Tuned In

Port-injected engines and aftermarket standalone ECUs go hand in hand—but controlling direct-injected engines is far less charted territory. Brett Strom from Strom Motorsport has been deep in the weeds mastering BMW’s B48 on a MoTeC ECU, and he’s here to break it all down—plus much more.
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In this episode of Tuned In, Brett shares his journey from young racing enthusiast to professional racer and engineer. He dives into the realities of building a career in motorsport and the rapid evolution of technology. We also get into ABS, traction control, and the strategy behind endurance racing.
We unpack Brett’s hands-on experience with racing and tuning, focusing on the complexities of direct injection. From injection timing to fuel pressure behaviour, he explains the intricacies and what really matters when tuning DI engines on a standalone ECU.
The conversation also covers choosing the right ECU for a particular application, dyno tuning versus real-world performance, the challenges of building reliable race engines, and why MoTeC remains his go-to platform.
Brett’s done a lot in the world of motorsport—and we’ve only scratched the surface. From racer to engineer to tuner and builder, his depth of experience makes this one a seriously compelling listen.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Brett Here:
Instagram: strommotorsport
Youtube: strommotorsport
WWW: strommotorsport.com
Timestamps:
0:00 BMW Direct Injection on MoTeC: Genius or Headache?
4:40 How did you form an interest in cars?
7:32 First car BMW E30
10:29 Advantages of spec racing series
13:59 What were you going to do for a job after university?  
18:30 What was wrong with the BMW factory ECU?
21:59 Why did you pick MoTec?
27:25 You've done an EFI course, what happened when you started tuning?
32:21 How did your career as a racer develop?
41:23 Running a motorsport based performance shop. How hard is it?
45:59 Challenges of turning late model cars into race cars?
56:04 Is it not until GT3 level cars that they’re actually factory built race cars?
58:23 Motorsport grade traction control and ABS
1:06:41 What’s the challenges of controlling a DI engine with a standalone ECU
1:27:58 Are you adding port injection to these engines as well?
1:30:01 What is the benefit of Direct Injected engines and how do we tune them?
1:47:36 Do you need a complex standalone ECU and which one?
1:59:00 B48 engine swap into BMW E36 & E46
2:02:18 Final 3 Questions

Having a silky-smooth automatic alongside a quick-shifting manual transmission capable of handling 1000HP in the same transmission seems impossible—but the ZF 8HP might just achieve it. Andrew Astley from 8speed joins us to explain why this transmission has become such a popular choice.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
In this episode of Tuned In, Andrew shares his journey from growing up near Silverstone in the UK to becoming a leader in Australia’s aftermarket scene, specialising in 8HP conversions. He covers his early car projects, his transition from car detailing to running a wrecking yard, and the growth of his YouTube channel, Zero to 60.
We dive into modern transmission technology, comparing DCTs and the 8HP, and breaking down what makes them work—and where they fall short—in high-performance applications.
Andrew unpacks what it really takes to run an 8HP in a custom build, covering compatibility, installation challenges, control strategies, torque modelling, and even the use of clutch pedals or clutch emulators for applications such as drifting.
We also explore how the 8HP performs across drag, drift, circuit, and street use, along with the importance of proper tuning and getting the most out of the TurboLamik TCU.
At its core, Andrew’s mission is simple: to make high-performance modified cars drive like OEM. And with the 8HP, that goal is closer than ever—whether you’re building for the street or the track.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Andrew here:
Youtube: ZeroTo60Tube
WWW: 8speed.au
Timestamps:
0:00 No Compromise? Why the 8HP Might Be the Ultimate Transmission
4:07 How did you become passionate about cars? 
10:03 Do you have any car related formal qualifications? 
12:02 What’s your skills set today?
14:48 Youtube Journey
18:59 What makes the M54 so good?
21:16 Pro’s and con’s of the different types of transmission
38:03 Why has the 8HP become so popular in the aftermarket world?
45:19 The 8HP is a family of gearboxes? 
47:33 What vehicles do these transmissions come in?
50:00 How do we go about finding the right 8HP for your swap?
52:15 Does the 8HP fit in most cars?  
54:56 What are our options for gearshifting?
55:41 How do we control these transmissions?
1:08:19 What do you mean by the term adaptation?
1:10:34 How do we set up a clutch pedal and how do the clutches work?
1:17:43 Can the 8HP be upgraded to handle more torque?
1:19:18 Can the 8HP be the best of both worlds?
1:21:24 How hard are the standalone controllers to set up?  
1:27:17 Why would you look at a DCT if the 8HP is so good?
1:30:30 Final 3 questions

