Tuned In

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Field Report: Getting 1200HP To The Ground | R35 GTR Wheel Alignment. May 17, 2023

Show notes

@LYFEmotorsport and their 1200HP R35 GTR are no strangers to Time Attack or track records having reset their own R35 record at the 2019 WTAC (when this was filmed), BUT, it takes a lot more than just bolting a bunch of parts together and going ‘full send’ to achieve these results as Cole Powelson explains in relation to wheel alignments.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
The 4L Nissan VR38 powered and MoTeC-controlled car runs CCW 18*12.5 one-piece wheels which are wrapped in controlled Yokohama Advan tyres. To get the most out of the package, the team rely on data from the car via tyre temperatures, shock potentiometers above the Ohlins TTX dampers, and driver feedback to make logical changes. This attention to detail is part and parcel when it comes to ensuring that the tyre temperatures are even across their widths and that the car has the maximum contact patch possible where required on track.
Cole explains why Infrared sensors are great for live data, and why teams will still physically check temperatures under the tyre surface as quickly as possible when the car hits the pits after a hot lap. When adjustments need to be made, a simple string alignment kit and ruler are used due to their simplicity, ease of transport and most importantly their accurate and repeatable results.
At this event, Cole reset the team's own R35 GTR record but fell just short of the 1-29 that they really wanted to hit with a best time of 1-30.0230, so close! The car was doing dual duties due to a rule change this year and saw Rob ‘Chairslayer’ Parson’s WTAC debut with an impressive 1-34.1840.
Want to learn how to do your own wheel alignments at home? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/alignb

084: Going From Inductive Ignition to CDI and Gaining 500hp. May 12, 2023

Show notes

Bolting a 4000+hp twin turbo V8-powered drag car onto a dyno and pushing it to its limits isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s just another day in the office for this week’s guest, Anderson Dick of FuelTech USA.
Use “FUELTECH100” for $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter package here: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb
Founding FuelTech 20 years ago as an electrical engineering student in Brazil, Anderson started from absolute scratch with very little support and no other ECU products on hand to even take inspiration from.
The problem, as Anderson explains in this episode, was that extremely strict import regulations put the Brazillian motorsport scene a good couple of decades behind the rest of the world — so much so that enthusiasts were pulling EFI systems off cars and fitting carburettors in order to run forced induction. If that sounds backwards to you, Anderson doesn’t disagree, and took it upon himself to create what was then a very simple programmable EFI computer to try and bring his country into the 21st century.
Two decades later and FuelTech is a leader in the EFI management space, especially when it comes to extremely high horsepower drag applications. So, after Anderson talks us through the very early days of his career and the unique challenges he came up against, the conversation naturally moves to tuning big power cars.
Petrol vs Ethanol vs Methanol tuning, Inductive vs CDI ignition systems, reading spark plugs, and much, much is covered in this fascinating episode. If you want to pick up some new tuning knowledge from one of the best in the industry (we certainly did), this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
Follow FuelTech here:
IG: @fueltechusa
FB: FuelTech USA
YT: FuelTech USA
WWW: fueltech.net
Don’t forget, use “FUELTECH100” for $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter package here: https://hpcdmy.co/starterb

Field Report: Building For 1000hp, But Aiming For 650hp | Ryan Tuerck’s Stout. May 10, 2023

