Adam Rogash of MPW Performance
About this episode
Adam Rogash of MPW Performance drops into Oil & Whiskey with a mix of migraine-med ad copy, Aussie car-culture history, and serious drag-racing tech. He explains how LS swaps and turbo setups evolved in Australia, why regulations make “streetable” builds harder, and how his shop targets straight-line cars that can drive to the track. The conversation also tackles parts shortages, QC issues, and the modern hiring/work-ethic problem fueled by instant gratification. They wrap with Summonats USA plans, event culture, and a chaotic-airport rant.
Adam Rogash of MPW Performance joins the guys all the way from Australia to talk horsepower, car culture, and what makes the Aussie scene so different from the US.
From growing up influenced by American car culture to building one of Australia’s top performance shops, Adam breaks down where the obsession with big power comes from and why the rules (or lack of them) shape how cars get built across the world.
We get into MPW’s growth, building high-level cars in a smaller market, and what it takes to put together a solid team in today’s industry. Plus, everything he’s been up to while in the US, from tuning sessions to collabs with some of the biggest names in the performance world.
Botox
"Botox, Anabacha linem toxin A, prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month."
Botox is a medicine doctors can use to help prevent frequent migraines. It’s injected and can reduce how often headaches happen.
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, used medically to prevent chronic migraine. It works by interfering with nerve signaling involved in headache pathways.
camshaft
"So, we will do everything from your basic camshaft at LSDL up to three and a half thousand plus horsepower street cars."
A camshaft controls when engine valves open and close, which strongly affects power, torque, and how the engine “feels” across the RPM range. In performance builds, camshaft choice is a major part of matching the engine to the intended use (street, drag, track).
welding
"but they'll teach the basics of welding and metal craft and whatever. Enough to find out if you're interested in pursuing that path, I guess."
Welding is how you join two pieces of metal together so they become one. In car work, it’s used for making or repairing metal parts like brackets and exhaust pieces.
Welding is a fabrication process that joins metal parts by heating them (or using pressure) so they fuse. In automotive and performance work, it’s commonly used for exhaust fabrication, brackets, roll cages, and repairing metal structures.
racetrack
"No, I know. That is definitely where all of Bob Jane's old tires went to die underneath some dirt and turned it into a racetrack."
A racetrack is a place designed for cars to drive fast and safely. Here, they’re talking about a track that was made from/with old tires and dirt, kind of like a DIY racing setup.
A racetrack is a purpose-built (or repurposed) surface and layout designed for driving cars at speed. In this context, the speaker is describing how old tires were used to create or improve track conditions after being buried under dirt.
quarter mile
"We had a quarter mile marked out at the road. We'd all go out racing and stuff like that."
A quarter mile is a standard drag-racing distance. It’s basically a fixed straight stretch people race down to compare who’s faster.
A quarter mile is a common drag-racing distance (about 402 meters). When someone says they had a quarter mile marked out, it usually means they were doing informal or organized straight-line races over that set length.
Hot Rod Magazine
"So it's like Hot Rod Magazine, popular hot rodding. [514.2s] What kind of..."
Hot Rod Magazine is a car magazine that talks about hot rods and performance builds. People in the U.S. use it as a guide for what kinds of cars and modifications are popular.
Hot Rod Magazine is a long-running U.S. publication focused on hot rodding and American performance culture. It’s often used as a reference point for how enthusiasts build, modify, and celebrate cars.
Street Machine Magazine
"Yeah, and Street Machine Magazine was the thing growing up. [517.7s] So Street Machine Magazine has been around forever in Australia"
Street Machine Magazine is an Australian car magazine. The speaker is saying it was a big deal for learning about cars and trends while growing up.
Street Machine Magazine is an Australian automotive magazine with a strong focus on street-driven performance cars. In the transcript, it’s described as a prestigious, long-running publication that shaped the host’s car knowledge growing up.
Haltech
"You run all this on standalone or either Haltech or FuelTech. No, so that was back in the day"
Haltech is an aftermarket computer for the engine. It helps the tuner control fuel and spark more precisely than the factory system, especially when you’re making big power.
Haltech is an aftermarket engine management brand used for standalone or piggyback-style control. In performance builds, it’s used to precisely manage fuel and ignition timing for high-power applications.
low profile tires
"...big billet wheels and low profile tires. And like you're looking at that and you're like, it's, that's a crazy build."
Low-profile tires have less rubber on the sidewall, so the ride can feel firmer. They also don’t protect the wheel as well as taller tires.
Low-profile tires have shorter sidewalls, which typically sharpens steering response and helps the car feel more “planted.” The tradeoff is a harsher ride and less sidewall protection against potholes and curb impacts.
MPW Performance
"Podcast: Oil & Whiskey Episode: Adam Rogash of MPW Performance [1124.8s] How did you get started?"
MPW Performance is the shop Adam runs. They’re talking about how the business started, how it grew, and what tools and people they use.
MPW Performance is the performance shop/brand Adam Rogash is associated with in this episode. The discussion centers on how the company grew and what capabilities it built to support its work.
