Tuned In

What happens when a passion for drifting, engineering and making things turns into a full-scale manufacturing business? For Josiah Fallaise, it became FDF Race Shop — an operation built around solving problems, designing better parts and putting engineering theory to the test on track.
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In this episode of Tuned In, Josiah shares how his background in manufacturing engineering, welding and CNC machining evolved into FDF Race Shop. We discuss moving from one-off fabrication and roll cages to scalable products, bringing manufacturing in-house and building a workshop packed with CNC machines, laser cutting, waterjet cutting and 3D printing.
We dive into modern design and manufacturing, covering CAD, CAM, 3D scanning, generative design, additive manufacturing and why designing a part is only half the battle. Josiah explains the importance of designing for manufacture, validating scan data and understanding where new technologies genuinely make sense.
The conversation also gets technical on Josiah’s other passion — competitive drifting. We break down angle kits, Ackermann, bump steer, roll centre, tyre grip and why suspension geometry changes once a car is sideways. Josiah also explains his 900hp naturally aspirated LS setup and why the use of nitrous is so effective in competition.
Ultimately, this episode is all about solving problems. Whether it’s designing a better suspension component, improving a manufacturing process or finding more performance from a drift car, Josiah’s approach proves the value of understanding the fundamentals, testing ideas and continually refining the result.
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Follow Josiah here:
Instagram: josiahfallaise
Facebook: josiahfallaise
Youtube: josiahfallaise
Tiktok josiahfallaise
WWW: fdfraceshop.com
Timestamps:
0:00 More Than Just HP: The Engineering Behind Drifting
3:40 How did you develop an interest in cars?
8:33 How do you model a part in CAD so it can actually be machined?
11:33 The possibilities of additive manufacturing (3d printing)
16:17 What is generative design?
23:47 When did you start using these modern technologies in your workflow? 
28:35 How does a 3d scanner work?
38:19 What CAD software would you recommend? 
43:17 Is AI going to be helping us build and tune cars?
47:29 How do you produce accurate load values for FEA? 
54:29 How did you start your own business? FDF Race Shop 
1:03:06 What does FDF look like today?
1:05:58 As an enthusiast, is outsourcing CNC parts to craftcloud a good option?
1:11:14 Did you fall into the classic entrepreneurial trap? 
1:20:34 How do you decide what products to develop?
1:23:29 What drew you to drifting?
1:25:48 Is there any affordable platform to start drifting these days?
1:28:21 V8 vs turbo 6 cylinder, pros and cons?
1:36:55 How does bump steer affect a drift car?
1:40:32 What is ackermann and how does it affect the car?
1:44:30 How does roll centre affect the car?
1:53:42 How does chamber affect a drift car?
1:55:11 How do you feel about the current state of drifting as a sport?
2:04:12 Final 3 Questions
 #fdfraceshop #driftsuspension #ls #corvette #nitrous #anglekits #engineering #cad #3dprinting #suspensiondesign #cncmachining #driftparts #generativedesign #highperformanceacademy #buildtunedrive #cars #motorsport #drifting

