Tuned In - podcast cover

Tuned In

High Performance Academywww.hpacademy.com

High Performance Academy Presents: Tuned In. A podcast interviewing influential people from around the world at the top of their respected fields. Covering topics such as Tuning, CAD, Performance Engine Building, Automotive/Motorsport Wiring, Data Analysis, Driver Coaching/Training, Motorsport Fabrication and Car Setup.

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Episodes

Field Report: Purists Will (probably) HATE This Immaculate Chevrolet Apache Build.

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 t...

Apr 02, 202410 min

111: He Wasn’t Impressed With The Engines On Offer, So He Built His Own.

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-dau...

Mar 28, 20241 hr 54 min

Field Report: Why Not Fit The BIGGEST Exhaust Manifold You Can?

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 fa...

Mar 26, 202414 min

Field Report: One Modification TRANSFORMED This Car.

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

Mar 19, 202413 min

110: Is Ford's Coyote Better Than GM's LS?

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...

Mar 14, 20241 hr 47 min

Field Report: Why Stock Brakes Suck & How To Fix Them.

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...

Mar 12, 202414 min

Field Report: Why Don't Pro Race Cars Use Brake Boosters?

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, ...

Mar 05, 20247 min

109: The Gap Between Reflashing and Standalone is Only Getting Smaller!

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...

Feb 29, 20241 hr 46 min

Field Report: Will This Turbo 2JZ-GE Blow Up? (Probably Not).

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 ign...

Feb 27, 202410 min

Field Report: 350lbs Weight PENALTY & A First Place Finish!

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, aroun...

Feb 20, 20247 min

108: Twin-Charging — Good Idea or Unnecessary Complication?

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 ...

Feb 15, 20242 hr 3 min

Field Report: You'll NEVER Guess This Connection — 11,000 rpm V10 Supra Vs Ford Explorer.

'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 co...

Feb 13, 202415 min

Field Report: Is It Worth The 'Hype'? Electronic Wastegate Control.

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 rea...

Feb 06, 202422 min

Field Report: Brake HARD LINES... Are Actually Easy.

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...

Jan 30, 20247 min

107: Billet Isn’t Everything — The Rise of Aftermarket Cast Engines.

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 ...

Jan 25, 20241 hr 24 min

Field Report: How did Haltech keep THIS a secret?

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 al...

Jan 23, 20248 min

Field Report: You Designed A Part. Great! Now What?

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,...

Jan 16, 202413 min

Revisted: Subaru WRX Rally Car… Powered by Ferrari?!

**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...

Jan 11, 20241 hr 33 min

Field Report: Is Fusion 360 Any Good?

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 manufactu...

Jan 09, 202414 min

Field Report: What's Wrong With A Billet Block?

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...

Jan 02, 202417 min

Revisited: Is Toyota’s 4A-GE Worthy of its Legendary Status?

**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 1...

Dec 28, 20231 hr 41 min

Field Report: Is Sim Racing A WASTE OF TIME?

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 ad...

Dec 26, 202313 min

Field Report: Too much BOOST for your engine block? This MIGHT be a solution.

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 un...

Dec 19, 20239 min

106: Intercoolers and Methanol — Pointless or the Key to BIG Power Gains?

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’...

Dec 14, 20231 hr 54 min

Field Report: Was this rebuild a mistake?

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 stre...

Dec 12, 20239 min

Field Report: Why is Tefzel wire HARDER to strip?

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, to...

Dec 05, 20236 min

105: Is Honda’s K-Series Really the Greatest 4-Cylinder Ever Made?

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 in...

Nov 30, 20232 hr 19 min

Field Report: This Is rEVolting...

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 P...

Nov 28, 202310 min

Field Report: Too FAST For Street Tyres — the RP968.

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...

Nov 21, 20238 min

104: Drifting With an 11,000RPM V10 — Not as Good as You’d Think?

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...

Nov 16, 20231 hr 42 min
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