Tuned In

Latest Episodes:

074: Why Aren’t You Using a PMU in Your Next Build? Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

Every so often in this industry, a new technology comes along that improves the quality of both cars being built, and the work of their builders. The PMU — also known as a PDM — is one of those technologies. This week, Zach Denney of ECUMaster USA joins us to discuss how these brilliant devices work and how you can use one in your next build, as well as all things standalone ECU, dyno tuning, and much more.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
After appearing on our radar a few years ago, ECUMaster has been steadily gaining popularity in most markets around the world. We’ve been using ECUMaster products in a couple of our own projects for a few years now, so we’re in a good position to ask Zach some challenging questions about ECU development, PMU applications, and motorsport electronics in general.
First though, we dive into Zach’s journey from working at a tyre shop to becoming the North American distributor of ECUMaster, along with some other key European brands. It’s never an easy road, but through continued education and hands-on experience, Zach has built up his business from scratch and made it work despite the challenges of selling and supporting standalone ECUs.
With ECUMaster releasing its brand new range-topping EMU Pro series a couple of days ago, we next look at some of the challenges around producing ECUs that are powerful and feature-rich, while still being accessible to the average enthusiast or tuner.
We’re also big fans of PMUs here at HPA, and as we’ve been using a pair of ECUMaster’s excellent PMU16s in our SR86 race car, this discussion inevitably swings in the direction of power management units, with Zach and podcast host Andre spending time breaking down how they work, what they can do, and why they’re so good.
This episode also contains some great discussion around the liabilities and — for lack of a better term — finger-pointing that can come with tuning other people’s cars, as well as all the variables that can affect a dyno-session’s outcome. We know who’s going to be first in line to cop the blame, so how do we, as tuners, avoid becoming public enemy number one if something goes wrong later down the track?
Follow Zach and ECUMaster USA here:
IG:@holyzachrilege, @ecumasterusa
FB: @ECUMaster USA
WWW: ecumasterusa.com

Interested in learning how to install and utilize a PMU/PDM on your own project? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/PMUb

Field Report: You're Building Your 10,300rpm, 8 Second Subaru EJ All Wrong. Maybe. Mar 01, 2023

Show notes

Subaru engines don't have the best reputation for reliability in the aftermarket performance world, but is it just the design that is to blame like internet Subaru experts claim or are people actually following some incorrect advice and information?
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
At the World Time Attack Challenge, Leigh Bird of Deshele Performance gave us some insight into what goes into building a reliable performance engine using a Subaru platform, and gave us some insight into his own approx 870hp Ej25 based build which is pushing 45psi through a Precision Turbo & Engine 7675.
Bearing clearances and common mistakes, oiling supply upgrades and head stud torque settings are discussed along with why Leigh used an automatic transmission from a Subaru SVX in this application. While we didn’t get in depth on it, there is also some interesting discussion about harmonics with 10,300rpm being hit in his own 8.80 second at 161mph drag application.
Also touched on is the use of nitrous (NOS) to get the turbo spooling to launch off the line, with a 75hp shot used for the entirety of 1st gear, and interesting all 45psi of boost being delivered throughout the run for now.
Also discussed are some of the engine specs for the EJ25 based build in the GC8 discussed, which runs a closed deck, 14mm head stud conversion, 2L 75mm stroker crank, longer steel rods and a single entry .95 housed Precision 7675 turbo.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

073: The Barra — Indestructible Monster or Overhyped Taxi Engine? Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

Ford Australia’s straight-six Barra engine enjoys an almost mythical status in many parts of the internet, but is that status justified? This week on Tuned In, we’re talking to The Skid Factory’s Al Butler to get to the bottom of the Barra question, as well as many other topics like turbo-sizing, wastegate location, chopping up ultra-desirable classics, and much more.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Al Butler, also known as “Turbo Yoda” by many, has spent his life messing around with cars, and after many years as a mechanic and performance workshop owner, Al decided to strike out into the online world by starting a YouTube channel with friend and co-host Woody. The Skid Factory channel now has a quarter of a million subscribers and features the varied custom work that Al gets up to — everything from a blown big block Toyota Crown, to a 1000+hp Barra-powered Bedford van, and even a rare Hakosuka Skyline motivated by a monster Nissan VK56 V8.
In this conversation, we first talk about Al’s background as a long-time mechanic and how the profession has changed dramatically in the last few decades, as well as the types of skills a modern mechanic now needs in order to do his or her job.
Befitting of the “Turbo Yoda” nickname, podcast host Andre Simon and Al then get down into the weeds on all things turbocharging, including turbo sizing for a given application, wastegate location, and the technological advancement that has broadened just what is possible with modern forced induction.
This inevitably brings up the Aussiest of motors — Ford’s highly-regarded Barra 4.0-litre straight six. There’s a lot of talk about this engine and its capabilities online, so we take the opportunity to get the facts and debunk some myths with Al, a guy who has worked on and built countless Barras over the years.
With some great insight into starting and running a YouTube channel as a full-time gig, as well as a breakdown of the internet-famous VK56 Hakosuka built, this episode is going to be a great listen for anyone wanting to step up and out from the grassroots and onto the next level.
Follow The Skid Factory here:
IG:@theskidfactory
YT: The Skid Factory
WWW: theskidfactory.com
Interested in learning to build your own performance engine? Start here: https://hpcdmy.co/engineb

