Vinny Ten On The Worlds Fastest 350z, Building VQ Engines and The Return of The Supra
About this episode
Vinny Ten shares his journey from pioneering drag racing with the Toyota Supra to building high-performance VQ engines. He discusses the evolution of import racing, the challenges of running a shop in New York, and the importance of integrity in the automotive industry. Vinny emphasizes the need for better organization in import racing and the potential of the VR engine platform. With insights on engine building, tuning, and the future of drag racing, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge for enthusiasts.
In todays episode we sit with Vinny Ten who breaks down the worlds fastest 350Z and explains how he builds record setting VQ engines for extreme horsepower and reliability. He also covers the return of his legendary Toyota Supra to competitive drag racing and the future of drag racing
Vinny Ten Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinnytenracing
00:00 Intro
05:18 First Veilside Supra In America
06:41 Vinny’s Belief In Opening Up A Import Performance Shop
08:06 Vinny’s Experience With Motorcycles
09:13 First Supra Boost Controllers
10:07 Creating The First Parts For Imports In The Early Days
12:35 Vinny’s Nissan Dealership Race Car
18:16 How Vinny Crashed His Supra
23:35 How The Pro Import Class Started
27:27 The First 1000HP Supra
30:15 How Vinny Ten Paved The Way For Supras
33:04 Titan Motorsports Vs Vinny Ten
35:10 Getting a Car Into The 5s Based On Chassis
39:58 The 6.33 Run
52:12 The VR38 Will Be King In The Next Few Years
01:03:57 C16 Race Fuel Is King
01:05:34 High Horsepower With Factory Intake Manifold
01:09:47 Fox body VR38 Swap
01:11:46 Imports Have Proved Themselves
01:13:53 Nissan Connecting Rods Weakness
01:19:03 The Cons of the VR30
01:22:13 Why BMWs Have Taken Over
01:25:57 Why They Used The VR30 In The New Nissan Z
01:38:58 Ford Copied Nissan
01:41:03 The Best Way To Deal With Copycats
01:44:18 Sacrifices Made In Racing
01:47:44 Vinny Ten Designed The Ram Style Intake Manifold
01:53:36 Single Turbo vs Twin Turbo
02:06:21 Building a VQ35
02:09:02 VQ35 Cylinder Heads
02:10:50 Whats The Best VQ Engine To Build
02:12:35 Why Vinny Chose a DE engine Instead of HR
02:13:35 Sleeving Blocks
02:15:53 VR38 Blocks Cracking
02:19:07 The Cost of Running a Shop In NY
02:24:17 Shops Doing Bad Work For Customers
01:53:36 Single Turbo vs Twin Turbo
02:06:21 Building a VQ35
02:09:02 VQ35 Cylinder Heads
02:10:50 Whats The Best VQ Engine To Build
02:12:35 Why Vinny Chose a DE engine Instead of HR
02:13:35 Sleeving Blocks
02:15:53 VR38 Blocks Cracking
02:19:07 The Cost of Running a Shop In NY
02:24:17 Shops Doing Bad Work For Customers
02:41:55 VR30 Engine
02:44:15 Port Injection On VR30
02:47:56 VR38 Manifold Fitting on A VQ35HR
02:49:23 VK56 Engine
02:56:37 Is Drag Racing Dying?
03:08:25 Manufacturers Not Sponsoring Cars In America
03:17:59 Worlds Fastest 350z
03:19:23 The Return of The Vinny Ten Supra
03:23:42 Are Flame Tunes Bad?
03:31:01 Tuning Cars At Vinny Ten
03:33:22 EPA Ruining The Car Culture
FOLLOW STREET ALPHA PODCAST ON:
INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/streetalphapodcast
TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@streetalphapodcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/street-alpha/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Toyota Supras
"But growing up on Long Island, I always thought that Vinny was primarily a 350Z shop. I didn't really know he had any involvement with Mark IV Supras up until the podcast with Nero."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car known for its speed and performance. The Mk4 version is the fourth generation, which many car enthusiasts love for its powerful engine and racing capabilities.
