160: Next-Level Toyota Builds with Ryan Tuerck – ST205 Celica
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wheel horsepower
Wheel horsepower is how much power the car actually delivers to the wheels. It’s measured after the power passes through the drivetrain, so it’s a practical number for real driving and racing.
Toyota 86
The Toyota GR 86 is a small sports car meant for fun handling. It’s designed to feel responsive and balanced when you drive it. The podcast brings it up as one of the cars in the guest’s project history.
Toyota 3S GTE
They mention the Toyota 3S GTE, which is a turbo engine that’s famous in Toyota circles. The episode says the Celica originally used that kind of engine, but this new build changes it.
Toyota Stout
They also talk about a Toyota Stout project. It’s a less common Toyota, and the point is that Ryan put a performance engine in it (a 3S GTE).
Toyota Celica
They’re talking about a Toyota Celica that’s been rebuilt with newer parts. The goal is to keep the car’s vibe but make it faster and more capable.
Toyota G16E
They say Ryan changed the Celica’s engine to the Toyota G16E. It’s a newer turbo engine design, and the swap is a big reason the build can feel more modern and capable.
direct ejected turbocharged engine
They’re describing a turbo engine that uses direct fuel injection. Direct injection means the fuel is sprayed right into the engine, and the turbo helps make more power.
GR Yaris
They mention the GR Yaris because it uses the same Toyota G16E engine. That helps explain why this engine choice makes sense for a performance build.
performance engines
A “performance engine” is an engine that’s been modified to make more power or feel more responsive. People usually change things like how it breathes and how it gets fuel so it can perform better.
tune EFI
Tuning EFI means adjusting the computer settings that control fuel delivery. The goal is to get the engine to run correctly and make power without running too lean or too hot.
wiring harnesses
A wiring harness is the car’s electrical “cables and connectors” that connect the engine computer to sensors and components. If it’s wrong or poorly made, the car can run badly or not start.
data logging
Data logging means recording what the car’s sensors and computer are doing while you drive or race. It helps you figure out what’s going wrong and whether a tune change actually improved things.
fabrication
Fabrication means making custom parts by physically building them—like cutting and welding pieces together. Performance projects often need custom brackets, mounts, or exhaust pieces.
3D modelling and CAD
3D modelling/CAD lets you design parts on a computer first. That way you can check how they’ll fit before you spend time and money building them.
Formula D drift driver
Formula D is a big U.S. drifting competition. Saying he’s a Formula D driver means he competes at a high level in drifting, not just casually.
drifting
Drifting is when you steer the car so it slides sideways through a turn on purpose. It’s not just chaos—good drifting is about staying in control and doing it smoothly.
Mitsubishi Evo
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a fast, performance-focused car with a turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It was known for rally-style driving and strong enthusiast support. The podcast is mentioning it because people feel like it’s no longer around the way it used to be.
inject some performance back into the world of automobiles
The idea is that Toyota (or any brand) decides to make more cars that are fun to drive, not just practical. That usually leads to better driving feel, stronger engines, and more tuning-focused engineering.
Toyota Camry
They’re talking about the Toyota Camry as the typical, everyday Toyota most people buy. The point is that enthusiast cars are sold to fewer people than the regular commuter models.
Formula One
Formula One is the highest level of racing with very advanced technology. If a car company returns to F1, it often helps them build better performance know-how for their regular cars too.
Haas team
Haas is one of the Formula One racing teams. Mentioning Haas helps listeners understand which level of competition they mean.
Scion
Scion was a Toyota brand that sold more “enthusiast” cars. It was used a lot in racing and sponsorships because it helped teams get support and attention.
Scion Frs
The Scion FR-S is a small sports car with rear-wheel drive. People like it because it’s a good starting point for upgrades and building a car to their taste. The podcast is referencing it as the guest’s first Scion project.
inline six
An inline-six is an engine with six cylinders arranged in a straight line. Because it’s often physically longer/heavier than a four-cylinder, it can move weight around and make the car handle differently.
front-wheel-drive
Front-wheel-drive means the front wheels do the work of moving the car. That setup can make the front end carry more load, which changes how the car feels when you turn.
trailing arm suspension
Trailing arm suspension is a rear suspension design where the arm pivots and controls wheel movement through suspension travel. The speaker highlights it as something they still like, implying it provides predictable behavior for their competition setup.
steering kit
A steering kit is a set of parts that makes the steering feel tighter and more precise. The goal is usually to help the car turn in more predictably, especially when you’re driving hard.
rear bumper
They’re talking about how the back of the car sits and how far it sticks out. If it’s short, you can end up hitting the wall with the tire or wheel even if you think you’re clearing it.
six-cylinder
They’re discussing moving up to a six-cylinder engine. In plain terms, it’s to make the car stronger and more dependable when you’re pushing it.
four-cylinder
They’re talking about switching from a smaller engine with four cylinders to one with six. The reason is basically to get more power and make the car perform better without hitting limits.