Field Report: Not All Intercoolers Are Made The Same. Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

What is the best intercooler for the street, and what is best for the track? Is it even that simple? Let's find out!
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Shannon from @PlazmamanAus explains the difference between tube and fin, bar and plate and supercharger vs turbocharger intercoolers in relation to construction, weight, heat dissipation and what is generally preferred for drag racing vs street and circuit applications, noting there are no hard and fast rules, just general guidelines to consider when making the choice.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

072: Making BIG Power With 10 Cylinders and Plenty of Boost. Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

How easy is it to throw a couple of turbos on a Huracan or R8 and go really fast? How much power can these V10s handle in stock form? And does knock even matter once we go to E85?
Alex Soto of Sheepey Race is here this week to talk us through these topics and plenty more.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
We’ve followed Alex and his business Sheepey Race for years now, so we’re stoked to have him on the podcast to discuss all things fast Hondas, DCT transmissions, and of course, twin-turbo V10 exotics.
Alex got his start in the Honda show car world before transitioning to chasing records instead of trophies in the import drag racing scene. This is common ground for a lot of our guests, and Alex goes some way into explaining what the appeal to Hondas was, and still is — especially in North America.
It was only on a whim that Alex decided to really push the limits of his finances and buy his first Lamborghini but, as anyone who has seen Sheepey Race’s work over the last few years is already aware, that snap decision paid off as the California-based outfit has quickly become one of the premiere go-to workshops for all things twin-turbo V10 Lambo and Audi.
This is an area that Alex now has a huge amount of experience in, and in this conversation, he details the initial development phase of his twin turbo packages, the many challenges faced when pushing anything from 1000hp to 2500hp out of these cars, and the financial realities of dealing with such high-end machinery.
How much power the stock V10 can take, the struggles of DCT transmissions at high horsepower levels, and more are gone over in detail.
This episode is also going to be super valuable for anyone in the industry — whether you’re a business owner or an employee — as Alex goes deep into how he started Sheepey Race in his garage and turned it into the big player in the exotic game it is today, sitting in a 36,000 sqft facility with 18 staff. Alex talks through some of the lessons he’s learnt as a boss and has some great advice for both employees and employers.
Follow Sheepey Race here:
IG:@sheepeyrace
YT: Sheepey Race
WWW: sheepeyrace.com

Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

Field Report: 1300HP AWD EV — How To Tune An Electric Car. Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

What considerations go into tuning a 1300HP EV such as the Palatov D2EV?
While electric vehicles (EV's) have long been touted as the future of the performance world for a long time by many, the reality is between the costs, lack of aftermarket support and products that are not suited to motorsports have kept us waiting.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
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.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

071: MAXIMIZE Your Aero Performance. Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Is aero completely ineffective unless you’re going warp speed? How do you test the real-world effectiveness of your aero package without a wind tunnel? And should you just trust the claims aftermarket aero companies are making about their products? This week, we’ve got Paul Lucas of Verus Engineering to help answer these questions and more.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Verus Engineering is well known for the development of aero components for a range of popular enthusiast cars like the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, MKV Supra, and Porsche GT3 just to name a few.
As Verus products are on the higher end of the market, this conversation provides an interesting look into how these aero pieces are first decided on, then designed, manufactured, and validated to ensure that the real-world performance matches the simulation data.
The ins and outs of popular aero devices — like swan-neck rear wings, for example — and how they work are also covered, which should give listeners a better understanding of what is and isn’t worth their time when they look to bite the bullet and invest in aerodynamics for more speed.
Paul studied engineering at university and has spent his career honing those skills in the automotive world. Besides founding and co-running Verus, he also contracts out to other companies and race teams for general motorsport engineering design services, and that means this episode is full of useful information and advice ready to be soaked up by any listener that’s looking to get into, or further their career in, the engineering side of our industry.
Follow Verus Engineering here:
IG:@verusengineering
FB: @Verus Engineering
WWW: verus-engineering.com
Interested in learning how to do your own wheel alignment for the track or street? Start with a free alignment & suspension 101 lesson now: https://hpcdmy.co/alignb

