Tuned In

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 371 episodes available.

Best of Tuned In

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Number 1: 168: How Do You Make 3000+HP Survive Drag and Drive?
It’s hard to believe — some would even say crazy — what modern Drag and Drive cars are capable of. Thousands of horsepower, five- and six-second passes, all while towing a trailer loaded with spares hundreds of miles to the next event. It’s a challenge that perfectly reflects Devin’s approach to performance: serious power, smart engineering, and reliability that matters just as much as outright speed. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip In this episode of Tuned In, Devin Vanderhoof shares how he moved from imports and early standalone ECUs into the domestic V8 world, taking with him an appreciation for electronics, efficiency, and making the most of the hardware available. That experience eventually shaped HCR Innovations and his approach to building and tuning high-level race cars. We dive into Devin’s twin-turbo big-block Mustang, built for Drag and Drive competition. He explains why reliability matters more than chasing every last horsepower, how he approaches boost and power management, and why winning the event is more important to him than setting the quickest pass. The conversation also gets technical, covering methanol tuning, spark plug reading, EGTs, launch strategy, CO2 boost control, and why these cars are often better developed at the track than on a dyno. Devin also shares his extensive experience with Holley EFI and why it remains his preferred platform for many of the cars he works with. This episode is packed with real-world insight into wiring, EFI, tuning, and high-level drag racing. Devin’s experience shows that building a seriously fast car is one thing, but making it reliable, repeatable, and capable of surviving Drag and Drive competition is an entirely different challenge. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Follow Devin Here: Facebook: devin.vanderhoof Facebook: hcr innovations Instagram: hcr innovations Instagram: @boo00st Youtube: @theholleyEFIguy WWW: hcrinnovations.com Timestamps: 0:00 How Do You Make 3000+HP Survive Drag and Drive? 3:43 How did you get involved in the car scene? 8:29 Why is everyone scared of wiring? 10:57 Getting into the car scene continued, Drag Racing, Mitsubishi DSM’s, Hondas 12:59 How fast did you go in the Honda and DSM’s? 14:44 The switch from imports to domestic drag cars 18:16 How did you learn how to tune? 30:10 Give us a breakdown of your Mustang, What is it? 32:26 A big block Chev in a Ford Mustang? 37:45 How many passes are you getting on the Alloy Rods? 41:15 How much wear does the road miles put on the engine? 49:21 Drag and Drive engine compromises 52:54 What turbos are you running? 54:36 What boost pressure are you running? 56:52 How fast has the Mustang been down the 1/4 mile? 59:37 What sort of AFR do you run for methanol? 1:16:02 How do you tune on the dyno for 3000HP? 1:22:01 What sort of launch strategy are you using? 1:27:54 What is CO2 boost control? 1:33:15 Have you had any experience with the Turbosmart Straight Gate? 1:39:44 Why did you pick Holley as your go to ECU? 2:10:37 Final 3 questions
August 12, 20262h 19min
Number 2: 162: The Real Science Behind Engine Airflow & Performance
Some people learn engines by doing—others take it a step further and truly understand the physics behind what’s happening. Jake from Bain Racing sits firmly in that second category, combining hands-on experience with deep engineering knowledge to build some seriously impressive engines. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip In this episode of Tuned In, we dive into Jake’s background and how a family history steeped in motorsport set the foundation for his career. From building cars in his teens to running his own shop and developing race engines, Jake shares how a mix of curiosity, study, and real-world experience shaped his approach to engine building. We cover the fundamentals that underpin everything Jake does—covering topics like harmonic dampening, bearing clearances, oil viscosity, and why many common engine-building “rules” aren’t as black and white as they seem. Jake then unpacks airflow and cylinder head development, breaking down the often misunderstood relationship between flow and velocity and how factors like surface finish, valve seat design, and port shape all contribute to real-world performance. We also explore intake manifold design and the role of runner length, plenum volume, and harmonic tuning in maximising engine efficiency. This episode is packed with practical knowledge and deep technical insight. Whether you’re building engines, tuning them, or just want to better understand how they really work, Jake’s ability to connect theory with real-world results makes this one a must-listen. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Follow Jake here: Facebook: BainRacing Instagram: BainRacing Youtube: BainRacing WWW: bainracing.com.au Links: https://www.enginelabs.com/news/amazing-video-jon-kaase-tests-airflow-dynamics-with-his-finger/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 4:16 How did you get interested in cars? 10:45 If an engine is balanced why do we have harmonics? 18:05 How do you learn to build performance engines? 