The Toyota Supra is a well-known sports car that has a strong following, particularly for its performance in racing. The Mk4 generation, produced from 1993 to 2002, is especially famous for its turbocharged inline-six engine and tuning potential.
drag racing
"So apparently, Vinny is the pioneer for the Supra in drag racing, right?"
Drag racing is a race where two cars go straight down a track to see who can get to the finish line the fastest. It's all about speed and quick starts.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing where two vehicles compete to see which can cover a straight distance in the shortest time, typically a quarter-mile. It emphasizes acceleration and speed.
back half car
"...actually it wasn't even a three quarter car. So it was just a back half car."
A back half car is a race car that has had its back part changed to make it faster. This helps the car grip the road better when it speeds up.
A back half car is a type of drag racing vehicle that has been modified to enhance performance, typically by replacing the rear section of the chassis and suspension. This allows for better weight distribution and traction during acceleration.
Nissan 300Zxs
"...fore that, we were doing lots and lots of Nissan 300ZXs. That was my primary car that I was building a l..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sporty car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It's known for being fast and having cool features, making it popular with car fans.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car produced from 1983 to 1996, known for its performance and advanced technology for its time. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often discussed for its design and driving experience.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
"And the Mitsubishi Eclipse came on, in 1999 or 1990. I had the first 11 second Eclipse in the area."
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a small sports car that many people liked to customize and race. It was popular in the 1990s.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a compact car that gained popularity in the 1990s, especially among tuners and racers. It was known for its sporty design and performance, particularly in the turbocharged variants.
turbo
"we were already putting single turbos on them."
A turbo is a part that helps an engine make more power by pushing in extra air. This makes the car go faster.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This is a common modification for increasing performance.
Greddy
"And we were doing it with Trust, which is Greddy USA now. And so we were putting in Greddy..."
Greddy is a company that makes parts to make cars go faster and perform better. They are popular among car enthusiasts.
Greddy, now known as Greddy USA, is a well-known aftermarket performance parts manufacturer specializing in turbo kits, exhaust systems, and other tuning components for various vehicles.
front-mounted intercooler
"And so we were putting in Greddy, front-mounted intercooler as Greddy had our..."
A front-mounted intercooler is a part that cools the air going into the engine, which helps the engine work better and produce more power.
A front-mounted intercooler is a component that cools the air coming from the turbo before it enters the engine. Cooler air is denser and helps improve engine performance.
HKS
"My competitors had HKS."
HKS is a brand that makes performance parts for cars, similar to Greddy. They are also popular among people who like to modify their cars.
HKS is another prominent aftermarket performance parts manufacturer, known for its high-quality turbochargers, exhaust systems, and tuning products for a wide range of vehicles.
Gretti
"So, and I liked Gretti, I liked their company. So, and we started doing business before they were in America."
Gretti is a company that makes parts for cars, especially exhaust systems, which help improve a car's performance and sound.
Gretti is a company known for manufacturing aftermarket automotive parts, particularly exhaust systems. They have gained popularity for their high-quality products and performance enhancements.
exhaust systems
"So I was ordering these parts, mostly exhaust systems. And what we would do is I'd order like 20 exhaust systems from Japan and they would come."
Exhaust systems are parts of a car that help remove gases from the engine and make the car quieter. Some people upgrade them to make their cars perform better and sound cooler.
Exhaust systems are components of a vehicle that direct exhaust gases away from the engine and reduce noise. Upgrading to performance exhaust systems can enhance engine efficiency and sound.
right-hand drive cars
"Now, you know, it's not was, it was just both on because they were right hand drive cars."
Right-hand drive cars are cars where the steering wheel is on the right side, which is how they are set up in some countries where people drive on the left side of the road.
Right-hand drive cars are vehicles designed for driving on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side. This configuration is common in countries like Japan and the UK.
catalytic converter
"The flanges on the catalytic converters were always different. So that was the first thing we had to do is chop off the catalytic converter fans and then weld the actual thing on."
A catalytic converter is a part of a car's exhaust system that helps clean up the gases that come out of the engine. It makes the car less polluting by changing harmful gases into safer ones.