Field Report: 1000HP+ A90 Supra Pistons. Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

What is the design and thought process behind aftermarket piston manufacturing for relatively new engines to the scene like the BMW B58 found in the Toyota A90 Supra?
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
At PRI Barry Pettit from Mahle Motorsport took us through some of the considerations they put into their forged A90 Supra B58 engine pistons. Interestingly even with the idea in mind that their customers would want to crank up the boost and take things to 1000HP and beyond, unusually, these forged examples are LIGHTER than the OEM versions, yet stronger. Nailed it!
Off the bat, the compression ratio has been lowered a little to 10.5:1, however as Barry explains Mahle can supply pistons with lower ratios as required with ease upon request. The lower ratio is a nod towards the fact that many in the aftermarket switch from direct injection to port injection for more flexibility, but the ‘injection bowl’ required to get an efficient burn in DI setups is retained meaning the piston can still be used with either option.
Oversized pistons are potentially an option for the future, and Barry also touches on why the thicker crown is beneficial for cooling and not just strength and how Mahle’s role in manufacturing the OEM pistons for BMW did give them a solid headstart in relation to the design and production of these performance application alternatives.
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

070: Motorsport Engineering on Only Two Wheels. Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

This week, powertrain performance and race data engineer Chloé Lerin joins the podcast from snowy Milwaukee to give us a little insight into something we’ve never covered before — motorcycle engine development and data analysis.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
During the week, Chloé works as a combustion engineer for Harley Davidson, while on the weekend she moonlights as an Aimsport analysis specialist/data engineer for various teams competing in the MotoAmerica championship.
Chloé took the route of education in her career, so we first look into her path towards a master's degree in combustion engineering and how that has affected her career as she went off to work for big equipment manufacturers like John Deere and Cummins. This eventually lead to her current role at Harley Davidson, and it’s here that we’re able to dig deep into the motorcycle engine development world — there’s probably quite a lot of information here that’ll surprise you, especially when it comes to the perception of Harley Davidson versus the engineering reality.
The conversation gets pretty deep in the weeds when discussing the very fine points of combustion characteristics, knock avoidance, and cam phase control, but to counter that Chloe also answers some very basic questions like; why do Harleys sound like that, and just why do they have to be so damn loud?
The latter half of the episode is all about motorsport — Chloe is currently building her own Yamaha R6 race bike and has long been heading to track days, which is where she began working with Aimsport as a data engineer for privateer teams in the MotoAmerica championship. There’s some really interesting insight to be found here as Chloe discusses the differences between motorcycle and car data acquisition — some obvious, and some that you might never have thought of.
You may or may not have an interest in bikes — either way, the engineering is all relevant and the knowledge that Chloe drops in this episode is well worth taking in.
Follow Chloé here:
IG: @enginerdissima, @unicornium_engineering
Want to start your own data acquisition journey? Check this out: https://hpcdmy.co/datab

069: Making 500hp Per Cylinder Without Windowing Your Block. Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

After an extended break over the new year period, The HPA Tuned In podcast is back with our first guest for 2023 — the talented Devin Schultz of Boostin Performance.
Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in
Devin and his shop Boostin Performance are best known for their absolute mastery of the DSM world thanks to their ‘Red Demon’ Talon/Eclipse, which is currently the world’s fastest Mitsubishi, running as quick as a 6.97 @ 213mph.
This 2000hp car is capable of a 1.4 second 0-60 sprint, and is in fact the first 4WD four-cylinder to break into the sixes, anywhere in the world. Now, if you’ve been following this podcast for a while, you’re probably already aware of host Andre Simon’s passion for all things Mitsubishi 4G63, so as you might guess, this conversation between two 4G fanatics dives very deep into the Mitsubishi weeds to discuss these iconic four-cylinder engines in detail.
Time is spent talking through what’s involved in getting a 2000hp four-cylinder to run reliably and hold together pass after pass, as well as the pros and cons of billet blocks, big and small port heads, and solid-filling your block. Round that out with some discussion around turbo technology, slipper clutches, and nitrous strategy, and you’ve got plenty of tech-heavy info to dig into.
Devin also discusses how he built his business, his branching out into GT-Rs and Supras, and just how important it is to have a solid level of mechanical understanding to back up your tuning career.
It doesn’t really matter if you’re a Mitsubishi fan or not, this episode is full of interesting engine-building and tuning yarns that are well worth the listen.
Follow Boostin Performance here:
IG: @Boostin Performance
FB: @Boostin Performance
YT: Boostin Performance
WWW: shop.boostinperformance.com
Want to learn how to tune EFI? Start here instantly, and for free: https://hpcdmy.co/tuneb

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected