By High Performance Academy
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 E
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The podcast currently has 288 episodes available.
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).
All these questions and more are answered in this quick interview from the World Time Attack Challenge paddock.
What Haltech Connect can do:
What Haltech Connect can't do:
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:
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:
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.
The podcast currently has 288 episodes available.
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