A catalytic converter is an essential component of a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances. It plays a crucial role in meeting environmental regulations and improving air quality.
Vealsight
"...I was able to get one of the first Vealsight. No, the first Vealsight kit in America. And we put it on a Supra."
Vealsight makes special kits that car enthusiasts can use to improve their cars, especially for racing or shows.
Vealsight is a company known for producing aftermarket kits that enhance the performance and aesthetics of vehicles, particularly in the tuning community.
Fast and Furious
"because of Fast and Furious. No, 1995. I know, but I'm saying for me."
'Fast and Furious' is a popular movie series about street racing and fast cars. It made many car models famous, especially among young people.
The 'Fast and Furious' franchise is a series of action films that prominently feature street racing and car culture. It has significantly influenced automotive trends and popularized various car models, including the Toyota Supra.
Kawasaki 1000Z
"...my first turbocharged vehicle was in 1980, which was a Kawasaki 1000Z went on a bike on a bike. Yeah. Wow."
The Kawasaki 1000Z is a motorcycle that was made in 1980. It's known for being fast and powerful, which made it popular among riders.
The Kawasaki 1000Z is a motorcycle model produced by Kawasaki in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was known for its powerful engine and performance, making it a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts.
boost controller
"you were able to hook up boost controls like a boost controller."
A boost controller helps manage how much extra air pressure a turbocharger creates. This lets you change how powerful the engine is, making it safer and more efficient.
A boost controller is a device that regulates the amount of boost pressure produced by a turbocharger. It allows the driver to adjust the turbo's performance, enhancing power output while maintaining engine safety.
E.V.C.
"the original instructions for the E.V.C. was didn't work and, you know, I got it to work"
E.V.C. is a tool that helps control how much power a turbocharger gives to an engine. It makes sure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently by managing the air pressure.
E.V.C. stands for Electronic Valve Controller, a device used to manage the boost pressure in turbocharged engines. It allows for precise control over the turbocharger's performance, optimizing power delivery and engine response.
RPS
"And one of the first companies that's in America that started making manifolds was RPS, the RPS Clutches. Oh, yeah, Bob Smith had a guy that made these incredible headers"
RPS is a company that makes special parts for cars to help them perform better, especially clutches and manifolds.
RPS is a company known for manufacturing performance automotive parts, particularly clutches and manifolds. Their products are often sought after by car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle's performance.
headers
"Oh, yeah, Bob Smith had a guy that made these incredible headers and they were stupid expensive."
Headers are special pipes that help exhaust gases leave the engine more easily, which can make the car go faster and work better.
Headers are performance exhaust components that improve the flow of exhaust gases from the engine, enhancing power and efficiency. They are often used in high-performance vehicles to increase horsepower.
NHRA
"...there was three series at the time, NHRA, IDRC and Nopi. OK, and I won first place in IDRC and third place in Nopi and NHRA."
The NHRA is a big organization that runs drag racing events, where cars race in a straight line to see who is the fastest. They have different classes for different types of cars.
The NHRA, or National Hot Rod Association, is the largest sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States. It organizes events and competitions for various classes of drag racing vehicles.
Ford Mustang
"...ome all the way out here to go to a place called Mustang Magic. Oh, yeah, that's by my house. Well, I use..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for a long time. It's famous for being fast and stylish, and many people love it for its fun driving experience.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its powerful performance, distinctive design, and cultural significance, often representing freedom and rebellion in American automotive history.
limited-slip differential
"...and this actually runs still in the LSD. So this is, you know, you could probably get a car like this..."
A limited-slip differential is a car part that helps the wheels get better grip on the road. It makes sure that when one wheel spins faster than the other, the power is still sent to both wheels, which helps the car handle better.
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that allows for some degree of wheel slip while still transferring power to the wheels. It helps improve traction and handling, especially during cornering or on slippery surfaces.
tube chassis
"Then after that, when you look at a pro car, a pro car is just fully tube chassis with a fiberglass body on it that emulates, you know, looks like the actual car that is trying to bake."
