Tuned In

Turbosmart is well known for many quality performance accessories including wastegates, blow-off valves, fuel pressure regulators, anti-lag valves, boost controllers and more, but until recently they stopped short of selling turbochargers themselves.Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-inAt the World Time Attack Challenge, Matt Wright gives us some insight into how Turbosmart decided to not only sell turbochargers but to sell their own designed in house with help from industry experts like Harry Hruska to get the ball rolling. There's no two ways about it, this move simply makes sense for a company like Turbosmart to explore.Unlike how design was done by the pioneers of aftermarket turbocharging years ago using a lot of prototyping, these days Matt explains how the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) means a lot more theories can be discussed and tested before physical prototypes are made, giving Turbosmart the chance to explore a lot of design elements that traditionally would simply be too expensive to entertain.Also touched on are some of the material and manufacturing considerations, turbo selection and how leveraging industry experience helps decide what target markets want a wider range of turbocharging options/solutions.

In this pit lane interview, Sean from Ramsdell Racing will explore the advanced EMtron ECU technology behind the Dream Project S15 at the World Time Attack Challenge. Sean breaks down how the EMtron ECU is one option using traditional OEM tuning strategies to transform power management in high-performance applications, making it possible to deliver more and more horsepower effectively through the tyres and onto the race track.Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-inWith Emtron’s sophisticated tractive force calculation, Sean explains how the ECU is optimizing torque delivery based on real-time data from tyre diameter, diff ratios, gearbox ratios, and more. This technology ensures the S15 can push the limits while maintaining traction in every gear, ultimately translating to faster lap times and a smoother driving experience.A major innovation highlighted in this interview is throttle mass flow modelling, which lets torque be precisely mapped to the driver’s foot pedal. This linear relationship offers drivers enhanced control, enabling quick adjustments without sacrificing power. This level of control, traditionally seen only in OEM systems, is now at the forefront of the aftermarket scene with Emtron’s developments.

*** 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. ***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/starterbLike many of us, Simon Norris began his love affair with cars and motors early in life, pulling apart engines on the kitchen table as a child. While there was a slight detour after leaving school to study engineering, it wasn’t long before Simon spied a new opportunity in the burgeoning JDM aftermarket tuning scene just as he was cutting his teeth working in a Nissan dealership in the mid-nineties. So, after seeing how others were starting to mess with tuning ECUs, Simon decided he could do better, and promptly opened Norris Designs way back in 1998.Nearly three decades later, Norris Designs is one of the biggest names in the UK tuning scene. In this conversation, we first kick into the business side of Simon’s life, finding some great insight into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to building a company in the motorsport industry. We next get into tuning in general, where Simon discusses different ECU options, dyno styles, and the many factors that can cause discrepancies between individual dyno runs. From there it’s on to the real meat and potatoes of this episode — Simon’s incredible Mitsubishi Evo IX. With its north-south-orientated billet supercharged AND turbocharged 4G63, the AWD Evo is an engineering masterpiece that absolutely tears up any race circuit it’s unleashed upon. Simon does his best to answer the many questions we have about this car in an attempt to get to the bottom of what makes this shortened and roof-chopped weapon tick, and why Simon made the choices he has with this build. Follow Norris Designs here:IG: @norris_designsFB: Norris DesignsYT: NorrisdesignsWWW: norrisdesigns.comDon’t forget, you can use “NORRIS100” to get $100 off our HPA Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/starterbTime Stamps:3:41 How did you get into cars?8:25 Did you have much industry experience before starting your business?12:39 What sparked the interest in JDM cars?16:18 How did Norris Designs grow?25:56 Overview of Norris Designs today31:12 What does your day-to-day look like at Norris Designs?38:36 What vehicles are you specialising in?42:54 How did you learn to tune?52:44 Are you relying on knock control and close loop fuel control?57:35 Did you start with an engine dyno or rolling road?1:01:17 Do you have fixtures and harnesses for quick and easy engine dyno setups?1:02:27 How accurate is the engine dyno?1:10:23 Repeatability issues with rolling road1:14:16 ECU of choice?1:20:20 What is a short wheelbase Evo 9?1:24:33 Engine package1:34:45 Billet blocks for street applications?1:38:41 Twin charge setup1:44:24 Transmission1:50:39 What’s next in the development of the car?1:52:33 Lap time difference with new aero package

In this interview, we sit down with Charles from Lamspeed to explore what it takes to turn Toyota’s GR Yaris into a record-breaking machine, using a surprising amount of standard parts! The team currently holds the title for the world’s fastest GR Yaris, with a 9.6-second quarter-mile at 155 mph at the time of filming and a 9.4-second pass since then, resetting their own record. Charles dives into the challenges and engineering breakthroughs Lamspeed encountered along the way.Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-inTo push the Toyota Yaris G16E-GTS 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine to extreme levels (pushing almost 900hp out of a 3-banger is impressive!), Lamspeed relies on key components from top brands, including MoTeC for advanced engine management, handled by Phil from Armour Motorsport, and Carrillo CP for custom pistons and rods to support the high-power demands. For turbocharging, Lamspeed initially used a Garrett G30-770 for circuit racing and has since continued refining setups to extract maximum performance with a Kelford Cams valve train aiding in great turbo response along with the retained variable valve control system. A ported head and supporting mods added around 180hp along with head studs custom-produced by ARP to address head-sealing issues early in development, a critical factor for reliability under high boost.Transmission upgrades include a Kotouč 7-speed sequential gearbox for drag racing reliability and previously tested options from Drenth. With Lamspeed’s detailed and iterative approach, every part and upgrade has been meticulously selected and tested to push the limits of the GR Yaris platform without compromising performance.