152: Building a Lamborghini Gallardo into a WTAC Weapon
About this episode
Exploring the transformation of a Lamborghini Gallardo into a competitive World Time Attack car, Josh from Specialized Racing Solutions shares insights on the complexities of achieving 1500 wheel horsepower while maintaining reliability. The episode delves into the challenges of engine modifications, turbo placement, and the use of modern technologies like 3D scanning and CAD in automotive design. With a focus on performance and innovation, Josh discusses his journey from a mechanic to a business owner, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting in the high-performance automotive world.
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/podvip
In 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/podvip
Follow Josh here:
Instagram: specialisedracingsolutions
WWW: srs.racing
Timestamps:
0:00 Building a Lamborghini Gallardo into a WTAC Weapon
3:33 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 business
38:29 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 car
1:18:47 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
World Time Attack
"Now, Josh has just come back from World Time Attack, where they debuted their Lamborghini Gerardo GT3 race car in the pro class..."
World Time Attack is a racing event where cars try to complete laps as fast as possible. It's known for having very fast and modified cars competing against each other.
World Time Attack is a motorsport event where teams compete to set the fastest lap times in modified cars. It features a variety of classes and attracts high-performance vehicles from around the world.
twin turbo kit
"I'm talking about built engines, I'm talking about a twin turbo kit and around 1500 horsepower to the wheels."
A twin turbo kit is a set of two turbochargers that help the engine produce more power. It makes the car faster by pushing more air into the engine.
A twin turbo kit is an aftermarket modification that adds two turbochargers to an engine, significantly increasing its power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
Nissan Gtr
"Now, the Gerardo that they developed wasn't enough to keep Josh happy though, they also took a Nissan GTR GT3 race car and redeveloped that as well..."
The Nissan GT-R is a super-fast sports car famous for its speed and technology. It's often used in racing and is known for being very powerful.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful twin-turbocharged engine. It has a strong presence in motorsports, particularly in GT racing.
Mazda Familia
"...So started with little Ford lasers and master familiars, the 1.8. Actually, I'll stop you right there..."
The Mazda Familia is a small car made by Mazda that is known for being reliable and good on gas. It's a common choice for people looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Mazda Familia, also known as the Mazda 323 in some markets, is a compact car that has been popular for its reliability and efficiency. It has been produced in various forms since the 1960s.
Ford Lasers
"...So started with little Ford lasers and master familiars, the 1.8. Actually, I'll stop you right there..."
The Ford Laser is a small car made by Ford that many people buy as their first car because it's affordable and easy to drive.
The Ford Laser is a compact car that was produced by Ford in various markets, including Australia. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers.
JDM
"...So why go down the JDM path? Why not the old Aussie classic Ford this hold and battle? Not sure..."
JDM means Japanese Domestic Market. It refers to cars that are made in Japan for use in Japan, which can be different from the cars sold in other countries.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are produced for the Japanese market. These cars often have unique features and specifications that differ from their international counterparts.
Mazda 323
"...we had a little 3-2-3, which we piggybacked along trying to get SMC into."
The Mazda 323 is a small car that many people used to drive because it was cheap and easy to maintain.
The Mazda 323 is a compact car that was produced by Mazda from 1963 to 2003. It is known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious drivers.
ECU
"...the current generation of I say younger tuners I guess coming through do not know how good they've got it with the quality of the ECUs..."
An ECU is like a computer for the car's engine. It helps control how the engine runs and can log data to help with tuning.
ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, which is the computer that manages various aspects of an engine's performance, including fuel injection and ignition timing. Modern ECUs have advanced capabilities, including built-in logging features.
Autronic
"The Autronic was a unique device despite I think it was the control ECU for the Australian Supercars series for quite a number of years. I wouldn't ever say that I was an expert with their ECU because we saw so few of them..."
Autronic makes special computers that help control how car engines work, especially in racing. Their systems were used in a famous Australian racing series called Supercars.
Autronic is a company known for its engine management systems, particularly in motorsport applications. Their ECU (Engine Control Unit) was used in the Australian Supercars series, which is a popular touring car racing category in Australia.
Motek
"...when you came from Link or Haltech or Motek and they were all sort of over on one side doing their own thing. And then Autronics just all the way off the other side completely out of the ballpark."
Motek makes high-tech computers for cars that help them perform better in races. They're used by professional racers to get the most out of their engines.
Motek is a company that provides advanced engine management systems and data acquisition solutions for motorsport applications. They are known for their high-performance products used in competitive racing environments.
Haltech
"...when you came from Link or Haltech or Motek and they were all sort of over on one side doing their own thing. And then Autronics just all the way off the other side completely out of the ballpark."
Haltech makes computers that help car engines run better. They're often used by people who want to modify their cars for racing or better performance.
Haltech is an Australian company specializing in aftermarket engine management systems and tuning solutions. Their products are popular among performance enthusiasts and racers for their reliability and advanced features.