A tube chassis is a strong frame made of metal tubes. It's used in race cars to make them lighter and stiffer, which helps with performance.
A tube chassis is a type of vehicle frame made from tubular steel or aluminum, providing a lightweight yet strong structure. It's commonly used in racing and custom cars for its rigidity and weight-saving benefits.
VQ engine
"Like this still got the VQ in it."
The VQ engine is a type of V6 engine made by Nissan. It's known for being powerful and dependable, and it's used in many of their cars.
The VQ engine is a series of V6 engines produced by Nissan, known for their performance and reliability. They are commonly found in various Nissan and Infiniti models.
Toyota Celicas
"... engine? Yeah, yeah, you know, you know how many Celicas that they're racing have a two JZ in it, right?"
The Toyota Celica is a small sports car that used to be made by Toyota. It's known for being fun to drive and has a lot of fans who like to customize it.
The Toyota Celica is a compact sports car that was produced from 1970 to 2006, known for its sporty design and performance. It has a history in motorsports and is often discussed for its tuning potential and enthusiast following.
horsepower
"...that I had to make 1,100 horsepower, you know, in order to be competitive."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which directly affects a car's acceleration and speed.
clutch
"...we're having a terrible time with the clutch, you know, just, just terrible time with the clutch. Just can't get it right."
A clutch is a part of a car that helps you change gears. If it doesn't work well, it can be hard to drive the car smoothly.
The clutch is a critical component in a vehicle's transmission system that allows the driver to engage and disengage the engine from the wheels. Problems with the clutch can lead to difficulties in shifting gears and can affect overall vehicle performance.
2JZ motor
"...that feeling that I had of the sense of accomplishment that not only was I able to now do this with a 2JZ motor. Yeah. OK, and pioneer that whole thing."
The 2JZ motor is a strong engine made by Toyota, often used in sports cars. It's well-known for being able to produce a lot of power and is popular among car enthusiasts for modifications.
The 2JZ motor is a legendary inline-six engine produced by Toyota, known for its robustness and tuning potential, especially in performance applications like the Toyota Supra. It's famous for its ability to handle high horsepower levels with relative ease.
Mazda Rx7
"...th anybody. Tito and I put together a 300 ZX and RX7. Did he tell you about that car, the RX7 with th..."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that is known for being lightweight and having a special type of engine called a rotary engine. It's loved by many car enthusiasts for how it drives.
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car produced from 1978 to 2002, renowned for its lightweight design and unique rotary engine. It has a dedicated fan base and is often celebrated for its performance and handling characteristics.
Chevrolet Camaro
"... produced, maybe, maybe, you know, rivaled to the Camaro and this but a Fox body Mustang."
The Chevrolet Camaro is another well-known sports car that has been around since the late 1960s. It's designed to be powerful and looks cool, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that competes directly with the Ford Mustang. Launched in 1966, it has become known for its performance, aggressive styling, and strong following among car enthusiasts.
Bmw M
"...the young people today are more willing to buy a BMW M series, pay $35,000 more than the Nissan's that ..."
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a special version of a BMW car that is known for being very fast and having a unique look. It's popular with car collectors.
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its unique styling and powerful engine. Produced in the late 1990s, it has become a sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts.
BMW M2
"...rence between, you know, 41 and I paid 81 for an M2 recently, you know, is 30, whatever, 30, 40,000 ..."
The BMW M2 is a fast and sporty car that's part of BMW's performance lineup. People like it for how well it drives and its stylish looks.
The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the 2 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It has garnered attention for its driving dynamics and is often discussed among enthusiasts looking for a compact sports car experience.
Toyota Cars Toyota
"Yeah. Honda cars, Toyota cars are perfect. Nissan cars are perfect, but they're too big."
The Toyota Camry is a popular family car that many people trust because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's a great choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been a best-seller in the United States for decades, known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It is often discussed for its practicality as a family car and its strong resale value.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...much more cleanly, professionally, for instance, Pathfinder, huge hit, huge hit. Seem everywhere."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space for people and cargo. It's great for families who need a comfortable car for trips.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that has been in production since 1985, known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It is often discussed for its versatility and capability as a family vehicle.