21:48 Compression ratios for different applications 26:53 How did you build up your knowledge? 30:54 At what point did your current business take off? 33:15 Bearing clearance vs oil viscosity 41:13 What’s your opinion of billet blocks for street engines? 44:43 Is it hard to make a profitable engine building business? 48:50 When it comes to cylinder head porting why is big not always better? 51:52 Why is velocity so important? 57:20 What is the optimum surface finish for a port? 1:04:04 What’s the best approach to use when porting around the guide? 1:08:00 How important is the valve seat? 1:10:45 Are your heads all CNC ported? 1:15:58 How are you testing your heads and porting? 1:18:42 What do most people get wrong with intake design? 1:20:10 Can you explain the 3rd harmonic and why it’s important? 1:23:45 How do you choose the design of the intake manifold for a given engine? 1:26:00 How well does your calculation validate on the dyno? 1:29:22 Is there any rule on intake manifold volume? 1:32:16 What is a shear plate? 1:34:51 ITB’s vs single or double throttle body 1:38:43 How do we size our throttle body? 1:43:49 What’s been the most interesting project? 1:52:17 Final 3 Questions
May 20, 20262h 3min
Number 3: 161: Standalone vs OEM ECU: Understanding Modern Engine Control
From carburettors and distributors to neural networks and AI-driven ECUs, Gerry Bechet’s career spans the full evolution of modern engine control. From his early days at Toyota South Africa to high-level development work at Ricardo, Renault, and Holden Special Vehicles, Gerry has been right at the heart of OEM engine calibration and development. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip In this episode of Tuned In, we dive into Gerry’s journey through the automotive industry, starting with his early passion for mechanics and progressing into a career as a mechanical engineer specialising in engine development and calibration. We unpack his time at Ricardo working on diesel engine R&D, including common rail injection and combustion chamber design. The conversation then shifts to OEM calibration at HSV, where Gerry worked on GM’s LS platforms. We explore the realities behind factory tuning—balancing power, emissions, durability, and even marketing demands—and why factory ECUs are far more complex than most people realise. We also break down the tuning myth of “magic numbers,” why airflow modelling is everything, and how small errors in injector data or fuel pressure can throw an entire calibration off. Gerry shares real-world examples that highlight why understanding the fundamentals still matters—no matter how advanced the software becomes. Finally, we get into Gerry’s current role with HP Tuners and the development of the new Core ECU. Designed to bridge the gap between OEM-level control and aftermarket flexibility, this standalone system brings advanced strategies like MAF and speed density integration, along with AI-assisted VE tuning. We discuss where it fits in the market, who it’s for, and how tuning technology is continuing to evolve. This episode is packed with insight—from old-school engine fundamentals to cutting-edge ECU development. Whether you’re a tuner, engineer, or just passionate about performance cars, Gerry’s depth of experience makes this one well worth your time. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Follow Gerry here: Instagram: HPTuners Youtube: HPTuners WWW: HPtuners.com WWW: HPtuners.co.au Timestamps: 0:00 Standalone vs OEM ECU: Understanding Modern Engine Control 4:26 How did you get interested in cars? 8:04 Working for Toyota in South Africa 12:02 Where did you end up after Toyota? 14:02 What are you trying to find when you’re running these engines on the dyno? 20:07 What is the time frame on developing one of these engines? 21:52 How did your role progress at Ricardo Engineering? 25:10 How was the transition to engine calibration? 26:43 How does an emission system work? 31:56 Tell us about your time at Holden HSV? 43:29 What does OE calibration software look like? 45:24 What’s your role at HP Tuners? 47:15 Why do people who tune stand alone ECU’s find it hard to use HP Tuners?58:00 If MAF is so good, why do we have a speed density system? 1:01:12 What is virtual volumetric efficiency and why did GM go in that direction? 1:03:52 What is a neural network? 1:08:11 Are there any common HP Tuner mistakes? 1:14:19 Why have HP Tuners made a stand alone? 1:23:53 How does the Core ECU operate? 1:27:33 Automatic spark calibration, What can you tell us? 1:30:26 Is there any consideration for CAN networks? 1:32:14 How do we decide to reflash or fit the Core ECU? 1:37:32 How does the work flow between the US and Aus work on this ECU? 1:38:53 How do you get tuners to swap to your EC
May 06, 20261h 51min
Number 4: 146: From Home Builds to Hypercars: Composites for Everyone
