153: A High School Project Gone Wild: 1,450HP IndyCar x Firebird

What would happen if you took an IndyCar inspired chassis, dropped a 1973 Pontiac Firebird body over the top of it, and then added a 1,450hp twin-turbo LS? That’s essentially what Cavan Cameron and his father, Russell Cameron, of Horizon Motorsport have built.The project began as Cavan’s high school engineering project but has since evolved into one of the coolest and most ambitious builds we’ve seen in a while.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Cavan shares his journey from a childhood passion for cars to pursuing a career in motorsports engineering, sparked by his father’s involvement in IndyCar.We dive into the “Hammerhead” build that Cavan and his dad have been developing, exploring the challenges of integrating genuine IndyCar components into a bespoke project. He breaks down the technical aspects of the tube-frame chassis, from fabrication and material choices to the complexities of suspension dynamics.We cover the finer details of designing and developing a competitive race car, with a focus on suspension, engine configuration, and aerodynamics. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during its first outing at World Time Attack Challenge, including managing torque through the transaxle and tuning the car for optimal performance.This build is truly something special, and what Cavan has achieved is seriously impressive. We can’t wait to see how the car evolves as they continue to refine and dial it in.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Cavan here:Instagram: horizon_motorsports_llcYoutube: horizon_motorsports_llcTimestamps:0:00 A High School Project Gone Wild: 1,450HP IndyCar x Firebird4:12 How did you become interested in cars?5:21 What was your Dads involvement in Indy Car?10:26 How’s the exposure to high level motorsport at a young age shaped your career?11:53 Is it easier or harder to design parts with a tight set of rules?16:10 Designing fit for purpose parts18:58 Tell us about your motorsport degree 29:54 What is the Hammerhead and how did this project come about?33:33 Did you design the car fully in CAD before starting?39:27 How did you learn your fabrication skills?42:56 How do you juggle getting the car done and completing it to a standard you’re proud of?45:15 What material is the chassis made from?50:58 How did you weld the chassis and get it square and straight?55:11 How does changing the roll centre affect the car's handling?59:01 Are the IndyCar spec’d fasteners adequate for the extra weight of your build?1:01:30 How about the components like uprights and wishbones? 1:06:39 Spring rates and dampers, how did you spec these?1:15:29 Did you ever consider putting a Cosworth XD engine in the car?1:18:07 Was it ever a concern that the LS was going to have too much torque for the trans axel?1:27:27 You’re not running any intercooler on this car?1:32:54 How did you develop the aero package?1:43:38 What’s left to develop on the car and when will we see it back on track?1:46:41 Final 3 questions

There’s no arguing the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 is no slouch. But the World Time Attack Challenge is a whole different league, and in standard form this factory race car is basically like bringing a knife to a gunfight. To run with the world’s best, it needed serious development—and that’s exactly what Josh and his team at Specialised Racing Solutions delivered, bagging P2 in Pro class on the car’s debut outing.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Josh Gardner breaks down his path from car-mad kid to professional mechanic and business owner. He gets into the hard parts of starting a workshop, and why custom builds are never as simple as they look from the outside.Josh also reflects on the lessons learned from running a business, His work on the Nissan GTR platform and his return to the sharp end of the automotive world with the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 build—including what it really takes to compete at the highest level at WTAC.We dive into the nuts and bolts of performance development: turbo selection, installation, and the cooling challenges that come with high-output builds. The conversation also explores advanced engine management systems like MoTeC, the realities of CAN bus integration, and where technology is headed with the use of CAD, 3D scanning and 3D printing in modern performance builds.Josh is packed with knowledge, and his story—from backyard tuning as a teenager on the family PC to building time attack cars capable of taking on the world’s best—makes for a seriously compelling listen.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Josh here:Instagram: specialisedracingsolutionsWWW: srs.racingTimestamps:0:00 Building a Lamborghini Gallardo into a WTAC Weapon3:33 How did you develop a passion for cars?9:34 How did you develop your tuning skills at such a young age?13:44 How hard was it starting your own shop?16:17 How did you develop your skills on the GTR platform?18:02 What skills did you have when you started the business?30:50 How did you get back into the hands on automotive scene?32:06 Overview of the current business38:29 What was the drive to attend World Time Attack?39:55 Why did you choose the Lamborghini Gallardo? 42:46 How much of an advantage has it been starting with a GT3 car?43:59 What are the Pro Class rule limitations at WTAC?50:59 What is the engine package on the Lamborghini?55:16 What are you doing for the intercooler/intake setup?57:11 How are the turbos set up on the car?1:03:42 What suspension modifications have you done to deal with the increase in downforce?1:06:04 What is the electronics package you’re using?1:14:31 What changes are you going to make for next year's WTAC?1:17:00 Nissan GTR GT3 car1:18:47 If we compare the Nissan and the Lamborghini what are the differences?1:20:06 Are you using any technology to develop these cars? CAD, 3D scanning, 3D printing?1:26:48 How much improvement will you get from moving the GTR engine back and down?1:28:52 Is the GTR almost ready for WTAC?1:29:46 What do we need to leverage 3D scanning and 3D printing technology?1:35:02 Final 3 questions

