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Tuned In

Tuned In
Author: High Performance Academy
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© 2025 Tuned In
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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.
345 Episodes
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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 ge...
Formula 1 represents the pinnacle of motorsport and James Densley along with the team at TDF Limited are breathing new life into retired F1 cars, transforming them back into the ultimate track weapons. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip James shares his journey from a car-obsessed child through karting to mechanic at the top levels of motorsport. He recounts his experiences in Formula 3 and then with Mercedes F1, before explaining how TDF L...
No matter the stage of a build, most projects reach a point where giving up feels tempting. They demand grit and perseverance—and Karel Silha from Karel S Motorsport’s wild DTM-inspired M4 Time Attack build is no exception. We first spoke to Karel in 2022, and now he’s back to share what it really takes to shake down and test a home-built car of this caliber. Believe it or not, it all started with a toy car that Karel scanned and scaled up using CAD 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF...
Designing an elaborate engine block or cylinder head in CAD is one thing, but actually manufacturing that design is another challenge altogether. In this video, we talk with Gerry from Crest CNC about what it takes to turn complex billet and cast designs into reality Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Gerry handles CAD design at Crest CNC, creating engine blocks, cylinder heads, and the tooling and fixtures required to manufacture them effici...
“Composites” aren’t just expensive and elaborate carbon fibre parts for high-end race teams. It may be easier, more accessible, and cheaper than you think to get started in the composite game. This week on the podcast, we sit down with Keith Peden from Rodin Cars to unravel the world of composites. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Keith shares his journey from a childhood passion for cars to becoming a composite specialist in the automot...
The Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla are already cult favourites, and now they’re about to get even faster. Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip In this interview, Ben from @artec_performance reveals the 18-month R&D journey behind their fully emissions-compliant bolt-on turbo kit for Toyota’s GR platform. This isn't a generic setup, every component is purpose-built to retain OEM fitment, support factory ECU control, and maintain legal emis...
"The closest we've got to a mechanic is a panel beater." - Has this group of friends on a budget built something quicker and more special than many big chequebook builds ever will be? Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Most people overlook the third-gen Toyota MR2 (MR-S), but Justin from Close Enough Racing has spent years turning his into a proper grassroots weapon. From a modest 1ZZ track car to a 450kW turbocharged 2ZZ build with APR wideb...
Forget the hype around “Mil-Spec” wiring — most builds don’t need it. Smart, fit-for-purpose materials and design can still deliver a reliable harness with great performance and aesthetics. This week on the podcast we sit down with Technica Racewire co-founders Philip Chiu and Kevin Tan to uncover the wiring harness essentials. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Philip and Kevin share their journeys from a childhood passion for cars t...
Ever wondered what it takes to convert an old car into a modern 600hp EV using aftermarket tech instead of a Tesla swap? Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip At SEMA, Rory Baldrey from Legacy EV walks through the full electric conversion of HP Tuners classic air-cooled 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera, powered by a Cascadia Motion motor and controlled via HP Tuners' Core EV VCU (ECU). Rory explains how this setup compares to more common OEM-based swaps...
Ever seen a 550whp front-wheel-drive Micra out on track? Sean Austin’s FWD K11 Nissan Micra is running a turbocharged Primera P11 SR20VE+T Neo VVL (the best SR20?) & 6-speed gearbox, Haltech Nexus R3 engine/power distribution management, Haltech iC-7 dash, and enough power to torque steer into another dimension. Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip With help from CDI Motorsport, Raceworks, Knight Family Motorsport, and a front end swapped ...
You can go a long way with club-level aero — and this is how to do it. On this week's episode of Tuned In, ex-Mercedes F1 aerodynamicist and brand new HPA tutor Kyle Forster helps you find big gains in performance by adding aero. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip Kyle shares his journey of how he became an aerospace engineer with a passion for motorsports, he also discusses the challenges he faced while pursuing a PhD to break into Formula...
Ever wonder how a connecting rod that can handle 3000hp+ is designed, tested, and manufactured? Here's a rare inside look at how true high performance aftermarket components are engineered and delivered. At the World Time Attack Challenge, Christian from Nitto Performance Engineering explains the complete workflow behind designing internal engine components like connecting rods. This includes using CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines) to capture OEM specs, designing in Fusion 360, runni...
What happens when you combine flame-bent titanium, 3D scanning, and a 1969 Datsun Roadster? You get one of our favourite builds, and a happy missus. Connor McElvain @ConnorButter from Butter Welding showcases his custom Nissan/Datsun Roadster project, where old-school cool meets new-school tools. Starting with a complete 3D scan of the body, Connor designed and built a full custom chassis using CAD, ditching the original outdated geometry for a purpose-built cantilever suspension system th...
Real-world performance is what matters when tuning a vehicle, but let’s not pretend the numbers on a dyno sheet mean nothing. The thing is… How can we trust one result from another? How are different dynos arriving at their calculated power and torque figures? And what’s the deal with drivetrain losses? Todd Lewis from Mainline Dyno is here to answer these questions and many more. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip We’ve been us...
We often chase engine and tuning upgrades first, but could a front splitter and rear wing be a smarter starting point for our race cars? We caught up with Kyle Forster from JKF Aero to break down how aerodynamics work in practice and how to make effective improvements at every level of motorsport. From the priorities of downforce vs drag, to choosing the right aero balance for your car's drivetrain layout, this conversation covers everything from tuft testing a club racer to CFD and F1-style...
Some bearings are tough enough to survive 3000 horsepower, but that doesn’t mean you should use them in your street build. Choosing the right bearing isn’t as simple as just picking the toughest option and sometimes what seems like a part from 'the top shelf' can do more harm than good. In this interview, Christian from Nitto Performance Engineering breaks down some small but key differences between OEM-style bearings, ACL Race Series bearings, and coated bearings like those treated by Calic...
Think getting extra speed out of an aero package is just for the pros with all the money? It’s not... But you DO need to know what you’re doing. This week, we’re sitting down with aero specialist Amir Bentatou from RS Future to discuss creating an effective aero package for your vehicle, how to actually test it, and much more. 👉 Use the code ‘AMIR50’ to get $50 off HPA’s Aerodynamics Fundamentals course:https://hpcdmy.co/aerob It’s no secret that over the last decade or so, the use of a...
3D scanners are not always cheap, but here's why they might still be worth your money. 3D scanning is changing the game for motorsport and custom fabrication, and tools like the Peel 3 scanner are bringing that capability to a more affordable level. In this interview from SEMA, we speak with Gabrielle Williams from Peel 3D/Creaform about how this tech works, where it's most useful, and what enthusiasts need to know before diving in. Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: htt...
Anyone who knows modified cars will have heard of the Ring Brothers, builders of some of the greatest custom machines ever conceived. With huge scope and an equally impressive price tag, these incredible vehicles take every single piece of a build to the next level. This week, we’re sitting down with the fabricator responsible for bringing these works of art to life. 👉 Use code ‘RING100’ to get $100 off HPA’s Fabrication Starter Package:https://hpcdmy.co/fpackageb When it comes to fabrication...
You might love the look and sound of your flame-tune, but is it killing your catalytic converter (CAT)? In this interview, Matt Latino from G-Sport by GESi explains the limitations of factory catalytic converters and why performance builds often require something more capable. Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in G-Sport’s aftermarket catalytic converters are EPA-compliant, stainless steel, and designed for high horsepower, but they’re not i...
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