Show notes

When you think drifting, you also think of a 1966 Toyota Stout right?
Even if you don't, Ryan Tuerck's mate did, so that is what he's built with @toyotausa and @OfficialMobil1. Moving on from the previous Ferrari-powered GT86 (GT4586) and Formula Supra (Judd V10 powered) time attack builds this drift ute, or drift truck depending on your regional dialect, fell just short of laying rubber at @semashow 22', but is tantalisingly close to doing so very soon.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Powered by a 3S-GTE that's also a little bit 5S-FE, 600-650hp is the goal although 1000hp would be possible, it probably wouldn't work well with the 275's on the rear and light weight.
The 3SGTE (MR2, Celica) based build sports a @Turbobygarrett GTX 770 turbocharger, mild cams, 10:1 compression, non-stroker crank and 87mm bore giving a capacity of 2.1L. The 5S-FE block which is normally 2.2L is used for its increased strength over the 3S and the team hopes to get 3 seasons of runs out of this setup before a refresh is due with @JohnReedRacing tuning the project.
Electronics are handled by @unicorngarage6095 and a suite of @MoTeCAustralia products from the M150 ECU, C1212 dash logger to a PDM30 which will see the car run without fuses or relays, something the Toyota engineers in the 1960's no doubt wouldn't have thought likely all those years ago. Probably weren't expecting 600hp+ rather than the stock 85hp either!
Drivetrain and suspension wise the somewhat classic Holinger sequential transmission and @wintersperformanceproducts rear end will play nicely with the tried and tested double A arm setup out of a Chevrolet Corvette which should give no nasty surprises and only straightforward setup changes once shakedown runs begin.
'Sick utes' aka pre-runner aficionados @Kibbetech handled the tube frame chassis design and fabrication with CNC support from Bending Solutions (Rob Parsons) with many hours spent in CAD beforehand to give an accurate finished product rather than one that needed some major or minor 'fettling' as is sometimes the case with one off 'build as you go' projects that need more time than was on hand for this particular project.
Jon Sibal has done a great job of helping this vision look awesome not just in the mind but also in the flesh with his work on the body kit which thanks to some laser scanning and great work from ADV Fiberglass has turned out perfect.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

083: Is Tuning on the Street Actually Better Than the Dyno? May 05, 2023

Show notes

What’s the best bang-for-buck calibration platform for a late-model GM vehicle? Is there anything you can’t do on a good reflashing platform? And just how hard is it to make money in the automotive YouTube space? Jeremy Formato of Fasterproms joins us this week to answer these questions and many more.
Use “FASTERPROMS75” for $75 off our Practical Reflash Tuning course here: https://hpcdmy.co/reflashb
Many will know Jeremy from his popular YouTube channel and tuning business, Fasterproms. Those that have watched, will know that this is a guy who has been in the tuning game for many years, growing up with a father that was a pioneer in the aftermarket fuel injection tuning space.
In this episode, we discuss Jeremy’s start in the game as he learned the ropes from his father and his father’s colleagues before taking over the business nearly straight out of high school. Like anyone who has been doing this for a while, Jeremy’s got some great anecdotes from the early days, which are always a good reminder of just how good we’ve got it now.
We next dive deep into the world of reflashing GM vehicles — by far the most cost-effective way of modifying the calibration of these potential-filled machines. The amount of power that we’ve now got when it comes to reflashing these vehicles is astonishing — there’s really not a lot we can’t do. There are of course cons to go with all the pros, so Jeremy and Andre break these down and discuss at what point someone should consider moving to an aftermarket standalone ECU.
Next, we spend some time talking about the different ways we can approach tuning — everyone associates tuning with a dyno, but with the prevalence of street tuning, as well as the increasing popularity of e-tuning, it’s not the only way to get it done.
This conversation also spends a little time discussing YouTube, and Jeremy is open about exactly why he reduced his video output dramatically over the last year.
Follow Fasterproms here:
IG: @fasterproms
FB: Fasterproms
YT: Fasterproms
WWW: fasterproms.net
Don’t forget, use “FASTERPROMS75” for $75 off our Practical Reflash Tuning course here: https://hpcdmy.co/reflashb

Field Report: Goodnight 2JZ? | 1200HP B58. Stock Block, Stock Bores & No Dry Sump!? May 03, 2023