B58 engine
The B58 is a turbo inline-six engine used by BMW. It’s mentioned here because the team chose a stronger, more capable engine direction for the project.
power limit vs grip limit
They’re saying there’s a point where your car’s power becomes the limiting factor. If you add more grip but don’t have enough power to use it, the car won’t feel like it’s improved as much as it could.
power to weight and power to grip
It’s not just about having a lot of horsepower. A faster car also needs the right balance of power versus weight, and it needs enough traction so the tires can actually use that power. If the tires can’t grip, extra power won’t make the car easier to drive or faster through corners.
trailing arm setup
A trailing-arm suspension is a way of mounting the rear wheels so they move in a controlled path. The upside is it can help the tires stay planted and generate more grip. The downside is it can make the car feel different when you change throttle, like when you lift off.
five-link setup
A five-link suspension is another rear suspension design that uses several arms to keep the wheel positioned more accurately. In drifting, that can help the car stay stable when you lift off the gas. The hosts are basically saying it’s easier to control grip with a five-link than with a trailing-arm setup.
off throttle grip
Off-throttle grip is how well the tires keep holding the road when you stop pressing the gas. If the car loses grip when you lift, it can be harder to control the slide and set the angle. The hosts are saying the trailing-arm setup makes that part trickier.
horsepower at the wheels
Wheel horsepower is the power that actually reaches the tires. It’s usually lower than the engine’s advertised horsepower because some power is lost inside the drivetrain. It’s a useful number for comparing real-world performance.
low RPM torque
Low RPM torque is how much pulling power the engine has when you’re not revving high. More low-end torque usually means the car feels responsive right away instead of waiting for higher RPM.
power band
A power band is the part of the RPM range where the engine feels strongest. A wider power band means you don’t have to keep the engine at one specific RPM to get good acceleration.
nitrous
Nitrous is a system that adds extra oxygen to the engine for a short burst of extra power. It can make the car feel much stronger quickly, even if the engine doesn’t naturally make huge torque at low RPM.
rods
“Rods” refers to connecting rods inside the engine, which transmit piston motion to the crankshaft. The question about “keeping the rods in this block” implies they’re concerned about durability under higher loads, such as aggressive boost, nitrous, or hard launches.
weight distribution
Weight distribution means how the car’s weight is split front-to-back. If more weight is up front, the car often feels like it pushes or understeers more in turns, because the front is doing more of the work.
ballast
Ballast is just extra weight you add on purpose. People use it to move the car’s balance so it turns and feels more predictable.
engine tuning
Engine tuning means adjusting the settings of the engine so it runs better. The goal is usually more power, better throttle response, and smoother operation.
reflashing
Reflashing means rewriting the computer tune in your car. It can change how the engine runs, like how much fuel it uses and when it sparks.
WinOLS
WinOLS is a widely used software tool for editing ECU calibration data. Tuners use it to locate and modify maps that control engine behavior, such as fuel and ignition strategies.
Canbus devices
CAN bus is how different car computers communicate. A CAN bus device is something that plugs into that communication system to read or control information.
Formula Drift
Formula Drift is a racing series focused on drifting—driving the car sideways on purpose. Drivers are judged on how well they keep the slide going and how clean their runs look.
Celica GT4 ST205
This is a Toyota Celica GT-Four, and “ST205” is basically the specific version of that Celica. People like it because it’s built for rally-style driving, so it’s a strong platform for tuning.
Ferrari 458 engine
That’s a Ferrari V8 (from the 458) being used in a non-Ferrari build. It’s a big deal because it usually requires lots of custom work to make it fit and run correctly.
SEMA
SEMA is a big car show in the U.S. where custom and modified cars—and the parts that make them possible—get showcased.
taking a chassis and putting modern running gear in it
It means keeping the car’s body/chassis, but upgrading the important mechanical parts like the engine and drivetrain. Builders do this to get newer performance and easier parts support without starting from scratch.
spare parts for that
They’re saying that before you commit to a build, you need to make sure replacement parts are actually available. Otherwise, the car can become hard to maintain or repair.
engine combination
They mean choosing which engine and drivetrain parts to use together. It’s not random—builders research what will fit and work reliably with the rest of the car.
chassis combinations
They’re talking about making sure the car’s body/chassis works with the drivetrain you want to install. It’s about fitment and compatibility so the swap can actually be done.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a sporty car with a turbo engine and usually all-wheel drive. It’s popular with people who like fast driving and upgrades. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as one of the well-known performance cars people still talk about.
JDM
JDM means the car was made for Japan’s market. It can have different parts and specs than the same model sold in the U.S., so enthusiasts sometimes seek them out for that reason.
all wheel drive donuts
Donuts are when you spin the car in a circle on purpose, usually by breaking traction. With all-wheel drive, the car can often put power down more easily while you’re doing it.
NA engine
NA engine means the engine doesn’t use a turbo or supercharger. It relies on normal airflow into the engine, which often feels less punchy than forced induction.
donor
A donor car is a car you buy mainly to take parts from it or use it as the starting point for a project. It’s often cheaper than starting with the most desirable version of the model.
homologation
Homologation is the process of building a limited number of road-legal (or otherwise eligible) cars so a race version can compete under the rules. It’s common in rally and touring-car racing because the regulations require a production link to the race car.
