6 sequential gearbox. Interestingly, a Ford Explorer 8.8 rear differential was chosen for its range of ratio options and lightweight compared to the usual Winter Quick Change rear end thanks to fabrication pro Dominic Biro.

A lightweight Tilton Engineering 4 plate carbon clutch helps combat a thrust bearing design that doesn't suit drifting (LMP1 endurance cars only use their clutch to get the vehicle moving), with other help from Judd coming in the form of detailed manuals that cover the life expectancy of every party on the engine down to the exhaust manifold for ultimate reliability in an engine that was ultimately built to be hammered on for 24hours straight.

LS vs 351, Panhard vs watts link, electronic wastegate control magic and the surprising advantage a 1965 Ford Mustang has over many modern chassis are all discussed in this interview with Mike Dusold of Dusold Designs.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Most of us love the look of a classic car on the surface, but we've come a LONG way when it comes to the suspension geometry and engines hidden underneath. This particular setup uses a solid rear end with a watts link along with a 351 Ford Windsor-based V8 using twin Garret G-Series G35-900 turbochargers to produce 820hp at 8 psi, which is far from the ceiling but more than enough to start dialling in the car.

What is there to dial in when you can simulate so much in software like Performance Trends and Fusion 360 before even touching a welder these days? Mike explains that while on paper, or in this case screen, you can get an ideal setup, driver preference and real-world conditions still play a vital role. For that reason, critical adjustments like the roll centre height are never fixed based on untested educated assumptions alone. Also touched on is how the software is only as powerful as the data you can feed it, and gathering that data correctly is a skill set in itself.

The MoTeC-controlled 430 cubic inch 351 Windsor-based small block Ford V8 benefits from Trick Flow heads narrowing down the margins between it and the ever-popular LS V8 engine which Mike runs a variant of in his own Camaro. Having experience with both, a quick comparison is drawn between the two but as stated once you start getting over 1000hp you generally start running into similar problems on any engine, there is no perfect solution in every respect.

Lastly, we discuss some of the surprises electronic wastegate control via Turbosmart eGates can deliver along with some of the wiring considerations that are not necessarily as bad as some might think once set up correctly.

Brakes. They are arguably the most important aspect of any vehicle, performance or otherwise, but they are systems that do age, get damaged, or require upgrades, and YOU can do it.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Toni Copp of @BrakeQuip runs us through some of the basics when it comes to why brake hard lines are used instead of just running flex lines, like braided brake hose, throughout an entire vehicle, along with some of the common sizes and flaring options.

Toni also runs through what anyone interested in working on their own brake lines should have in their tool kit, and as always it includes making sure you use quality materials and quality, proven tools. That doesn't always just mean the most expensive ones you can find either, do your diligence.

Recommended tools for a job done once and done right:
- Quality flaring tool
- Straightener (that won't mar or damage your lines)
- Applicable benders (90 & 180 degrees are common)
- Stopper kit
- Line that is coiled and long to save on freight and the need for joiners

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a massive increase in the availability of ultra-high-performance billet parts — especially blocks and heads. This week’s guest, Chris Smith of Crest CNC, was one of the pioneers of this practice in the import category, but now he’s branching out from the 5-axis CNC and heading to the foundry to produce cast engine parts — we find out why.

Use “CREST50” to get 50% OFF our HPA 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

Chris Smith came up in the trade as an engine reconditioner, before buying his first CNC mill and starting on a career path that would eventually see his business become the go-to supplier of billet blocks and heads for some of the world’s fastest racers, as well as the odd OEM manufacturer.

This week’s conversation first jumps into the ins and outs of metallurgy and tribology (which, by the way, is the study of interacting surfaces in motion). We learn the difference between various materials commonly used in high-end performance applications — like 6061 and 7075 aluminium, for example —  as well as the pros and cons of different 3D scanning tools, coordinate measuring machines, and CAD software.

The conversation then steers itself towards the weaknesses of both Nissan’s VR38 and Subaru’s EJ motors, delving into how failures occur and how Chris addressed them with his billet block and head offerings. While on the subject, Chris also goes into detail on the advantages and disadvantages of wet and dry cylinder sleeves, as well as the reliability and maintenance requirements of billet engines.

This naturally brings us to the elephant in the room — why a billet engine specialist is now offering aftermarket cast engine products. Chris lays down the reasons why it’s a good idea, and takes pains to explain how aftermarket cast is very different from the cast blocks and heads that come off an OEM manufacturer’s production line.

Are aftermarket cast engine parts the way of the future? Listen to this episode with Chris Smith of Crest CNC and come to your own conclusion.

As discussed, you can listen to Tony Palo’s episode here: https://hpcdmy.co/tonypalo

Follow Crest CNC here:
IG: @crest_cnc_pty.ltd
FB: CREST CNC PTY. LTD.
TIKTOK: @Crest_CNC
WWW: crestcnc.com

Don’t forget, you can use “CREST50” to get 50% OFF our HPA 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb

The iC-7 is getting a birthday, and it’s backwards compatible.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

The iC-7 has always been a display-only device and has been priced accordingly, but with an upcoming firmware update, some added functionality is coming, all without any hardware changes, payments or strings. Further to this, the dash will now be controlled within Haltechs NSP software rather than the old standalone ICC software.

Scott Hilzinger also has some other major news, @haltech is also ready to open up their CAN protocols to the public, making it easier to integrate their products with a wide range of others for those who have the desire and knowledge to do so. This has come due to popular request, and the fact that all levels of the performance industry are simply better equipped to deal with CAN communications these days compared to just a few years ago.

This was filmed at the 2023 @WorldTimeAttackChallenge in Sydney, Australia.

If you want to learn more about CAN communication, yes, we do have a course on it and yes, that coupon above will get you a discount 💰🧠

You can design whatever you like using CAD for 2D and 3D modelling, but how do you get it off the screen and onto your project?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Founder and CEO, Jim Belousic of @sendcutsend, runs us through what a rapid manufacturing company like his is, what it can offer and what some of the most common pitfalls are for those just learning how to turn images into objects.

Accepted file types include .dxf, .step, .stp, .eps, and .ai, with STEP file types being a more recent inclusion and an option that can require some extra customer guidance when it comes to bending & bend reliefs, geometry sizing, and placements are going to physically work for the manufacturing process. Advice is also given on material choices for manufacturing, noting a rapid manufacturing company like SendCutSend will not engineer a part for you; they are just there to help you make it.

Design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) are also discussed with the likes of tab and slot aka self-fixturing design features helping to massive cut down in physical manufacturing time for those that employ them when compared to getting set up with magnets and clamps before welding. An example of this was at their 2022 SEMA stand, where 190 hours of design work took only 22 hours to make.

Some manufacturing options companies like SendCutSend offer will include: Laser cutting, CNC machining, waterjet cutting, bending, anodizing, countersinking, plating, and tapping.

**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 might not know the name, but you’ve probably seen Sam Albert’s Subaru WRX online. Powered by a screaming 4.3-litre Ferrari V8, Sam’s flame-spitting AWD rally car is fast, it’s cool, and it sounds amazing … But why go to all that trouble when Subaru’s own EJ drivetrain — the one that this car uses from the factory — has proven itself a capable championship-winning setup since the late eighties?

Use “SAMALBERT50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course: hpcdmy.co/driverb

This episode of Tuned In kicks off with a look into Sam’s history with cars and rallying — something he first competed in back in 2010. He’s also spent time as a driving instructor for DirtFish, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to discuss driving techniques like weight transfer, left-foot braking, handbrake turns, and much more. Sam also gives us some key tips on how someone new to the sport of rally is best to get into it and start building their first race car.

We then get to the meat and potatoes of the episode, as Sam gives us a full rundown of his incredible Ferrari-powered NA-AWD class build. This conversation covers all aspects — starting with why he decided to go down this route — with a car he bought off the lot brand new, no less — in the first place. Sam then discusses what led him to the Ferrari V8, how he worked around the rule book to build something unique, as well as the many challenges that came with fitting a motor like this into his Subaru shell.

It’s important to note that Sam doesn’t actually work in the automotive industry as a professional but instead learnt how to do things himself, including using HPA’s courses to learn how to wire his car. He’s also learning 3D modelling in order to design one-off parts for the Subaru — something that comes in handy for a one-off project like this.

With some informative conversations covering tuning around inlet restrictors, the pros and cons of other engines that were also considered, as well as a great explanation of what the car is like to drive and what gives it an edge, there’s a whole lot of interesting topics to dive into in this episode.

Don’t forget, Use “SAMALBERT50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course: hpcdmy.co/driverb

Follow Sam here:
IG: @samalbertrally
FB: Sam Albert Rally
YT: Sam Albert Rally
WWW: samalbertrally.com  

Autodesk Fusion 360 is still a 'new player' comparatively in the CAD/CAM software world, yet it is already more popular than man options that have been around for decades.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

During SEMA, Josh Reader of Autodesk gave us a quick run-through on some of the features that have helped Fusion 360 become so popular so quickly and helped us understand what some of the terms and workflows for CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) and CAD (computer-aided design) projects.

Some great key points for you here include clearing up misunderstandings on generative design and manufacturing, why simulation is used before running a project on a machine and the advantage of having software that is almost 'all in one' when it comes to iterative changes between you and your chosen machinist.

What is Fusion 360? 

Briefly, Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM solution for product (in our case, race car parts) development. It combines industrial and mechanical design, simulation, collaboration, and machining in a single package. It's an excellent option for makers who want to create their own designs or prototype parts with greater speed and efficiency. Although it may seem intimidating when people like Josh emphasize the importance of knowing what you're doing, remember that everyone starts from scratch. Even learning just one thing about CAD/CAM today is a valuable addition to your knowledge, which can be further expanded upon tomorrow. Over time, these incremental learnings accumulate to form a vast breadth of knowledge and experience. Remember, it all begins somewhere (and for 3D modelling that somewhere might be the HPA CAD course 😉).

Sick of cracked OEM cast blocks but don't have the use case for a billet alternative? Platinum Racing Products has something for you and your RB26-powered platform in the works.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

For years there has been a massive options gap between those who want to keep the likes a RB26 stock and those who race Pro Mod level drag cars producing 2000++ horsepower. Does an aftermarket ductile iron cast block bridge the gap for those in the middle who want to produce some serious power without the cost or complications of a billet block on a Nissan RB26-powered car that sees both street and track/race use?