Show notes

When everyone was knee-jerk reacting negatively to the B58 engine in the A90 Toyota Supra, Stephen Papadakis & crew were the guys getting data, testing setups and then getting results on track on the 8,900rpm limiter.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
As discussed, Papadakis Racing hasn't had a B58 development program without any issues, but I think after this interview we can all honestly say there were not as many as we all might have thought! From boost response to bearing and engine coatings, lubrication and cooling systems, the quest for more and more power vs grip, this interview covers a lot of ground.
Getting 1200hp from the 8,900rpm limited platform, the team hits 2023 fresh off a championship win in Formula Drift and dives into further development of their 3.2L stroker version on tracks that favour more power, vs their tried and trusted 3.0L version on shorter runs.
The 6 cylinder alloy block runs JE pistons with stock rings, aftermarket bearings via ACL or King Bearings removing one choke point for failure along with a Supertech valvetrain and post 2021 6 port A91 B58 head. A BorgWarner 9274 is used with the 3.0L build and a 9280 with the 3.2L ensures appropriate turbo response for the multiple title-winning driver Fredric Aasbø. Low boost is around 1.2 Bar, high 2.3 Bar (17-33 Psi) with help from TiAL wastegates and AEM boost control solenoids
Also discussed is why the CSF Radiator setup and similar are now so often found in the rear of a drift car along with some insights into the stock lubrication system, Valvetronic setup and how impressive, or unimpressive in the case of the stock bearings, OEM coatings can be on modern engine builds.
Not discussed but of interest, the car runs an AEM Infinity ECU, Injector Dynamics ID 2000 injectors delivering E85 fuel, Brian Crower 100mm crank, MOAR series I-Beam Rods, Gforce GSR 4 speed dog box, RS-R Custom Coilovers, RS-R Racing springs and Tilton 600 Series pedal box.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

082: Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Braking System? Apr 28, 2023

Show notes

Braking is an element of automotive performance that many enthusiasts tend to overlook, or potentially even worse, simply throw the biggest discs and calipers they can fit behind their wheels and hope for the best. In this episode, we’ve invited Alcon’s Steve Hodgkins to help us understand the ins and outs of performance braking systems and smash some myths in the process.
Use “ALCON50” for 50% off our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course here: https://hpcdmy.co/raceb
Steve has been at Alcon Brakes since the mid-90s and has been a part of a massive technological shift towards ever-improving brake technology and performance. It’s this advancement over the last nearly three decades that we start the podcast with, discussing how and why motorsport braking systems are so much better than they used to be.
To get the full benefit of these advancements, though, we need to properly understand the system as a whole — and this is where the conversation gets into the nitty gritty side, covering everything from properly sizing discs and calipers, to brake bias, to selecting the right pad compound, bedding in brakes, and much, much more.
There are so many great tips and tricks in this episode, with plenty of potential for an “ah-ha” moment as you listen to Steve’s clear and simple explanations of all areas of a vehicle’s brake system. Even if you have little interest in brakes, the fundamental, common-sense knowledge found in this episode makes it an absolute must-listen for any self-respecting enthusiast.
As per this conversation, check out Alcon's simple brake balance explanation and diagram here: https://hpcdmy.co/bias
Follow Alcon here:
IG: @alconbrakes
FB: Alcon Specialist Brakes & Clutches
WWW: alcon.co.uk
Don’t forget, use “ALCON50” for 50% off our HPA Race Driving Fundamentals course here: https://hpcdmy.co/raceb

Field Report: 383.9 CFM From A 50mm Wastegate? Boost Control Just Got Better. Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

Are traditional wastegate spring changes potentially a thing of the past with Turbosmart's 'StraightGate50?'
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Stewart Mahony from @TurbosmartHQ gives us some insight into what a boost or vacuum-actuated straightgate can and does do compared to the traditional poppet-style wastegate options.
One of the first questions on your mind might be how much this butterfly valve will leak. 0.006% is the answer thanks to specific valve seat design considerations that are different from a throttle body where we typically see butterfly valves in use.
Turbosmart claims the self-balancing nature of the StraightGate50 means a huge tuning window of over 5 times base spring pressure can be obtained with Stewart stating they had no issues from 5-35psi on their test rig using a 3-port solenoid, 5lb spring at 45% duty cycle. 35psi was the limit of the test rig, not the straightgate. Note features listed since this interview (included below) state 6psi to 42psi of control with the supplied base spring.
Compared to the electronic version the boost or vacuum-actuated option gives those without a somewhat uncommon 20Amp H-Bridge output on their ECU or an external H-Bridge module another option as well as more friendly emissions considerations in relation to OEM style vacuum-actuated control as discussed.
It's mentioned and worth noting the StraightGate50 (pSG50 or pSG50v) 50mm butterfly style flows more air at 383.9 CFM than a traditional PowerGate60 (WG60) 60mm poppet style at 360.9 CFM, and without the requirement for a 90-degree turn in the wastegate flow and also heat dynamics are changed for the better, all with a wider window of precise control. Some of this does come at a cost though with the max safe pressure ratings for the StraightGate50 being 100psi vs 220psi for the PowerGate60.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