Link
"...when you came from Link or Haltech or Motek and they were all sort of over on one side doing their own thing. And then Autronics just all the way off the other side completely out of the ballpark."
Link makes special computers for cars that help improve their performance. They're popular among car enthusiasts and racers who want to tune their engines for better speed and efficiency.
Link is a manufacturer of aftermarket engine management systems and ECUs, widely used in motorsport and performance tuning. They are known for their user-friendly interfaces and advanced tuning capabilities.
SM4
"The very first brand new computer I bought was an SM4 and I think that was about $1800 back then which was insane amounts of money to buy."
The SM4 is a type of computer made by Link that helps control car engines. It's used by people who want to tune their cars for better performance.
The SM4 is a specific model of engine management system produced by Link. It is designed for performance tuning and offers features for advanced engine control and data logging.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32)
"...my very first customer actually drove up with a broken gearbox in a 32 GDR. And they were closed gate shut so you drove into our workshop that wanted to do my apprenticeship at..."
The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) is a famous sports car that was made in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being very fast and popular among car lovers, especially for racing.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) is a legendary performance car known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s and is highly regarded among car enthusiasts for its performance and tuning potential.
horsepower
"...making enough power that your margin for error was so, you know, as narrow as it is when you start, you know, with the kind of horsepower that we're at now."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which is crucial for understanding a vehicle's performance.
dyno
"Did it make horsepower on the dyno? Yep."
A dyno is a machine that tests how powerful an engine is. It shows how much power the engine can produce, which helps in making it run better.
A dyno, short for dynamometer, is a device used to measure the power output of an engine. It helps in tuning by providing data on horsepower and torque at various RPMs.
crank trigger
"I think the crank trigger is probably one of the most confusing ones for a lot of people that are new to this. Particularly when it's not a case of picking from a drop down menu, your particular vehicle and everything's just good to go when you actually have to work it all out."
A crank trigger helps the car's computer know when to fire the spark plugs. It's important for making sure the engine runs smoothly, but it can be tricky to understand for those new to car mechanics.
A crank trigger is a component used in an engine's ignition system to provide the engine control unit (ECU) with the position of the crankshaft. This information is crucial for timing the ignition of the engine's cylinders accurately. It can be confusing for beginners because it requires understanding the relationship between the crankshaft and the ECU's operation.
gearbox
"That same GDR with the broken gearbox that sort of lucked into the driveway at the time."
The gearbox is the part of a car that helps change gears, allowing the car to go faster or slower. It's important for making sure the car runs smoothly.
The gearbox is a crucial component of a vehicle's transmission system, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. It allows the driver to change gears, which is essential for controlling speed and torque.
turbo manifold
"But there was a lot of sort of, all right, this turbo manifold works. This intake manifold works."
A turbo manifold is a part of the engine that helps send exhaust gases to the turbocharger. This helps the engine produce more power by allowing more air into it.
A turbo manifold is a component that connects the engine's exhaust ports to the turbocharger. It helps direct exhaust gases to the turbo, which increases engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
intake manifold
"This intake manifold works. Okay, Tomo makes a stroke a kit."
The intake manifold is a part of the engine that helps deliver air and fuel to the engine's cylinders. It helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently.
An intake manifold is a component that distributes the air-fuel mixture to the engine's cylinders. It plays a crucial role in engine performance and efficiency by ensuring each cylinder receives the right amount of mixture.
tuning
"...Are you still involved in the tuning? Are you sort of continued to build those skills or are you now outsourcing some of this?"
Tuning is when you adjust the engine's settings to make it run better and more efficiently. It helps improve performance and reduce emissions.
Tuning refers to the process of adjusting the engine's settings to optimize performance, efficiency, and emissions. This can involve modifying fuel maps, ignition timing, and other parameters.
wastegate
"You can't call up cover trees and say can you send me a wastegate and scream a pipe for a GDR. It's sort of everything required going and getting or doing or ordering or whatnot that it becomes quite inefficient."
A wastegate is a part of a turbocharged engine that helps control how much power the turbo makes. It opens and closes to let out some exhaust gases, which keeps the engine from getting too much boost and potentially breaking.
A wastegate is a valve that controls the flow of exhaust gases to the turbocharger, regulating boost pressure and preventing engine damage. It can be internal or external to the turbocharger system.
book time
"So I mean what I found that I don't know if this echoes your experience. It was the complete opposite of the franchise service dealership where you know they quote out a cambell with a book time of five hours and their texts are punching out."
Book time is how long a mechanic thinks a job should take based on standard guidelines. It helps them charge customers fairly and manage their time.
Book time is the estimated time a repair or service should take according to industry standards. It helps shops determine labor costs and efficiency.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
"...quote for building an EVO to 400 kilowatts at the wheels. And then they come back with the turbo the wastegate the manifold the set of injectors the ECU and intercooler half of it was wrong."
