150: The Self-Taught Way: Building Wild Engines from Scratch
Imagine being a self-taught engineer who mastered the intricacies of engine design and is now building bespoke engines from the ground up. That’s exactly what Josh Valman from Motorsport_Engineering has done.We welcome Josh back for his second appearance on the podcast. This time, we catch up on his wild Alpha V8 Hayabusa project and dive into his latest creation — a turbocharged hot-vee V6 bespoke engine.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Josh shares his journey from self-taught engineer to bespoke engine designer and builder. We check in on his progress with the Alpha project before unpacking the details of his new V6 design.We explore the technical side of engine performance — including pre-ignition chambers, variable valve timing, and the unique benefits of a V6 engine configuration. Josh also discusses the finer points of engine design and the importance of balancing stroke and bore ratios while selecting the right compression ratios for boosted engines.With deep expertise in machining and manufacturing, Josh offers valuable insights into precision machining, materials selection, heat treatment, and maintaining tight tolerances in high-performance engine parts.If you’re fascinated by engine design, engine building, machining, or CAD, this episode is packed with knowledge. Josh’s passion for sharing his experience makes it a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and science of building engines.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Josh here:Instagram: Motorsport_engineeringYoutube: Motorsport_engineeringTimestamps:0:00 The Self-Taught Way: Building Wild Engines from Scratch3:34 Welcome back, Who are you? Where are you from and what do you do?8:45 How did you learn your CAD skills?2:11 What’s the complexities with manufacturing in China?18:31 What’s happening with the Alpha project?21:31 What is the process for making the tooling for carbon fibre body panels?23:20 When do you see this competing in the British Hillclimb Championship?23:46 What engine changes would you make to run the car at Pikes Peak?27:05 What is a pre-ignition chamber and what’s the advantage?34:40 What is pre-ignition and what causes it?38:04 What’s the advantage of variable valve timing?40:26 How did you go from a manufacturi45:49 How do you choose the V angle for an engine?51:17 How do you design parts & get them right without years of experience? 55:25 Why would a V6 require balance shafts?58:27 Is it easier to design an engine from scratch than modify an existing one?1:04:12 What are the factors that affect deciding on a stroke length? 1:06:36 How critical is the rod to stroke ratio?1:07:55 How do you choose a compression ratio?1:11:05 How do you confirm the strength of your engine parts?1:13:53 Why do we need to heat treat our parts? 1:17:11 How do you keep accurate tolerances while machining these parts?1:21:09 Why are you using a liner over a coated bore?1:22:31 How hard is it machining coolant passages into the block & Head?1:25:45 How are you confirming you have sufficient cooling when designing these engines?1:30:40 How are you sealing the head on this engine?1:34:12 How did the V8 engine go when you got it on the dyno?1:35:53 Why did you go gear drive between the crank and cams?1:40:09 How long between over
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149: Cracking the CAN Code: Mastering Integration in Performance Builds
CAN communication might seem like a secret, nerdy language spoken only by electronic components —and, in a way, it is. But behind that digital chatter lies the key to unlocking integration between different electrical systems.Mitch Minton from Minton Performance joins us to unpack CAN communication—how it really works, and why it’s become such a crucial part of the aftermarket performance world.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Mitch shares his journey from a casual interest in cars, sparked by ‘The Fast and the Furious’, to becoming a skilled automotive technician and data analyst. He reflects on the evolution of his expertise and his experiences in race engineering and mobile diagnostics.We then dive into the fascinating world of CAN communication, exploring its vital role in modern automotive systems. Mitch breaks down the complexities of CAN protocol, explaining data transmission, how to decode negative values, and the purpose of his CAN gateway.We explore the challenges of integrating aftermarket ECUs and how intricate modern vehicle data networks have become. Mitch explains why continuous learning in this field is essential for anyone serious about automotive technology.With modern vehicles packed full of electronic modules, traditional engine swaps, gearbox conversions, and standalone ECU upgrades aren’t as straightforward as they once were. Without the understanding and use of CAN communication a lot of these modifications are no longer possible.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Mitch here:WWW: mintonperformance.comYoutube: @mintonperformanceFacebook: Mitch MintonTimestamps:0:00 Cracking the CAN Code: Mastering Integration in Performance Builds4:37 How did you get interested in cars?9:11 At what point did you decide to go down the IT road?12:45 What is your work history and where are you today?14:54 Can you tell us which HPA courses you took and how you found them?19:34 What sort of race engineering and data analysis did you get involved in?29:40 How easy is it to understand and use different data loggers?34:34 Why did you stop doing data analysis?36:16 What does your current working role look like?38:33 What is CAN?45:30 How do the CAN high and CAN low wires work?47:25 Is there a limit of nodes depending on the Bus length?48:33 What is the benefit of using CAN Bus?54:12 What does a CAN message look like?1:03:29 Why can’t we send the data in the numbers we want to see?1:05:04 What hardware and software do we need to reverse engineer a CAN Bus? 1:14:10 What is a CAN gateway?1:19:20 How do we run a modern DCT gearbox on a standalone that doesn’t accurately log torque output?1:23:09 How do you actually control and program the CAN gateway?1:24:55 Could you offer a standard and a pro version for different users?1:28:21 What is CAN 2.0 and what is CAN FD?1:31:57 Where do you place the data in addresses of importance? 1:33:43 How mainstream is CAN FD at the moment?1:35:20 What is FlexRay?1:37:50 Is it going to get harder and harder to make stand alone ECU’s work on late model vehicles?1:45:08 Final 3 questions