Herman Urriola of @prp-platinumracingproducts7915 thinks so, and we'd agree.

In this interview, Herman and Andre run through some of the main flaws the Nissan and Nissan Heritage factory cast RB26 blocks have by discussing how PRP's ductile iron replacement via Crest CNC has addressed them. This includes superior material in the form of ductile iron giving greater rigidity, a 4 bolt main, 8mm bore thickness instead of the 3.5mm low that some Nissan RB26 blocks have, 14mm deck, improved serviceability and capacity options via sleeves, better oiling and head stud/main stud options to suit a range of built levels & demands.

Also touched on is why horsepower won't kill your OEM cast block, but rather cylinder pressure does (a topic we've discussed many times before) and why a billet aluminium alloy block simply doesn't suit 99% of those wanting to drive their car on the street.

We look forward to seeing this go into production, and Herman also gives some insight into what that process looks like in this day and age for aftermarket manufacturing companies like PRP. 

Executed well, this aftermarket RB26 casting can handle high cylinder pressure. However, for applications where it becomes too heavy, a billet block will be the alternative so it's certainly not the end of them. Like many parts, it's simply not a matter of 'this vs that,' but rather finding the right fit for the different use cases and accepting the tradeoffs.

PS: While we just focused on the block, PRP is also working on an RB26 cylinder head.

**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.**

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.

Use “MTPERFORMANCE50” for 50% off our HPA Engine Building Fundamentals course here: https://hpcdmy.co/enginebuild

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.

Follow MT Performance Engines here:
IG: @mtperformanceengines
FB: MT Performance Engines
YT: 199niko199

Don’t forget, use “MTPERFORMANCE50” for 50% off our HPA Engine Building Fundamentals course here: https://hpcdmy.co/enginebuild

You might argue that it's not hard to build a better Ferrari than Ferrari could in the 80's, but good fabrication is only half the battle when it comes time to hit the race track and dial it all in on the international stage.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

With very little stock Ferrari left, this 640hp at 14psi (1000hp capable future proofing included too 👌) could be expected to face some massive teething issues and hours upon hours of adjustments before a major motorsport event, but that is not how Mike Burroughs of StanceWorks rolls, nor does he need to after putting the hard yards into to logical and quality fabrication work over the last few years.

With a quick pad change to counter some brake bias issues, Mike was setting lap times out the gate, also thanks to time spent on the simulator pre event. This left the team free to make methodical, iterative changes over the weekend so Mike could chase his personal goal of continuous improvement remembering he is an expert fabricator, not Logan Sargent (which is a good thing in a way since it meant he didn't crash).

Mike and the crew did have some gearbox issues a while after this interview. It's all covered by some very polished content on the@stanceworks YT channel. It's well worth the watch.

What would be done differently if the clock could be reset and can we expect Mike back at the World Time Attack Challenge again?

The factory design of engine blocks did not anticipate the extreme boost pressures we see today, often struggling to even handle 15 psi let alone 100 psi or more which many are pushing down the drag strip. Fortunately, there are aftermarket modifications available that allow us to push the limits without the risk of splitting our engine blocks in half.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Modern engine builds now achieve power levels that were unimaginable not long ago, especially in small 4-cylinder applications, with boost pressures exceeding 100 psi. Products like Darton Sleeves have turned this once-unbelievable potential into reality.

John Catapang from @DartonSleeves1 answers our questions regarding the limitations of OEM sleeves and how their MID sleeves and improved fitment have addressed these issues. He also discusses the importance of precision machining and selecting a knowledgeable company, as a bad one certainly won't foot the bill for replacing your entire engine if they overpromise and underdeliver. Make sure to do your due diligence and choose a reputable company capable of delivering repeatable results.

Six-second Supras, monster GT-Rs, dyno tuning discussions, and much more — this episode with Varun Sharma of 101 Motorsport has it all.

Use “101MOTORSPORT200” to get $200 OFF our HPA VIP package: https://hpcdmy.co/vipb

Varun Sharma and his business, 101 Motorsport, first came to our attention eight years ago when we first laid eyes on the impressive “Mighty Mouse” Honda CRX build at World Time Attack Challenge. Since those days, we’ve been keeping tabs on Varun and his various builds and now we’ve finally managed to pry him away from the workshop for a couple of hours to jump on the podcast.

Varun started young, gaining a fascination with anything mechanical through tagging along with his father to strip cars at scrap yards in search of replacement parts. Then, a few years later, when Nissan dropped its dominant R32 Skyline GT-R right on top of the Fords and Holdens at Bathurst, Varun was sold on all things JDM.

This pushed him towards the automotive trades, starting as an apprentice mechanic at 101 Motorsport and absorbing as much information as he possibly could. A few years later, Varun had the opportunity to buy the business and he’s been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the strip, the street, and the race circuit ever since.

101 Motorsport offers a huge range of services, so this conversation is a wide-ranging one that discusses topics like dyno tuning, engine building, methanol tuning considerations, drag racing strategies, tuning for driveability, the business side of the equation, and a whole lot more.

This episode is a great listen that has a little bit of something for everyone.

As discussed, you can watch our interview with Varun discussing the Oceania Supra here: https://youtu.be/WqVo2KsT7os?si=UpSHJzM6HWvwTgt6

Follow 101 Motorsport here:
IG: @101.motorsport
FB: 101 Motorsport
WWW: 101motorsport.com.au

Don’t forget, you can use “101MOTORSPORT200” to get $200 OFF our HPA VIP package: https://hpcdmy.co/vipb

Engine swap, aero repackage, electronic overhaul and a switch to slicks are some of the major changes the legendary Hammerhead has seen during its transformation into what is an essentially new build in many respects, Tanuki.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

David Lenthall of GT Auto Garage discusses the 4.1L VR38DETT engine swap, which sees the venerable 900hp (approx) SR20VET retired in favour of more power (1080hp at 25 PSI) with less stress, but at the cost of some extra weight, 4% more of which is now over the front axle.

The Autronic ECU was replaced with a suite of MoTeC electronics largely due to the preference of owner Wayne Lee and those now running the car, including MoTeCs torque management options via their GPR package.

Also replaced is the iconic aero package with Andrew Brilliant AMB Aero engineering an infinity wing package for the car in part to update it and in part to help further establish it as something different.

With the help of tyre rule changes allowing slicks, Pro driver Tim Slade has Tanuki now down to 1:20.4560 with more in the tank after a wheel failure took them out of the competition for this year.

For some more insight into the history of this car, previous drivers include Shane Van Gisbergen, Earl Bamber, Warren Luff & Andre Heimgartner, with Tim Slade winning the Pro Class back to back in 2016 and 2017 among stiff competition.

Ever wondered what the difference between what you do with your crimpers and what those doing wiring work on a bigger scale is and how they maintain quality?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Quality tools and a solid process is the obvious answer, but what does that look like? Ryan Nicholls of Powertune runs us through some of the equipment they use, which enables them to deliver a quality crimp every time without fear of operator fatigue, tooling errors and similar. Interestingly crimping terminals for a Deutsch DTM, AMP Superseal connector or similar, setups like this will work to within 0.01mm of accuracy.

We also gain some insight into why stripping Tefzel wire is harder than lower-quality wire sheathing, although the minor complication is easily managed with appropriate tooling/strippers.

Of course, you can't mention crimping without soldering coming up and there will always be some applications it suits, but it's important to note even with soldering's inherent flaws when you do need to use it there are ways to mitigate the risk. At the end of the day a quality wiring job is about more than just the connection choice alone.

Few people know more about ultra-high-performance engine building than this week’s guest, Terry Radbourne of Bourne HPP. In this episode, we’re going to be discussing topics like creating engines for LMP1 and Mercedes’ F1 team, truly getting the absolute most out of Honda’s K series motor, as well as the odd controversial opinion that’s sure to get the comment section fired up.

Use “BOURNEHPP100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Engine Building package:
https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Terry brings an intriguing mix of expertise and insider knowledge — straight out of school, he found himself working for Advanced Engine Research and quickly became involved in some seriously high-end race engine design and building work. After a few years spent honing his craft — including a stint creating engines for the Mercedes Formula 1 team, Terry went on to found his own company, Bourne High Performance Powertrains, or Bourne HPP for short.

Bourne HPP specialises in designing and building seriously aggressive motors — most commonly of the Honda K-series variety in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. This allows us to dive very deep into the intricacies of four-cylinder engine building, and time is spent discussing intake port design, cylinder sleeves, compression ratio, and a whole lot more.

We also get stuck into the K-series motor itself, and Terry spends time talking us through exactly why he thinks this is one of the best engines ever produced and how to get the most out of it. As Bourne HPP is something of a one-stop-shop that does everything from engine rebuilds, to NA and turbocharged crate engine packages, to dyno tuning with the use of Syvecs and Lyfe Racing ECUs, Terry has an absolute oversupply of knowledge that he’s (mostly) willing to share.

If you want to get smarter, this episode with Terry Radbourne of Bourne HPP is not to be missed.

As mentioned in the podcast, you can listen to our episode featuring Syvec’s Ryan Griffiths here: https://hpcdmy.co/Syvecs

Follow Bourne HPP here:
IG: @bourne_hpp
FB: Bourne HPP
WWW: bournehpp.com

Don’t forget, you can use “BOURNEHPP100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Engine Building package:
https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Love them or hate them, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are here, so why not hammer the s%&t out of them on a race track just like we've been doing the old internal combustion engine (ICE) for years and years!

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Battery degradation & performance, $600 'Bonus Module' for 2 seconds a lap improvement, trackside sharing and more with Jordan Priestley of ReVolting Performance as he runs us through this 2021 Model 3 Performance Tesla while competing at the Optima Batteries street car challenge.

The car runs a number of Unplugged Performance suspension components and 4 point roll bar with JRi double adjustable shocks,  AP Racing brake package & square (same size front to rear) 19x11 Forgeline wheels wrapped in 305/30R19 Falkens.

Interestingly the battery level does operate within certain 'sweet spots' in relation to charge, with Jordan noting a 40mph loss of speed climbing up the hill at Laguna Seca at lesser charges. He also touches on his trackside generator charging setup, a common question from those interested in how EV guys manage battery charge during track/race days.

There is a long way to go with EVs to get them anywhere close to being the same when it comes to how a race weekend looks compared to someone just tipping E85 or similar in the tank, but racing is racing, and it's great to see some earlier adopters keen for some new challenges.

