Tuned In

We often hear about drivers who built successful racing careers, but Peter Farrell’s story goes far beyond the driver’s seat. While many enthusiasts know him for his work developing the legendary Mazda FD RX-7, his career stretches from rallying on a shoestring budget in New Zealand to developing some of the first performance upgrades for the FD and competing in factory-backed racing programs in the United States.
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After discovering rallying as a teenager, Peter combined his engineering background with an obsession for making cars faster. Whether it was pioneering turbocharged Ford Escorts, competing against legends like Possum Bourne, or moving to America with little more than ambition and mechanical skill, every chapter of his story was built on finding opportunities and making the most of them.
That determination eventually led Peter into professional endurance racing, where he drove for manufacturers including Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Saturn, and most famously Mazda. Along the way he helped develop the FD RX-7 into a race-winning platform, worked alongside Mazda's engineers in Japan, pioneered performance parts for the iconic rotary sports car, and experienced the golden era of factory-backed motorsport in America.
Beyond the racing, Peter shares invaluable insights into engine development, turbocharging, cooling, reliability, and why understanding the fundamentals matters just as much as having the latest technology. His stories highlight how ingenuity, persistence, and strong relationships opened doors that money alone never could.
This episode is packed with incredible stories from a fascinating motorsport career. From grassroots rallying and endurance racing to rotary development and factory engineering, Peter's journey offers lessons that every racer, tuner, and enthusiast can appreciate.
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Follow Peter here:
Youtube: pfsupercars1
Facebook: Peter Farrell
Timestamps:
0:00 Pioneering the Mazda FD3S RX-7
3:55 How did you first develop a passion for cars?
7:25 Competing in rally in New Zealand
17:39 Early turbo setups on 2.0 Pinto engines
28:58 Moving to America to go chase the rally dream
38:17 The switch to circuit racing and getting paid to race
1:00:18 Starting the relationship with Mazda
1:03:00 Building the FD RX7 to race in the IMSA Supercars 
1:12:19 How to keep a Rotary reliable and fast?
1:17:40 Were you not allowed an aftermarket ECU?
1:20:05 Did you have problems with the factory gearbox?
1:32:51 Starting a performance parts business (PFS)
1:35:58 Peter Farrell Purple Box piggy back ECU
1:57:40 Final 3 questions

We all dream up incredible vehicle concepts—Nate Wilkerson of Wilkerson Customs brings them to life. Combining engineering expertise, CAD design, and a lifelong passion for off-road racing, Nate has built a huge following by creating some of the most ambitious virtual vehicle concepts on the internet.
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In this episode of Tuned In, we dive into Nate’s background, from growing up in a machine shop and studying optical engineering to designing advanced laser systems for autonomous vehicles and military applications. Along the way, he developed a passion for mechanical design and engineering, eventually turning the off-road vehicle concepts he’d been imagining since childhood into detailed CAD creations shared with a growing online audience.
We then explore the tools and processes behind Nate’s designs, covering everything from SolidWorks and finite element analysis to CNC machining and additive manufacturing. The discussion highlights the importance of designing for manufacturability and understanding engineering fundamentals before they ever reach the real world.
The conversation also dives deep into off-road vehicle design, from suspension geometry and wheel travel to weight optimisation and structural analysis. Nate explains how he balances performance, durability, and practicality while constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible in his designs. 
This episode is packed with insight for anyone interested in CAD, engineering, fabrication, or vehicle design. Whether you're creating parts for your own project car or simply fascinated by the process of turning ideas into reality, Nate’s unique perspective makes this a fascinating listen.
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Follow Nate here:
Instagram: Wilkerson_Customs
Youtube: Wilkerson_Customs
Offroad Design Crew SOLIDWORKS
Timestamps:
0:00 CAD: The Gateway to Making Dreams a Reality
3:56 How did you get interested in cars?
09:26 How did you learn Solid Works (CAD)?
13:00 Why do you prefer CNC machined assemblies?
14:52 What’s your thoughts on generative design?  
15:58 Additive manufacturing had developed so fast 
21:50 What is Blender and how is it used with Fusion 360?
25:08 Can you apply your Solid Work skills directly into Fusion 360?
31:02 What sort of computing power do you need to run CAD?
33:34 What is FEA?
39:16 What sort of safety factor are you applying to your designs?  
41:18 What do we need to think about when designing for manufacturing?
48:16 How do you design the suspension kinematics? 
55:22 Why do you prefer an independent rear in your designs?
59:41 How do you get started with a design?
1:02:11 How many hours go into your designs?
1:05:50 Are we going to see one of these designs in real life?
1:10:30 Final 3 Questions

