{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"153: A High School Project Gone Wild: 1,450HP IndyCar x Firebird","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/153-a-high-school-project-gone-wild-1-450hp-indycar-x-firebird","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/1755412/episodes/18373837-153-a-high-school-project-gone-wild-1-450hp-indycar-x-firebird.mp3","description":"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"},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":36.0,"type":"car","title":"Pontiac Hammerhead Time Attack car","quote":"Kevin and his dad came on our radar after our recent trip to World Time Attack where they debuted their Pontiac Hammerhead Time Attack car. And this is no normal Pontiac.","canonicalId":"car:pontiac-hammerhead-time-attack-car","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A highly modified 1973 Pontiac Firebird built for time attack racing, featuring a custom chassis and performance upgrades.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a special version of a classic Pontiac car that has been changed a lot to go faster on the track."}},{"startTime":444.6,"endTime":447.1,"type":"part","title":"Cosworth XD","url":"/glossary/cosworth-xd","quote":"The main one that you see is the Cosworth XD.","canonicalId":"part:cosworth-xd","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Cosworth XD is a high-performance, 3.5‑liter V8 engine developed by Cosworth and used in various racing and high‑end street applications.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Cosworth XD is a powerful 3.5‑liter V8 engine made by the British company Cosworth. It’s known for high revs and strong performance in racing cars."}},{"startTime":470.5,"endTime":474.3,"type":"part","title":"ECU","url":"/glossary/ecu","quote":"It's just not the first ECU that would come to mind when you think of 10,000 plus RPM and Indie car V8.","canonicalId":"part:ecu","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, the computer that manages engine functions such as fuel injection and ignition timing.","simplifiedExplanation":"An ECU is like the brain of a car’s engine, telling it when to add fuel and spark so it runs smoothly."}},{"startTime":501.9,"endTime":506.3,"type":"term","title":"sparkbox","url":"/glossary/sparkbox","quote":"Could you just elaborate on the sparkbox and why that would cause a problem with essentially almost any aftermarket ECU?","canonicalId":"term:sparkbox","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A sparkbox is a small electronic module that replaces the factory ignition control unit in some older cars. It provides a more flexible way to manage spark timing and can be used with aftermarket engine control units (ECUs).","simplifiedExplanation":"A sparkbox is a little box that tells the car when to fire its spark plugs. It lets people change how the engine runs, especially if they use a new computer to control it."}},{"startTime":771.4,"endTime":776.2,"type":"concept","title":"Indie Car","url":"/glossary/indie-car","quote":"It's funny, because you're looking at a modern series like Indie Car, where you're completely restricted, you're only allowed to use parts that were bought or approved by the Delara manufacturer or the team...","canonicalId":"concept:indie-car","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Indie Car is a racing series that limits teams to using only parts approved by the series or its designated manufacturer, creating a highly controlled competitive environment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Indie Car is a racing competition where teams can only use parts that the organizers allow, so everyone has to work with the same set of tools."}},{"startTime":846.5,"endTime":848.0,"type":"part","title":"front wing","url":"/glossary/front-wing","quote":"like they were doing serious one tunnel programs where they were making front wings, rear wings","canonicalId":"part:front-wing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The front wing is a aerodynamic component mounted on the front of a race car, generating downforce to improve grip and stability at high speeds.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a flat piece on the front of a racing car that helps push the car down onto the track so it doesn’t slip when going fast."}},{"startTime":846.5,"endTime":848.0,"type":"part","title":"rear wing","url":"/glossary/rear-wing","quote":"like they were doing serious one tunnel programs where they were making front wings, rear wings","canonicalId":"part:rear-wing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The rear wing is an aerodynamic element placed at the back of a race car, creating downforce to increase traction and balance during high-speed turns.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a flat piece on the back of a racing car that helps keep it stable and glued to the road when turning fast."}},{"startTime":883.1,"endTime":887.7,"type":"term","title":"drag","url":"/glossary/drag","quote":"Well, at the end of the day, Indy's all about drag. You're trying to minimize drag.","canonicalId":"term:drag","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Drag is the aerodynamic resistance that slows a vehicle down as it moves through air. Reducing drag allows a car to reach higher speeds with the same power.