With WTAC moving from DOT-rated semi-slicks to full slicks, the RP968 was assured a faster lap time in 2023, and it delivered.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Race engineer Dejan Ninic of Complete Analysis, an ex-WRC consultant amongst other accolades, gives us the rundown on the change from Yokohama Advans to full slicks for the 2023 edition of the World Time Attack Challenge.

The RP968 team & driver Barton Mawer managed to get the time down from their previous best of 1:19.27 to 1:17.86 over the course of the weekend, giving them the overall win for the 4th time in a row.

We also saw a massive jump up the time sheets from Cole Powelson, going from a previous best of 1:30:02 to a 1:25.94 in the Lyfe Racing R35 GT-R. The old S13 Hammerhead, now under new ownership and rechristened as Tanuki, also set a blistering 1:20.45 time on debut, noting the car has also had some huge changes to be dialled in and had to be retired before the end of the event.

The Open and Clubsprint classes also saw some new class records this year from the Xtreme GTR and DC Jap Automotive teams noting not all classes have had the same options in tyre open up to them either.

Note 2023 tyre restrictions for Pro and Pro-Am Classes were in place in regards to the car weight dictating the allowable tyre width and height, so while teams can now run slicks, there are still limitations.

Sideways legend Ryan Tuerck joins us this week to sit down and discuss the many different aspects of his life — from finding competitive setups in an extremely cut-throat Formula D championship, to an in-depth look at some of his most incredible internet-breaking builds, to a frank discussion on the complete metamorphosis of the sport of drifting in the two-plus decades Ryan has been involved, and much more.

Use “TUERCK100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Motorsport Fabrication course: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

With a career spanning two decades, Ryan Tuerck has more insight than nearly anyone else out there when it comes to top-level drifting, the business of motorsport, and building some of the raddest Japanese cars the world has ever seen.

Ryan got into the sport after transitioning away from motocross as a teenager, and in this episode, he discusses those very early days and the cars he was building to try and compete on a national stage. This was also the time he began learning about the business side of the sport — Ryan spends some time in this conversation dropping plenty of knowledge and truth bombs about making it in professional motorsport, discussing sponsorships, budgets, results, and more.

Aside from his success in Formula D, Ryan is probably best known for his insane custom builds, and thankfully, we’re able to spend time running through the best of the best, from his competition GR Corolla to his Ferrari-powered 86, his insane Judd V10-powered GR Supra, and his latest Toyota Stout. Having so much experience in taking on massive projects like these, Ryan has some great advice to give about build planning, setting expectations, and recruiting the right people to get it all done.

This episode has broad appeal and will suit anyone with any type of interest in motorsport, drifting, project builds, and much more. 

Listen to John Reed’s episode here: https://hpcdmy.co/johnreed
Listen to Matt Bernasconi’s episode here: https://hpcdmy.co/mattb

Follow Ryan Tuerck here:
IG: @ryantuerck
FB: Ryan Tuerck
YT: ryantuerck

Don’t forget, you can use “TUERCK100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Motorsport Fabrication course: https://hpcdmy.co/fabpackageb

TIME STAMPS:
4:22 How did Ryan get into motorsport?
11:06 When did Ryan start competing?
12:50 Why JDM cars?
14:44 Becoming a pro driver
20:05 What type of car and power levels do you need to get into drifting?
22:59 How do you find sponsors?
28:07 Are the exhibition cars for fun or do they make up some of Ryan’s income?
30:04 How does Ryan find the right people to work on his projects?
32:22 Changes in drifting in the last 21 years
34:30 Rules in Formula Drift to regulate competition
36:11 Technology to improve drift judging
41:57 Starting with a known setup point
46:19 Ryan’s GR Corolla FD build
49:40 Nitrous Anti Lag
54:26 GT4586 project build
59:47 Ferrari 458 engine characteristics
1:04:48 Formula GR Supra
1:09:31 GR Supra Drive Train
1:11:54 Judd engine figures
1:14:21 Drifting the Supra wasn’t the best for the engine
1:17:42 Is the Supra a competitive time attack car?
1:21:38 Toyota Stout build
1:31:56 What’s Ryan’s favourite car in his garage?
1:35:04 Does Ryan still enjoy Formula Drift?

When a team is just starting with 900hp in a street-driven 4g63 powered EVO drag car, you know big things are coming!

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Why a 4g63 instead of a 4g64, nitrous for turbo spool and a 400hp boost, fire ring cylinder sealing and more from Jimmy Assaad of ERS Evolution Racing Spares as he runs us through this street-driven roll racer that has its long-term sights set on the 1/4 mile.

Putting down 900hp at 50psi on a rolling road dyno using pump E85 to start with, this Micks Motorsport-built 4g63 is no joke, with 1500hp at around 80psi running methanol fuel being a longer-term plan for the drag strip with the addition of a few more Siemens fuel injectors. A Platinum Racing Products-supplied Precision 8085 Next Gen turbo takes care of the boost with an Emtron electronics package, including a KV12 ECU and ED10M dash logger managing almost everything on the car via 50 odd sensors.

The Bullet Cylinder Heads billet 4g63 block runs copper gasket & aluminium bronze fire ring cylinder sealing setup, aluminium rods, custom pistons and non-MIVEC head with aftermarket cams package, all combinations that have been tried and tested over the years.

With an 18-inch SSR wheel package for the street and a 15-inch Belak package for the track wrapped in 275 Hoosiers, no compromises need to be made when it comes to comfort vs. grip, and a Wilwood brake package still fits under the 15inch rim nicely to haul things up at the end of a run.

A paddle-shifted Holinger Engineering sequential, Active Traction Service (ATS) carbon clutch and a retained active centre differential (ACD) round off the drivetrain, with carbon clutches being more common in circuit racing but likely to hold up fine for drag racing, too.

At the time of filming, the immediate goals are to see what power can be made while still running pump E85 at 60-65psi of boost with a 400hp nitrous shot on tap for further testing.

Why would you consider a desktop CNC machine? Would it be worth the investment over a 3D printer, and how long would it take to pay itself off? Bantam Tools Rob Lorentzen runs us through some CNC milling basics about their (currently) $6,500 USD desktop CNC milling machine to help us understand if this is an investment that may or may not suit our fabrication goals or even our wider local car community.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

We also dive a little into what CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) is when it comes to learning how to set tool paths and more, as well as some material options for prototyping and finished products.

This product integrates well with software like Fusion 360 and is ready to go out of the box with minimal maintenance required so long as you keep it within the recommended operational window (not hard to do).

Desktop CNC specs: https://store.bantamtools.com/collect...
- 28,000rpm spindle
- 7” x 9” x 3.3” build volume (work area)
- ER-11 collet (not proprietary; you have many tool options)
- 4th axis capable

Despite how quickly the world is changing, race cars, track days, and the world of motorsport at large aren’t going anywhere. In this episode, we sit down with two pioneers who are leading the charge towards the inevitable adoption of viable EV platforms in amateur-level racing with their startup Scalar Performance.

Use “SCALAR100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Track Day Package: https://hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

Joel Fallaise and Brian Bourne have walked very different paths getting to where they are today, with Joel having a background in the performance aftermarket and motorsport scene, and Brian coming from the IT world. Once they met and started collaborating on a few different projects, they realised they shared a common goal — being pioneers in racing and not just looking towards the future, but committing their effort, time, and funds to take serious, carefully considered steps to get there.

The result is the Scalar SCR1, a 460hp race car that uses Toyota’s current GR86 platform as its base. Unlike factory-built sport-focused EVs out there, this machine is able to run endurance race laps at GT4 class speeds without complaint — and that’s no easy feat.

This episode is a deep dive into the complexities of developing a viable EV race car, from choosing the components, to designing battery packs and electrical systems, to managing the extreme cooling solutions needed for a project like this. The team shares their experiences, the hurdles they faced, and some intriguing topics like regenerative braking, the life expectancy of the motor and battery pack, and the safety challenges of EVs in motorsport.

This is an eye-opening episode that might just change your view of electric vehicles in motorsport.

Follow Scalar Performance here:
IG: @scalarperformance
YT: Scalar Performance
WWW: scalarperformance.com

4:38 — How did Joel get into the industry?
7:47 — Brian's professional background
16:40 — Formal Qualifications
19:18 — Overview of Scalar Performance
27:10 — Racing an ICE vehicle vs an EV vehicle
31:27 — Why the GR86?
33:25 — Why create the SCR1 instead of modifying a Tesla?
36:33 — Modification to chassis
45:32 — Cost of EV components
48:39 — 3D modelling the SCR1
52:00 — What is an inverter?
1:02:09 — Cooling the batteries and motor
1:10:08 — Charging challenges
1:12:22 — Regenerative braking
1:17:38 — Power delivery of the Cascadia motor
1:20:38 — Maintenence costs
1:25:17 — Cost of the SCR1
1:27:39 — A dedicated race series?
1:30:34 — Integrating EVs into motorsport
1:34:08 — EV safety and thermal runaway

Don’t forget, you can use “SCALAR100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Track Day Package: https://hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

With 450hp to 1000hp on tap via an EMtron ECU control strategy incorporating a drive-by-wire (DBW) throttle body, this V8 swapped Fox Boy Mustang, an exciting project we couldn't resist chatting about.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Sam Hiu Bin of CWI Performance runs us through this 7.3L V8 Mustang build that has taken the Ford 'Godzilla' V8, never designed for race cars, and put it in a race car anyway. Not only that, but the team has also added a ProCharger centrifugal supercharger to ramp up the output in a compact package. It is as compact as a 7.3L V8 shoehorned into a Fox Body Mustang can be, anyway.

The biggest physical challenge with the Ford Godzilla for a swap like this is the height, but teamed with Indy Power Products, the oil pump has been moved so that a smaller wet sump setup can be used, allowing the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis. The CWI Performance 3-piece billet intake manifold also helps reduce the height at the top of the engine and incorporates a 1400hp capable C&R / PWR intercooler core to further improve packaging options as well as options to fit a 105mm or smaller LS throttle body or a Ford Coyote/Godzilla flavour too.

Boost-wise, the car produces 450whp at around 2pi, with it only taking 15psi to get it over 1000whp and the EMtron package also takes care of exhaust gas temperature (EGT) monitoring for both tuning and engine health functions. Even using an E90 ethanol blend, the car does see some knock/detonation, partly thanks to its 10.5:1 compression ratio, but the dual bank knock control takes care of this when the temperatures get high enough for it to start occurring.

Direct injection has many benefits for OEM applications, but it isn't as easily customised as port injection options on some platforms. Why is this the case, and what can we do about it?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Due to the nature of direct injection and how it operates in a GM application, it simply isn't a matter of adding aftermarket injectors and turning up the fueling like we often can with port injection, given that DI fuel pumps in GMs LT engines are camshaft driven. 

Michael Sitar of TooHighPsi has an option for GM LT V8 owners that can take the LT1 and LT4 variates beyond their 600hp and 700hp ceiling imposed by the stock direct injection system without dealing with camshaft complications, and that is done by adding port injection and tapping into the factory GM ECU's CAN Bus data stream.

At this stage customers are up in the 1400hp regions with some drag applications with plenty of margin left in their injector duty cycles for future development and additional power potential.

If you have any interest in engines, there’s a good chance you’ve already come across this week’s guest — Driving 4 Answers of YouTube fame. With nearly a million subscribers, Driving 4 Answers is one of the biggest technically-focused automotive channels on YouTube. Today we sit down with the one-man-band creator, researcher, host, and editor to talk about his love for engines, how he breaks down complex engineering topics and makes them easy to understand, and, of course, we’ve got to jump into a huge stack of nerdy engine topics.

Use “DRIVING100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package course: https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Driving 4 Answers has a fascinating story to tell, and his passion for all things combustion engineering is very obvious. Despite his extremely in-depth knowledge and understanding, Driving 4 Answers has zero education in the subject and actually ditched a high-pressure career in the upper echelons of European politics to do what he loves — learning, talking, and educating people about automotive engineering, especially when it comes to motors.

On the technical side, we delve right into the weeds in this episode, discussing the complexities of horsepower and torque, the importance of engine balance and rod/stroke ratio, bike carbs, the joys of modern standalone ECUs, over-engineered old Toyotas, and everything in between.

In this conversation, we also explore Driving 4 Answers’ transformation from regular Bosnian car enthusiast to YouTube personality. If you’re interested in producing your own online videos, this conversation also covers Driving 4 Answers’ experience with content creation, the lessons he’s learnt, and how he deals with the inevitable trolls that surface once you start to gain traction.

Follow Driving 4 Answers here:
IG: @driving4answers
YT: Driving 4 Answers

Don’t forget, you can use “DRIVING100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package course: https://hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

TIME STAMPS:
3:10 - How did you get into cars?
7:30 - Do you have a formal education?
9:50 - Learning without an engineering degree
16:00 - How did Driving 4 Answers start?
17:35 - Loving old Toyotas 
25:50 - Becoming a full-time YouTuber
35:05 - Dealing with trolls
39:30 - Misinformation in the performance auto industry
49:20 - Why Toyota's 4AFE?
1:00:35 - Aftermarket ECU discussion
1:14:00 - AW11 MR2 power figures
1:23:10 - Rod-to-stroke ratios
1:32:00 - Engine balance

No boost, no worries! This C5 Corvette is filling the trophy cabinet on displacement alone.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Jake Rozelle's C5 Z06 Chevrolet Corvette is no stranger to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational having taken victory previously in what is a well setup street driven race car. The 800hp (to the crank) 7.2L/440cu Lingenfelter Eliminator R Spec LS7 contains forged rotating assemblies, CNC-ported cylinder heads, competition-grade fasteners, precision balance procedures & hydraulic roller camshaft internally, as well as a Dailey Engineering dry sump, Performance Design intake manifold with some tuning being done to the intake runner lengths over time. With just oil changes over the last 2 seasons of racing it certainly seems to be a package that is working well for Jake in this application.

The hydraulic cam profile is in its element with the 8,000rpm redline being within the comfort zone and the 14:1 compression engine runs E85 via a flex fuel setup in street form and Ignite Ready 90 on race day. Engine management is done by a GM ACDelco E92 ECU from a later model vehicle of the Cadillac CTS-V & Corvette C6 ZR1 era.

While an advantage of retaining a OEM GM ECU originally was the ability to keep features like the stock ABS system, Jake has since gone the popular route of fitting an aftermarket/standalone $1200 MK60 ABS system with an off-the-shelf tune from CSL Performance and he gives us some insight into the installation and use of such an ABS system which are becoming more and more popular at club level racing despite the initial push back from the good old armchair racers we've seen over the years.

The introduction of drive-by-wire throttle has changed the game for what is possible when it comes to electronic engine control systems, but is it all as simple as just opening a torque request table and tuning everything to 11?

As Paul Blamire of EcuTek explains, no, it is far from that simple but also not by any means unmanageable. 

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As every JDM fanboy knows, Nissan Skyline GT-Rs are fast — the question is, with the right knowledge and skills behind a GT-R, just how fast can these iconic 90s machines go? So far, the answer to that question is 6.37 at 224mph.

‘JUNII’ is the street-legal, AWD R32 GT-R that holds this record, and on this week’s episode of Tuned In, we get to sit down with the building and tuning force behind this insane machine, as well as many other record-setters — Con Tatsis of Croydon Racing Developments.

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Con didn’t start Croydon Racing Developments — he actually first walked through the doors as a work experience kid, before leaving school to take up a junior role at the highly-respected Sydney shop. Over the following years, Con would become a qualified mechanic and soak up all the tuning knowledge he could from the original owners, before taking over the business a few years ago.

In this conversation, we jump straight into some fairly intense discussions on everything tuning, including opinions on the drawbacks of rolling road and hub dynos, an interesting discussion on the best engine platform to learn to tune on, as well as the simple joys of tuning a simple NA motor to absolute perfection.

The chat then turns towards all things Nissan Skyline and RB, diving down a fair few rabbit holes as our host Andre tries to squeeze all the gold he can out of Con’s brain when it comes to building massive-power Nissan RB engines, 110mm turbos pushing nearly 100psi, dealing with 4WD launches at the sort of performance levels CRD is churning out, and more.

This conversation is a great look into the sharpest end of import tuning and racing, and with various record-breaking builds regularly hitting Sydney’s streets, dragstrips, and race circuits under his belt every weekend, Con is a voice well worth listening to.

Follow Croydon Racing Developments here:
IG: @croydonracingdevelopments
FB: Croydon Racing Developments

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Checking for boost leaks should be part of your routine maintenance schedule, but is it?

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Mark from Redline Detection runs us through how checking for boost/air leaks can help avoid misdiagnosis as well as ensure a job well done when reassembling an engine, helping rule out any unintentionally introduced errors while on the tools.

While these units are aimed at commercial users and have expandable adaptors to help with quick and easy use for mechanics and technicians, they do offer some home enthusiast-level options and of course, you can piece together your own kit for a specific vehicle too, or simply find a local workshop to do this for you on a routine basis instead.

While we do lean towards how to find a boost leak as our example in this discussion, such machines can be used to find any air leaks in your intake, exhaust and coolant systems, and even batteries for those working on EVs.

Are you sick of playing the guessing game when it comes to setting up the suspension and tyre systems in your race or road car? If you’ve ever felt like you’re throwing alignment adjustments, damper settings, and spring rate changes at the pit wall just to see what sticks when making changes to your or your customer’s vehicle, then this episode with Bruno Finco of Optimum G is going to be a perfect listen.

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Originally from Brazil and now based in Colorado, unusually for a guest of the Tuned In podcast, Bruno didn’t have all that much interest in cars growing up — it wasn’t until he went to university to gain a degree in mechatronics engineering that he joined the school’s Formula SAE team and began a life-long love affair with all things motorsport.

Walking out of university and straight into a role at Colorado-based Optimum G, Bruno has since gone on to become the motorsport tech company’s Lead Performance Engineer, and now spends his time travelling around the world’s greatest race circuits, gathering data, helping both race teams and OEMs optimise their vehicle dynamics, and teaching others how to do the same through the use of Optimum G’s highly-regarded software packages.

The bulk of this admittedly very tech-heavy episode consists of Bruno talking us through the many nuanced points of motorsport handling and performance, breaking down concepts into their many facets. This includes roll centre, tyre slip angle, Ackermann steering, anti-dive and squat, plus much more.

Bruno also explains how Optimum G’s software works, and most interestingly, despite how it first looks, how it’s not something you need to have a Ph.D. in order to understand and use to substantially improve your vehicle’s performance.

A more thorough explanation of Ackermann steering can be found here.

Find all the resources Bruno mentioned in this episode here.

Follow Bruno and Optimum G here:
IG: @optimumg, @bruno.finco
LI: OptimumG
YT: OptimumG
WWW: optimumg.com

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It doesn't matter how much money you pour into the engine and electronics in your car, if the contact patch between your tyres and the track is not optimal then you're going to have subpar handling and results.

Want to learn how to set up the suspension on your car properly? Here's the place to do it: https://hpcdmy.co/handleb

At Sema, Tom Chan from DSC Sport runs us through how their TracTive Suspension controllers can help drivers and teams get better results with a setup that adapts on the fly to changing driving and weather conditions as well as pre-empting requirements via g-force, vehicle speed, brake line and velocity sensors.

Interestingly a system like this can be as simple or as complicated as you wish with plug-and-play options that are tuned from the 'driver down' to simplify the process with the ability to dive into features such as an electronic bump stop which will be a much-loved feature for any car running a lot of aero such as Time Attack.

What’s the difference between a high-end professional motorsport ECU from Bosch and the consumer-level stuff we’re more used to dealing with from manufacturers like MoTeC, EmTron, or Haltech? Does your race car really need motorsport-specific ABS, or will the factory equipment do the job just fine? And why does the European hill climb scene consistently produce some of the coolest race cars in the world? All these questions, plus many more, are answered by this week’s Tuned In podcast guest, Mikko Kataja of VHT Racing.

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Being Finnish, it’s not much of a surprise that Mikko grew up around motorsport, and rally in particular. Some of Mikko’s earliest memories involve helping his father and family friends in the pits at rally events across Finland. It seemed pre-ordained then, that Mikko would find himself stepping into motorsport as a career once leaving high school.

After training in two motorsport-specific schools, running his own tuning business, and working for various race teams and OEMs worldwide, Mikko found himself living in Germany and working for Bosch Motorsport as an engineer, where he still is today. This all puts Mikko in the perfect position to answer our burning questions about all things motorsport electronics and European hillclimbing — an arena in which he has competed for many years now.

This conversation begins with a dive into the Finnish motorsport scene, attempting to answer the age-old question of why so many legendary drivers come from this big country with its tiny population. We cover Mikko’s early days competing in rally, circuit racing, and rally sprints — the very flat Finland’s version of a hill climb. This next brings us to Mikko’s faithful hillclimb KP Toyota Starlet, a car that he’s been campaigning and developing for over two decades now.

Mikko talks us through the many iterations that the Starlet has seen over the years, and all the learnings he’s gained from trying different setups in the suspension, driveline, and engine department — from pushing a 4A-GE just about as far as you could possibly go, to the Radical Precision Engineering Hayabusa V8 setup that he’s currently using to great success in the European Hillclimb Championship. This Starlet has a fantastic development story, going from a 2K-powered hack to a monstrously fast, big-winged, screaming weapon bristling with the latest ultra-high-end Bosch motorsport electronics.

As you’d expect, this brings us to Mikko’s work at Bosch Motorsport, where we take a deep dive into what sets pricey Bosch ECUs apart from more consumer-grade offerings that we’re all more familiar with. We also take some time out to really understand motorsport ABS, as this is something that Mikko works with on a daily basis and uses in his own race car.

Follow Mikko here:
IG: @vhtracing
FB: VHTRacing Engineering
YT: VHTRacing

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No competent driver likes a car that moves around under braking and is lazy to turn in or out of a corner for no good reason, so they throw many OEM suspension components in the rubbish bin, including factory rubber bushings. Why?

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James Bourn of Powerflex explains that while rubber bushings, aka bushes, provided by the OEM are good at cutting back noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), they are not made to last, nor are they made to perform. They are made to tick the right boxes for the price without compromising handling so much that they get land vehicles with poor safety ratings, as well as lasting just long enough to not be a warranty claim.

For better performance, one alternative is to remove as much compliance as possible using solid bushes, mounts and spherical bearings etc., such as you find in many dedicated motorsport applications. But this, 100% without fail, introduces incredible NVH that is white noise on a race track and permanent hearing loss inflicting, or divorce, territory on the road.

Instead of solid mounts or rubber, we can have our cake and eat it too with polyurethane options instead which offer less compliance than OEM rubber bushes along with a longer lifespan, to the point they come with a lifetime warranty (but only for road and classic car use, NOT the BLACK SERIES aimed at motorsport sadly!), along with levels of NVH that won't give you PTSD from a 12-hour cross country road trip.

On top of that, polyurethane bushes will give you, the driver, more confidence in the vehicle leading to more consistent lap times and pace, making better use of all that time and money it takes to get your car out on track in the first place.

Have you ever needed to get a part custom-made and been shocked at just how much it cost? In this episode of Tuned In, we sit down with Dan Melling from Kiwi CNC to find out exactly what’s involved in making bespoke one-off parts — from the initial measurements to the 3D modelling, to the prototyping, and to the milling and finishing of the final product. Once you’re done with this episode, you’re going to have a solid understanding of machining in the motorsport world, and maybe even pick up a few ways you can do some of the leg work yourself to save on the final bill.

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Growing up, all Dan wanted to be was an Air Force pilot, gaining his pilot's license while still in high school and then joining the New Zealand Air Force as soon as he could. While the pilot gig didn’t work out, Dan was still exposed to the world of machining, quickly building up his knowledge and skills while still in uniform. Once it was time to venture out into the civilian world, Dan worked in the aeronautical industry designing and machining parts from scratch before eventually deciding to commit to starting his own business catering to high-end automotive machine work. Thus, KiwiCNC was born.

Over the following years, Dan crafted a business that produces some of the prettiest billet components produced anywhere in the world, covering everything from sumps to suspension parts, diff covers, and plenty of one-off custom work.

In this episode, we get Dan to break down every aspect of his business and explain it thoroughly. This covers everything from the bare minimum amount of equipment to start a machine shop, the prototyping process, how CNC machines actually work and what’s needed to run them, plus much more.

We also cover 3D modelling and discuss whether generative design is actually useful in the real world and not just the latest buzzword. Dan then lays down a great impromptu 3D printer buyer’s guide and some excellent lessons he’s learnt running a small business that caters to customers who are willing to spend big money for the products he’s able to produce.

Even if you have no interest in getting into machining yourself, the knowledge found in this episode is going to be invaluable when the time comes to design your own parts and find someone to create them.

Watch the amphibious van news segment here: https://youtu.be/HDzTE_a0VYQ?si=Ge6hnJw1yhfW0ZDp

Follow KiwiCNC here:
IG: @kiwicnc
FB: Kiwi CNC Ltd
WWW: kiwicnc.com

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Data logging can seem daunting, but ultimately for limited costs and inputs, it can help make you much, much faster on track than many realise.

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It's generally assumed that you need to be a Race Engineer or have access to a team of them to make the most of data, but as Roger from AiM Sportline highlights, that just simply isn't the case. With a few main inputs, specifically speed, lateral and longitudinal g-forces, and your GPS position on track, it's possible to see where on track, or even map one out, you're fastest and slowest, as well as calculating your lap times.

What channels should be added from there is covered, along with the fact that many modern vehicles have these sensors as OEM standard, just waiting for you to tap into them.

With a unit like the AiM Sportline Solo2, a standalone data logging device, you can use this data to work out split times around the track, set reference laps and in realtime see where you are by comparison to that reference or your lap times throughout the day.

Roger also explains how the inaccuracies of GPS/GLONASS about positional data are not a major setback these days, both about the number of satellites in the sky and the accuracy of relative data.

The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform is extremely popular in the enthusiast market for plenty of reasons. It’s simple, it’s rear-wheel-drive, it handles, it’s cheap — and there are few platforms out there that have the kind of aftermarket support that the ZN6 has. This is all to say that building one of these cars to a level where it stands above the rest takes something a little special. Cam Cocalis, this week’s guest, knows this all too well, having built one of the most impressive 86s out there, and one that was good enough to find its way into the top 12 of last year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

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Cam has built something pretty special. It’s one of the wildest ZN6s on the planet with a tube frame front and rear end, expansive cage, wild LS3 powerplant, custom cantilever suspension, and much more. The best part? Cam is only 22, and everything he’s done to this car — design, fabrication, paint, wiring, and more — were skills that he learnt himself using the power of the internet.

In this episode, we talk to Cam about how he became obsessed with the ZN6 platform in his teenage years (which wasn’t that long ago to be fair), culminating at 17 years old when he bought this very FRS as his first car. With Cam’s other main interest being art, he was able to transfer his creative side into the automotive world. We then jump into a full build breakdown on the Scion itself, in which Cam takes us through the whats, whys, and hows of the car. This machine went from your typical Rocket Bunny bagged-on-big-wheels 86 build to something worthy of SEMA glory, so there’s a lot to cover.

Cam also discusses wiring, design, and fabrication at length, covering his ethos behind many of the choices he made on the fabrication side, as well as a breakdown of all the tools he uses in his home garage — the total cost of which might shock you.

This episode shows you that you don’t have to be a professional in the industry or have the best gear in order to build top-level vehicles — you just need the right ideas, motivation, and a healthy internet connection. Let this conversation with Cam Cocalis provide the inspiration you need to get started.

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Follow Cam here:
IG: @cam.cocalis
YT: Cam Cocalis

Get the what, how and why on the 6.0L LS-powered Nissan Frontier, aka Navara from owner/builder Stephen Dorrick of @LOJConversions.

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A 700hp+ 6.0L  LS engine owing around 6k USD powered this rather porky 4720lbs (2100kg) chassis to 2nd place in the GTT @optimabatteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational at @semashow. Build wise forged @MAHLEGroup pistons and @Lunatipower connecting rods are used along with @KingBearings engine bearings, ported LS3 head and aftermarket cams. The twin @BorgWarnerCorporate Airwerks  S257 SX-E run around 13psi but there is room to go up to 20psi on occasion thanks in part to the use of an E50 flavoured ethanol fuel blend.

A @haltech Elite 2500 manages the engine with an I/O expander to increase sensor inputs for a well set up and nicely prioritised engine protection strategy. This Nissan is AWD with the use of a TR6060 mated to a transfer case from a Chevy Blazer which gave Stephen an easier job of using the likes of a Y62 Patrol rear diff with that rear end seeing 70% of the torque split.

The LS retains a wet sump, however, it has been modified and an Accusump is fitted for extra insurance and with essentially only @vikingperformance2574 Berserker coil-overs fitted there are plans to upgrade much of the suspension components in the future to remove excess compliance as well as a focus on weight reduction.

Have you ever dreamt of climbing to the very top of your chosen motorsport and beating the world’s best? That’s exactly what Hayden Paddon, this week’s podcast guest, has done. As a past WRC round winner and current European Rally Champion, Hayden is a wealth of knowledge on all things rally, and spends some time in this episode talking through us through what life is like at the highest levels of the sport, what the future of rally might look like, and much more. 

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Born in a little town in the South Island of New Zealand, Hayden Paddon was introduced to the world of motorsport early thanks to his rally-driving father. Racing karts and rally events growing up, Hayden went from strength to strength before claiming the first of five national rally titles in 2008. Hayden then burst onto the world stage, becoming the PWRC world champion in 2011, and soon found his way into the big leagues with the factory Hyundai WRC team, claiming a hard-fought win in 2016’s Rally of Argentina.

For any driver outside of Europe to get a seat in a factory WRC team is impressive — let alone a round win. It sounds like a fairytale, but the reality is of course very different — it’s been far from all rainbows and unicorns, and Hayden opens up in this episode about just how hard the journey to the top is. And then staying there? Well that’s even harder still.

Hayden talks us through the various machinations, politics, and extreme levels of pressure at this elite level of motorsport — and this includes some really good advice around getting and, more importantly, keeping sponsors.

These days, when he’s not dominating the European Rally Championship, recently becoming the first non-European to win it, Hayden spends as much time back home in New Zealand as possible, developing his own take on the possible future of the sport in his Hyundai Kona EV rally weapon. Hayden breaks down the build, explaining how it all works and what advantages and disadvantages an electric vehicle has over the traditional ICE-powered rally car.

This episode provides a fantastic look inside the world of WRC, covering everything from the insane stress of leading a rally with a seven-time world champion only two seconds behind, to how a co-driver and driver relationship actually works, and much more.