Automatic transmissions were once the last thing performance enthusiasts wanted in their builds—but that’s changing fast. Greg from Turbolamik is at the centre of that shift, helping bring ZF’s 8HP gearbox into everything from drift cars to drag builds, and showing just how capable modern automatics have become.
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In this episode of Tuned In, we dive into Greg’s background, from growing up around grassroots motorsport in Poland to building a life in the US surrounded by rally and performance cars. His early experiences with Subaru’s and rally culture set the foundation for a career spent building cars, working with teams, and staying closely connected to the evolution of performance technology.
The focus then shifts to the ZF 8HP gearbox and why it’s quickly become such a popular swap. We break down its efficiency, strength, and fast shift speeds, along with how it compares to manuals, traditional automatics, and sequential gearboxes. Greg explains why these transmissions can handle serious power and how they’re being used across different motorsport disciplines.
We then dive into the Turbolamik standalone controller and what’s involved in making these swaps work. From CAN integration and torque modelling to adaptive shift strategies and advanced features like transbrake and launch control, the discussion highlights how full standalone control unlocks the true potential of the 8HP platform.
This episode is packed with insight into one of the fastest-growing trends in performance cars. Whether you’re building a drag car, drift car, or street machine, understanding the potential of modern transmissions like the 8HP could completely change how you approach your next project.
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Follow Greg here:
Instagram: turbolamik.us
Facebook: turbolamik.us
Youtube: TurboLamikUS
WWW: turbolamik.us
Timestamps:
0:00 ZF 8HP: The Automatic Everyone Wants?
04:15 How did you become interested in cars?
10:07 Did you get involved in tuning?
13:51 Finding a gearbox to handle big power
15:52 What is it that makes the 8HP such a special gearbox? 
22:29 What are the pros and cons of removing the torque converter?
27:15 Why is it now that everyone is doing the 8HP swap?
30:16 What are the Drag records with the 8HP?
31:39 Advantages over integrating into the factory TCU?
35:03 Is this a DIY installation for the Turbo Lamik?
37:31 How does the torque modeling work and shifting? 
45:15 What ecu’s can you achieve torque reduction upshifts & throttle blips for downshifts? 
47:55 What’s the difference between trans brake & launch control?
51:10 What’s the best vehicle to get an 8HP from & which model are we looking for? 
56:10 Do we need torque reduction for full power upshifts?
57:20 How fast are the shifts compared to other gearboxes? 
59:26 Is there further room for development with the 8HP?
1:06:10 Are other transmission companies trying to keep up with ZF?
1:09:30 Is the 8HP lighter than a DCT?
1:13:32 Final 3 questions

Some people learn engines by doing—others take it a step further and truly understand the physics behind what’s happening. Jake from Bain Racing sits firmly in that second category, combining hands-on experience with deep engineering knowledge to build some seriously impressive engines.
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In this episode of Tuned In, we dive into Jake’s background and how a family history steeped in motorsport set the foundation for his career. From building cars in his teens to running his own shop and developing race engines, Jake shares how a mix of curiosity, study, and real-world experience shaped his approach to engine building.
We cover the fundamentals that underpin everything Jake does—covering topics like harmonic dampening, bearing clearances, oil viscosity, and why many common engine-building “rules” aren’t as black and white as they seem. 
Jake then unpacks airflow and cylinder head development, breaking down the often misunderstood relationship between flow and velocity and how factors like surface finish, valve seat design, and port shape all contribute to real-world performance. We also explore intake manifold design and the role of runner length, plenum volume, and harmonic tuning in maximising engine efficiency. 
This episode is packed with practical knowledge and deep technical insight. Whether you’re building engines, tuning them, or just want to better understand how they really work, Jake’s ability to connect theory with real-world results makes this one a must-listen.
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Follow Jake here:
Facebook: BainRacing
Instagram: BainRacing
Youtube: BainRacing
WWW: bainracing.com.au
Links:
https://www.enginelabs.com/news/amazing-video-jon-kaase-tests-airflow-dynamics-with-his-finger/
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
4:16 How did you get interested in cars?
10:45 If an engine is balanced why do we have harmonics? 
18:05 How do you learn to build performance engines?
21:48 Compression ratios for different applications
26:53 How did you build up your knowledge?
30:54 At what point did your current business take off?
33:15 Bearing clearance vs oil viscosity
41:13 What’s your opinion of billet blocks for street engines?
44:43 Is it hard to make a profitable engine building business? 
48:50 When it comes to cylinder head porting why is big not always better?
51:52 Why is velocity so important?
57:20 What is the optimum surface finish for a port?
1:04:04 What’s the best approach to use when porting around the guide?
1:08:00 How important is the valve seat?
1:10:45 Are your heads all CNC ported?
1:15:58 How are you testing your heads and porting?
1:18:42 What do most people get wrong with intake design?
1:20:10 Can you explain the 3rd harmonic and why it’s important?
1:23:45 How do you choose the design of the intake manifold for a given engine?
1:26:00 How well does your calculation validate on the dyno?
1:29:22 Is there any rule on intake manifold volume?
1:32:16 What is a shear plate?
1:34:51 ITB’s vs single or double throttle body
1:38:43 How do we size our throttle body?
1:43:49 What’s been the most interesting project?
1:52:17 Final 3 Questions