Many car enthusiasts have fantasised about a lightweight car with a motorcycle engine swap. After all, what’s not to like about a high-revving, lightweight engine that produces great power and sounds incredible, right?Reed Stormzand from the YouTube channel Reed Make Car tells us that while the combo can be awesome, it definitely hasn’t been all plain sailing.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipIn this episode of Tuned In, Reed shares his journey into the automotive world, detailing his self-taught welding and fabrication skills as well as his day job at ZZ Performance.We discuss his Cadillac ATS-V drag car, ZZ Performance’s involvement in pushing the platform forward, and their pursuit of the ¼-mile world record.We also cover his CBR1000-swapped Miata, which started out naturally aspirated but is now turbocharged. Reed talks about the challenges of the swap, the intricacies of using a motorcycle engine in a car, and how he learned to tune—first on the stock Miata engine and now on the CBR1000 setup.Reed never set out to become a YouTube car builder, but he’s built a solid following, and viewers clearly love his projects. His self-taught background, hard work, and willingness to learn by doing stand out as key takeaways. If you want to learn something, just start doing it.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Reed here: Youtube: @ReedMakeCarTimestamps:0:00 Intro3:35 How did you develop an interest in cars?6:21 Can you talk to us about pulse TIG welding?7:30 What does your day to day look like at ZZ performance look like?11:21 Cadillac ATSV platform and chasing 1/4 mile world record.22:03 Are there any limitations with HP tuners that are holding you back?23:17 What boost are you running and how much power does the car make?25:05 Do you set up your suspension and alignment for when the car is squatting?28:39 How did the Miata with a motorcycle engine project come about?31:18 Was there ever any other engines considered from the automotive world?33:08 Is the gearbox strong enough and what are the challenges of running it in a car? 37:32 Is a motorcycle engine swap more complex?40:24 What have you done with wiring and engine management?43:16 Have you fitted a bigger set of injectors for fueling?44:58 How are you controlling timing with the piggyback computer?45:46 How much power did the bike engine make N/A and turbocharged? 46:29 Where are the limits of this engine's internal components?46:48 Clutch and gear shifting49:39 How do you go about tuning this platform when you don’t know the engine's limitations?52:38 How is the driving experience with the motorbike engine compared to stock?53:29 What’s the next step? FA20 BRZ56:19 Let's wrap up the Miata, Are you doing the tuning?58:35 Tell us a little bit more about your plans for the BRZ build?1:06:56 Final 3 questions 