*NOTE* At the time of recording, Hayden was yet to secure this year’s European Rally Championship.

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Follow Hayden here:
IG: @haydenpaddon
FB: Hayden Paddon
WWW: haydenpaddon.com

The legendary title-winning GT300 350Z Nissan hits the Time Attack scene. Get some insight into a factory race car setup including BoP restrictions & more in this [TECH TOUR].

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Restricted to 300hp for class rules, this VQ35DE powered JGTC (Now Super GT) Z33 350z interesting sees up to 480hp due to some clever intake work by Nismo according to owner and driver Dale Malone of DM Motorsport with a maximum output of 580hp being a potential, but only for a short period of time mainly due to harmonics being an issue at high RPM.

The car runs an older Pectel Cosworth electronics package with Windows 95 still being the required OS to run the tuning software. While it's great to keep things original, complications like this are one of the reasons why we see many people update the electronics in older racing platforms in order to give more flexibility and even increase reliability with the modern crop of ECU's and sensors we have available nowadays.

One of the interesting aspects of this car is the 28l intake and airbox which allowed for an extra boost of power coming out of the corners before the intake restrictors, the size of which was dictated by the circuit back when it was a factory race car with teams having a range of engine maps to suit.

Common to motorsport applications a Hewland split shaft transmission which allows for individual gear ratio adjustment and a PI Research data logging system is in place however other than the general engine inputs for the World Time Attack Challenge, shock potentiometers are the only added extra for the moment along with a GT500 aero setup, GT500 being a less restrictive class in the same series at the time.

With enough effort and development time, where's the limit on how much power you can extract from an engine? On this episode, Mark Mazurowski of Mazworx is here to talk about his own experiences in doing just that with Nissan’s iconic 90s workhorse, the four-cylinder SR20.

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Mazworx is a well-known name in the industry — particularly if you have an interest in imports, but prior to starting the company two decades ago, owner Mark Mazurowski was about as far from the Japanese performance scene as you could get — being way more interested in classic domestic muscle.

That all changed after enlisting in the US Marines, which eventually saw him posted to Japan, where he was exposed to the JDM sports car scene in what was inarguably its golden era of the mid-nineties. When the time came to leave, Mark was able to ship his personal S13 back to the States just in time to catch the explosion of US import culture. One mechanical engineering degree later, and Mark waded into the deep end by starting his own business.

In this episode, Mark talks about how Mazworx quickly became the go-to outfit for all things Nissan SR20, as well as the many business successes and failures he’s seen over the years and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

As we run Mazworx products on our own SR20VE-powered Toyota 86 endurance car, Andre couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pick Mark’s brain and extract plenty of hard-to-come-by SR knowledge. As you can imagine, this means the conversation goes way deep into Nissan’s best-known four-cylinder, and there’s a lot of wisdom to be found.

Mark also discusses his SR20 billet blocks, as well as his own drag car, which runs a 2000hp version of the billet motor and was once the world’s quickest and fastest four-cylinder. Times have moved on since, and the car is now sitting in seventh place… but there are plans afoot to take that record back by pushing boost way up to figures nearing 200psi, which should see somewhere north of an insane 3000hp using a compound turbo setup.

With some great insight into what makes a tuning shop actually profitable instead of perpetually treading water, as well as an interesting comparison between the SR20 and the new gold standard Honda K20, there’s a lot to chew on in this great episode of Tuned In with Mark Mazurowski of Mazworx.

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Follow Mazworx here:
IG: @mazworx
FB: Mazworx Racing Engines
WWW: mazworx.com

This 1973 Datsun 240Z (S30) is an excellent example of modernising an older vehicle for competition motorsports, and still driving it home afterwards complete with aftermarket ABS!

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With double the stock horsepower via a 3L Nissan L28 with custom pistons, rods, cam, and a ported N42 head care of Datsun Spirit Inc, Darren Garvin's 240Z (aka Nissan Fairlady Z) was a standout from the crowd at the 2022 OPTIMA street car challenge.

An Electromotive electronics package has been utilised to help take the car from its factory 150hp (at the crank) carbed output to 300hp at the wheels, with the ATI harmonic damper holding a hall effect trigger setup and the TPS and MAP sensors being used as load inputs and a Jenvey Dynamics 50mm ITB setup on intake duty. Also discussed are other considerations around a carb to EFI conversion.

A faster car needs better brakes, with the factory setup, including drum brakes on the rear, being retired in favour of an Arizonzacar brake package that includes Willwood 4 piston callipers and 12.5" rotors. The car also utilises an ABS system from an E46 M3 BMW, and Darren runs us through the requirements, including yaw, pressure and speed sensors.

The drivetrain sees a 240SX gearbox mated to a 280Z bell housing, Quaife diff and CV axles to put the power to the ground, and a shortened driveshaft and Techno Toy mount kit to help get and keep it all in place.

With most owners ditching their L series in favour of an RB26 or LS V8, it's nice to see this 240Z chassis simply modernised vs radicalised and with 40-50hp more as planned, this car is undoubtedly going to be even more of a weapon on track.

There’s no denying that the C6 Corvette is an excellent sports car platform, but it’s probably not the first option that many people reach for when looking to put together an ultra-competitive top-level time attack car. Feras Qartoumy clearly understands its potential, though. He’s not only built a competitive Corvette — he’s built an absolute monster that doesn’t just take podiums, it smashes plenty of outright lap records too.

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If you’ve been following time attack in the US at all, Feras Qartoumy is a name you’re probably already familiar with. Along with his trusty Corvette, Feras has set and reset many lap records on circuits around the US, consistently proving to be the man to beat.

In this episode, Feras first talks us through how he built up the skills he uses to build and improve his rapid Corvette, before diving into his racing history that started with karts and pro-touring muscle cars.

The sport of time attack is next on the table, as Feras breaks down the format, explaining how it all works and the differences between time attack in the US versus locations like Australia and Japan.

The conversation next dives deep into Feras’ dominating twin-turbo C6 Corvette. All aspects of the car are broken down and explained, from the powerplant to the suspension, to the aerodynamics package, and much more. Feras goes into an excellent amount of detail in explaining why he made the decisions he did when putting this build together, and just why he thinks the car is as fast as it is. To be clear, although this definitely isn’t a super cheap build, it’s also not an open-chequebook project either, and there’s some great insight in this episode when it comes to getting the most speed out of your dollar.

This conversation also covers the centrifugal blower vs turbo argument, building engines for time attack racing, motorsport traction control, how Feras fabricated his own aero package for the car, and a whole lot more.

With the Corvette currently on its way to Sydney for this year’s World Time Attack Challenge, we’re looking forward to seeing just what this all-American record-breaking machine and its driver can accomplish on a world stage.

Watch our SEMA 2022 interview with Feras here: youtu.be/xhcPXKrw1aw

As mentioned, you can listen to our episode with Andrew Brilliant here, and our episode with Paul Lucas of Verus Engineering here.

Don’t forget, use “FERAS100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Track Day Package: hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

Follow Feras here:
IG: @feras_qartoumy
YT: Feras Qartoumy

What do you know about rocket antilag systems? Not much? Good, you're going to love this then.

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Sporting a 1200hp LS7-based engine, Mike DuSolds 1967 Chevrolet Camaro has been 'slightly' modified for competition motorsport anywhere from sea level, to 14,000ft (4,300m). Time attack, hill climbs, street car challenges, this car does it all and more. With power at altitude a major focus of the current specs, the Dart Machinery block, 6 bolt GM Performance Parts LandSpeed Developments ported cylinder head and Shauns Custom Alloy intake are just a few parts that help the car produce torque low down and keep the 88mm Garrett turbo forcing air as it should. A MoTeC ECU is used with a custom Motorsport Electronics firmware package is used to control this race cars somewhat unique setup.

Some clever suspension design and adjustment points which allow quick motion ratio changes that don't impact on overall car setup is just one feature the custom tube framed chassis offers with a transaxle rear (SADEV and Corvette combo) and approx 1450kg total weight.

Mike also gives a great explanation on camber gain and their prototype/simplified rocket antilag system (ALS) that has been so successful there has been no need to produce the 'real' version just yet with some more testing and insight required to understand what makes what shouldn't work on paper amazing in reality. Another surprise discovery in the quest for peak performance racing up the side of a mountain was the exhaust size and pressure ratios seeing the setup run what a N/A engine normally would with again the real data tearing up the notebook.

Drive nearly a thousand miles cross country, sit in traffic for hours, and spend your days laying down five and six-second ETs at the drag strip for a week solid? ‘Drag and drive’ events are a unique form of torture for some of the world’s fastest street cars. In this episode, Steve of Steve Morris Engines is on the podcast to tell us how he builds a 4500+hp motor that can handle that kind of punishment.

Use “STEVEMORRIS100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package: hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Steve Morris is one of the true legends of the drag engine building scene, and in this episode, we start by getting an interesting look into the convoluted path that his career and business took to get where it is today.

That business is best known for its extremely high horsepower boosted V8 packages — especially the all-billet SMX and SML engines. One of the biggest selling points of these insane engines is that they’re street-capable, and have proven themselves time and time again in tortuous drag and drive events across the States.

These events require a car to be able to carry all its own spares (usually by towing a small trailer) and drive large distances between race venues within a one-week period — occasionally sitting in traffic for extended periods of time. Steve goes into detail on the unique challenges this form of racing presents and how he builds engines for it that are up to the task, giving up some tasty engine-building insight and knowledge carved from years worth of research and development.

With some great conversations around the age-old superchargers versus turbochargers debate, favoured ECU options for this type of racing, the usefulness and reliability of electronic wastegates and more, this episode is well worth a listen.

Don’t forget, use “STEVEMORRIS100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Engine Building Starter Package: hpcdmy.co/enginepackageb

Follow Sam here:
IG: @stevemorrisengines
FB: Steve Morris Engines
YT: Steve Morris Engines
WWW: stevemorrisengines.com 

DCT considerations, GT-R vs Huracan, horsepower vs car setup, this interview has it all.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Competition between the Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracan and long-established Nissan R35 GT-R platforms has been heating up in the drag racing world for some time, and our next guest is no stranger to being at the pointy end of the time sheets in more than one of these packages.