Ford Explorer
"All right. How many different models Ford Explorer do they make? How many different models Ford Bro..."
Ford Models Ford
"All right. How many different models Ford Explorer do they make? How many different models..."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that regular people could afford. It helped make cars popular and changed how people traveled in the early 1900s.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is considered the first affordable automobile, making car ownership accessible to the masses. Its introduction revolutionized the automotive industry and is often credited with changing transportation in the 20th century.
Ford Broncos
"...rer do they make? How many different models Ford Broncos they make? How many different models Dodge 1500s..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love for off-roading adventures. It was first made in the 1960s and has come back recently, making it popular again.
The Ford Bronco is a classic SUV that was first introduced in 1966 and has gained a cult following over the years. Known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, the Bronco was recently revived in 2020, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new buyers.
Mazda Speed
"same as the same, right? You got Mazda speed again, not the same as Nissan has been hardcore r..."
Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes different types of cars, including sporty ones and family-friendly SUVs. People like Mazda cars for how they drive and their unique designs.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for producing a range of vehicles, including sporty cars like the MX-5 Miata and practical models like the Mazda CX-5. The brand is often discussed for its innovative engineering and driving dynamics.
Nissan Rogues
"...ell like Ultimas. They're not going to sell like Rogues. They're going to sell like a two hundred and fi..."
The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that many people like because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's a good option for families and everyday use.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency since its introduction in 2007. It is often mentioned for its balance of size and features, making it a popular choice among families.
Nissan Z
"...like in a performance world with a VR 38 powered Nissan Z. There'd be nothing."
The Nissan Z is a sporty car that has been around for many years. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, making it popular among car lovers.
The Nissan Z is a sports car that has been a part of Nissan's lineup since the 1970s, with the latest model continuing the legacy of performance and style. It is often discussed for its powerful engines and sporty design, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
Porsche 911
"... go out and buy yourself, you know, 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo, all right, you're gonna put whatever, alr..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that's been around for a long time. It's known for being very fast and stylish, and many people dream of owning one because of its luxury and performance.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since 1964, known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It has become a symbol of luxury and high-performance driving, often discussed for its engineering excellence and motorsport heritage.
Honda Civics
"...as. So on the on the older body, Hondas, like 89 civics, they had a cross member with two torsion bars."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's a great choice for everyday driving and is often seen on the road.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since 1972, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has a strong reputation among consumers and is often discussed for its versatility and affordability.
Dodge Ram
"...and I look at the emblem, the Dodge emblem with a ram on it. With the head is like with the ram like t..."
The Dodge Ram is a big pickup truck that's great for carrying heavy loads and doing tough jobs. It's popular among people who need a strong and reliable truck.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup truck that has been recognized for its strong performance and rugged capabilities. It is often discussed for its towing capacity and versatility as a work and family vehicle.
Nissan 370Z
"I'm at the road racing tracks. We sponsor a 370Z Nismo car. We're at the road racing tracks."
The Nissan 370Z is a sporty car that's built for speed and fun driving. It's popular with people who love cars and want something exciting.
The Nissan 370Z is a sports car that continues the Z-car lineage, known for its powerful V6 engine and agile handling. It is often discussed for its performance capabilities and as a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Nissan Gtr R35
"...hat. It's the same reason why I believe that the GTR R35 motor will eventually dethrone the 2JZ motor, an..."
The Nissan GT-R is a super-fast sports car that has been around since 2007. It's known for being really powerful and is popular among car enthusiasts who love speed.
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a high-performance sports car that has gained fame for its advanced technology and incredible speed since its debut in 2007. It is often discussed in the context of supercars and motorsport for its impressive capabilities.
Renault Modus
"... the 2JZ was going to be king, that eventually V6 modus will be the king, that now this is the next tran..."
The Renault Modus is a small family car that was made in the 2000s. It's designed to be practical and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Renault Modus is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that was produced from 2004 to 2012, known for its practicality and efficient use of space. It is often discussed for its family-friendly features and versatility in urban environments.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.