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is the biggest global rally racing series. Teams build and tune cars to follow the rally rules, and that’s why you’ll hear about specific technical limitations.
16 inch wheel
Wheel size affects what tires and brakes can physically fit on the car. In rally, teams sometimes can’t use smaller wheels because the suspension or brakes take up space.
Rally New Zealand
Rally New Zealand is a famous rally event in New Zealand. They’re using it as a memory anchor for when those Toyota rally cars were the top competitors.
anti-lag
Anti-lag is a turbo trick that keeps the turbo “spooled up” even when you lift off the gas. That way, when you press the throttle again, you get power faster—very useful in rally driving.
rally drivers
The segment argues that rally drivers are uniquely skilled because they must adapt to changing surfaces and unfamiliar stages, often using pace notes while managing traction limits. Unlike circuit racing where the same corners are repeated, rally drivers encounter many different corners in a single event, demanding rapid learning and precise car control.
pace notes
Pace notes are like a rally “cheat sheet” the driver uses during the stage. They describe what’s coming up next so the driver can go fast even though they haven’t driven the route before.
drift car
A drift car is built and driven to slide on purpose while staying in control. The driver uses throttle and steering in a very specific way to keep the car sideways without spinning out.
four-wheel drive, you know, rally based car
Four-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels. That can make the car feel different in turns because it grips more and the driver has to plan the corner earlier instead of just pivoting like in a drift car.
pivot the car
Pivoting is basically turning the car’s direction quickly by getting it to rotate. The point here is that the same “quick rotate” feeling doesn’t happen as easily when you switch from a drift setup to a 4WD rally setup.
3S 5S combination
This sounds like mixing parts from two different Toyota engine families to make a setup that works better for the build. It usually means custom work and tuning so everything fits and runs correctly.
cam control
Cam control is a system that helps the engine open the valves at the right times for different speeds. It can make the car feel smoother and more efficient without sacrificing power.
OEM setup
“OEM setup” refers to the factory configuration engineered by the automaker, including calibration, materials, and component matching. Starting from an OEM design can improve baseline reliability because the engine was validated to run that way under real-world conditions.
engine project
An “engine project” in this context means a planned upgrade path—often involving internal components (like rods and pistons) plus supporting changes and tuning. The goal is to balance reliability with higher performance while keeping the engine’s modern control systems working correctly.
GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is Toyota’s performance hatchback that uses a modern turbo engine. The host is using it as proof that this engine makes enough power for fun without being uncontrollable.
longer stroke
Stroke is how far the piston moves inside the engine. A longer stroke can help the engine make more “pull” at lower speeds, so the car feels torquey and easier to drive.
spools the turbo
When you accelerate, a turbo needs time to build boost pressure. “Spooling the turbo” means how quickly it ramps up, which affects how responsive the car feels.
BMW G16S
The BMW 8 Series is a luxury car designed for comfortable, fast driving. It’s meant to feel smooth and capable, including on longer trips. The podcast mentions it while talking about performance results and engine output.
GR engine
“GR” is Toyota’s performance brand. Saying “GR engine” usually means it’s part of Toyota’s racing-focused lineup, designed to handle more performance than a basic engine.
three cylinder
A three-cylinder engine has three combustion chambers instead of four. The surprising part here is that, with the right turbo and tuning, it can still make a lot of power.
SuperTech Valtrain
SuperTech Valtrain is mentioned as the source for valvetrain components. Valvetrain upgrades (like valves, springs, retainers, and related parts) are often used to maintain control of valve motion at higher RPM and boost.
Kelford Cams
Kelford is an aftermarket camshaft brand commonly used in performance and motorsport builds. Camshafts control valve timing and lift, which helps an engine breathe better—especially important for boosted setups targeting high power.
Nidda Performance Engineering
This is a company that makes performance engine parts like rods and pistons. When you’re pushing big boost, these parts are chosen to handle the extra stress safely.
Garrett G3770 Turbo
The Garrett G3770 is a specific turbocharger model used for high-power applications. Turbo sizing affects spool characteristics and airflow; the G3770 is typically chosen when the goal is strong power at higher boost levels.
32 PSI boost
“PSI boost” is the amount of extra pressure the turbo forces into the intake manifold. Higher boost increases airflow and potential power, but it also raises stress on the engine—so supporting parts and sealing (like head gaskets/studs) become important.
head studs
Head studs are stronger fasteners that hold the cylinder head down tighter. They help keep the head gasket sealed when you’re running a lot of boost.
head gasket
The head gasket is a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. With high boost, it can be the first thing to fail if the engine isn’t built to handle the pressure.
stock engine headroom
“Headroom” here means the margin of safety in the factory engine design—how much power it can handle before components become a limiting factor. The speaker notes that the community discovered surprisingly high power capability without changing many internal parts, which is a big deal for cost and build strategy.