How do you build a car capable of breaking the outright Pikes Peak record? For four-time winner Robin Shute, the answer was to take everything he’d learned developing his heavily modified Wolf GB08 and start again with a clean-sheet design built specifically for the mountain.
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In this episode of Tuned In, Robin takes us through the development of the Sendy Club V2 car and the decisions behind its design. We discuss starting with an F4 tub, suspension geometry, aerodynamics, tyre selection and why adding more power or all-wheel drive doesn’t necessarily make a Pikes Peak car faster.
We dive into the Synergy-built, BMW S1000RR-derived V8, turbocharging it for around 800hp and the challenges of maintaining power at 14,000 feet. Robin also explains the move to Cosworth electronics, traction control, anti-lag, cylinder pressure monitoring and the extensive dyno development behind the engine package.
The conversation also gets into CAD, CFD, generative design and Robin’s extensive use of metal 3D printing. We also discuss the car’s Pikes Peak debut, where despite an electrical issue affecting traction control on race day, Robin finished second overall and set a personal best, with more power, less weight and significantly more downforce still to come.
This episode is packed with insight into what it takes to engineer, build and develop a competitive race car from the ground up. From engine development and electronics to aerodynamics and manufacturing, Robin’s approach shows just how far a small, determined team can push modern engineering in pursuit of the outright Pikes Peak record.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Robin here:
Instagram: robin.shute
Youtube: thesendyclub
Links:
Robins first episode
047: 650hp, 2 tons of downforce, and ZERO visibility.
Simon Longdill
111: He Wasn’t Impressed With The Engines On Offer, So He Built His Own.
Timestamps:
0:00 The Ultimate Pikes Peak Build? Chasing the Outright Record
4:14 Can you give us the quick version of how you got to where you are today?
5:56 Can we compare electric vs combustion up Pikes Peak?
11:12 How close are you to the outright record?
15:00 How do you combat a rough road with a low aero car?
17:11 What was the old car you were racing?
24:29 How are you applying Antilag?
27:34 Can you learn anything from testing for Pikes Peak?
31:13 What happened to the Wolf car?
37:56 How did you get started with the Sendy Club V2 car?
41:51 Deciding on an engine for Pikes Peak
52:32 Did the engine package tick all the boxes straight away?
55:23 Why did you move to Cosworth electronics? 
1:02:22 How did you add cylinder pressure sensors?
1:04:55 What traction control strategies are you using?
1:07:04 How did you design the intake plenums? 
1:11:00 Why have you leveraged 3d metal printing so much on this car?
1:16:00 What’s the reliability of a 3d printed exhaust manifold? 
1:23:31 What is Air Shaper and how does it work?
1:32:31 What is generative design and why would you use it?
1:37:08 Are you using F4 suspension kinematics? 
1:39:36 Does the car have any bump steer?
1:41:54 How did the new car go on its first test?
1:45:25 How did the car go at Pikes Peak?
1:52:16 What is the game plan for 2027?
1:55:03 Final 3 questions

Cars weren’t an obvious career path for Angelina Alcantar. Her family had no automotive background, and her parents hoped she’d pursue something more traditional. But a fascination with taking things apart and understanding how they worked won out, setting her on a path from aspiring technician to leading California’s largest automotive apprenticeship program.
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In this episode of Tuned In, Angelina explains how automotive classes at Riverside City College became her second home, eventually bringing her full circle from student to instructor. Today, she specialises in engine rebuilding and diagnostics, taking the responsibility of training the next generation of technicians seriously.
We dive deep into engine building, machining, cylinder head work, honing, clearances, compression and leak-down testing, and what it takes to achieve quality engine machining. We also cover Angelina’s turbo Honda Civic, EFI tuning, her experience learning Hondata, and her plans to develop her tuning skills further.
Finally, we discuss the technician shortage, changing attitudes towards the trades, and Angelina’s work building what has become California’s largest automotive apprenticeship program. She also has a popular YouTube channel, @ms.a_theshopteacher, which she hopes to continue growing.
From being underestimated early in her career to now helping shape the next generation, this episode is an inspiring look at Angelina’s passion for the automotive industry and the impressive journey that has brought her to where she is today.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Angelina here:
Instagram: ms.a_theshopteacher
Youtube: ms.a_theshopteacher
Timestamps:
0:00 Engine Building, Tuning & Training the Next Gen
4:07 How did you develop a passion for cars?
14:04 Do you like problem solving without a workshop manual? 
16:54 What is an ASE master tech?
25:13 Is a modern mechanic mainly driving a scan tool?
32:21 Is engine building a dying art?
38:41 Do you have a good level of engine machining knowledge?
41:03 What’s your process of diagnosing an engine issue?
43:03 Leak down test vs compression test
48:10 What is a TK test?
50:18 Is it a different skill set to build a performance engine?
1:10:37 Theories on running in an engine.
1:15:17 What is the oil additive ZDDP?
1:16:40 What made you want to get into teaching people? 
1:21:17 Give us a run down on your Honda Civic?
1:27:58 Have you tuned the car yourself?
1:32:24 Why does the US have a shortage of ASE techs?
1:38:36 Can AI tune your car?
1:40:44 Finding a career in the automotive industry
1:44:41 What’s it like being a female in the automotive industry?
1:56:09 Quick fire questions
2:01:11 Final 3 Questions