Jordan Martins Prime Cuts Chop Shop Lamborghini Huracan, the @AMSPerformance  Alpha Omega 'dragbo' is an impressive car, and at @semashow he gave us some insight into this specific package which at the time of filming saw it being the 2nd fastest Huracan on the 1/4.

Sporting twin @GarrettTurbos G42-1450 pushing 37-39psi of boost through the 5.2-litre @Lamborghini V10 has gone from 600hp (naturally aspirated) to well over 2000hp while retaining the stock block, and bores with a factory rotating assembly even seeing solid reliability up to the 1200-1300hp range. Some comparisons around this and the VR38 in the R35 platform are discussed along with when a billet block might be considered down the line.

Also touched on is the importance of the @MoTeCAustralia traction control setup for helping launch the car, ideally without wheeling which this platform is inherently prone to doing, along with the chassis, tyre and JRZ suspension setup vs just dumping more and more power into the equation in the quest for faster passes. Drag racing with a dual clutch transmission (DCT) is also a topic we get into again drawing some comparisons to the R35 platform with a nod to John Reed Racings polished development in this area.

The goal for Jordan and the team are to get into the 6's with this platform, and we have no reason to believe they won't reach this goal and beyond.

You might not know the name, but you’ve probably seen Sam Albert’s Subaru WRX online. Powered by a screaming 4.3-litre Ferrari V8, Sam’s flame-spitting AWD rally car is fast, it’s cool, and it sounds amazing … But why go to all that trouble when Subaru’s own EJ drivetrain — the one that this car uses from the factory — has proven itself a capable championship-winning setup since the late eighties?

Use “SAMALBERT50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course: hpcdmy.co/driverb

This episode of Tuned In kicks off with a look into Sam’s history with cars and rallying — something he first competed in back in 2010. He’s also spent time as a driving instructor for DirtFish, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to discuss driving techniques like weight transfer, left-foot braking, handbrake turns, and much more. Sam also gives us some key tips on how someone new to the sport of rally is best to get into it and start building their first race car.

We then get to the meat and potatoes of the episode, as Sam gives us a full rundown of his incredible Ferrari-powered NA-AWD class build. This conversation covers all aspects — starting with why he decided to go down this route — with a car he bought off the lot brand new, no less — in the first place. Sam then discusses what led him to the Ferrari V8, how he worked around the rule book to build something unique, as well as the many challenges that came with fitting a motor like this into his Subaru shell.

It’s important to note that Sam doesn’t actually work in the automotive industry as a professional but instead learnt how to do things himself, including using HPA’s courses to learn how to wire his car. He’s also learning 3D modelling in order to design one-off parts for the Subaru — something that comes in handy for a one-off project like this.

With some informative conversations covering tuning around inlet restrictors, the pros and cons of other engines that were also considered, as well as a great explanation of what the car is like to drive and what gives it an edge, there’s a whole lot of interesting topics to dive into in this episode.

Don’t forget, Use “SAMALBERT50” to get 50% OFF our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course: hpcdmy.co/driverb

Follow Sam here:
IG: @samalbertrally
FB: Sam Albert Rally
YT: Sam Albert Rally
WWW: samalbertrally.com  

CAD is the future, and the future is here, but is an engineering degree a necessity to break into this world for your own projects or even professionally?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

As the man in charge of this side of the business, Dmitriy Orlov of BBI Autosport is no stranger to computer-aided design (CAD) and the manufacturing processes that take things from screen to 3D printer, CNC machine or even paper template.

Leaning on his years of practical experience in the industry Dmitriy covers a huge range of valuable topics to anyone interested in learning how to use tools like CAD themselves including where to start (small) and when you should be creative vs pragmatic in relation to design vs manufacturing as well as dealing with the old 'you have to be an engineer to make parts' statement many love to make.

Also discussed is some insight into the Hoonipigasus project which saw multiple people working on a range of software including Autodesk Alias & Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS, & Siemens Solid Edge, all at the same time and in a very short time frame.

Tools like generative flow, generative design and the ease of adding constraints to match manufacturing restrictions as well as 3rd party manufacturing options are touched on as well as the general excitement of what is to come in the future. Remember, the best time to start learning a skill you are interested in is now, and the best applications are projects you are interested in finding solutions for/on.

More engine capacity, bigger turbos, wider rubber. As enthusiasts, we’re almost hard-wired to want more of everything. In the motorsport world, however, bigger often isn’t better and it sometimes takes experience — often gained through painful lessons — to properly understand that and to build a car right. No one knows this better than this week’s guest, Jimmy Assaad of Evolution Racing Supplies.

Use “ERS100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Track Day Package here: hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

Jimmy started off his automotive life like many Sydney kids of the era — with a love for Mazda rotaries. That all changed the day he lined up for a friendly race with a mate that owned a Mitsubishi Evo. After seeing what that platform could do against the RX-7 he owned at the time, Jimmy pivoted away from rotary life and dove headfirst into the world of fast Mitsubishis.

From that point on, he’s built a string of rapid Evos, running quick times at the dragstrip before deciding to try his hand at circuit racing by building a monster Evo VI RS, set up to take on the fiercely-contested Clubsprint class at World Time Attack Challenge. In this episode, Jimmy breaks down his championship-winning Evo, discussing the lessons learnt in the car’s development, as well as his decision to change up the build with a less-is-more ethos as the main driving force.

Besides building rapid Mitsubishis, Jimmy also decided to leave his profession as a plumber nearly a decade ago in order to turn his passion into a living, starting Evolution Racing Supplies. What started as a side hustle finding and dismantling Evos for resale to like-minded people has become a thriving business that employs numerous staff wrecking a range of different performance vehicles, as well as full workshop services and aftermarket parts sales. Jimmy is able to provide a really interesting look into the high-performance vehicle dismantling business — something that we’ve never really discussed on this podcast before.

There are plenty of great chats in this episode about all things Evo, covering all generations as well as all the great Mitsubishi acronyms — MIVEC, ACD, S-AYC — and much, much more.

Take a better look at Jimmy’s Evo VI RS here: https://youtu.be/QEjaA1fwncg

Follow Evolution Race Spares here:
IG: @evolutionracingspares
FB: ERS Evolution Racing Spares
YT: Evolution Racing Spares Official
WWW: evolutionracingspares.com.au
PH: 0430 805 359

Don’t forget, Use “ERS100” to get $100 OFF our HPA Track Day Package here: hpcdmy.co/trackdayb

Laser welding in industrial environments is becoming more and more popular than traditional MIG welding and TIG welding methods, but why?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Serra Laser's Evan Shea runs us through some of the differences and similarities of a laser welder compared to TIG welding, including why a laser weld can not only be faster but also stronger and cheaper than a TIG weld.

Using the IPG LightWELD 1500 laser welder as the example, we take a look at what shielding gas is used between nitrogen gas and argon gas with a laser welder for copper, aluminium, titanium, steel, stainless steel & nickel alloys as well as discussing if back purging is still required.

Material preparation and fit up are also talked about, along with a laser welder's ability to put less heat into your material while being 4 x faster or more in some cases than TIG welding and at least 2 x faster than MIG welding while still being able to weld material as thick as 6.35mm (1/4") with good penetration.

While the price of laser welding machines is out of reach for most home welders for the moment, this is a technology that has already seen a significant reduction in price over just the last few years as well as the portability (not discussed) of laser welding units improving as well.

We're excited to see where laser welding continues to head in the future regarding motorsport fabrication across all levels, from local club racing to professional race builds.

While you might be able to get away with a little sloppiness when building an engine for a street car, that’s not going to fly when it comes to dedicated race engines. In this episode, we sit down with Tom Hughes from Hughes Race Engineering to discuss exactly why that is, how we can ensure we’re building our engines right, what makes a great naturally aspirated race engine build, and much more.

Use “HUGHES50” to get 50% off our HPA Practical Engine Building Course here: hpcdmy.co/practicalengineb

The conversation this week kicks off with Tom’s background and journey towards owning and operating his own high-end engine building business. Tom went through the apprenticeship route, first starting out learning the trade at a reputable race engine builder, before pivoting towards rocketry of all things.

After a few years spent building rocket engines for New Zealand’s Rocket Lab, Tom decided to put the house up for sale and bet it all on what would become Hughes Race Engineering, which focuses on high-end race engine builds. While the business spends plenty of time building monster RB26s, 3S-GEs, and even GR Yaris G16E-GTSs, Tom’s speciality is Toyota’s venerable 1UZ-FE quad cam V8. These four-litre alloy V8s have long been used in the popular speedway scene in New Zealand, and Tom is a wizard when it comes to squeezing big power out of them, all while sticking within the restrictive Super Stock class rules.

These engines are covered in great detail in this conversation, as is a wider discussion around what needs to be done in order to build dependable, high-revving, naturally aspirated engines that can’t hide any shortcomings behind a wall of boost. There’s also plenty of talk in this episode around tolerances, flow numbers, when to outsource parts of your process, and much more — so if you’re even remotely interested in engine building or starting a business in the industry, this one is well worth your time.

Don’t forget, use “HUGHES50” to get 50% off our HPA Practical Engine Building Course here: hpcdmy.co/practicalengineb

Follow Hughes Race Engineering here:
IG: @hughesraceengineering
FB: Hughes Race Engineering
YT: Hughes Race Engineering
WWW: hre.co.nz

Can you run a billet block on a street build? With 1650whp what 1/4 mile time can a full trim R34 do?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

With 1650whp at 55psi of boost this R34 GTR Skyline is arguably one of Australia's fastest roll racers, and even more impressively this 1600kg car will do 8-second passes while retaining the full stock trim as Av from B2R Motorsports explains.

Running a 3.4l Bullet Race Engineering 'hybrid' billet block, this 3.4L RB has all the usual suspects covered modification-wise internally including a Callies Performance Products custom crankshaft, CP-Carrillo rods and pistons, Ferrea copper bronze valve guides & more, but interestingly retains a relatively stock cylinder head. The car runs pump E85 (ethanol fuel blend) with a 9.5:1 compression ratio, and like you would expect, the Nissan CAS is in a rubbish bin somewhere with a Ross Performance Parts 36-2 trigger kit replacing it.

A Precision GEN2 Pro Mod 88 turbo handles the forced induction side of things with a plug and play Link ECU G4X R34 PnP covering engine management. Fuel injection limitations in both the current setup and with this specific ECU option will see the team move to a batch fire setup in the future, which is a common and proven solution in situations like this.

