Officially Gassed’s Jamie Talks UK Racing, Street Car Records, and Car Culture Evolution
About this episode
Jamie from Officially Gassed joins the Street Alpha Podcast to discuss his journey through the UK car culture, including his experiences with street racing, project cars, and the evolution of automotive content creation. He shares insights on the differences between UK and US car scenes, the challenges of building high-powered vehicles, and the impact of notable figures like One Stock on the community. Jamie also reflects on his own builds, including his Honda Integra and McLaren, while exploring the future of his content and the automotive industry.
In todays episode we sit with Jamie from Officially Gassed to talk about the UK racing scene, the fastest street cars in the UK, and what really makes UK car culture unique. From BMWs and Porsches to McLarens and Hondas, Jamie breaks down his builds, wild experiences, and lessons learned in the scene. This episode dives deep into tuning, street battles, and the future of Officially Gassed.
Jamie Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officially_gassed
Officially Gassed Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCd-uUDcz6syV0f2fR3l0u8w
00:00 Intro with Officially Gassed
02:34 Why Jamie Started YouTube
06:18 Jamie’s First Car
09:06 Peugeot 205 GTI Story
09:57 The Diesel Mini Days
10:57 Jamie’s Humble Beginnings
13:22 BHP vs HP Explained
19:37 Why Jamie Loves BMWs
21:15 Thoughts on Audis
22:12 Mercedes Experience
22:33 BMW Interiors Talk
23:36 Are All BMWs the Same?
25:14 Diesel BMWs Discussion
27:49 TDI Engines Explained
28:51 Petrol vs Diesel Debate
30:57 CarWow Collaboration
33:07 How OG Car Battles Started
36:37 Fastest Car Jamie’s Been In
39:09 Tukes Drives a Porsche
40:02 Porsche Chassis Codes
43:04 Best Porsche for Performance
44:35 Turbo vs NA Porsche
45:27 Why Porsches Rule the UK
46:49 Real Cost of Owning a Porsche
49:01 Porsche PDK Limits
52:35 What Counts as an Exotic
53:28 Which Porsche Is Exotic
56:42 Jamie’s Thoughts on Hondas
59:07 DC5 Integra Type R
01:02:56 Overbuilding Cars
01:04:01 Cost of Jamie’s Honda Build
01:07:13 Inside the DC5 Build
01:16:05 Sequential Gearbox Setup
01:18:52 How to Drive a Sequential
01:20:45 Sequential vs H Pattern
01:22:24 Paddle vs Stick Shift
01:24:53 RB vs 2JZ Debate
01:28:16 UK vs US Car Culture
01:33:53 UK’s Fastest Street Cars
01:35:38 1Stock’s UK Influence
01:49:13 Racing on Airstrips
01:50:31 Buying a Fake Quattro
01:56:12 Jamie Buys a McLaren
02:00:04 Why Jamie Chose McLaren
02:03:46 The Stage 1 2 3 Tuning Trend
02:08:02 The Future of Officially Gassed
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AMG
"...And one day I bumped into him. And it was at AMG owners meet."
AMG is a special part of Mercedes-Benz that makes faster and more powerful cars. They take regular Mercedes cars and make them sportier and more exciting to drive.
AMG is a performance division of Mercedes-Benz that specializes in high-performance vehicles. They enhance the power, handling, and design of standard Mercedes models to create sportier versions.
Mercedes-Benz
"...at AMG owners meet. I think it was New Year's Eve or something like that at Mercedes-Benz like a dealership."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for their stylish designs and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and innovative technology.
Mercedes-AMG A45
"And I was like, hey, I've got a Mercedes-A45. Have you ever featured one?"
The Mercedes-AMG A45 is a fast and sporty version of a small car called the A-Class. It's made for people who love driving and want a powerful engine.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 is a high-performance version of the A-Class hatchback, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and sporty handling. It's designed for enthusiasts looking for a compact car with significant performance capabilities.