The 1990s were arguably the ‘Golden Era’ of motorsport, particularly in the world of wings-and-slicks racing. High-revving engines, intense competition, and iconic car designs made it an unforgettable time. Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) was no exception, and Russell Cameron from Horizon Motorsport was right in the thick of it.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
In this episode of Tuned In, Russell shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in South Dakota to building a successful career in the professional racing world. He discusses the evolution of his mechanical skills and his rapid transition into professional racing within the CART series.
Russell also dives into the legendary Cosworth engines of the ’90s, the role of qualifying engines, and the relentless push to squeeze out every last bit of performance. From reliability to driver preferences and the subtle setup details that can make or break a lap time, he shares insights from inside the garage.
We also explore his career across multiple teams, the infamous CART–IRL split, the influence of the Indy 500, and the factors that led to CART’s decline. Russell reflects on moving from team manager to team owner and the realities of running a racing team. He also talks about the incredible ‘Hammerhead’ project he built with his son, Cavan — a stunning machine incorporating a lot of ex-CART/IndyCar components.
Russell has lived an extraordinary life in professional motorsport, and now he’s on a new adventure building the Hammerhead with his son. Combined with his storytelling ability, it makes this episode a seriously compelling listen.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Russel here:
Instagram: horizon_motorsports_llc
Youtube: horizon_motorsports_llc
For more on Hammerhead & Cavan Cameron listen to episode 153: A High School Project Gone Wild: 1,450HP IndyCar x Firebird.
Also check out theHammerhead World time Attack Challenge 2025 Youtube interview on our channel @Hpa101
Timestamps:
0:00 Inside CART’s Golden Era of Racing
4:10 How did you find an interest in cars?
8:24 Were you involved in any motorsport growing up?
12:17 Could you get into IndyCar the same way today?
13:36 What’s the difference between IndyCar and F1?
17:35 Were you using qualifying engines? How were they different?
21:54 Where do you look for advantages in CART/IndyCar?
23:14 What is an Inerter? 
25:54 Can you make much adjustment to the aero package in IndyCar?
28:20 Does tight rules reduce budgets?
31:35 How did your career in CART/IndyCar develop? 
35:53 What is a CART/IndyCar team doing between weekends?  
39:25 What changes are you making to the car between practice and qualifying? 
44:06 Is the car setups always driver specific? 
47:20 How did you decide on a part's lifespan?
50:06 How did you end up running your own team?
51:99 What is the difference between CART & IndyCar?
1:02:15 How did you go from head mechanic to owning a team?
1:06:50 Can an IndyCar team be cashflow positive? 
1:12:25 At what point did you decide to step away? 
1:16:20 How did your son Cavan get involved?
1:26:15 What's the plan for Hammerhead in the future? 
1:31:52 Final 3 questions