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of drag as wind pushing against a car. The less wind resistance, the faster it can go."}},{"startTime":927.1,"endTime":933.2,"type":"term","title":"spec series","url":"/glossary/spec-series","quote":"with a spec series like IndyCar versus a Constructors series like Formula One","canonicalId":"term:spec-series","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A spec series is a racing format where all competitors use identical or highly standardized equipment, reducing costs and focusing competition on driver skill.","simplifiedExplanation":"In a spec series, every racer has the same kind of car, so who wins depends more on how well they drive."}},{"startTime":927.1,"endTime":933.2,"type":"concept","title":"IndyCar","url":"/glossary/indycar","quote":"with a spec series like IndyCar versus a Constructors series like Formula One","canonicalId":"concept:indycar","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"IndyCar is a North American open-wheel racing series featuring spec cars, meaning all teams use identical chassis and engines to emphasize driver skill.","simplifiedExplanation":"IndyCar is a racing series in the U.S. where all cars are built to be the same, so drivers have to rely on their driving talent."}},{"startTime":940.7,"endTime":945.1,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"All the cars, if you painted them white, you'd be hard pressed to tell a Ferrari from a Red Bull, from a Mercedes","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand that fields a Formula One team, known for engineering excellence and strong performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a German car brand that also runs a racing team in Formula One."}},{"startTime":940.7,"endTime":945.1,"type":"brand","title":"Red Bull","url":"/glossary/red-bull","quote":"All the cars, if you painted them white, you'd be hard pressed to tell a Ferrari from a Red Bull, from a Mercedes","canonicalId":"brand:red-bull","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Red Bull Racing is an Austrian Formula One team sponsored by the energy drink company, known for its competitive performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Red Bull is a racing team that competes in Formula One and is named after the energy drink company."}},{"startTime":940.7,"endTime":945.1,"type":"brand","title":"Ferrari","url":"/glossary/ferrari","quote":"All the cars, if you painted them white, you'd be hard pressed to tell a Ferrari from a Red Bull, from a Mercedes","canonicalId":"brand:ferrari","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its racing heritage and iconic red cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ferrari makes high-performance sports cars that are famous for their speed and style."}},{"startTime":2254.3,"endTime":2258.9,"type":"term","title":"CAD","url":"/glossary/cad","quote":"I'm thinking like a million different ways this could be a yes or no because there's the philosophy of I'm going to design every little bit of this car and CAD and then I'm going to work on producing those parts.","canonicalId":"term:cad","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is software that allows engineers to create detailed 3D models of parts and assemblies before they are built.","simplifiedExplanation":"CAD is a computer program that helps designers draw and model car parts on the screen so they can see how everything fits together before making it."}},{"startTime":2416.6,"endTime":2424.2,"type":"term","title":"fabricator","url":"/glossary/fabricator","quote":"[2416.6s] whether or not I can and I'm pretty determined so when I was learning how to weld a fabricator","canonicalId":"term:fabricator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A fabricator is a professional who builds or assembles metal structures, often using welding and cutting techniques.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fabricator is someone who builds metal parts, like cars or frames, by cutting and welding them together."}},{"startTime":2416.6,"endTime":2424.2,"type":"term","title":"welding","url":"/glossary/welding","quote":"[2416.6s] whether or not I can and I'm pretty determined so when I was learning how to weld a fabricator","canonicalId":"term:welding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Welding is the process of joining metal parts together by heating them to a molten state and allowing them to cool, forming a strong bond.","simplifiedExplanation":"Welding is when you heat metal pieces until they melt and then let them cool so they stick together tightly."}},{"startTime":3112.0,"endTime":3117.7,"type":"term","title":"laser","url":"/glossary/laser","quote":"we didn't even have a laser at the bay near the project like a lot of people I think we're using client tools we got one of those lasers recently","canonicalId":"term:laser","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A laser is a focused beam of light used for precise measurement and alignment. In automotive fabrication, lasers can level surfaces or mark positions with high accuracy.","simplifiedExplanation":"A laser is a device that shoots a straight, bright beam of light. Mechanics use it to make sure parts are perfectly level or lined up."