An Albins Performance Transmissions ST6, Hollinger Engineering 9" rear and ETS-Pro torque split controller handle most of the drivetrain requirements with the standard ATTESA system still handling things for the most part for now when it comes to AWD.

The car is lacking in safety features for 1/4 mile runs and will need more attention in this area in the future for this use, however, for roll racing only at the likes of Sydney Motorsport Park a safety structure/roll cage is not a requirement.

And we’re back! After a few weeks away from the microphone, we’re jumping back into the Tuned In podcast with our longest and tech-heaviest episode yet — one that will satisfy even the nerdiest listeners.

Use “DIGGLES100” for $100 off our HPA Engine Building Starter Package here: https://www.hpacademy.com/hpa-engine-building-starter-package/

This week, we’re talking to Australia’s Ben Diggles. Ben is somewhat unique as a Tuned In guest due to the fact he doesn’t work in the motorsport industry — as an accomplished marine biologist with a couple of doctorates under his belt, he’s quite far from it.

That career choice hasn’t stopped him from being one of the smartest people in the engine-building world, though, as Ben has spent his weekends for most of his adult life tinkering with cars — more specifically extremely high-output four-cylinder engines.

Down in our part of the world, Ben is well known for his work pushing Nissan’s mostly-forgotten FJ20 two-litre four-cylinder to its absolute maximum, first by building a 9.1-second Nissan S12 Gazelle street car years back that still holds the S12 world record, before moving his FJ expertise to a rear-engined dragster that has so far run a best of 6.7 down the quarter mile.

In this episode, Ben and Andre go way deep on ultra-high performance engine building, discussing different types of abnormal combustion and their causes, compression ratio considerations, mixture preparations, included valve angles, and much more.

There’s also a whole lot of FJ20 talk, including a comparison with a more modern gold-standard four-cylinder Honda K-series, as well as some surprising chats about the future of motorsport and the ever-advancing world of EVs.

There’s so much to chew on in this episode that it might require a couple of listens just to digest all the golden tech nuggets found within. 

Don’t forget, use “DIGGLES100” for $100 off our HPA Engine Building Starter Package here: https://www.hpacademy.com/hpa-engine-building-starter-package/

Active aero, mid-mounted flat 6 pushing out 1400hp at sea level, 1100hp at the Pikes Peak start line and 900hp at the top of the mountain. What does any of that mean or matter?

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

NOTE: This was recorded before the sudden and sad passing of driver Ken Block in early 2023. RIP to a motorsport and performance industry legend.

Betim Berisha gives us the [TECH TALK] @semashow rundown on the @BBIAutosport 1972-ish Porsche SVRSR “Hoonipigasus” Open Class @pikespeakhillclimb1916 build which runs a modified Porsche GT3 R 4.0L flat 6 engine cranking out 900hp to 1400hp, depending how far up the side of a mountain you are.

Why an early 70's Porsche based design via Joe Scarbo @scarboperformance8623 was used is discussed along with some of the challenges relating to a mid-mounted engine setup as well as aero packaging advantages via the 6000 pound of downforce at 160mph via CFD goal @VerusEngineering had, and how that stacked up (well) in reality.

As discussed elsewhere the 2022 attempt at Pikes Peak sadly ended with engine failure which BBi and associated partners have not hidden away helping us all see that no matter the budget and level we're working at, sometimes things can and will go wrong. Importantly @gscpowerdivision5618 has since done the work to identify and solve 2022's weak link, with further testing to find and fix more planned.

Electronics wise the car runs two @MoTeCAustralia M142 ECUs and a @boschglobal PDM which are taken care of by Sander over at Obsidian Motorsport Group who we have talked with via the 051 Tuned In podcast on this build previously too.

What's the best way to tackle a big build project and actually follow through to its completion? Just how useful is learning how to design in CAD? Is stance dead? And just how the hell did Ferrari manage to build such an overweight and underpowered car?

These questions and many more interesting head-scratchers are all answered on this week's episode of the High Performance Academy Tuned In podcast with our guest, Mike Burroughs of StanceWorks.

Use ‘STANCEWORKS50’ for 50% off HPA's 3D Modeling & CAD for Motorsport Course here: hpacademy.com/courses/3d-modeling-and-cad-for-motorsport/

From humble beginnings, Mike became one of a few key figures that helped to push the automotive landscape in a whole new direction during the 2010s. This week's conversation kicks off by exploring Mike's emergence onto the international car scene through his founding of StanceWorks and his internet-breaking builds, before discussing the 'stance' scene's meteoric rise, unavoidable peak, and inevitable decline.

 Mike was able to translate that early success into a full-time career, and now runs a successful YouTube channel alongside the ever-popular StanceWorks site. Andre digs into this transition and how it's actually financially viable, before discussing Mike's biggest selling point — his insane builds.

Mike has zero relevant qualifications and has simply learnt everything as he goes, documenting it all for the world to see. This means he's picked up plenty of lessons along the way, and talks Andre through the most important things he's learnt when it comes to tackling big builds — and that means learning how to fabricate, weld, CAD design, and everything else in between.

Then there's the bright yellow elephant in the room — Mike's Honda-powered Ferrari 308 project. Although the purists might turn their noses up at this build, Mike dives deep into explaining exactly why he took a pristine classic Ferrari and tore it to pieces in order to create a 1000hp, K24-powered, street-legal time attack weapon.

If you love the buzz that comes with getting another job done on your build, or you're just about to pull the trigger on a new project car, or maybe you just love a little controversy — this is going to be a great listen for you.

Want to learn how to do your own fabrication work on your build? Here's the perfect place to start: https://hpcdmy.co/fabb

Follow Mike here:
www.stanceworks.com
IG: @mike_stanceworks
YT: Stanceworks

How do you trigger both Mercedes and Mazda purists at once? This. This is how you do it, and we think it's awesome.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Tuning and wiring specialist Adam Peeling of Smart EFI (who we've spoken to previously at Pikes Peak) gives us a rundown on this build and his involvement.

Originally a 1993 FD3S but looking far from stock these days a Mercedes M120 6L V12 with custom rods, pistons, cams, valve train, 5-stage dry sump, ported heads and more is the new heart of the Pistachio RX7, which was previously swapped with one of those tiny wee V8 numbers too as well as having a pretty serious turbocharged rotary build via someone else's hands in the 90's (think OG Fast and Furious, but without the 18-speed Roadranger movie gearbox special).

The cable-driven Hi-Boost individual throttle body (ITB) equipped  M120 is running 11.8:1 compression, a 1.96 rod-to-stroke ratio to match the 9,000rpm or so limit the team is gunning for 850hp to 1000hp using ethanol-based fuel to gain the upper hand over AMG's 720hp Pagani Zonda M120 offering/s (they had a few versions). The variable cam timing has also been removed and as Adam helps explain the use of an HGT Precision 6-speed sequential customisable ratios the car is setup to stay in 'the sweet spot'.

A distinct Live To Offend (LTO/Kyza) body kit wraps the shell which also contains a @haltech NEXUS R5 'Swiss army ECU' that has a ton of onboard features, including a 16-channel PDM. There are enough outputs to power this build, but the use of Kaizen relays is an easy addition if that changes in future.

Adam also runs us through some of the wiring work including how to work some magic when it comes to booting connectors that are not designed for it in order to fully seal the concentrically twisted harness along with some explanation on the use of 'Milspec'  connectors vs the likes of Souriau offerings or the Autosport line from TE Connectivity.

While this is a build you could say is somewhat typical of SEMA when it comes to the fact it is not yet running, we think the historical achievements of @GooichiMotors and the team they surround themselves with ensure that this won't disappoint when it's time to put those Toyo tyres to the test. No pressure guys.

You can find Adam & Smart EFI here: https://www.facebook.com/SmartEFI/

“Circuit drivers see one corner 1000 times — rally drivers see 1000 corners one time.” In this High Performance Academy Tuned In episode, we’re joined by the one and only Dave Carapetyan of Rally Ready.

Use ‘RALLYREADY50’  to get 50% off HPA's Suspension Tuning & Optimization course: hpacademy.com/courses/suspension-and-car-setup

Better known as ‘Texas Dave’, this driver and instructor owns and operates the Rally Ready driving school on a converted cattle ranch 30 minutes outside of Austin, and joins podcast host Andre Simon for a dive deep into the world of rally. 

Dave first breaks down the sport, explaining the ins and outs of stages, co-drivers, service intervals and everything in between, before jumping into the mechanical side of the equation to talk about damper setup, braking needs, and the importance of horsepower.  

There’s a lot that goes into building a winning rally car and, as you can probably guess, it’s more than just piecing together a rapid machine.

Time is also spent covering the best ways for an amateur to get into this sport, from the right vehicle to pick, to setting realistic expectations, to just how much money you really need to be competitive. The guys also have an interesting chat around FWD vs RWD vs AWD that may surprise a few listeners.

Lastly, although there’s a lot that goes into building the abilities needed to become a podium-level rally driver, Dave still thinks there are a few key skills that, when mastered, will get all the aspiring Sebastian Loebs out there a long way towards success — even rally newbies like Daniel Ricciardo.

Want to take your driving skills to the next level? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/driverb

Follow Dave here:
IG: @texas_dave, @rallyready, @brcc_motorsports
FB: Rally Ready Driving School
WWW: rallyready.com

Factory Mazda parts quality and their limits, knock/detonation in a rotary engine, lightened rotors, stud kits, clearancing plus ethanol fuel advantages are just a few of the topics discussed with Rob Dahm adding more and more specific details the deeper the discussion gets.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

Rotary engine building traditionally has had 2 extremes, those building them poorly and blaming engine, and those building them well via experience they don't wish to share sometimes for understandable commercial reasons.

Rob Dahm considers himself an entertainer, but through that role, he has helped share his journey into the world of rotary engine tuning and building with no filter on his successes or failures and insight into the work trailblazers like PAC Performance and similar have accomplished so far.

At SEMA we had a chance to pick his brain about this journey, what he has learnt and now what advice he can give others keen to dive into this world too.

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.

Use 'SASHA100'  to get $100 OFF HPA's Wiring Starter Package: hpacademy.com/hpa-wiring-starter-package/

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.

Follow Sasha here:
IG: @sashaanis14, @mountainpassperformance
WWW: mountainpassperformance.com

Want to learn more about motorsport wiring? Claim your spot for the next FREE lesson: https://hpcdmy.co/wireb