Tuned In

*** 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.

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/bw7Big 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 ChallengeWhether you’re an engineer, racer, or just someone who appreciates top-tier wheel design, this breakdown of Titan 7’s strategy is for you.

*** 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/CADbChris 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/tonypaloFollow Crest CNC here:IG: @crest_cnc_pty.ltdFB: CREST CNC PTY. LTD.TIKTOK: @Crest_CNCWWW: crestcnc.comDon’t forget, you can use “CREST50” to get 50% OFF our HPA 3D Modelling & CAD for Motorsport course: https://hpcdmy.co/CADb