Project #Trigger – The Adventure Continues

Terry is the guest from Vorsalock Motorsports. In this segment, the hosts describe him as a technical resource for making cars faster, especially through engineering-focused, step-by-step development.

Vorsalock Motorsports is presented as a performance-focused company that supports “top fast cars” with chassis and handling parts. The hosts mention it specifically in the context of suspension components and tuning information for cars like Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs, and BMWs.

ABS systems (anti-lock braking systems) prevent wheel lockup during hard braking by modulating brake pressure. That helps maintain steering control and reduces the chance of skidding, especially on low-grip surfaces.

Lap times are the measured time it takes to complete one circuit around a track. In performance driving, improving lap times is a practical way to quantify faster acceleration, better braking, and improved cornering consistency.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its strong performance potential and large enthusiast aftermarket. The podcast mentions it alongside other popular performance cars, which highlights how common it is for shops to stock parts and support builds. It’s often discussed because it’s a frequent choice for track and power upgrades.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a performance-focused American sports coupe that’s commonly discussed in the context of speed parts, track builds, and aftermarket support. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as one of the “top fast cars” that a motorsports shop would support with parts and services. That makes it a natural topic when talking about building or maintaining high-performance vehicles.

Springs and dampers are the core of a car’s suspension: springs support the vehicle and control ride height, while dampers (shock absorbers) control how quickly the suspension moves. Together they strongly affect grip, ride quality, and how consistently the car can hold tires in the right contact patch.

Sway bars (anti-roll bars) reduce body roll during cornering by transferring load between the left and right suspension. Stiffer or better-matched sway bars can improve turn-in feel and reduce understeer/oversteer tendencies, depending on the setup.

Camber plates are adjustable mounts (typically for strut suspensions) that let you change the camber angle of the wheels. More negative camber can improve tire contact during cornering, which is especially useful for track driving.

An LS swap means installing an LS-series GM V8 engine into a different vehicle than it originally came in. LS engines are popular for swaps because they’re compact, make strong power with aftermarket support, and are relatively straightforward to integrate with modern wiring and engine management.

Aero (aerodynamics) refers to body and airflow-shaping parts that manage downforce and drag. On track-focused cars, aero can improve stability and grip by pushing the tires harder onto the road at speed.

Time attack is a motorsport format where the goal is to set the fastest lap time on a track, usually with a single car competing against the clock. It emphasizes repeatable traction and tuning changes that improve lap time rather than racing wheel-to-wheel.

Seat time is the amount of time a driver spends actively driving and learning the car on track. More seat time usually means better consistency, faster adaptation to the car’s behavior, and more useful data for tuning decisions.

In track contexts, tires are a performance component that directly affects grip, heat management, and lap-time consistency. Time-attack setups often depend heavily on choosing the right tire and running pressures/temperatures correctly.

In this context, “track” means a closed racing circuit where they run timed laps and driving events. It’s different from normal street driving because the car is stressed repeatedly at higher speeds and under sustained loads.

A “three-hour round trip” highlights how frequent track days create real-world operating costs and time demands beyond just the racing itself. For a project car, that kind of repeated travel can also add wear and increase the chance of mechanical issues showing up.

Trackside concrete barriers are fixed crash walls placed very close to the racing surface. When a car hits them, the impact can quickly damage body panels, suspension components, and alignment, turning a minor incident into major repairs.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power output—how much work the engine can do over time. When the hosts say they upgraded horsepower, they’re talking about increasing the engine’s ability to accelerate the car and make more speed under load.

A hot rodder is an enthusiast who modifies cars for more power, better performance, or a more aggressive setup. The “curse” joke here points to a common pattern: once you start fixing or upgrading one thing, you end up finding more work to do.

Borcelag Motorsports is referenced as the group/organization connected to the guest. In racing contexts, a motorsports shop or team typically handles car preparation, setup, and competition support.

Compression ratio is how much the engine compresses the air-fuel mixture before ignition. Raising it (here, from about 11.5:1 toward ~14:1) can improve efficiency and power, but it also increases knock risk—so fuel choice (octane/ethanol blends) matters.

Octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to knock (uncontrolled combustion) in high-compression engines. The speaker references 93 octane as the fuel baseline while they plan compression changes.

E85 is a fuel blend containing about 85% ethanol. Ethanol generally has higher knock resistance than gasoline, which allows higher compression and more aggressive tuning for power.

“To the wheels” means wheel horsepower—power measured at the drivetrain output (after losses through the engine accessories, transmission, and differential). It’s often the number people quote from a chassis dyno.

A “7.4 liter LS” refers to a large-displacement LS-family V8 (GM’s LS engine architecture) built for high power. The LS platform is popular in performance builds because it’s modular, widely supported, and responds well to cylinder head and intake upgrades.