G16E engine
The G16E is referenced as a newer engine platform the build may be moving toward. The key idea is that changing engine architecture can affect how much power is possible and what supporting modifications are needed.
oil pan
The oil pan is the part at the bottom of the engine that holds the engine oil. They’re measuring how tall the engine is from the bottom (oil pan) to the top (valve cover) to explain why it takes careful fitment.
valve cover
The valve cover is the top cover on the engine that helps protect the moving parts inside. They mention it to explain how tall the engine is, which matters for fitting everything under the hood.
vertical placement
Vertical placement means how high the engine sits in the car. If the engine is tall, you have to place it carefully so it doesn’t run into the hood or other parts.
engine bay packaging (tilted toward the firewall)
Packaging is about fitting the engine where it needs to go without hitting other parts. Tilting the engine toward the firewall can create more room and make it easier to work on the car later.
serviceability in the engine bay
Serviceability is how easy it is to get to parts for maintenance. They’re saying the way the engine is fitted creates more room, so certain jobs are less annoying.
drive trailer
This sounds like they meant “drivetrain,” which is the parts that send power to the wheels. They’re asking whether those parts are stock or modified.
Toyota engine
The hosts clarify they’re using a Toyota engine for the build, which matters because Toyota powertrains have well-known fitment paths and aftermarket support. In this segment, they’re setting up a discussion of what’s been swapped and how it affects the overall build.
six speed sequential gearbox
Sequential means you can only go to the next gear up or down, one step at a time. Racers like it because it’s fast and consistent when you’re driving hard.
Hollinger MFE gearbox
Hollinger makes race-focused transmissions. “Sequential” means you shift one gear at a time in order, which helps keep the car accelerating smoothly during hard driving.
rear-end
“Rear-end” is shorthand for the rear axle assembly, including the differential and final-drive gearing. In drivetrain builds, matching the rear-end to the transmission/transfer case is essential so the gearing and torque delivery work together without driveline bind or mismatched ratios.
transfer case
A transfer case is the part that routes power to the wheels in an AWD-style setup. If you’re building a custom drivetrain, picking the right one helps the car put power down the way you expect.
GR drive train
The “GR drivetrain” is Toyota’s factory performance drivetrain. The builder is saying he didn’t trust it early on, so he used other proven parts instead—then later wished he had started with the factory setup.
inevitable bugs and shortfalls
This refers to the real-world development issues that show up when integrating new or unproven components—things like unexpected driveline behavior, reliability problems, or calibration gaps. In custom builds, these “bugs” often drive additional testing and iteration time, which can significantly affect total cost and schedule.
research and development costs
R&D costs are what you pay to figure out what works and what doesn’t. If the car needs lots of custom fitting and testing, the bill can grow fast.
custom-making parts
Custom-made parts are fabricated specifically to solve integration problems—like adapting mounting points, aligning shafts, or achieving correct gearing and driveline angles. While it can unlock performance and reliability, it also increases lead time and cost because each custom piece must be designed, built, and validated.
sequential gear sets or gearboxes
A sequential gearbox shifts in a step-by-step order, usually faster and more consistently than a traditional shifter. It’s common in motorsport because it helps you keep the car in the right power band.
front rear torque split
Torque split is how the car decides how much pulling force goes to the front wheels versus the rear wheels. If you change that balance, the car can feel like it turns in differently and grips differently.
tunable AWD / adjustability
This is about being able to change how the AWD system behaves. Instead of the car always acting the same way, you can adjust it so it feels better for your driving and the track.
dyno
A dyno is a machine that tests the car’s engine while it’s not driving on the road. It helps you see how strong the engine is and how it responds under load.
NASCAR track New Hampshire Motor Speedway
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a real race track. They used it because it’s a controlled place to practice driving in snow and ice.
snow tires
Snow tires are tires made to work better in cold weather. They help the car grip when the road is covered in snow or slush.
shakedown
A shakedown is an initial test session to confirm the car is functioning correctly and to sort out basic setup and driving habits. Here, they describe using snow runs as a shakedown before progressing to the ice race.
asphalt donuts
“Donuts” are controlled circular slides that test throttle and steering response on a given surface. Doing them on asphalt near the shop is a quick way to feel how the car’s traction and balance behave before moving to snow and ice.
ice racing
Ice racing is driving on frozen ground instead of pavement. Tires can be designed to bite into the ice, and the ice condition matters a lot for how much grip you get.
studded tires
Studded tires have small metal spikes on the tread. Those spikes help the tire grab onto ice so the car can accelerate and turn more safely.
WRC conditions
WRC is a top-level rally series. On icy stages, the tires can be so grippy that drivers may actually aim for the ice surface to get better traction.
nine millimeter studs
They’re describing very big tire spikes on rally tires. Bigger studs can dig into ice more, which helps traction, but they also change how the tire behaves.
brake package
Your brake setup takes up space behind the wheel. If the brakes are too big, you can’t fit smaller wheels, so your tire/wheel choices get limited.
four and a half millimeter stud
They used smaller ice studs than the full-on rally tires. Smaller studs usually mean less aggressive grip, but they can be easier to live with depending on the conditions.
laid down water on the track to freeze overnight
They pour water onto the track and let it freeze so you get an ice surface to drive on. If only the top freezes, you may still get better traction once your tires reach the layer underneath.
track position
Where you are in the order matters on an ice track. The first cars can rough up the surface, and later cars may get better grip because the ice gets broken and the tires can dig in.