}},{"startTime":3764.6,"endTime":3772.8,"type":"term","title":"down force","url":"/glossary/downforce","quote":"they were making anywhere from five to six thousand pounds of down force on top of that which is","canonicalId":"term:downforce","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Down force is the aerodynamic pressure that pushes a car’s tires toward the track surface, increasing grip during high-speed cornering.","simplifiedExplanation":"Down force is like a big invisible hand that pushes the car down onto the road, helping it stay on track when going fast around corners."}},{"startTime":3779.1,"endTime":3784.9,"type":"term","title":"speedway cars","url":"/glossary/speedway-cars","quote":"for speedway cars even though they don't have a lot of like a high down force package","canonicalId":"term:speedway-cars","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Speedway cars are race vehicles designed for oval tracks, emphasizing high-speed stability and efficient aerodynamics.","simplifiedExplanation":"Speedway cars are special race cars that run on big oval tracks, built to go very fast and stay steady."}},{"startTime":3791.7,"endTime":3803.4,"type":"term","title":"suspension components","url":"/glossary/suspension-components","quote":"those suspension components would see is actually at a speedway if they'd hit the wall","canonicalId":"term:suspension-components","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Suspension components include springs, dampers, and linkages that manage the car’s contact with the road, absorbing bumps and maintaining tire grip.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension parts are the parts that help a car stay on the road, like springs and shock absorbers, keeping it stable over bumps."}},{"startTime":3810.2,"endTime":3820.6,"type":"term","title":"racing line","url":"/glossary/racing-line","quote":"times to get the optimal racing line and sometimes they'll hit","canonicalId":"term:racing-line","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The racing line is the optimal path around a track that balances speed and cornering, minimizing distance traveled while maximizing grip.","simplifiedExplanation":"The racing line is the best way to drive around a track so you can go fast and stay on the road, like following the smoothest path."}},{"startTime":3912.0,"endTime":3925.4,"type":"term","title":"buckling","url":"/glossary/buckling","quote":"it's really two tubes put together and stuff that is going to experience a high load where it might be prone to buckling ends up with those rose at welded inner round tubes","canonicalId":"term:buckling","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Buckling refers to the sudden sideways collapse of a structural member under compressive load. It’s a critical failure mode for thin-walled tubes and beams.","simplifiedExplanation":"Buckling happens when a part that’s under pressure suddenly bends or collapses sideways. It can cause parts to break if not designed properly."}},{"startTime":4296.3,"endTime":4309.8,"type":"term","title":"contact patch","url":"/glossary/contact-patch","quote":"the big thing is is that you need at minimum three contact patches to remain stable and the problem is is when you have that arrangement touch on the third","canonicalId":"term:contact-patch","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A contact patch is the area of a tire that actually touches the road surface. Its size and shape affect grip, wear, and handling characteristics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The part of the tire that touches the road is called a contact patch. It’s important because it determines how well the car can grip and steer."}},{"startTime":4946.8,"endTime":4953.7,"type":"term","title":"turbo","url":"/glossary/turbo","quote":"[4946.8s] dyno tuning in the real world like with with the car actually moving and because of the turbos being maxed out this whole time we didn't really realize that we weren't able to properly adjust","canonicalId":"term:turbo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A turbocharger is a device that uses exhaust gas energy to compress intake air, increasing engine power.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbo is a small machine that makes your car’s engine breathe more air, so it can make more power."}},{"startTime":4989.9,"endTime":4992.0,"type":"term","title":"dyno","url":"/glossary/dyno","quote":"once I've been on a dyno I will take the car out if it's a road car","canonicalId":"term:dyno","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A dyno, short for dynamometer, is a device that measures the power output of an engine by applying resistance to its crankshaft or wheels. Engineers use dynos to tune engines and compare performance under controlled conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A dyno is a machine that lets mechanics see how much power a car’s engine makes. By putting the car on a special platform, they can measure and adjust its performance safely."