CNC's
"[1152.7s] oh shit, we've kind of achieved something here. [1154.3s] We've got 1000 square meters of factory space [1156.4s] with our own CNC's and benders and folders"
CNCs are machines that use a computer to make parts very accurately. That means the shop can build custom pieces that fit better and are made consistently.
CNC machines are computer-controlled tools used to precisely cut or shape parts. In a performance shop, CNC capability helps with repeatability and tight tolerances for custom brackets, housings, and other fabricated components.
CAD gear
"[1158.4s] and scanners and CAD gear and all that kind of gear, [1161.6s] which isn't that common over in Australia at the moment."
CAD tools let you design parts on a computer first. That way the shop can plan the shape and fitment before cutting or bending metal.
CAD (computer-aided design) tools are used to model parts digitally before they’re manufactured. For performance fabrication, CAD helps with fitment, packaging, and designing custom components that match the vehicle’s constraints.
roll cages
"I've been working with Street Machine doing some builds for them, fabrication, roll cages, tuning, getting cars down the track type deal for their YouTube channel."
A roll cage is a metal safety frame inside the car. It helps protect you if the car flips or crashes hard.
A roll cage is a reinforced metal framework installed inside a car to protect occupants during rollovers and hard impacts. In performance builds, it’s also a key safety requirement for track use and some motorsports events.
FuelTech FT 700
"[2243.8s] powered it with a FuelTech FT 700 [2246.3s] and made over 4000 out of it. [2248.5s] What rear suspensions that got?"
FuelTech FT 700 is the computer that runs the engine. On a turbo drag car, it helps control fuel and spark so the engine can make big power reliably.
FuelTech FT 700 is an aftermarket engine management system used to control fuel injection, ignition timing, and turbo-related parameters. On a high-boost drag build, the ECU is critical for making consistent power and keeping the engine safe under extreme loads.
ECU
"It figures out how high it is, and we set it up in the ECU of over race time, how much lift you can have on that before it shuts you off."
The ECU is the car’s computer. It takes sensor readings and decides what the engine should do. In this case, it’s also used to limit how much lift you can have before the system shuts you down.
ECU stands for engine control unit (or electronic control unit). It’s the car’s computer that reads sensor inputs and controls functions like fuel, ignition, and—here—how traction and lift limits are enforced.
spinning tires
"As soon as it starts getting over the plot, it normally means that we're spinning tires or whatever."
Spinning tires indicates excessive wheel slip, where the tires rotate faster than the vehicle’s actual traction allows. Traction control detects this condition and reduces power to restore grip.
boost
"So we call a three step where we'll bring it up higher than what our launch RPM is to build boost and then it pulls it back down onto the two step. Once we make the boost that we want to make, because at 5,000 RPM, we're going to overpower the track."
Boost is the increased air pressure produced by a turbocharger or supercharger, allowing more oxygen into the engine for more power. In tuning, the timing of boost buildup is critical to avoid overwhelming traction or engine limits.
traction game
"Radial, you're leaving more horsepower on the table ... right? Because it's a traction game."
A “traction game” means the tires and grip are the main challenge, not just horsepower. If the tires can’t hook up, you can’t use all the power.
Calling it a “traction game” means the limiting factor isn’t just engine power—it’s how effectively the tires can convert that power into forward motion. Tire choice, tire temperature, track prep, and setup determine how much horsepower you can actually use.
track prep
"[2707.6s] It's a track thing normally [2708.4s] because everything back home is prep for radial. [2716.3s] What's the difference on a track prep for radial?"
Track prep is what they do to the track surface before racing—basically making it stickier. That stickiness changes how well your tires can grab, which affects traction and stability when you accelerate.
Track prep refers to how the racing surface is conditioned before runs—cleaning, applying traction compounds (“glue”), and controlling how sticky the surface is. Better prep increases tire grip and can dramatically change how quickly a tire hooks up and how stable the car feels under power.
deadwind
"[2734.3s] because it's hooking up that much faster. [2736.1s] It's trying to deadwind. [2737.1s] You need a slicker track for a big tire."
“Deadwind” sounds like slang for when the car isn’t getting the traction it needs. Instead of smoothly pulling forward, the tire can feel like it’s fighting the power.
“Deadwind” here appears to describe a tire/traction state where the tire is not effectively accelerating forward grip-wise, despite power being applied—often associated with traction instability. In drag-racing slang, it can imply the car is fighting the tire’s ability to stay planted.
you're paying for an education, not just a product
"And yeah, we've got a great customer base like that, but we do have a lot of the younger guys that we're still educating. And I always say to my customers, you're paying for an education, not just a product."
This frames performance work as knowledge transfer: customers learn what’s required to achieve their goals, including tradeoffs and constraints. It also implies that the shop’s value includes guidance on parts selection, sequencing, and realistic outcomes—not just installing components.
import duties
"They're great, but as soon as it gets shipped over, the taxes and the import duties and everything we have to pay on that absolutely kills you."