A twin throttle body intake uses two throttle plates (one per side/runner group) to control airflow more precisely than a single throttle body. On performance builds, it can improve throttle response and airflow distribution for higher power.

Custom fabrication means parts are made or modified specifically for this build—often brackets, intake/exhaust components, mounts, or other one-off hardware. It’s common when chasing packaging and airflow targets in a high-output engine swap or race setup.

An “unlimited class” is a racing/competition category with fewer restrictions on modifications. The speaker says they were moved out of a certain class into this one, which changes what competitors can do and how they chase power.

Twin turbo refers to using two turbochargers to force more air into the engine. In competition contexts, it’s often used to reach very high power levels, which pressures naturally aspirated builds to make more power through displacement/compression/cam/intake changes.

“Runs out of fuel” describes a power limit caused by insufficient fuel delivery (fuel pump, injectors, or fuel system capacity) rather than engine mechanical limits. In high-power NA builds, fuel starvation can cap how long the engine can sustain full power.

Titanium valves are engine valves made from titanium instead of the more common steel. Titanium is lighter, which can help the valve train handle higher engine speeds with less stress, supporting aggressive performance builds.

Ported heads are cylinder heads that have had the intake/exhaust passages reshaped and enlarged for better airflow. Better airflow usually improves power and how strongly the engine pulls across the rev range.

Auto blipping (rev-matching) is when the car automatically raises engine RPM during downshifts so the drivetrain speed matches. This reduces driveline shock and makes aggressive shifting smoother, especially in cars with high torque.

Rev matching is the technique of adjusting engine RPM to match the transmission’s target gear speed during downshifts. Proper rev matching reduces drivetrain shock and helps maintain traction and stability under braking and corner entry.

Wide open throttle (WOT) means the throttle plate is fully opened, commanding maximum airflow and typically maximum power potential. The speaker references data showing the car was at WOT when it hit the wall, which is important for diagnosing driver input vs. vehicle behavior.

Pedal extend off refers to disabling a throttle-pedal mapping/extension feature that changes how pedal movement translates into throttle opening. Turning it off can make throttle response more direct and reduce unintended high-throttle behavior.

A sequential transmission shifts in order (up or down one gear at a time) rather than using an H-pattern. The speaker compares their setup to sequential behavior but notes it’s achieved without the cost of a true sequential gearbox.

This appears to be a mis-transcription of a specific aftermarket shifting/ECU hardware or software name. Because the exact product name isn’t clear from the audio text, it can’t be reliably identified as a known component.

A MAP sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor) measures the pressure in the intake manifold. It’s used by the engine computer to calculate load and fuel/ignition strategy; if it reads erratically, the tune can behave unpredictably.

A vacuum tee is a small fitting used to split or combine vacuum/pressure lines. In this case, the vacuum tee connected to the MAP sensor melted, causing erratic sensor readings and highlighting how fragile plumbing details can be in high-heat setups.

A remote oil pressure sensor is mounted away from the engine and connected via lines to measure oil pressure at a different location. The speaker notes it’s preferred because vibrations and installation details can make other remote sensors behave oddly.

EFI (electronic fuel injection) uses sensors and an ECU to precisely control how much fuel is sprayed into the engine. Compared with carburetors, EFI can improve consistency and allow more advanced tuning for throttle response and drivability.

A carb-style intake refers to an intake manifold design that resembles older carbureted setups (often with plenum and runner geometry meant for carb airflow). In this case, they’re using that layout while running EFI, which can affect how throttle and airflow behave.

Manifold pressure is the pressure inside the intake manifold that reflects how much air the engine is ingesting. When you crack the throttle, a large single throttle can cause a big spike in manifold pressure, which can make the car feel abrupt or harder to control.

Traction control is an electronic system that detects wheel slip and intervenes—often by reducing engine torque—to help maintain grip. In aggressive driving, it can mask drivability issues by preventing the tires from breaking loose too easily.

Road course driving refers to using a circuit with repeated braking, cornering, and acceleration zones, where throttle application needs to be precise. The speaker contrasts single-throttle abruptness with a setup that delivers power in a more controllable way when you lean into the throttle.

“Brake traction” here is used to describe losing grip under braking or rapid torque changes—essentially traction breaking loose. The idea is that a single throttle body can make the car spin or get out of control faster than the traction control system can react.

Vacuum in the intake manifold means the pressure inside the manifold is below atmospheric pressure, which usually indicates the engine isn’t getting the airflow it wants. The speaker’s point is that with certain throttle/airflow setups, you can end up with vacuum even at high demand, which is undesirable for making consistent power and response.

