{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"151: CBR1000 x Miata - A Match Made in Heaven?","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/151-cbr1000-x-miata-a-match-made-in-heaven","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/1755412/episodes/18214955-151-cbr1000-x-miata-a-match-made-in-heaven.mp3","description":"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 "},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":49.0,"type":"car","title":"Mazda MX-5 Miata","url":"/cars/mazda/mx-5-miata","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/1990_Mazda_MX-5_Miata%2C_front_left%2C_06-08-2024.jpg","quote":"And in this episode, we're joined by Reid Stormzand... jamming a Sportbike engine into a Mazda MX-5 or Miata, if you're from the US.","canonicalId":"car:mazda:mx-5-miata","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its sharp handling and balanced chassis.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Miata is a small, fun car that’s easy to drive and very popular among car lovers.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":97.0,"endTime":99.5,"type":"company","title":"ZZ Performance","url":"/glossary/zz-performance","quote":"We also find out about his day job where he works for ZZ Performance and is also instrumental in the build and development of their ATSV drag car, which is currently I think number two in the world...","canonicalId":"company:zz-performance","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"ZZ Performance is a specialty automotive performance company that designs and builds high-performance vehicles, particularly drag cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"ZZ Performance is a company that makes and improves race cars, especially for drag racing."}},{"startTime":114.0,"endTime":117.5,"type":"company","title":"High Performance Academy","url":"/glossary/high-performance-academy","quote":"Before we jump into our chat, for those who are new to the tune and podcast, High Performance Academy is an online training school.","canonicalId":"company:high-performance-academy","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"High Performance Academy is an online training platform that offers courses on building performance engines, tuning, and racing education.","simplifiedExplanation":"High Performance Academy is a website where people can learn how to make cars faster and race better."}},{"startTime":188.0,"endTime":190.5,"type":"term","title":"aftermarket ECU","url":"/glossary/aftermarket-ecu","quote":"You can always find our latest prize at hpacademy.com forward slash giveaway. It might be an aftermarket ECU or dash.","canonicalId":"term:aftermarket-ecu","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An aftermarket ECU (Engine Control Unit) is a replacement computer that manages engine functions like fuel injection and ignition timing, often used to tune performance or add features not available in the factory unit.","simplifiedExplanation":"An aftermarket ECU is a new computer you can put in a car to change how the engine runs, like making it faster or smoother."}},{"startTime":824.0,"endTime":830.0,"type":"term","title":"auxiliary injection","url":"/glossary/auxiliary-injection","quote":"But I did some auxiliary injection in the charge pipe, pre-throwed a body to get some extra fuel in there.","canonicalId":"term:auxiliary-injection","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Auxiliary injection refers to adding extra fuel into the engine’s intake system, usually through a secondary injector or port, to increase power or compensate for limitations in the main fuel system.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a way to give the engine more gasoline by adding extra fuel in addition to what the main injectors provide, helping it run better or faster."}},{"startTime":867.0,"endTime":874.0,"type":"term","title":"water to air intercooler","url":"/glossary/water-to-air-intercooler","quote":"In stock form, you mentioned water to air intercoolers did obviously the sizing of those intercooler cores may have been problematic anyway.","canonicalId":"term:water-to-air-intercooler","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A water-to-air intercooler is a heat‑exchanger that cools the intake air by passing it through a core filled with water, then letting the cooled air flow into the engine. It’s commonly used in high‑boost or drag racing setups to reduce intake temperatures and increase power.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of it like a tiny refrigerator for the air that goes into your car’s engine. It cools the hot air coming from a turbo or supercharger so the engine can run better and make more power."}},{"startTime":1129.0,"endTime":1136.0,"type":"term","title":"dyno","url":"/glossary/dyno","quote":"How well was that sort of controlling your, if you're ratio, if you sort of did a full ramp run on your dyno,","canonicalId":"term:dyno","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A dyno, or dynamometer, is a device that measures the power output of an engine by applying resistance and recording torque and RPM.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dyno is a machine that lets you see how much power your car’s engine makes by measuring it under controlled conditions."}},{"startTime":1398.0,"endTime":1401.0,"type":"term","title":"boost levels","url":"/glossary/boost-levels","quote":"We haven't actually talked about boost levels and power.","canonicalId":"term:boost-levels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Boost levels refer to the amount of additional air pressure added to an engine’s intake system by a turbocharger or supercharger, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Higher boost increases engine power.","simplifiedExplanation":"Boost is extra air pushed into the engine by a turbo or supercharger. It’s measured in PSI, like how much pressure is added beyond normal air pressure."}},{"startTime":1403.0,"endTime":1410.0,"type":"term","title":"PSI","url":"/glossary/psi","quote":"It runs 32, 33 PSI.","canonicalId":"term:psi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"PSI stands for pounds per square inch, a unit of pressure used to quantify how much boost is being applied to an engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"PSI means how many pounds of pressure are pushing on each square inch of the engine’s air intake. It tells you how hard the turbo is working."}},{"startTime":1469.0,"endTime":1474.0,"type":"part","title":"drivetrain differential","url":"/glossary/drivetrain-differential","quote":"What about the rest of the platform in terms of drivetrain differential?","canonicalId":"part:drivetrain-differential","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The differential is a gear assembly that splits power between the drive wheels, allowing them to rotate at different speeds during turns. It’s a key component of the drivetrain that affects handling and traction.","simplifiedExplanation":"The differential is a part of the car that lets each wheel spin at its own speed, which helps the car turn smoothly. It’s an important part of how power gets from the engine to the wheels."}},{"startTime":1480.0,"endTime":1485.0,"type":"part","title":"car axles","url":"/glossary/car-axles","quote":"start car axles","canonicalId":"part:car-axles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.94,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Axles are shafts that connect the wheels to the vehicle’s chassis, transmitting power from the drivetrain and supporting weight. They are fundamental components of a car’s suspension and steering systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"Axles are the rods that connect each wheel to the car’s body and carry power from the engine to the wheels."}},{"startTime":1480.0,"endTime":1485.0,"type":"part","title":"drive shaft","url":"/glossary/drive-shafts","quote":"start transmission, start drive shaft, start differential","canonicalId":"part:drive-shafts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.93,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The drive shaft is a rotating component that transmits torque from the transmission to the differential, delivering power to the wheels. It’s a critical link in the drivetrain.","simplifiedExplanation":"The drive shaft is like a long axle that carries power from the transmission to the wheels. It’s what moves the car forward."}},{"startTime":1511.0,"endTime":1523.0,"type":"term","title":"independent rear suspension","url":"/glossary/independent-rear-suspension","quote":"And I think it's something that a lot of people drag racing over look when you've got an independent rear suspension.","canonicalId":"term:independent-rear-suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An independent rear suspension allows each rear wheel to move separately, improving handling and ride comfort by isolating road irregularities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of it like each back wheel having its own little suspension system, so bumps on one side don’t affect the other side."}},{"startTime":1628.0,"endTime":1635.0,"type":"concept","title":"3D modeling and CAD","url":"/glossary/3d-modeling-and-cad","quote":"If you're a fan of the podcast and you're interested in topics like engine tuning, automotive wiring, performance engine building, 3D 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efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s the process of changing how the engine runs to make it faster, smoother, or use less fuel."}},{"startTime":1628.0,"endTime":1635.0,"type":"term","title":"automotive wiring","url":"/glossary/automotive-wiring","quote":"If you're a fan of the podcast and you're interested in topics like engine tuning, automotive wiring, performance engine building...","canonicalId":"term:automotive-wiring","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Automotive wiring refers to the electrical circuits that connect a vehicle’s components, ensuring power delivery and signal communication.