Ford Escort
A Ford Escort is an older Ford model that people still race in historic events. Here it’s mentioned because it had ice tires with studs, which help a lot on slippery frozen surfaces.
four wheel drive rally class
A “four wheel drive rally class” is a competition category where cars must be AWD (all-wheel drive) and are judged/competed under that rule set. These classes often encourage specific drivetrain setups and traction strategies to manage loose surfaces and high cornering loads.
MoTeK
MoTeK is a company that makes race-car electronics. They provide the computer and wiring/control parts that help the engine and systems run correctly during competition.
PDM
PDM is basically an electrical “power manager” for the car. It helps distribute power to all the important race electronics in a controlled, reliable way.
ECUs
An ECU is the car’s engine computer. It decides things like how much fuel to inject and when to spark so the engine runs the way the tuner wants.
direct injection
Direct injection means the fuel is sprayed straight into the engine’s cylinders. It can make the engine run better, but it usually requires more careful tuning than older fuel systems.
aftermarket electronics
Aftermarket electronics means using racing-grade computers and wiring instead of the stock ones. It’s often done so the engine can be tuned more precisely for performance and reliability.
plug and play ECU
“Plug and play” means the ECU is designed to install with less hassle. Instead of lots of custom wiring, it’s meant to work with the car’s existing systems.
DIY pump pressure
“DIY pump pressure” refers to the fuel pump pressure needed for the direct-injection system to start and run correctly. In this segment, the challenge is getting enough pressure for the engine to fire on the DIY setup, then switching over once pressure builds.
throttle blade
The throttle blade is basically the engine’s “air gate.” Opening it more lets more air in, which can help keep RPM up for faster turbo response.
ignition retard
Ignition retard means the spark happens later than usual. In antilag, that timing change can help make the exhaust do more of the “work” to keep the turbo spinning.
ignition cut
Ignition cut is when the car temporarily stops sparking. In antilag, it’s used to influence where the fuel ends up so the turbo can stay spooled.
unburned fuel and air
Sometimes the fuel doesn’t burn completely inside the engine. Antilag can use that “leftover” mixture so it burns in the exhaust instead, keeping the turbo spinning.
throttle completely bypassing
Bypassing the throttle means the system doesn’t rely on opening the throttle plate to control airflow. That can make the antilag behavior more consistent and less “weird” to drive.
electronic throttle body
Instead of a cable pulling the throttle, a computer moves a small valve (the throttle plate). That lets the car control how much air goes in more accurately, which is especially helpful on turbo setups.
blow off valve
When you lift off the gas, the turbo is still spinning fast and pushing air. A blow-off valve releases that pressure so the turbo doesn’t fight itself and stall or surge.
intercooler
The turbo heats the air as it compresses it. An intercooler cools that air down so you can pack more oxygen into the engine safely.
turbine housing
Think of the turbo as two halves: exhaust spins one side, which powers the other side that compresses air. The turbine housing is the exhaust “path” that makes that spinning happen.
drive by wire throttle body
Instead of direct mechanical linkage, the gas pedal tells the computer what you want. The computer then moves the throttle plate for you.
TurboSmart
TurboSmart makes aftermarket parts for turbo cars, like valves that help control boost and turbo response. Here they’re mentioned as a source for a specific anti-lag-style valve.
wastegate
The wastegate is like a bypass valve for exhaust. It controls how hard the turbo is pushed so boost doesn’t get too high.
reliability uncertainty with unknown parts/systems
They contrast what they already know (how a setup works) versus what they don’t (how it will work and how reliable it will be). That reliability uncertainty is a major factor in motorsport builds because failures can be expensive and can derail the schedule.
budget-conscious project planning
They’re basically saying that building a serious car costs more than you think, and it takes longer too. If you’re not sure how something will work or how reliable it’ll be, you have to plan extra carefully.
professional fabricators and top-level parts
They’re saying that if you want a real race car, you usually need skilled fabricators and high-quality parts. Those things cost a lot, which is why the budget can disappear fast.
race car build cost escalation (spend 1.2-2x budget)
Ryan describes a common reality in performance builds: once you set a budget, the final cost often lands around 1.2 to 2 times that number. He also notes that projects take longer and cost more than expected, which is especially true when fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting are involved.
plan for events, exhibitions
They’re asking what the car is going to be used for—like car shows or events. It’s basically about how they plan to show the build off.
hill climbs
Hill climbs are races where you drive up a steep course as fast as you can. Because the road is always changing and the car is working hard, it shows you how good the tires, brakes, and suspension really are.
New England Hill Climb Association
This is the group that runs the hill-climb events in New England. The host is saying they’ll use those races to get seat time and learn the car.
gravel roads vs tarmac
Different road surfaces change how the car grips the ground. Gravel usually makes traction less predictable, and even rough tarmac can feel similar because it’s bumpy and uneven.
underfloor protection
Underfloor protection is what helps protect the bottom of the car from rocks and damage. It can take a beating, but it won’t survive forever if you’re constantly hitting gravel.
consumables for rally or gravel
On rally or gravel, parts wear out faster than on smooth pavement. Things like tires and brakes get used up quickly because the surface is rough and the car gets bounced around.