Progressive throttle means the throttle opening doesn’t behave like a simple on/off switch; instead, it’s mapped so small pedal inputs produce a controlled, gradual change in airflow. In performance tuning, this matters for drivability because it affects how smoothly the engine responds at low speed and during transitions.

Two independent throttle bodies means the engine has two separate throttle plates/actuators that can open independently rather than one shared throttle. This can improve low-speed response and tuning flexibility by letting the system meter airflow differently across gears or driving conditions.

Low speed autocross refers to tight, slow cornering where throttle control and drivability are critical. In that environment, throttle mapping and intake airflow distribution can make the difference between a car that’s easy to modulate and one that feels jerky or hard to drive.

A 112 mm throttle body is the diameter of the throttle inlet/plate area used to control how much air enters the engine. Larger throttle bodies can support more airflow at higher RPM, but they can also make low-speed response harder if the airflow control isn’t tuned well.

“LS3” and “LS7” refer to GM V8 engine families, and the throttle bodies are sized and designed to match those applications. Using 90 mm throttle bodies (instead of a single larger one) can improve how airflow is metered at different throttle openings, which helps drivability and can free up power when tuned correctly.

A plenum is the air distribution chamber in an intake system that feeds the runners/throttle path. Changing the plenum design can strongly affect airflow dynamics, which is why remaking it multiple times can yield meaningful drivability and power changes.

A long-runner intake uses longer intake passages (runners) between the plenum and the intake ports. Longer runners tend to favor low-to-mid RPM torque due to intake tuning effects, while shorter runners often support higher-RPM breathing—so switching runner length can change the powerband.

A two-piece manifold is an intake manifold design split into two sections rather than one continuous casting. That can make packaging, airflow shaping, and fabrication easier—especially in custom builds—while still supporting strong power if the runner and plenum geometry are right.

A “carburetor style intake” refers to an intake layout that resembles older carbureted setups, often with a plenum and airflow path meant to mimic how a carb meters air/fuel. These designs can change throttle response and how the engine fills its cylinders compared with modern one-piece or tuned-runner intakes.

Intake runners are the tubes that carry air from the plenum to the intake ports. Shorter runners tend to favor higher engine speeds by moving the engine’s air-tuning (resonance) to a higher RPM range, which can raise peak power RPM.

An intake port is the passage in the cylinder head that air flows through before entering the combustion chamber. Increasing port size can improve airflow at certain RPMs, but it can also change airflow velocity and affect drivability if not matched to the rest of the intake system.

Peak power is the maximum horsepower an engine produces at a specific RPM. When the speaker says peak power moved up, they mean the engine’s strongest output occurs at a higher rev range due to intake geometry changes.

“Area under the curve” refers to the total horsepower (or torque) output across the RPM range on a dyno graph. More area usually means the engine delivers stronger pull over a broader band, not just at one peak RPM.

A single throttle body uses one throttle plate to control airflow into the intake system. The speaker contrasts it with twin throttle bodies, noting that the single setup can preserve drivability characteristics even if it doesn’t maximize airflow as aggressively.

Drivability is how easy and predictable the car feels in real-world driving—throttle response, smoothness, and how well it transitions between RPMs. The speaker emphasizes that a twin throttle body can increase airflow without sacrificing the everyday feel of a single-throttle setup.

In performance engine work, “packaging” refers to fitting components under the hood while meeting airflow, cooling, and service constraints. A “packaging nightmare” means the chosen intake/throttle layout is difficult to physically fit and integrate without compromises.

Using two air filters instead of one changes how intake airflow is routed and filtered. The speaker notes that this affects airflow velocity and pressure losses (“drag”) across each filter, which can influence both power and throttle response.

Air velocity in the intake affects how the engine breathes, including throttle response and how well the intake system supports cylinder filling. Lower velocity can reduce certain losses through the intake tract, but it can also change the engine’s torque curve shape.

“Drag” here means pressure loss as air passes through the filter media and housing. Lower restriction lets more air reach the engine, which can improve power and help maintain drivability when airflow demands are high.

MSD is a brand name commonly associated with ignition components (like ignition boxes and related performance electronics). In this context, the speaker says they switched to an MSD setup to simplify the system and keep the car more drivable.

Hoosiers is shorthand for Hoosier Racing Tires, a brand commonly used for track and drag racing. In this context, switching to Hoosier tires is about improving grip and consistency so the car can put down more power without spinning or losing traction.

A coolant pressure sensor measures the pressure of the engine’s cooling system. If it fails, the car may not trust the cooling data and can trigger protective strategies that reduce power or cause related systems to stop working.