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148: The “Impossible” Backyard V10 Screamer
Want a high-revving, F1-sounding, naturally aspirated V10 on a budget? Sounds impossible—until Jack and Diego from Build It Yourself made it happen. They took a humble Ford V10 truck engine, crafted custom four-valve heads, and engineered headers that deliver that unmistakable F1 scream.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Jack and Diego share their backgrounds in automotive engineering and their journey into the performance automotive world. They discuss their current roles at Ford, the skills they bring to their YouTube channel Build It Yourself, and the innovative technologies they leverage, such as CAD, 3D scanning, and 3D printing.The conversation dives deep into the highs and lows of building a one-off V10 engine. From the headaches of welding cylinder heads and perfecting cooling and oil flow to the science of exhaust sound engineering. They unpack machining, camshaft design, and the creative process behind documenting the entire build on YouTube.Then there’s the bold decision to drop this beast into a 2017 Lincoln Continental, a choice that might not seem obvious to many enthusiasts. With the added challenge of a rear-wheel-drive conversion, it was definitely no straightforward swap.What they’ve pulled off in their home workshop is nothing short of extraordinary. Blending solid engineering know-how with hands-on ingenuity, their Build It Yourself attitude is truly inspiring.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Jack & Diego here:Youtube: biy_buildityourselfInstagram: biy_buildityourselfTimestamps:0:00 The “Impossible” Backyard V10 Screamer4:22 How did you get into cars? (Jack)6:34 How did you get into cars? (Diego) 12:43 Opinion on the future of EV’s side quest14:32 What would you say your key skills are?18:38 How hard is it to learn 3d scanning?26:36 How did you learn the CAD skills?29:53 Why do we all need 3d printers?39:40 How did the BIY channel start and why the V10?42:15 What is an even fire engine?48:25 How did you convert the engine to 4 valve double overhead cam?56:15 What issues did welding two heads together cause?59:44 No one wanted to line bore your cam journals?1:02:15 How did you find someone to make you custom cams?1:04:30 Did you consider using any other V10’s?1:08:07 What's the power and rpm to date? 1:09:40 What chassis did you decide to put it in?1:13:42 How hard is the rear wheel drive and engine swap?1:16:29 How does header design affect sound?1:27:51 3D printed 5 to 1 exhaust collector1:30:15 Why did you decide to make a YouTube channel for the build? 1:39:21 Why didn’t you try to tune the car yourselves? 1:43:44 Final 3 Questions
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147: Inside the Art of Bespoke Engine Building
Whether it’s a bespoke quad-turbo V12 or a modified OE production engine, the fundamentals remain the same—we’re all looking for those extra gains. Italtecnica’s Riccardo Breda is here to break down the core concepts that could help you take your engine build to the next level.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Riccardo discusses his journey into automotive engineering and his role as an engine designer at Italtecnica, a company specialising in resto-mods, engine development, design, and manufacturing, working with brands like Ferrari and Maserati.The conversation explores the evolution of Italtecnica, the challenges and innovations in resto-mod projects, and the range of engines currently being produced and developed. That includes a new naturally aspirated V12 for racing, along with a homologated version for road use. He also talks about the challenges of balancing power output with emissions compliance in modern engine design.We dive into key fundamentals of engine design, including compression ratio, bearing clearance, rod-to-stroke ratio, cylinder head design, and different methods of valve actuation. The conversation also touches on the Atkinson cycle and how it can be replicated with variable valve timing.It’s not every day you get to tap into the mind of someone designing bespoke high-performance engines from the ground up. This episode is jam-packed with insight and a must-listen for anyone interested in engine building.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Riccardo here:Instagram: italtecnica.engineeringFacebook: italtecnicaWWW: italtecnicaengineering.comTimestamps:0:00 Inside the Art of Bespoke Engine Building4:35 How did you become interested in cars?8:46 Once you Graduated what did your work career look like?9:50 What’s the history of Italtecnica?14:05 What is the Kimera EVO37?17:43 What is different about modern cylinder head design?20:19 What engines are you working on and offering in 2025?21:52 The V12 NA engine you’re producing, who is the target market?25:29 What sort of HP and RPM will the V12 produce?28:12 It’s not all about HP figures and 0-60 times 30:10 How do you decide on a rpm limit for a bespoke v12 engine?37:34 Atkinson cycle, How do we mimic with VVT?41:44 How do you decide on a compression ratio when designing an engine?45:03 Can you simulate knock threshold in a virtual model?47:37 How much do you consider rod to stroke ratio?53:36 What’s your take on bearing/oil clearances?1:02:18 What drives your bank angle decision?1:08:21 What type of valve actuation are you using?1:14:40 What’s your lifespan between rebuilds on your engines?1:15:46 What material do you use for your pistons?1:18:25 How close are real world numbers to your simulations?1:22:46 What are the cost challenges with cast parts and low production numbers?1:27:14 Final 3 questions
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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/podvipIn 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/podvipFollow Gabe here:Instagram: CommonfibersFacebook: Common FibersYouTube: Common FibersWWW: commonfibers.comTimestamps:0:00 From Home Builds to Hypercars: Composites for Everyone4:37 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
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.
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