When parts are shipped into a country, the government often charges extra taxes for bringing them in. Those costs can make the parts way more expensive than you’d expect.
Import duties are taxes charged by a country when goods cross the border. For performance parts, these can quickly add up on top of shipping costs and can make sourcing harder and more expensive.
super chargers
"We've got snowmobile races with big old super chargers. Getting my dates confused, I'm thinking about now."
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine so it can make more power. They’re saying the snowmobile races use boosted engines.
A supercharger is a forced-induction device that increases engine air intake pressure, helping produce more power. In snowmobile racing, superchargers are often used to boost performance in cold-weather conditions.
burnouts
"It used to be where we did all the burnouts. That was the draw to the show. So good guys used to have a show in Indy at the drag strip..."
A burnout is when the car’s tires spin in place and make smoke. People do it for show at car meets and drag events, and sometimes to warm the tires for grip.
Burnouts are when a driver intentionally spins the tires to generate smoke and heat, usually to entertain crowds at car events. They’re also used to warm tires for better traction before a run, depending on the event rules.
dyno
"So when they're not doing burnouts, when they're not on the dyno, when they're not drag racing, they're driving around..."
A dyno is a machine that measures how much power a car makes. At events, cars may go on the dyno at certain times instead of racing nonstop.
A dyno (dynamometer) measures engine output by loading the car’s drivetrain and recording power and torque. At car festivals, dyno sessions are often scheduled so cars can be tested when they’re not racing or doing burnouts.
drag racing
"...when they're not on the dyno, when they're not drag racing, they're driving around... The drag racing's on when the burnout's on."
Drag racing is when cars race in a straight line to see who’s fastest over a short distance. At events, it’s usually scheduled in rounds so other activities can happen too.
Drag racing is timed acceleration competition, typically run in straight-line lanes with a start signal and finish timing. In car festivals, drag racing often runs in blocks that alternate with other attractions like burnouts and dyno sessions.
burnout pad
"The burnout pad was absolutely packed in standing room only. [3543.4s] It was really cool too."
A burnout pad is the designated area where drivers do burnouts to heat the tires and improve traction for the launch. It’s usually separate from the main track to manage smoke, tire debris, and safety.
EV
"[3756.7s] Yeah. [3756.9s] Not everybody enjoys EV Broncos. [3759.4s] Sorry to say, but I did notice that you got an EV Bronco down there."
EV just means “electric car.” Instead of burning gas, it uses electricity stored in a battery and you charge it.
EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered by an electric motor and a battery instead of a gasoline engine. EVs can feel different in throttle response and require different charging habits than gas cars.
loud car
"And you have a look at a lefty put a video up where they're, they're shit canning us for having a loud car driving down a main street or something like that."
They mean a car that’s louder than normal, usually because of the exhaust. If you drive it through busy streets, people notice and complain.
“Loud car” refers to increased exhaust noise or other sound sources from modifications. Noise complaints are common when cars are driven through residential or high-traffic areas, and they can lead to backlash on social media.
Burble tune
"And the kids would, they call it the Burble tune. Yeah. Is that what they call it? Yeah. The Burble tune."
A burble tune is a modification that makes the car sound like it’s popping or crackling, especially when you lift off the gas. It’s done by changing how the engine is controlled and/or how the exhaust flows.
A “burble tune” is an aftermarket engine calibration (or exhaust-related setup) that makes the car pop and crackle on deceleration. It’s usually achieved by adjusting fuel cut/ignition timing and sometimes pairing it with an exhaust system that amplifies the sound.
aesthetic
"if you're modifying it, do it for the betterment or the improvement of that vehicle, either you're improving the aesthetic or you're improving the performance, right?"
“Aesthetic” means looks. The speaker is saying it’s okay to modify a vehicle if you’re improving how it looks, not just doing it randomly.
“Aesthetic” refers to visual appeal—how the vehicle looks. The speaker specifically mentions improving the aesthetic as one valid reason to modify a car, alongside improving performance.
crank triggers
"Hey, this is how we set crank triggers up or this is how we do this."
Crank triggers are sensors that help the engine computer “know” where the engine is at any moment. If the signal is wrong or set up poorly, the computer can fire the spark at the wrong time. That can lead to misfires and rough running.
Crank triggers are the sensors/signals used to tell the ECU exactly where the crankshaft is in its rotation. Accurate crank trigger setup is critical for correct ignition timing and fuel injection; errors can cause misfires, rough running, or no-start conditions.
rear ends
"Hey, this is how we set crank triggers up or this is how we do this. Hey, this is how we set rear ends up."
“Rear end” usually means the back axle and the parts that help the wheels move. People talk about setting it up so the car hooks up better and drives the way they want. The exact work depends on the car and what differential/gear setup it has.
“Rear ends” in this context likely refers to the rear axle assembly—commonly including the differential and related setup. In performance builds, rear-end setup can involve gear ratio selection, differential setup, and alignment/clearance considerations to improve traction and drivability.
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