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

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

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

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

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

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 get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipShawn shares his journey from a childhood fascination with cars to becoming a self-taught tuner and business owner. He talks about the challenges of diving headfirst into tuning, including his first attempts learning on his FD RX-7. “Piston engines were easy after learning to tune on a Rotary” We explore how Shawn began his tuning career with Adaptronic before transitioning to Haltech, which he now specializes in and also provides technical support. He outlines his remote tuning process and why it works so effectively, stressing the importance of road-tuning a car before it ever sees the dyno.Shawn breaks down the pros and cons of remote tuning, including how he manages tricky areas like knock control when the car isn’t physically in front of him. He also touches on CAN bus integration in modern vehicles, an area he’s becoming increasingly involved with.Spending hours—or even days—on the dyno can quickly add up if things don’t go to plan. Shawn’s focus on minimizing hiccups and maximizing efficiency makes a strong case for his approach. He might just be the one to help get the most out of your car.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow Shawn here:Instagram: tunedbyshawnFacebook: Tuned by ShawnWWW: tunedbyshawn.comTimestamps:0:00 How to Avoid Wasting Thousands on the Dyno3:44 How did you form a passion for cars?8:12 I brought a FD RX7 for $900012:00 Did you learn to tune on your FD RX7?24:54 What were you doing for Elliot (Turblown) at this point?29:06 The process of remote support and tuning32:03 How did Tuned by Shawn start?36:48 How and why you specialised in Adaptronic then Haltech43:04 Tech support from ECU brands is massive49:34 Firmware updates  52:50 Getting the car dialed in before the dyno56:24 What are long term fuel trims and how do they work?1:00:00 Is being away from the car a pro or a con? Remote tuning1:03:21 What’s some red flags you look for in the long term fuel trim table?1:08:33 Are you remote tuning on a dyno or on the road?1:12:48 How do you tune to avoid knock remotely?1:23:04 Are you providing a more conservative tune remotely?1:26:11 How are you using CAN Bus on the Haltech?1:47:06 Final 3 questions

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/podvipJames 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 Limited was founded and started specialising in restoring and supporting retired F1 cars.The conversation explores the complexities involved in purchasing, restoring, and maintaining historic F1 cars, including the challenges posed by obsolete electronics and sourcing rare components. James emphasises the critical role of modern technologies such as 3D scanning in facilitating these restoration projects.We also discuss the operational and logistical challenges of running historic F1 cars today, the development of the TDF One program to make these cars more accessible, and the technical hurdles of modernizing powertrains while preserving the true essence of Formula 1 racing.It’s unfortunate that these extraordinary machines often face the scrap heap or sit around as expensive ornaments after their brief racing lives. What TDF Limited are achieving by resurrecting these masterpieces and returning them to the track is truly groundbreaking.👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvipFollow James here:Instagram: @tdf_limitedYouTube: @tdflimitedWWW: tdf.co.ukTimestamps:0:00 Is a Retired F1 Car the Ultimate Track Toy?4:22 How did you form an interest in cars? 6:34 What’s a race weekend look like in Formula 3?7:59 How do limited slip diffs work?9:19 Tell us about Mercedes F114:00 What is TDF and how did it come to be?18:20 How does TDF Works get a hold of used F1 cars?22:22 Used F1 engines, are they hard to find and get running?27:45 How do we get a trans axel for one of these cars?31:50 What is seamless gear shifting and how does it work?34:41 How do you go about running these cars on old electronics?45:03 How do you source replacement body and aero parts?49:50 Can you put something like a Judd V10 in one of these chassis?52:37 What’s it look like for TDF Works to take a F1 car to the track for the day?58:04 Can you give us an idea of the hydraulic system?59:05 What is TDF One and how does it work?1:02:55 How much of a debate was it to go to a turbo 4 cylinder?1:06:29 How much HP are the genuine F1 cars making compared to TDF One?1:07:59 What is the 4 cylinder engine in the TDF One cars?1:11:03 Are you running a F2 trans axel in the rear?1:12:52 What’s the electronics package and have you added ABS & Traction control?1:15:46 How often do you need to overhaul the engine and gearbox and other parts?1:20:50 How does crack testing on carbon fibre work?1:22:15 How much does a TDF One car cost to run?1:23:57 How many TDF One cars are out there?1:24:44 What’s the build time on one of these cars?1:28:26 Final 3 questions