Mount Washington hill climb
The Mount Washington hill climb is a famous U.S. hill-climb event known for its long, challenging ascent and harsh conditions. It’s a great example of how elevation, narrow roads, and sustained load make driving and setup much more demanding than typical track days.
iRacing
iRacing is a racing simulator platform used to practice courses and driving techniques before real-world events. Using it for a specific hill climb helps drivers learn braking points, turn sequence, and pacing without risking damage to their actual car.
100 and 100 plus turns
If a course has tons of turns, you’re constantly braking and turning. That wears out tires and brakes faster, and it’s harder to make mistakes because you can’t easily correct them.
maxing about just under 6,000 feet
At higher altitude, the air is thinner. That can make the engine feel weaker and can change how the car grips the road.
frosty is in the bumps and the undulation in the road is pretty intense
When the road has bumps and dips, the tires don’t stay loaded the same way all the time. That can make the car lose grip or feel unpredictable, so it’s harder to drive fast safely.
411 Works
411 Works is a company that makes car parts. The hosts say it was created so the team can design and build parts themselves, instead of relying only on whatever parts are already available.
off-the-shelf
“Off-the-shelf” refers to mass-produced aftermarket parts that are available immediately, but may not be optimized for a specific build or performance goal. The speaker argues that by controlling material, design, and function, they can create products that are better than what’s commonly sold.
control the material, the design, the function
They’re saying they want to choose the right materials, design the part the right way, and make sure it actually works as intended. That’s how you get parts that perform better and fit better than generic options.
batch of parts
A “batch” is a limited production run of parts. They’re saying they’ll make parts, listen to what customers say, improve the design, and then make the next run better.
startup company
A startup is a new company trying to build something and make it work while figuring out the best way to sell and grow. In car parts, that often means they’re targeting a specific need and improving their product as they learn.
direct to consumer
Direct to consumer means the company sells straight to you, not through middlemen. That can make pricing and communication simpler, but the company has to handle more of the selling and shipping itself.
Viking burn the ships
It’s a metaphor for making it so you can’t easily back out. When applied to starting a business, it means you’re all-in and have to make it work.
full motorsport schedule
Running a full motorsport schedule means racing a lot of events in a row over the season. That makes the team spend more time fixing and tuning the car between races so it stays ready.
maintenance schedules and upgrades and R&D
They’re talking about three things: planned upkeep, performance improvements, and testing new ideas. Racing hard means you can’t just drive—you have to keep the car healthy and experiment to find better solutions.
R&D
R&D just means “trying new things and learning from the results.” In racing, that often means testing parts or tuning changes, then adjusting based on what worked.
CNC lathe
“CNC” means the machine is controlled by a computer program. A CNC lathe makes parts by spinning the metal and cutting it to the exact shape the program specifies.
Haas VF mills
Haas makes CNC machines used to cut metal parts automatically. A “mill” is a machine that shapes material by cutting it with a spinning tool, and the VF line is one of Haas’s common vertical milling setups.
low order quantity
Low order quantity (small batch runs) makes manufacturing harder because setup time and tooling changes are spread across fewer parts. Shops often need to be flexible—switching tooling and machine setups quickly—to stay profitable.
machine over tooling wise
“Machine over tooling wise” describes the practical process of changing tooling and reconfiguring a CNC machine between jobs. In small-batch manufacturing, frequent tool/material changes can dominate time and cost, so shops optimize for fast changeovers.
larger batches
Running larger batches improves viability because setup costs are amortized over more parts, and production becomes more efficient. As demand stabilizes, shops can justify dedicated tooling, better scheduling, and less time spent on frequent changeovers.
cash flow
Cash flow is basically whether the business has money available when it needs it. If money is tight, it can delay buying tools or starting new projects.
market driven
“Market driven” means you make products because customers want them. Instead of guessing, you follow what buyers are asking for so the business can grow faster.
pre-production testing / "deep into it" validation
The hosts are describing a common development workflow: a product can look great on paper or online, but real-world use reveals fitment, performance, and usability issues. “Deep into it” implies iterative testing on the actual vehicle/application before committing to production or sales.
nitty gritty
They mean the detailed stuff you only notice when you get hands-on. It’s where you find out if the product really works for your exact car and setup.
orders and inventory
“Orders and inventory” refers to the business operations side of selling automotive parts—tracking what customers request and what stock is on hand. For listeners, it’s a reminder that performance parts companies often manage fulfillment logistics alongside engineering.
CAD skills
CAD is a computer program used to design parts. You can draw and test shapes digitally before you spend time and money making the real thing.
Horsepower Academy
Horsepower Academy sounds like an online learning program. In this segment, it’s being used to learn how to design parts with CAD.