Ford Escort
"So there's just this, what is it? A Ford Escort or something like that? Ford Escort, yeah, yeah."
The Ford Escort is a small car that many people bought because it was cheap and easy to drive. It was made by Ford and was popular for many years.
The Ford Escort is a compact car that was produced by Ford from 1968 to 2000. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers.
BHP
"I want to say it had 140 BHP. It's a 1.6 turbo engine in it."
BHP means Brake Horsepower, which tells you how powerful an engine is. It's measured before any energy is lost in the car's systems.
BHP stands for Brake Horsepower, which is a measure of an engine's power output before losses like friction and heat are taken into account. It's a useful metric for understanding how much power a car can deliver.
turbo engine
"It's a 1.6 turbo engine in it. That was my first car, but even for a first car,"
A turbo engine has a special part called a turbocharger that helps it produce more power. It does this by pushing more air into the engine, which lets it burn more fuel.
A turbo engine uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in greater power without significantly increasing engine size.
Peugeot 205
"...I actually swapped that car with someone else for a Peugeot 205 GCI. Did you get them here in the UK?"
The Peugeot 205 GCI is a small car that is known for being light and easy to handle. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s and is often remembered for its sporty performance.
The Peugeot 205 GCI is a compact car known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It was part of the popular 205 series, which gained a reputation for being fun to drive and was particularly successful in motorsports.
Mini
"After my first two modified cars, I went and bought a diesel. I bought a diesel mini of all things. It was like a 2003, that kind of shape."
The Mini is a small car that is fun to drive. The 2003 version is part of a newer series of Minis that became popular after the brand was relaunched.
The Mini is a small car known for its compact design and fun driving experience. The 2003 model is part of the modern Mini lineup, which has been popular since its revival in the early 2000s.
diesel engine
"I went and bought a diesel. I bought a diesel mini of all things."
A diesel engine is a type of engine that uses diesel fuel instead of gasoline. Diesel engines are often more fuel-efficient and can provide more power for heavy vehicles.
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that runs on diesel fuel. It is known for its fuel efficiency and torque, making it popular for vehicles that require more power and towing capacity.
horsepower
"So what horsepower generally is considered as is what the car makes at the wheel or the hub or the tire basically. What BHP is what the car makes at the crank, which is also what manufacturers quote, right?"
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. It's a way to measure how much work the engine can do, and it can be measured in different ways depending on where you check it.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It can be measured at different points in the drivetrain, leading to terms like brake horsepower (BHP) and wheel horsepower.
engine dyno
"They put on something called an engine dyno. And that gives you the correct brake horsepower figure."
An engine dyno is a machine that tests how powerful an engine is. It helps people see how much power the engine can produce in a controlled setting.
An engine dynamometer, or engine dyno, is a device used to measure the power output of an engine. It allows engineers to test and tune engines under controlled conditions, providing accurate data on performance metrics such as horsepower and torque.
drivetrain loss
"via drivetrain loss, essentially. So whether it's auto, whether it's a manual, whether it's a front wheel drive car..."
Drivetrain loss is the power that gets wasted as it travels from the engine to the wheels. Some of the energy is lost because of friction in the parts that move the car.
Drivetrain loss refers to the power that is lost in the components of a vehicle's drivetrain, which includes the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. This loss occurs due to friction and inefficiencies in these components, meaning not all of the engine's power reaches the wheels.
hub dyno
"Now a lot of UK dinos, generally not hub dinos because hub dinos do read at the hub..."
A hub dyno is a machine that tests how much power a car's wheels are producing. It does this by connecting directly to the wheels, which gives a clearer picture of the car's performance.
A hub dyno is a type of dynamometer that measures the power output of a vehicle directly at the wheel hubs. This method provides a more accurate measurement of the power that actually reaches the wheels, as it eliminates losses from the drivetrain.
front wheel drive
"So basically, usually for a front wheel drive car with a manual gearbox, there wouldn't be a major amount of drivetrain loss. So you'd probably go for anywhere between 10 and 12%."