The internet is packed with misleading information—and the automotive world is no exception. Thankfully, creators like Jamin Seat from the YouTube channel Freedom Worx are cutting through the noise. He tackles misunderstood topics head-on with engaging, easy-to-digest, and genuinely informative content—served with just the right dose of humour.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
In this episode of Tuned In, Jamin shares his journey from a kid who loved tinkering to becoming an engineer and respected automotive YouTuber. We also explore how he balances a full-time career in nuclear power with content creation, fueled by his passion for making complex automotive concepts easy to understand.
We dig into the efficiency of diesel engines and discuss some of the biggest myths in the diesel world, including the pros and cons of modern emissions control systems and how they really impact performance.
The conversation also dives into diesel tuning—what sets diesel apart from gasoline, why exhaust gas temperature (EGT) matters, and how it plays a critical role in monitoring engine performance. Of course, we couldn’t resist weighing in on the long-standing debate between Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax.
If you haven’t checked out Jamin’s YouTube channel yet, do yourself a favour and head over there. Fair warning: you might lose track of time—but at least you’ll come away knowing a whole lot more than when you started.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow Jamin here:
Youtube: FreedomWorx
Instagram: FreedomWorx
Facebook: Jamin Seat
Timestamps:
0:00 Breaking Down Diesel: Myths, Tuning & Truth
3:37 How did you become interested in cars?
10:01 Why was the small block chev so popular for modification? 
11:28 What are your formal qualifications?
18:57 What made you want to start a Youtube channel? 
26:29 Are you hoping to turn YouTube into a fulltime career?
29:31 What drew you to diesel engines?
30:38 Why do trucks and tractors have diesel engines?
34:24 How do we make an emissions compliant diesel?
37:00 Emission control systems, pros and cons?
52:12 More fuel is more power?
55:07 Why do we monitor a diesel tune with EGT?
1:03:01 Where should we be putting our EGT sensors?
1:06:09 Why do people want to ‘Roll Coal’ on their diesel?
1:11:20 Pros & Cons Powerstroke vs Cummins vs Duromax?
1:14:34 How do you get big power from a Cummins?
1:16:30 What’s your opinion on oil change frequency?
1:21:59 Green house gas emissions US regulations
1:28:59 Final 3 questions

David Mazzei may well have the best-sounding turbocharged rotary on the planet, but how he chased down that elusive F1 V10 sound with this masterpiece of an engine is somewhat unexpected.
Rotary engines are often labelled as temperamental and unreliable, but David Mazzei of Mazzei Formula believes the opposite. In his view, rotaries can be among the most reliable engines when properly understood.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
In this episode of Tuned In, David shares his journey from a childhood fascination with technology and cars to becoming a rotary engine expert. He discusses the challenges and rewards of owning and daily-driving his first RX-7.
We dive deep into rotary tuning, starting with the fundamentals—air-fuel ratios, exhaust gas temperatures, and the critical relationship between ignition timing and engine reliability. David also shares his views on engine building, apex seals, and porting, and explains why rotaries deserve a far better reputation than they’ve been given.
We explore the evolution of his five-rotor engine, what it took to bring such an ambitious project to life, and the challenges of building something this complex. David breaks down the science behind its unforgettable sound and reveals how his background in music helped him dial in and replicate the pitch of an F1 V10.
David’s passion for the rotary engine is undeniable. He’s a wealth of knowledge, and what he’s achieved with his MF5 Superlite is nothing short of extraordinary. If you have even a passing interest in rotary engines, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip
Follow David here:
Instagram: mazzei_formula
Youtube: mazzeiformula
Facebook: David Zachary Mazzei
Timestamps:
0:00 Building The Worlds Best Sounding 5 rotor
4:11 How did you become interested in cars?
17:20 How did daily driving your first RX7 at 17 go?
21:55 Rotary reliability
29:16 How did you learn to tune?  
37:24 Can you explain the different rotary engine ports?
40:15 Driveability with modern ECU’s on a bridge port or peripheral port?
46:15 EGT’s on rotary engines
55:15 Air fuel ratios and timing on rotary engines
1:06:05 Can you explain rotary split?
1:12:33 How did the 5 rotor project develop?
1:23:17 Is the turbo charger irrelevant to the sound of the engine?
1:30:30 How do we go about building a 5 rotor?
1:38:23 Billet vs factory cast blocks
1:42:46 What’s your opinion on apex seals?
1:46:25 Should we be running premix in our rotary’s?
1:53:37 How important is injector timing?
1:57:25 Final 3 Questions