3D modeling CAD
3D modeling CAD means making a digital 3D version of a part. It’s not just drawing—it’s building a model that can actually be made in the real world.
fusion
Fusion is a software tool for designing parts. The point here is that a design that looks good on a computer still has to be practical to build.
design for manufacturing
Design for manufacturing means designing parts with the factory in mind. Two designs can work the same, but one might be much cheaper because it’s easier to make with the available tools.
design for manufacture
Design for manufacture is basically designing so a part can be made easily and consistently. Instead of only thinking about the idea, you also think about how it will be cut, built, and checked in the real world.
motorsports inspiration
Motorsports inspiration means looking at race cars and learning from what they do well. Racing is a tough test, so ideas that survive there often translate to better performance parts.
prototype
A prototype is a first draft of a part. It’s made to test whether it fits and works the way you expect before you build the “real” version.
works clamp
They’re talking about a special clamp that lets you quickly connect and disconnect certain hoses/pipe sections. It’s used on things like the intercooler piping, intake piping, and coolant lines so maintenance is easier.
quick disconnect clamps
Quick-disconnect clamps are hardware designed to join (and later release) plumbing without fully disassembling the whole line. In turbo and performance setups, they’re often used on charge-air (intercooler) piping, intake plumbing, or coolant lines to simplify troubleshooting and upgrades.
intercooled plumbing
On turbo cars, the intercooler cools the hot compressed air. The “plumbing” is the set of pipes that move that pressurized air around, and good connections help prevent boost leaks.
intake plumbing
This is the piping that moves air into the engine. On modified cars, people care a lot about how well it fits and seals so the engine gets the airflow it’s supposed to.
coolant plumbing
This is the set of hoses/lines that carries coolant to keep the engine from overheating. If you use quick-connect parts, they still have to seal tightly so you don’t lose coolant.
saturated marker
A saturated market means lots of brands are selling basically the same thing. When that happens, the way to win is usually to make a better version at a price people can actually afford.
Wiggins
Wiggins is a brand of special hose clamps. The idea is that they’re quick to install without tools, and they seal two hoses/pipes together. The host is saying some other clamps do the job too, but may not be as “tool-free.”
tool-free design
“Tool-free” means you don’t need tools to tighten the clamp. The host is comparing clamp styles and pointing out that how they’re tightened matters, especially when the engine vibrates.
hose clamps
Hose clamps are what keep rubber/silicone hoses attached to metal pipes. If the clamp loosens over time—especially with engine vibration—you can get leaks.
CNC machined alloy
“CNC machined alloy” basically means the part is made from metal and shaped very precisely by machines. It can be strong and well-finished, but the host is saying the installation method still matters.
silicon coupler
A silicone coupler is a flexible connector that links two parts of the intake/intercooler plumbing. The host is mainly talking about appearance—how it looks with different clamp types.
worm clamps
Worm clamps are the common screw-type clamps you tighten with a screwdriver. They work, but the host is saying nicer clamps can look better in the engine bay.
solid engine mounts
Solid engine mounts hold the engine more rigidly instead of letting it move on soft rubber. That can help keep aftermarket parts lined up when you’re making more boost. The downside is you’ll feel and hear more vibration in the car.
NVH
NVH is how much noise, vibration, and harshness you feel inside the car. Stiffer mounts can make the engine shake more, so the car feels louder and less smooth. Race cars often accept this; street cars usually don’t.
Delrin
Delrin is a tough plastic material used in some performance mounts and bushings. It’s stiffer than rubber, so it can help keep parts from moving around too much. The goal is better stability, but it can also increase harshness.
higher boost pressure
Higher boost pressure means the turbo is pushing more air into the engine. More boost puts more force on the pipes and connections, so weak or thin parts are more likely to fail. That’s why upgrades often focus on keeping everything sealed and secure.
bead roll
A bead roll is a small raised ridge on the pipe end that helps the clamp grip better. If that ridge gets messed up, the clamp can’t hold as firmly, especially when boost is high. Then the connection may never seal correctly again.
turbocharged car
A turbo uses exhaust energy to spin a compressor that pushes more air into the engine. That extra pressure means the hoses and connections have to be strong and well-clamped.
silicon hose
In turbo cars, you need tubes to move pressurized air. A “silicon hose” is a tougher, heat-resistant tube that’s less likely to crack than cheap rubber, but it still needs to be clamped correctly.
interior crystal ball
They’re basically saying, “Let’s look ahead at what we might build next.” It’s a way of talking about future product ideas and what will sell.
weld cups
A weld cup is a metal piece that gets welded onto a pipe so you can attach something else to it later. It helps make a strong, sealed connection instead of relying on flimsy clamps.
bungs
A bung is a fitting welded into a pipe that creates a place to connect something later. Think of it like a built-in “port” for lines or sensors.
markup on simpler vs more complex parts
They’re basically saying that easier-to-make parts can cost less to produce and can be made in bigger quantities. That usually means you can make more money overall, even if the part isn’t as complicated.
volume-wise production economics
They’re talking about how making parts faster lets you sell more of them. If a part takes less time to build, you can produce higher quantities and usually make more money.
drag racing
Drag racing is racing in a straight line where the goal is to accelerate as fast as possible over a short distance. It’s often measured by elapsed time. Here, it’s mentioned as one of the racing areas they want to expand into.