081: PROPERLY Understand Knock and Become a Better Tuner. Apr 21, 2023

Show notes

It’s something that can destroy your engine in seconds… but how much do you really know about pre-ignition, knock, and super-knock? On this episode of Tuned In, we’ve invited Ioannis Andrianakis from Plex Tuning to talk us through these terms, how his highly-regarded series of knock sensors work, and what we do and don’t need to worry about when it comes to all things detonation.
Use ‘PLEX25’ for 25% off our HPA Tuning Starter Package here: https://hpcdmy.co/cad
Calling in from Athens, Greece, Ioannis has been in the tuning game since the mid-nineties and has some great stories about what he had to resort to in order to tune a vehicle at a time when there was next to no such thing as standalone ECUs outside of the professional race world.
We then delve into the creation of Plex Tuning, as well as how and why Ioannis developed his popular range of data loggers, digital dashes, data acquisition tools, boost controllers, and of course the much-loved series of knock monitors.
And this brings us to the main focus of the conversation, as Ioannis jumps straight into the deep end of the knowledge pool and gets very nerdy on all things engine knock. If you want to improve your tuning knowledge and gain a far better understanding of the causes, solutions, and variations of knock, then this episode with Plex Tuning’s Ioannis Andrianakis is a must-listen.
As per this episode, check out this video to hear exactly what knock sounds like: https://hpcdmy.co/knockknock
Follow Plex here:
IG: @plextuning
FB: Plex Tuning
WWW: plex-tuning.com
Don’t forget, you can use ‘PLEX25’ for 25% off our HPA Tuning Starter Package here: https://hpcdmy.co/cad

Field Report: How To Avoid The Big Mistakes | Drift Suspension Alignment Tips. Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

What are some of the biggest mistakes those starting out in drifting make when it comes to suspension setup?
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Explanations on caster angles, Ackerman, toe and comparisons between circuit racing and drift setups are discussed in this interview with Mike Squire of Squire Motorsport and Custom.
Mike explains some of the traps people fall into who are starting out or have come from a circuit racing background including the importance of managing tyre temperates to retain the grip that is now required to be competitive at the levels the sport has now reached.
Want to learn how to do your own wheel alignments at home? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/alignb

080: The Most Punishing Form of Motorsport in the World. Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

Bouncing off rocks the size of houses and pinning it through the unforgiving desert at maximum speed, the vehicles competing in California’s King of the Hammers race have to be the absolute toughest in the world — all while still being fast enough to be competitive. After interviewing Sam Dobry of Dobry Designs recently at SEMA, we knew we needed to get him on the podcast so we could dive much deeper into this brutal form of motorsport.
Use ‘DOBRY25’ for 25% off our HPA Motorsport 3D Modelling and CAD course here: https://hpcdmy.co/cadb
Sam specialises in designing and constructing high-end 4400 Ultra4 Class race trucks — this isn’t a form of motorsport that a huge amount of people have a good understanding of, so this conversation has been an enlightening one.
We first dive into exactly what’s involved in this form of competition, which is essentially a mix of two polar opposite disciplines — high-speed desert racing and extreme rock crawling. This presents some unique challenges when it comes to creating a vehicle that can do both things well, as they each require very different abilities.
What is universal, though, is the need for extreme levels of strength, performance, and reliability, and with an attrition rate of around 80 percent each year, the King of the Hammers event is designed to break even the toughest engines, drivelines, and suspension. Building anything to take this sort of punishment and make it across the finish line while still being fast enough to get there before everyone else is a unique exercise in mechanical engineering, and Sam has some very interesting takes on everything from engine building, to chassis design, to diff and trans longevity.
This conversation also covers how Sam got into this line of work, his thoughts on 3D modelling and validation, working with Chromoly steel, heat treatment, proper TIG welding techniques, and much more.
Follow Sam here:
IG: @dobry_designs
YT: @genrightoffroad
Don’t forget, you can use ‘DOBRY25’ for 25% off our HPA Motorsport 3D Modelling and CAD course here: https://hpcdmy.co/cadb

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