Front wheel drive means that the car's engine powers the front wheels. This setup can help with traction, especially when the roads are wet or slippery.
Front wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This layout is common in many cars and can provide better traction in certain conditions, particularly in wet or slippery environments.
rear wheel drive
"A rear wheel drive car manual, probably about the same."
Rear wheel drive means that the car's engine powers the back wheels. This setup is often used in sports cars because it can improve how the car handles and accelerates.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This configuration is often preferred for performance vehicles as it can enhance handling and acceleration dynamics.
four wheel drive
"Four wheel drive car manual or auto,"
Four wheel drive means that the car's engine powers all four wheels at the same time. This is helpful for driving on rough terrain or in bad weather, as it provides better grip and control.
Four wheel drive (4WD) is a system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This setup is beneficial for off-road driving and in conditions where extra traction is needed, such as snow or mud.
Honda DC5 Type-R
"So I've got a four wheel drive sequential Honda DC5 Type-R. That made on the dyno..."
The Honda DC5 Type-R is a sporty version of the Honda Integra, designed for performance. It's known for being lightweight and fun to drive.
The Honda DC5 Type-R is a high-performance variant of the Honda Integra, known for its lightweight design and sporty handling. It features a 2.0-liter K20 engine that is highly regarded among car enthusiasts.
BMW 335S
"between BMWs, right? 335s, I'm not sure how many of those you've had, but- ..."
The BMW 335 is a luxury car that many people enjoy driving because it's fast and comfortable. It's part of the 3 Series, which is known for being a good mix of style and performance.
The BMW 335 is part of the 3 Series lineup, known for its blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It typically features a powerful inline-six engine and is often discussed for its driving dynamics and overall appeal in the compact luxury segment.
BMW 325
"I've had, gosh, my first BMW was a 325, 325D, I think. I think it was a 325D."
The BMW 3 Series is a stylish and comfortable car that many people love to drive. It's known for being fun to handle and has a nice interior with lots of features.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a benchmark in its class for decades, known for its driving dynamics and luxury features. It offers a range of engines and configurations, appealing to a wide audience of drivers.
BMW M3
"And then I got a 330D and then I had an M3 and these are all in the E92 chassis."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car based on the 3 Series. The E92 is the coupe version made between 2007 and 2013.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. The E92 generation refers specifically to the coupe variant produced from 2007 to 2013.
E92 chassis
"and these are all in the E92 chassis. So like- Which is like probably one of my favorite chassis."
The E92 chassis is the body style for the coupe version of the BMW 3 Series made between 2007 and 2013. It's popular for its sporty look.
The E92 chassis refers to the coupe variant of the BMW 3 Series produced from 2007 to 2013. It is known for its sporty design and driving dynamics.
BMW M240I
"...ll, what else have I had? In fact, I've got a BMW M240i now, which is obviously a G-Series,"
The BMW 2 Series is a smaller luxury car that is fun to drive and looks great. It comes in both a two-door and a convertible version, making it a stylish choice.
The BMW 2 Series is a compact luxury car that offers sporty performance and a stylish design. It is available in coupe and convertible forms, appealing to those looking for a smaller yet dynamic driving experience.
G-Series
"which is obviously a G-Series, and I have the X4M."
The G-Series is the newer generation of BMW cars that started being made in 2016. It includes updates in design and technology.
The G-Series refers to the generation of BMW vehicles that began production in 2016, including models like the 2 Series and 3 Series. It features updated designs and technology compared to previous generations.
BMW X4M
"and I have the X4M."
The BMW X4M is a fast and sporty version of the X4, which is a luxury SUV. It offers a mix of performance and utility.
The BMW X4M is a high-performance version of the X4, a compact luxury SUV. It features a powerful engine and sporty design, combining the practicality of an SUV with the performance of a sports car.