Making over 1000HP is one thing — building a car that can make that power, survive constant abuse, and still be driven hundreds of miles on the street is something else entirely. Gus Erickson’s E36 BMW has been through blown engines, broken drive trains and countless late nights, but every failure has helped turn it into one seriously capable street car.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
In this episode of Tuned In, Gus shares how growing up around BMWs in northern Minnesota eventually led him into the performance industry. After years of fixing, modifying and learning on countless different BMW’s, his obsession with the E36 platform became the foundation for a build that would eventually push well beyond his original 1000HP goal.
We dive into the evolution of Gus’s turbo E36, from stock-bottom-end engines and budget turbo setups to forged internals, serious boost and more than 1100HP at the wheels. Gus explains what repeated engine failures taught him about torque management, boost control and where the real limits of factory components start to appear.
The conversation also gets technical, covering Haltech engine management, DCT swaps, transmission control, traction control, head gasket sealing and why keeping the car genuinely streetable has always mattered. Despite the power, the car still retains a full interior, heat, power windows and sees thousands of street miles each year.
This episode is packed with real-world insight into turbo BMWs, engine development, electronics and learning through failure. Gus’s story proves that chasing big power is only part of the equation — making it reliable, usable and fun enough to actually drive is the real challenge.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Gus here:
Instagram: dct_e36
Facebook: Gus Erickson
WWW: 22rpd.com

Timestamps:
0:00 Pushing the BMW M50 Beyond 1000HP
3:40 How did you become interested in cars?
6:06 Has it always been BMW’s for you?
10:20 What is it about the E36 that you like?
13:03 What is your education and work background?
25:31 BMW S1000rr sports bike
27:29 What does your current day to day look like?
30:49 At what point did you decide to build a 1000HP street car?
44:04 Buying someones half built project car
45:43 The start of the 1000HP journey
47:38 Is it hard to fit a big turbo to an E36?
49:42 Finding the limits of the M50 engine
1:07:04 How I ended up going to a DCT
1:10:41 What is a cut ring head gasket?
1:17:33 How do you control the DCT?
1:24:43 Are you using torque reductions on the shifts?
1:28:15 Why the DCT over an 8HP?
1:30:15 What is the main use case for the E36?
1:34:49 What strategies are you using to manage power?
1:39:45 What’s next for this car? 
1:45:25 You had a run in with some carbon monoxide?
1:51:04 Final 3 Questions 
1:54:14 Quick B58 discussion

It’s hard to believe — some would even say crazy — what modern Drag and Drive cars are capable of. Thousands of horsepower, five- and six-second passes, all while towing a trailer loaded with spares hundreds of miles to the next event. It’s a challenge that perfectly reflects Devin’s approach to performance: serious power, smart engineering, and reliability that matters just as much as outright speed.
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In this episode of Tuned In, Devin Vanderhoof shares how he moved from imports and early standalone ECUs into the domestic V8 world, taking with him an appreciation for electronics, efficiency, and making the most of the hardware available. That experience eventually shaped HCR Innovations and his approach to building and tuning high-level race cars.
We dive into Devin’s twin-turbo big-block Mustang, built for Drag and Drive competition. He explains why reliability matters more than chasing every last horsepower, how he approaches boost and power management, and why winning the event is more important to him than setting the quickest pass.
The conversation also gets technical, covering methanol tuning, spark plug reading, EGTs, launch strategy, CO2 boost control, and why these cars are often better developed at the track than on a dyno. Devin also shares his extensive experience with Holley EFI and why it remains his preferred platform for many of the cars he works with.
This episode is packed with real-world insight into wiring, EFI, tuning, and high-level drag racing. Devin’s experience shows that building a seriously fast car is one thing, but making it reliable, repeatable, and capable of surviving Drag and Drive competition is an entirely different challenge.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Devin Here:
Facebook: devin.vanderhoof
Facebook: hcr innovations
Instagram: hcr innovations
Instagram: @boo00st
Youtube: @theholleyEFIguy
WWW: hcrinnovations.com
Timestamps:
0:00 How Do You Make 3000+HP Survive Drag and Drive?
3:43 How did you get involved in the car scene?
8:29 Why is everyone scared of wiring?
10:57 Getting into the car scene continued, Drag Racing, Mitsubishi DSM’s, Hondas 
12:59 How fast did you go in the Honda and DSM’s?
14:44 The switch from imports to domestic drag cars
18:16 How did you learn how to tune?
30:10 Give us a breakdown of your Mustang, What is it?
32:26 A big block Chev in a Ford Mustang?
37:45 How many passes are you getting on the Alloy Rods?
41:15 How much wear does the road miles put on the engine?
49:21 Drag and Drive engine compromises 
52:54 What turbos are you running?
54:36 What boost pressure are you running?
56:52 How fast has the Mustang been down the 1/4 mile?
59:37 What sort of AFR do you run for methanol?
1:16:02 How do you tune on the dyno for 3000HP?
1:22:01 What sort of launch strategy are you using?
1:27:54 What is CO2 boost control?
1:33:15 Have you had any experience with the Turbosmart Straight Gate?
1:39:44 Why did you pick Holley as your go to ECU?
2:10:37 Final 3 questions