An artificial rev limit is an ECU-imposed RPM ceiling that prevents the engine from revving higher than a set range. On track, it can feel like the car is “stuck” because the engine won’t respond normally above that RPM.

“2g braking” means the braking force is about twice the acceleration due to gravity (2×1g). It’s a way to quantify how hard the car is slowing, which directly loads suspension, wheels, and tires.

Wheel failure is when a wheel component cracks or breaks under load, which can be catastrophic at speed. The speaker emphasizes preventing it through disciplined inspection—especially after curb hits and high-g cornering/braking.

“Pit lane” is the service road beside the track where teams stop to change tires, refuel, or perform repairs. When a wheel issue happens, getting to pit lane quickly is critical for safety and for minimizing time on track with a compromised wheel.

“Carbon” here refers to carbon-fiber body or aerodynamic components, which are common on track-focused cars. Carbon parts can be expensive and can get damaged by impacts—like driving over a wheel—so the speaker is emphasizing the cost and consequences of such failures.

In wheel talk, “forged” refers to wheels made by forming metal under high pressure, which can improve strength and durability compared with some cast methods. It’s one of the manufacturing routes enthusiasts use to judge how a wheel may handle impacts and track abuse.

A “three piece” wheel is built from multiple sections (typically a center and two rims) that are assembled together. Track drivers often discuss this because it can affect how the wheel repairs, how it’s constructed, and how it behaves under stress.

A “crack” in a wheel is a serious structural defect that can grow under repeated loading. The speaker describes inspecting a crack area and notes discoloration (“black”) as evidence of prior cracking, reinforcing that damaged wheels must be addressed immediately.

Downforce is the downward aerodynamic force that presses a car’s tires onto the road at speed. More downforce usually increases grip, but it also changes what the wheels and tires must withstand.

Corner weights are the weight measured at each wheel (front-left, front-right, rear-left, rear-right). They matter because suspension geometry, tire loading, and wheel strength requirements depend on how much load each corner sees.

A load rating is the maximum load a wheel is designed to safely carry under specified conditions. If a car’s setup (grip, downforce, corner weights) exceeds the wheel’s intended load, fatigue and cracking risk rises.

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computer simulation that breaks a part into many small elements to predict stress, deformation, and failure points. It’s used to redesign wheel sections (like adding strength where needed) before cutting metal.

In fatigue discussions, cycles are repeated loading events a component experiences over time. The number of cycles a part can survive depends on the load level—light loads can last far longer before cracks start.

The speaker is referencing an S-N curve (stress–life curve), which relates the stress level on a part to how many cycles it can endure before fatigue failure. It’s a key concept for designing wheels that won’t crack under repeated high loads.

Inspection here means checking wheels for early signs of fatigue damage (like cracks) before they fail. When wheels are pushed beyond typical ratings, regular inspection becomes more important.

Brake pads are a wear item designed to be replaced periodically. The speaker compares wheels to other components that can be “throwaway” under aggressive use, emphasizing that inspection and replacement planning matter.

The hosts are using “consumables” to describe wheels/tires as parts that wear out and need replacement over time. In motorsport and aggressive driving, wheels can also be damaged by impacts, curb strikes, and repeated hard use, so they’re treated as replaceable items rather than permanent components.

“Rolling the dice” here means buying used wheels without knowing their full history—especially whether they’ve been bent, cracked, or structurally weakened. The idea is that prior abuse can be hidden, so the buyer is taking an unknown risk.

“Airborne” refers to wheels/vehicles leaving the ground, which can happen during jumps or off-track impacts. That kind of load can stress wheel structures and suspension components, increasing the chance of cracks or bends that may not be obvious at first glance.

Endurance racing is motorsport focused on lasting a long time—often hours—rather than just a short sprint. It emphasizes reliability, consistent lap times, and efficient driving because the car has to keep working under stress for the whole event.

Race cars are purpose-built or heavily modified vehicles designed to compete in motorsport. They typically prioritize things like cooling, braking capacity, tire management, and chassis setup over everyday comfort.

“Lap after lap” refers to repeatedly completing full circuits at speed without falling off. In performance terms, it highlights consistency and thermal/mechanical durability—how well the car holds up over many repeated high-load cycles.

“LS” is shorthand for GM’s LS-series V8 engines, a popular platform for swaps and high-power builds. Enthusiasts often reference “LS” when discussing engine architecture, aftermarket support, and tuning potential.

Durability is how long a race car can withstand repeated stress without failing. When someone says “durability” in a track context, they’re usually talking about components surviving heat, load, and wear under sustained performance.

Spring rate is how stiff a coil spring is, usually expressed as force per unit of compression. Higher spring rate generally reduces body motion but can change ride compliance and tire contact during cornering and braking.