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s the network of wires inside a car that lets everything—from lights to the engine computer—talk to each other."}},{"startTime":1628.0,"endTime":1635.0,"type":"concept","title":"performance engine building","url":"/glossary/performance-engine-building","quote":"If you're a fan of the podcast and you're interested in topics like engine tuning, automotive wiring, performance engine building...","canonicalId":"concept:performance-engine-building","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.94,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Performance engine building is the process of assembling or upgrading an internal combustion engine to achieve higher power output, often involving aftermarket parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means putting together or upgrading a car’s engine so it can produce more speed and power."}},{"startTime":2108.0,"endTime":2113.0,"type":"term","title":"chain drive","url":"/glossary/chain-drive","quote":"In terms of adapting, again, the motorcycle is running a chain drive and sprockets.","canonicalId":"term:chain-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A chain drive uses a metal chain to transmit power from the engine’s output shaft to the rear wheels, common in motorcycles and some bicycles.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a metal chain that carries the engine’s power to the back wheels, like the chain on a bike."}},{"startTime":2108.0,"endTime":2113.0,"type":"part","title":"sprockets","url":"/glossary/sprockets","quote":"In terms of adapting, again, the motorcycle is running a chain drive and sprockets.","canonicalId":"part:sprockets","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Sprockets are toothed wheels that mesh with a chain to transfer rotational motion, similar to gears.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re the toothed wheels that fit onto a chain, helping move power from one part to another."}},{"startTime":2495.0,"endTime":2504.0,"type":"term","title":"piggyback ECU","url":"/glossary/piggyback-ecu","quote":"[2495.0s] And I have a piggyback spliced into that ECU.","canonicalId":"term:piggyback-ecu","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A piggyback ECU is an aftermarket 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It lets you change how the engine runs, like adding more power or making it run smoother, without having to replace the original part."}},{"startTime":2698.0,"endTime":2705.0,"type":"term","title":"turbocharging","url":"/glossary/turbocharging","quote":"Obviously when you're turbocharging an engine, the fueling is critical, but so is the ignition timing.","canonicalId":"term:turbocharging","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Turbocharging is a method of forcing more air into an engine’s combustion chamber using exhaust-driven turbines, increasing power output without enlarging the engine size.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s like giving your car a boost by sucking in extra air so the engine can burn more fuel and make more power."}},{"startTime":2705.0,"endTime":2711.0,"type":"term","title":"ignition timing","url":"/glossary/ignition-timing","quote":"How has that been dealt with with this piggyback? Are you modifying the ignition timing and retarding it with boost?","canonicalId":"term:ignition-timing","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ignition timing refers to the exact moment when the spark plug fires in relation to the piston’s position, crucial for efficient combustion and engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s the timing of when the spark plug lights up inside the engine; getting it right helps the car run smoothly and powerfully."}},{"startTime":2723.0,"endTime":2729.0,"type":"term","title":"boost pressure","url":"/glossary/boost-pressure","quote":"I'm actually not retarding any timing right now because I'm running such low boost pressure.","canonicalId":"term:boost-pressure","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Boost pressure refers to the amount of air forced into an engine’s combustion chamber by a turbocharger or supercharger, measured in psi or bar. Higher boost increases the engine’s power output.","simplifiedExplanation":"Boost pressure is how much extra air a turbo or supercharger pushes into the engine. More boost usually means more power."}},{"startTime":2803.0,"endTime":2812.0,"type":"part","title":"clutch","url":"/glossary/clutch","quote":"When I first turboed it, I did have a problem with the clutch and funny enough,","canonicalId":"part:clutch","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing gear changes without stalling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The clutch lets you shift gears by connecting or disconnecting the engine from the wheels, so the car can change speed smoothly."