Wild Evo
An “Evo” is a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution—an enthusiast turbo car that’s popular for racing and tuning. In this episode, the “Wild Evo” is being used as a test car to prove parts work under real track conditions. The hosts don’t specify the exact Evo generation here.
quarter mile time
In drag racing, cars race down a quarter mile (about 400 meters). The time it takes is a simple way to compare how fast different cars accelerate. Faster quarter-mile times usually mean stronger acceleration and power.
build a car from scratch
“From scratch” means doing the whole project—fabricating and assembling the car—rather than just bolting on finished parts. It requires the right tools and skilled people. The host says they now have the equipment to do it, but they don’t have the personal skills yet.
building a product to kind of fix a problem that you've personally got with a car
They’re saying the best parts come from real needs. If something doesn’t work the way you want on your own car, you build a part to fix that exact issue.
bespoke engine
A bespoke engine is a custom engine made for that specific car and purpose. Instead of buying a standard engine, they’re talking about building one to match the project’s needs.
restoration project
A restoration project means taking a car you already have and improving it back to a higher standard. It’s not just fixing it up—it can also mean upgrading it with what you’ve learned.
tease everyone
They’re basically saying they’ve hinted at future builds but haven’t shared the full details yet.
Nissan 240SX
The Nissan 240SX is a popular older Nissan that a lot of people modified for drifting and street performance. Mentioning it is basically a nod to the classic JDM scene.
Kazaa
Kazaa was an early internet site where people shared and downloaded files. Here it’s just describing how the host found car videos back in the day.
Volkswagen Golf
This means the fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf. The host is basically saying that newer, exciting performance cars are harder to find, so younger buyers might end up with something more mainstream like a Golf.
performance industry as it sits at the moment
They’re talking about how the car-mod world changes over time—what people can actually afford and what cars are available to build. When prices and availability shift, it changes what cars new enthusiasts end up choosing.
SR20s
SR20 is a Nissan engine family (a 2.0-liter four-cylinder). People talked about importing or using SR20s because it was a common, mod-friendly engine for making more power.
Supra
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car, and in this context it’s being referenced as too expensive for younger enthusiasts at the time. The Supra’s reputation and desirability drive pricing, which affects what cars people could realistically buy and modify.
Ford Mustang
“Fox-body” Mustangs are the 1979–1993 Mustang platform, and “Fox Money Mustangs” is a slangy way of saying those cars became a go-to affordable performance option. They’re often associated with a big aftermarket and a long history of engine swaps and suspension upgrades.
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is a compact car that has been made in performance versions. The podcast is talking about the DC2 Type R, which is a specific older model that many people want. Because of that demand, it can cost a lot more than other cars.
DC2 Type R Integra
The DC2 Type R Integra is a Honda enthusiast car that people really love. The speaker’s point is that it’s now worth a lot more money than it used to be.
entrepreneurial chap
This is about how running a business changes your life. Even if you love the hands-on work, you end up doing a lot of other tasks that aren’t as fun.
engine tuner
An engine tuner is a person who adjusts an engine so it runs better and makes more power. It’s not just “turning it up”—it’s making sure everything works together correctly.
make a business plan
They’re saying that if you want to turn your car hobby into a real business, you should start with a plan. A business plan helps you figure out what you’ll sell, who you’ll sell to, and how you’ll make it work.
VIP package
A VIP package is a membership deal that gives you access to a set of courses. In this case, it includes lots of current training and more that will be added later.
2JZ
The 2JZ is a Toyota inline-six engine that’s known for being tough and popular with performance builders. Here, it’s the engine they put into a truck, which usually means lots of custom work to make it fit and run correctly.
8HP95
8HP95 is an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, widely used in swaps because it’s modern, strong, and supports electronic control. When someone says “8HP95 swapped,” it usually means they replaced the original transmission with this unit and integrated it into the vehicle’s control system.
Haltech
Haltech is a company that makes aftermarket engine computers. In this build, it’s used to control how the engine runs—like fuel and spark—so the swapped engine can be tuned properly.
TurboLamut
TurboLamut sounds like a tool or system used to help manage turbo performance. The host mentions it together with the engine computer, so it likely helps control boost or tuning, but the exact role isn’t spelled out here.
Toyota Tundra
A Toyota Tundra is a big pickup truck. Here, the host is saying they’ve turned one into a serious performance build by swapping in a different engine and using special electronics to control it.
HP Academy
HP Academy is an online learning program for people who want to work on performance cars. The host says it helped him learn engine-building and get support from other enthusiasts.
forum
A forum is a community space where builders share troubleshooting, setup advice, and build documentation. In projects like engine swaps, forums can be especially valuable because they provide real-world solutions to wiring, tuning, and fitment problems.
car suspension and wheel alignment
Suspension setup and wheel alignment are key to how a performance car handles and how tires wear. Alignment affects steering feel and grip, while suspension choices (springs, dampers, geometry) influence ride quality and cornering behavior.
