Tuned In

By: High Performance Academy
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © 2024 Tuned In
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Episodes
  • Field Report: Are you an Expert? Aftermarket Wheels.
    Dec 24 2024

    Ever wondered if a wheel’s stiffness can affect camber or how rotational inertia plays into vehicle response? Eddie from Titan 7 explains their commitment to minimizing deflection, reducing tyre creep, and designing spokes that strike the perfect harmony between strength and aesthetics.

    No more cut tyres, bent rims or poor fitment, No excuses. The HPA Wheel and Tyre Fitment online course is here to help. 50% off and instant access, enrol now: https://hpcdmy.co/bw7

    Big thanks to Eddie and the JDM Yard team for giving us the inside scoop on what makes aftermarket wheels stand out during the World Time Attack Challenge

    Whether you’re an engineer, racer, or just someone who appreciates top-tier wheel design, this breakdown of Titan 7’s strategy is for you.

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    11 mins
  • Revisited: Billet Isn’t Everything — The Rise of Aftermarket Cast Engines.
    Dec 19 2024

    *** We’ll be taking a break over the Christmas/New Year period and will be back in action mid-January.

    That means that although there won’t be any new episodes for a few weeks, we’ll be taking another look at some of our favourite conversations from 2024. ***

    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 up in the trade as an engine reconditioner, before buying his first CNC mill and starting on a career path that would eventually see his business become the go-to supplier of billet blocks and heads for some of the world’s fastest racers, as well as the odd OEM manufacturer.

    This week’s conversation first jumps into the ins and outs of metallurgy and tribology (which, by the way, is the study of interacting surfaces in motion). We learn the difference between various materials commonly used in high-end performance applications — like 6061 and 7075 aluminium, for example — as well as the pros and cons of different 3D scanning tools, coordinate measuring machines, and CAD software.

    The conversation then steers itself towards the weaknesses of both Nissan’s VR38 and Subaru’s EJ motors, delving into how failures occur and how Chris addressed them with his billet block and head offerings. While on the subject, Chris also goes into detail on the advantages and disadvantages of wet and dry cylinder sleeves, as well as the reliability and maintenance requirements of billet engines.

    This naturally brings us to the elephant in the room — why a billet engine specialist is now offering aftermarket cast engine products. Chris lays down the reasons why it’s a good idea, and takes pains to explain how aftermarket cast is very different from the cast blocks and heads that come off an OEM manufacturer’s production line.

    Are aftermarket cast engine parts the way of the future? Listen to this episode with Chris Smith of Crest CNC and come to your own conclusion.

    As discussed, you can listen to Tony Palo’s episode here: https://hpcdmy.co/tonypalo

    Follow Crest CNC here:
    IG: @crest_cnc_pty.ltd
    FB: CREST CNC PTY. LTD.
    TIKTOK: @Crest_CNC
    WWW: crestcnc.com

    Don’t forget, you can use “CREST50” to get 50% OFF our HPA 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb


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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Field Report: Do you reuse your head gasket?
    Dec 17 2024

    Can you drastically improve head cylinder sealing without resorting to machining or damaging your high-performance engine block in the process via some of the tried and trusted options on the market today?

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

    Christian from Nitto Performance Engineering answers this question and more from the World Time Attack Challenge paddock in relation to high-quality aftermarket head gaskets, including some of the design and manufacturing processes that go into ensuring the gasket can not just contain your combustion charge but also your oil and coolant, which are often overlooked yet are just as important.

    You can also gain some quick insight into whether reusing a head gasket is generally a good idea given the time and money that goes into a performance engine build, as well as some other knowledge bombs on head cylinder sealing in general.

    TIME STAMPS:
    0:00 - Head Gasket Limitations
    0:31 - Nitto Upgrade G16E Example
    0:53 - Factory Gasket Issues
    1:15 - Aftermarket Head Studs
    1:50 - Stainless O'Ring Feature
    2:08 - Head Gasket Functions
    2:13 - 1.) Cylinder Pressure
    2:20 - 2.) Oil Sealing
    2:25 - 3.) Coolant/Water Sealing
    2:33 - Bead Sealing & O'Rings Do The Job
    3:06 - No Damage To Head Or Block, No Machining
    3:38 - Reusing Head Gaskets
    4:26 - Head Gasket Cost Vs Labour
    4:45 - Gasket R&D Insight
    5:25 - Colour Vs Pressure
    5:45 - Factory Gasket Comparison
    6:10 - Can Use It To Test For Bowing
    6:39 - Last Steps Before Production

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    9 mins

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