}},{"startTime":2808.0,"endTime":2815.0,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"I kind of picked the wrong generation CBR because most leader bikes they have individual coil springs","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.96,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable motorcycles, cars, and power equipment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a company that makes cars and bikes; they’re famous for building things that last long and run smoothly."}},{"startTime":3315.0,"endTime":3321.0,"type":"term","title":"cam timing","url":"/glossary/cam-timing","quote":"because obviously when you change the airflow into the engine with the cam timing,","canonicalId":"term:cam-timing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Cam timing refers to the precise moment when the engine’s camshaft opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves. Adjusting it changes airflow timing, affecting power, efficiency, and emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The camshaft controls when the engine’s valves open and close. Changing its timing can make the car run smoother or faster, but it needs careful tuning."}},{"startTime":3584.0,"endTime":3606.0,"type":"part","title":"manifold","url":"/glossary/manifold","quote":"[3584.0s] But the manifold that they made was all fully welded.\n[3606.0s] What sort of considerations do you have around how to deal with manifold expansion and contraction as it heats up and cools down?","canonicalId":"part:manifold","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The manifold is the component that distributes air (or fuel and air) from the intake system to each cylinder in an engine. In this context it’s a fully welded, short unit designed for a horizontal opposed engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manifold is like a pipe that sends air to each part of the engine’s cylinders. It’s made solidly here so it doesn’t have loose parts that could break."}},{"startTime":3591.0,"endTime":3604.0,"type":"term","title":"horizontal opposed engine","url":"/glossary/horizontal-opposed-engine","quote":"[3591.0s] And obviously on our horizontal opposed engine, you've got quite a long run from one side to the other.\n[3596.0s] That was a low mount kind of like you're saying there.","canonicalId":"term:horizontal-opposed-engine","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A horizontal opposed engine, also known as a flat or boxer engine, has cylinders arranged in two banks on opposite sides of the crankshaft. This layout lowers the center of gravity and reduces vibration.","simplifiedExplanation":"A horizontal opposed engine is a type of engine where the cylinders lie flat on either side of the car, like a pair of pistons moving in opposite directions. It keeps the engine low and smooth."}},{"startTime":3801.0,"endTime":3804.0,"type":"term","title":"wheel horsepower","url":"/glossary/wheel-horsepower","quote":"So yeah, maybe 300 wheel horsepower. And then maybe later I'm sure I'll get the edge and probably throw some rods in it or something and try to make 400.","canonicalId":"term:wheel-horsepower","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Wheel horsepower is the power measured at the vehicle’s wheels, accounting for losses in the drivetrain. It’s typically lower than engine (gross) horsepower because of friction and gear ratios.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wheel horsepower tells you how much power actually reaches the wheels, not just what the engine makes. It’s a useful number for comparing real-world performance."}},{"startTime":3952.0,"endTime":3960.0,"type":"part","title":"gearbox","url":"/glossary/gearbox","quote":"The only other thing I would say about them is fourth gear in those gearboxes is a massive weak point.","canonicalId":"part:gearbox","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A gearbox is a mechanical assembly that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the driver to select different gear ratios for varying speed and torque needs.","simplifiedExplanation":"A gearbox is the part of a car that lets you change gears, like shifting from low to high speed. It helps the engine run efficiently at different speeds."}},{"startTime":3988.0,"endTime":3994.0,"type":"part","title":"wastegate","url":"/glossary/wastegate","quote":"And then in fourth gear, I think we pulled it back to waistgate, which was maybe like seven psi.","canonicalId":"part:wastegate","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A wastegate is a valve that limits the amount of exhaust gas reaching the turbocharger, controlling boost pressure and protecting the engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"A wastegate is a valve that stops some exhaust from going to the turbo, keeping the engine from getting too much boost and staying safe."}},{"startTime":4285.0,"endTime":4290.0,"type":"concept","title":"CBR-1,600","url":"/glossary/cbr-1-600","quote":"[4285.0s] that CBR-1,600.","canonicalId":"concept:cbr-1-600","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Honda CBR‑1,600 is a high-performance sport motorcycle known for its powerful inline‑four engine and advanced electronics. 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