From carburettors and distributors to neural networks and AI-driven ECUs, Gerry Bechet’s career spans the full evolution of modern engine control. From his early days at Toyota South Africa to high-level development work at Ricardo, Renault, and Holden Special Vehicles, Gerry has been right at the heart of OEM engine calibration and development.
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In this episode of Tuned In, we dive into Gerry’s journey through the automotive industry, starting with his early passion for mechanics and progressing into a career as a mechanical engineer specialising in engine development and calibration. We unpack his time at Ricardo working on diesel engine R&D, including common rail injection and combustion chamber design.
The conversation then shifts to OEM calibration at HSV, where Gerry worked on GM’s LS platforms. We explore the realities behind factory tuning—balancing power, emissions, durability, and even marketing demands—and why factory ECUs are far more complex than most people realise.
We also break down the tuning myth of “magic numbers,” why airflow modelling is everything, and how small errors in injector data or fuel pressure can throw an entire calibration off. Gerry shares real-world examples that highlight why understanding the fundamentals still matters—no matter how advanced the software becomes.
Finally, we get into Gerry’s current role with HP Tuners and the development of the new Core ECU. Designed to bridge the gap between OEM-level control and aftermarket flexibility, this standalone system brings advanced strategies like MAF and speed density integration, along with AI-assisted VE tuning. We discuss where it fits in the market, who it’s for, and how tuning technology is continuing to evolve.
This episode is packed with insight—from old-school engine fundamentals to cutting-edge ECU development. Whether you’re a tuner, engineer, or just passionate about performance cars, Gerry’s depth of experience makes this one well worth your time.
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Follow Gerry here:
Instagram: HPTuners
Youtube: HPTuners
WWW: HPtuners.com
WWW: HPtuners.co.au 
Timestamps:
0:00 Standalone vs OEM ECU: Understanding Modern Engine Control
4:26 How did you get interested in cars?
8:04 Working for Toyota in South Africa 
12:02 Where did you end up after Toyota?
14:02 What are you trying to find when you’re running these engines on the dyno?
20:07 What is the time frame on developing one of these engines?
21:52 How did your role progress at Ricardo Engineering?
25:10 How was the transition to engine calibration?
26:43 How does an emission system work?
31:56 Tell us about your time at Holden HSV?
43:29 What does OE calibration software look like?
45:24 What’s your role at HP Tuners?
47:15 Why do people who tune stand alone ECU’s find it hard to use HP Tuners?58:00 If MAF is so good, why  do we have a speed density system? 
1:01:12 What is virtual volumetric efficiency and why did GM go in that direction? 
1:03:52 What is a neural network?
1:08:11 Are there any common HP Tuner mistakes? 
1:14:19 Why have HP Tuners made a stand alone?
1:23:53 How does the Core ECU operate?
1:27:33 Automatic spark calibration, What can you tell us?
1:30:26 Is there any consideration for CAN networks?
1:32:14 How do we decide to reflash or fit the Core ECU?
1:37:32 How does the work flow between the US and Aus work on this ECU?
1:38:53 How do you get tuners to swap to your EC