}},{"startTime":5232.5,"endTime":5238.0,"type":"term","title":"ethanol","url":"/glossary/ethanol","quote":"VP X98 it's 98% ethanol and I'm sure they put something else in it because when it burns it smells like a methanol","canonicalId":"term:ethanol","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Ethanol is a type of alcohol used as an alternative fuel additive that can increase octane rating and reduce emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ethanol is a kind of alcohol you can add to gasoline. It helps the engine run cleaner and can give it more power."}},{"startTime":5250.2,"endTime":5256.5,"type":"part","title":"intercooling","url":"/glossary/intercooling","quote":"are you no not one bit and early on in the project I used a program and some basic kind of math to figure out what is the maximum PSI we can go to before we start seeing","canonicalId":"part:intercooling","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An intercooler is a heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by a turbocharger or supercharger before it enters the engine, improving efficiency and preventing detonation.","simplifiedExplanation":"An intercooler is a device that cools the hot air coming from a turbo or supercharger before it goes into the engine. Cooler air is denser and helps the car run better."}},{"startTime":5463.2,"endTime":5470.0,"type":"part","title":"intercooler","url":"/glossary/intercooler","quote":"...and also on top of that intercooler is our weight yeah well I think the bigger the bigger issue...","canonicalId":"part:intercooler","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An intercooler is a heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by a turbocharger before it enters the engine, improving power and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of an intercooler as a small fridge that cools the hot air coming from the turbo before it goes into the engine, so the engine can run better."}},{"startTime":5942.6,"endTime":5950.0,"type":"term","title":"coke bottle shape","url":"/glossary/coke-bottle-shape","quote":"lot in terms of looking from the side but if you look at the top it's kind of like a coke bottle shape...","canonicalId":"term:coke-bottle-shape","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A \"coke bottle\" shape refers to a vehicle body that tapers in the middle, resembling the classic glass Coca‑Cola bottle. It’s often used to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve airflow around the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"Think of a soda bottle that gets narrower in the middle and then flares out at the bottom. Cars with this shape can cut through air more smoothly, which helps them go faster or use less fuel."}},{"startTime":6117.1,"endTime":6131.1,"type":"part","title":"fiberglass","url":"/glossary/fiberglass","quote":"is actually carbon. The hood is fiberglass, the nose is fiberglass. The entire floor of the car is a honeycomb.","canonicalId":"part:fiberglass","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Fiberglass is a composite material made from fine glass fibers embedded in a resin matrix. It’s lightweight yet strong, commonly used for car body panels and structural components to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fiberglass is a strong, light material made from tiny glass strands. It’s used in cars to make parts lighter and stronger."}},{"startTime":6125.4,"endTime":6131.1,"type":"part","title":"honeycomb","url":"/glossary/honeycomb","quote":"The entire floor of the car is a honeycomb. It's kind of like aeroplane floor where it's aeroplane floor is fiberglass, aluminum honeycomb...","canonicalId":"part:honeycomb","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Honeycomb refers to a lightweight structural core made of stacked hexagonal cells, often using aluminum or carbon. It provides high stiffness-to-weight ratio and is used in panels like car floors or doors.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honeycomb is a light, strong material that looks like a honeycomb. It’s used in cars to keep parts stiff while keeping them light."}},{"startTime":6137.2,"endTime":6141.6,"type":"part","title":"Kevlar","url":"/glossary/kevlar","quote":"I don't know I'm blinking the name, oh Kevlar. It's also got Kevlar in it for anti intrusion.","canonicalId":"part:kevlar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Kevlar is a high-strength synthetic fiber known for its excellent impact resistance. In automotive use, it’s added to panels or bodywork to protect against intrusion and improve safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kevlar is a very strong plastic fiber that can stop things from breaking through. It’s used in cars to keep people safe if something hits the car."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"High Performance Academy","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/153-a-high-school-project-gone-wild-1-450hp-indycar-x-firebird/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}