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or EVO, is a sporty car that's great for racing. It has a powerful engine and can drive well in different conditions.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, often referred to as the EVO, is a high-performance version of the Lancer sedan. It is known for its all-wheel drive system and turbocharged engine, making it a favorite in motorsports and among car enthusiasts.
clutches
"...the same tools the same work for the same mindset of doing clutches for a day then you're doing time belts for a day then you're doing swivel hubs for a day."
A clutch is a part in a car that helps change gears. It connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels, allowing you to shift gears smoothly in a manual car.
Clutches are mechanical devices that engage and disengage the engine from the transmission, allowing for smooth gear changes in manual vehicles. They are crucial for the operation of manual transmission cars.
timing belts
"...then you're doing time belts for a day then you're doing swivel hubs for a day."
A timing belt is a part in an engine that helps keep everything moving in sync. If it breaks, it can cause serious problems for the engine.
Timing belts are critical components in an engine that synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times. A failure can lead to severe engine damage.
bespoke
"...they thrived on the challenge of building something bespoke something one off and they actually apply some creative license to it."
Bespoke means something that is made specifically for someone, like a custom car part or design that fits their needs.
Bespoke refers to custom-made or tailored products, often designed to meet specific requirements or preferences. In automotive contexts, it typically involves unique modifications or builds.
aftermarket performance parts
"Yeah I think there's been in the aftermarket performance parts industry definitely a race to zero in terms of you know people sort of sitting up a side hustle out of mum and dad spare bedroom..."
Aftermarket performance parts are parts made by other companies that can make your car go faster or handle better. They are not the original parts that came with the car, but they can help improve its performance.
Aftermarket performance parts are components that are not made by the original manufacturer but are designed to enhance a vehicle's performance. These parts can include anything from exhaust systems to suspension upgrades, and they are often used by enthusiasts to improve their cars' capabilities.
Porsche 911 GT3
"...aerodynamic parts that they put on for the racing series are all very much bespoke to the GT3 version."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a special version of the 911 sports car made for racing. It has upgrades that make it faster and better for the track.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, designed specifically for racing and track use. It features enhancements in aerodynamics, weight reduction, and suspension compared to standard road models.
homologation
"These are all homologated as well, so radar engineering who built those cars can't just do whatever they want, can they?"
Homologation means getting official approval for a car to be used in racing. It ensures that the car follows specific rules about its size, weight, and other features.
Homologation is the process of certifying that a vehicle meets specific regulations and standards for competition. It ensures that the car is built to certain specifications, which can include weight, dimensions, and performance characteristics.
BMW G30S
"...that decision wrong. So started with some Garrett G30s, then quickly realised that wasn't going to, they..."
The BMW 5 Series is a luxury car that has been around for many years. It's known for being comfortable and fun to drive, making it a favorite for people who want a nice car.
The BMW 5 Series is a line of executive cars that has been in production since 1972, known for its balance of performance, luxury, and technology. It is often discussed for its driving dynamics and is a popular choice among those seeking a premium sedan.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"...he fact that to get, so the back of a Lamborghini Gallardo, it's kind of got like a box frame"
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a fancy sports car that was made in the early 2000s. It's famous for being very fast and having a unique look that many people admire.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a high-performance sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2013, known for its striking design and powerful V10 engine. It played a significant role in Lamborghini's success, becoming one of the brand's best-selling models and a symbol of luxury and speed.
Jensen Interceptor
"... and then using the dash as the integrated or the interceptor was probably the biggest challenge alongside just..."
The Jensen Interceptor is a stylish car from the 1960s and 70s that was built for comfort and speed. It stands out because of its unique look and the materials used to make it.
The Jensen Interceptor is a classic British grand tourer produced from 1966 to 1976, known for its combination of luxury and performance. It features a distinctive design and was one of the first cars to use a fiberglass body, making it notable in automotive history.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...ow if you go for off the shelf, MoTec package for Huracan, for example, which is essentially still the same..."
The Lamborghini Huracan is a very fast and expensive sports car that came out in 2014. It's known for its powerful engine and high-tech features, making it a dream car for many.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a modern supercar that debuted in 2014, succeeding the Gallardo and known for its powerful V10 engine and advanced technology. It represents Lamborghini's commitment to performance and luxury, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
Honda Crx
"It's just saying you say that we've got an EF Honda CRX that's powered by a K20"
The Honda CRX is a small, sporty car that was made in the 1980s and early 1990s. People love it because it's fun to drive and can be made even faster by changing its engine.
The Honda CRX is a compact sports car produced by Honda from 1983 to 1991, renowned for its lightweight design and excellent fuel efficiency. It gained a cult following among enthusiasts for its sporty performance and tunability, especially with engine swaps like the K20, which significantly enhances its power and driving experience.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.