BMW X4 M
"...my X4M is my daily. And Matt, it's a pleasure to drive."
The BMW X4 M is a sporty version of the BMW X4 SUV. It has a powerful engine and is designed for both comfort and performance, making it fun to drive every day.
The BMW X4 M is a high-performance version of the X4, a compact luxury SUV. It features a powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling, making it suitable for both daily driving and spirited performance.
M packages
"in terms of the M packages and so on the M series."
M packages are special performance upgrades from BMW that make their cars faster and sportier.
M packages refer to performance-oriented upgrades offered by BMW for their vehicles, enhancing handling, power, and aesthetics.
M cars
"But it was one of those, the car really, it was a very well-balanced car. And it was then I knew that like, yeah, M's no joke."
M cars are special versions of BMWs that go faster and handle better than regular BMWs. They're made for people who love driving and want a sportier experience.
M cars are high-performance variants of BMW vehicles, designed for enthusiasts and track use. They feature enhanced power, handling, and overall performance compared to standard BMW models.
BMW 335D
"It's either the M57 or the N57 that come in the 330D and the 335D."
The BMW 335D is a more powerful version of the 330D, also using diesel fuel. It's known for having better performance while still being efficient.
The BMW 335D is another model in the 3 Series that features a more powerful diesel engine, offering enhanced performance compared to the 330D.
Volkswagen Golfs
"...entially the 1.9 TDI, which comes in like your VW Golfs. I'd imagine some Audis and some other things."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like because it's easy to drive and good on gas. It has been around for a long time and comes in different versions, including one that uses diesel fuel for better fuel efficiency.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive industry since its introduction in 1974. Known for its practicality, performance, and versatility, the Golf is often discussed for its various engine options, including the efficient 1.9 TDI diesel variant.
Porsche 911
"...test Porsche and quickest Porsche, which is a 997 911 Turbo. So it's kind of like a 2010 kind of model."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. The 997 Turbo model is one of the faster versions, and it's known for being really fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car that has been in production since the early 1960s, known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. The 997 generation, particularly the Turbo model, is celebrated for its powerful engine and advanced technology, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Porsche Carrera Gts
"So a 991.2 GT3, you can have. 991.2 GT3 RS, 99.2 Turbo, 99.2 Turbo S, Carrera, GTS. You've got all of these within that model code."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a very rare and expensive sports car that is known for being super fast and powerful. It's a dream car for many people because of its amazing design and performance.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a limited-production supercar that was produced from 2004 to 2007, renowned for its exceptional performance and engineering. It features a V10 engine and is often discussed for its rarity and status among collectors.
Audi R8
"...uld say just scraping into that category is a V10 Audi R8. Just, just."
The Audi R8 is a super cool sports car that looks amazing and goes really fast. It's known for being luxurious inside while still being super powerful.
The Audi R8 is a high-performance sports car known for its striking design and powerful V10 engine. It represents Audi's entry into the supercar market and is often discussed for its combination of luxury and performance.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...ut essentially it would probably be a Lamborghini Huracan, a McLaren 570S,"
The Lamborghini Huracan is a very fancy sports car that is super fast and has a really cool design. It's known for being one of the best cars you can drive if you want speed and style.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a luxury supercar that has gained acclaim for its performance and stunning design. It features a powerful V10 engine and is often discussed for its driving experience and status as a symbol of automotive excellence.
Mclaren 570S
"a Lamborghini Huracan, a McLaren 570S, that would probably just about get in there."
The McLaren 570S is a high-performance sports car that looks really cool and goes super fast. It's known for being lightweight and having advanced features that make it fun to drive.
The McLaren 570S is a supercar that represents the entry-level model in McLaren's lineup, offering impressive performance and lightweight construction. It is often discussed for its striking design and advanced technology, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Acura Rsx
"Because over here we have that. Acura RSX. Acura RSX, right."
