Tuned In

Latest Episodes:

Field Report: 4 Rotor Build Out, 7.4L N/A V8 In. Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Quad Rotor vs V8, Procharger vs Natural Aspiration and more.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
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.

118: Spend Less Time & Money On Your Build. Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

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?

Field Report: What IS this thing!?! Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Why does this 800hp car look like it belongs to racing classic DTM cars, and what's up with the 6 cylinders?
Aleck Kazakovski of GotItRex explains some of the tech talk story of how this GC8/Type R STi has grown into the monster it is today, with multiple time attack wins in Australia and a unique but well-proven setup.
The turbocharged EG33 is capable of 9,500rpm and 750kw (1000hp) at 40 PSI, but the team dials things back in the interests of reliability and wallet health to a 'modest' 600kw (800hp) at 25 PSI and a 9,000rpm limit. Madness!
There isn't much that hasn't been touched on the EG33 to make this happen, including being bored and stroked with extensive headwork to give a very usable powerband with full boost from 4,500 rpm. Lubrication is handled by a custom GIR dry sump setup using existing off-the-shelf components. Clever!
An EMtron electronics package helps keep it all working as intended, and a Modena sequential transmission package puts the power to the ground without turning into Swiss cheese as you would expect the OEM Subaru parts to; however, OEM housings and much of the physical placements are retained or at least are very close to where they were which keeps some of the heritage rather than being a complete Frankensteins monster. No doubt, this also enables an easy time with spares and repairs.
A PE Racing pedal box and AP Racing calipers and rotors help haul the car up for the corners, with Aleck and the team opting to avoid some of the oversized rear brake issues many Subaru owners fall into the trap of, and ABS is on the cards for the future to help leverage the system further.

Field Report: Overlooked Essentials or Overkill Components? Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

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

117: Got an LS? Here’s How to Get the Most Out of Tuning It. Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

What you need to know about tuning General Motors’ LS engines thanks to Matt Sanford of Tuning-Tips.com.
Use “MATT100” to get $100 OFF HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb
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.

Field Report: How Far is Too Far...? | 1300HP Engine Tuning Insight. Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

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.

Field Report: What do 2-stoke Detroit diesels and this LS V8 have in common? Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

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

116: Building an Offroad Viper — Dumb, Awesome, or Both? Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

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.

Field Report: How The Xtreme GTR Was Built To Smash Records. Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

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.
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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

Field Report: Is This 'Future You'? May 29, 2024

Show notes

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.
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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

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