Composites might seem like the secret language of aerospace engineers and hypercar builders, but Gabriel Mountjoy from Common Fibers is here to break down those barriers. He’s out to prove that composites aren’t just exotic materials—you can use them to elevate your own builds too. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip In this episode of Tuned In, Gabe shares his journey from a mechanical engineering student passionate about automotive efficiency to a successful entrepreneur in the composites industry. Alongside his now-wife Ann, he co-invented the first carbon fiber hinge, and today their company is not only one of America’s leading composite manufacturers but also uniquely committed to educating people on how to work with these materials. We explore the evolution of composites in automotive applications, the challenges and opportunities they bring, and why designing for manufacturability is key. Gabe also takes us inside high-profile projects like SSC North America’s Tuatara—a hypercar capable of 300 mph—explaining how they construct mission-critical, complex components such as its carbon-fiber monocoque. Gabe breaks down the essentials of material and resin selection, unpacks layup methods, and clarifies the differences between wet layup, vacuum bagging, and resin infusion. He highlights the advantages of prepreg materials and compares autoclave with out-of-autoclave approaches. Despite producing some of the most intricate composite parts in the U.S., Gabe and his team remain refreshingly open about their processes and deeply passionate about making composites more accessible. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Follow Gabe here: Instagram: Commonfibers Facebook: Common Fibers YouTube: Common Fibers WWW: commonfibers.com Timestamps: 0:00 From Home Builds to Hypercars: Composites for Everyone 4:37 Did the passion for cars come first or carbon fiber? 7:54 How do you become a composites engineer? 10:01 What’s your work history prior to starting Common Fibers? 11:18 Are composites much more common in other industries? 14:55 What does Common Fiber’s look like today? 16:11 How are you finding composite technicians? 18:06 Why did you open a second facility? 19:01 Can you briefly explain the different resin types? 21:30 What has been the process of growing a business to have 40 staff? 26:33 How much work are you doing for the aerospace industry? 29:22 What is the SSC North America Tuatara? 30:38 How did you get involved in the hyper car project? 32:30 How does the design and production work with the Tutara parts? 38:01 What’s the benefits of the monocoque over a conventional chassis? 44:11 When we talk about composites, what are the different materials? 47:23 What are the different types of carbon fibre? 49:18 What is carbon's best strength quality? 51:56 How do you validate the strength of your parts? 57:28 What is the process of designing and manufacturing a mold? 1:06:13 How do we layup the carbon or fiber glass into our mold? 1:14:47 What is a wet layup and where would we use it? 1:18:25 What is vacuum bagging? 1:23:02 What is resin infusion? 1:28:43 What is prepreg? 1:38:25 Final 3 questions
September 10, 20251h 46min
Number 5: 145: How to Avoid Wasting Thousands on the Dyno
It’s common for car enthusiasts to rush their car onto the dyno before it’s truly ready, only to have it strapped down and the tuner uncover a list of issues. Nothing kills the excitement of chasing those long-awaited power figures faster than unexpected problems. Booking a session with remote tuning expert Shawn Christenson could save you thousands. Shawn, from Tuned by Shawn, is a Haltech specialist who can remotely tune your car from anywhere in the world. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Shawn shares his journey from a childhood fascination with cars to becoming a self-taught tuner and business owner. He talks about the challenges of diving headfirst into tuning, including his first attempts learning on his FD RX-7. “Piston engines were easy after learning to tune on a Rotary” We explore how Shawn began his tuning career with Adaptronic before transitioning to Haltech, which he now specializes in and also provides technical support. He outlines his remote tuning process and why it works so effectively, stressing the importance of road-tuning a car before it ever sees the dyno. Shawn breaks down the pros and cons of remote tuning, including how he manages tricky areas like knock control when the car isn’t physically in front of him. He also touches on CAN bus integration in modern vehicles, an area he’s becoming increasingly involved with. Spending hours—or even days—on the dyno can quickly add up if things don’t go to plan. Shawn’s focus on minimizing hiccups and maximizing efficiency makes a strong case for his approach. He might just be the one to help get the most out of your car. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Follow Shawn here: Instagram: tunedbyshawn Facebook: Tuned by Shawn WWW: tunedbyshawn.com Timestamps: 0:00 How to Avoid Wasting Thousands on the Dyno 3:44 How did you form a passion for cars? 8:12 I brought a FD RX7 for $9000 12:00 Did you learn to tune on your FD RX7? 24:54 What were you doing for Elliot (Turblown) at this point? 29:06 The process of remote support and tuning 32:03 How did Tuned by Shawn start? 36:48 How and why you specialised in Adaptronic then Haltech 43:04 Tech support from ECU brands is massive 49:34 Firmware updates 52:50 Getting the car dialed in before the dyno 56:24 What are long term fuel trims and how do they work? 1:00:00 Is being away from the car a pro or a con? Remote tuning 1:03:21 What’s some red flags you look for in the long term fuel trim table? 1:08:33 Are you remote tuning on a dyno or on the road? 1:12:48 How do you tune to avoid knock remotely? 1:23:04 Are you providing a more conservative tune remotely? 1:26:11 How are you using CAN Bus on the Haltech? 1:47:06 Final 3 questions
August 27, 20251h 57min