The Acura RSX is a small, sporty car that many young people like because it's fun to drive and not too expensive. It's also known for being reliable, which is a plus.
The Acura RSX is a compact sports coupe that was produced from 2002 to 2006, known for its sporty handling and reliable performance. It appeals to younger drivers and enthusiasts due to its affordability and tuning potential.
Nissan R33
"...en I first drove it, the first car I drove was an R33 GTR. It's like a thousand horsepower."
The Nissan Skyline is a powerful sports car that many people love because it's fast and can be modified to go even faster. It's especially famous for its racing abilities.
The Nissan Skyline, particularly the GT-R variant, is a legendary sports car known for its performance and tuning potential. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts, especially for its capabilities in motorsports.
Renault Clio
"and in front wheel drive too. It was a, it was a Renault Clio. Now I don't think you get those over in the Stat..."
The Renault Clio is a small car that is easy to drive and park, especially in the city. The five-door version has extra doors, which makes it easier for people to get in and out.
The Renault Clio is a popular subcompact car in Europe, known for its practicality and efficiency. The five-door variant offers additional convenience for passengers and cargo, making it a common choice for city driving.
Toyota Supra
"...e when I went to Australia, it seemed like the 2J Supra wasn't really that popular. I'm not sure if it's ..."
The Toyota Supra is a powerful sports car that became really popular in the 1990s. It's known for being fast and can be modified to go even faster, which makes it a favorite among car fans.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car that gained fame in the 1990s for its performance and tuning potential, especially models equipped with the 2JZ engine. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often discussed for its role in automotive culture and motorsports.
Dodge Vipers
"...ecially the GTRs, the V10 platforms. We don't get vipers in the UK, but seeing the vipers and everything l..."
The Dodge Viper is a really fast sports car with a big engine that makes a lot of noise. It's not very common in some places, which makes it special for those who get to see or drive one.
The Dodge Viper is an American sports car known for its striking design and massive V10 engine, delivering exhilarating performance. Although it has a dedicated fan base, it is less common in certain markets, such as the UK, which often leads to discussions about its exclusivity and driving experience.
Audi Rs3S
"...kind of stuff. The Dazzars, you know, you get the RS3s, the TTRSs. They'll probably be out there."
The Audi RS 3 is a fast and sporty version of the regular Audi A3. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive while still being practical enough for everyday use.
The Audi RS 3 is a high-performance version of the A3, featuring a turbocharged five-cylinder engine that delivers exhilarating speed and handling. It is often discussed for its blend of practicality and performance, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Audi Quattro
"...other story early on when you had bought an Audi, Quattro. Quattro, yeah, Quattro, yeah, yeah."
The Audi Quattro is a special type of car that has all-wheel drive, which helps it grip the road better, especially in bad weather. It was really important for racing and changed how cars are made today.
The Audi Quattro is a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive system that revolutionized rally racing and paved the way for modern performance cars. Its introduction in the early 1980s marked a significant shift in automotive technology and design.
Audi A5
"Okay. So anyway, I saw this Audi A5, two litre TDI Quattro that I just, I fell in lov..."
The Audi A5 is a fancy two-door car that looks great and feels nice to drive. It has a comfortable inside and is known for being a good mix of style and performance.
The Audi A5 is a luxury coupe that combines elegant design with performance and advanced technology. It is often praised for its comfortable ride and high-quality interior, making it a popular choice among those seeking a stylish yet practical vehicle.
Mclaren 600LT
"... what am I building with a 1,000-wheel horsepower 600LT, because it's not a quarter-mile car. Could be a ..."
The McLaren 600LT is a super fast sports car that is made to be really light and quick on the track. It's designed for people who love to drive and want the best performance.
The McLaren 600LT is a lightweight, high-performance version of the 570S, designed for track-focused driving. It features enhanced aerodynamics and a powerful engine, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
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