"The closest we've got to a mechanic is a panel beater." - Has this group of friends on a budget built something quicker and more special than many big chequebook builds ever will be?

Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

Most people overlook the third-gen Toyota MR2 (MR-S), but Justin from Close Enough Racing has spent years turning his into a proper grassroots weapon.

From a modest 1ZZ track car to a 450kW turbocharged 2ZZ build with APR widebody aero, a Jubu Racing close-ratio gearbox, and Porsche brakes, this is a fully developed MRS that competes on the world stage at World Time Attack Challenge.

You’ll learn how Justin and his mates handled the powertrain setup, aero evolution, and suspension development while working around the MR chassis’ limitations and strengths.

The car features a Gen 2 Garrett G35-82R turbo, factory-based poly bushed mounts, and a 3582R-based turbo system pushing 35 psi through a built 2ZZ engine. The team worked with brands like CMS Performance for tuning, APR for aero, Shockworks for suspension development, and even adapted Porsche Boxster calipers using custom dogbones.

Despite not being professional engineers, this group of friends put together a car that can compete with far more expensive, professionally built competition.

If you’re building your own track car and want to see how to combine smart part selection, testing, and a bit of ingenuity to go fast on a budget, this one’s worth your time.

#highperformanceacademy #buildtunedrive #closeenoughracing #aprperformance #shockworks #cmsperformance #juburacing #toyotamrs #mr2build #worldtimeattack #2zzge #grassrootsracing #aprperformance #cerbuild #wtac #carmods #motorsport

Forget the hype around “Mil-Spec” wiring — most builds don’t need it. Smart, fit-for-purpose materials and design can still deliver a reliable harness with great performance and aesthetics.

This week on the podcast we sit down with Technica Racewire co-founders Philip Chiu and Kevin Tan to uncover the wiring harness essentials.

👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

Philip and Kevin share their journeys from a childhood passion for cars to becoming the owners of Technica Racewire. They discuss the transition from mechanical engineering to automotive wiring.

We cover their focus on classic Porsche builds and the production run harnesses they build, the ECU brands they trust, and how they approach configuration depending on the application.

They dive into the intricacies of working with autosport connectors and what are some suitable alternatives at a lower price point but still perform to a race grade level. We also cover the differences between a club level harness and a high end motorsport harness.

Most importantly, they shine a light on the steps that can make or break a harness and the common mistakes beginners make when trying to DIY their first one.

Follow Technica Racewire here:

Instagram: @technicaracewire
Facebook: Technica Racewire
WWW: technicaracewire.com

👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

Links:

Autosport Manual

Timestamps:

0:00 This Could Make or Break Your New Harness
4:12 How did you get interested in the automotive scene? (Kevin)
6:52 How did you get interested in the automotive scene? (Philip)
9:51 How did you move towards building motorsport grade harnesses?
14:44 How did you go about sourcing Porsche electronics for your harnesses?
17:46 When and how did you decide to start wiring for a living?
24:15 What does Technica Racewire look like today? Location? Size?
30:21 Are you doing production runs on harnesses?
32:43 What brands of ECU are you aligning with?
36:15 Do you get into ECU configuration and setup?
40:40 What is a high pot tester?
41:20 How much of your business is business to business vs business to consumer?
45:12 Do you get involved in programming CAN messaging?
46:57 What’s the difference between a club level harness vs a motorsport harness?
53:31 What do you need to know to start working with Autosport connectors?
56:33 Understanding current through a connector and what size wire do we use?
1:08:48 Are DTM connectors still suitable for a motorsport harness?
1:12:50 The intricacy of working with Autosport connectors continued.
1:14:45 What’s your opinion on crimping vs soldering?
1:17:57 Using solder to pot an actuator or sensor.
1:20:45 Moisture ingress in connectors
1:23:31 What are the most common mistakes in building a harness?
1:30:36 What is star point earthing?
1:33:24 What do you use for your planning? Software?
1:38:50 Final 3 questions

Ever wondered what it takes to convert an old car into a modern 600hp EV using aftermarket tech instead of a Tesla swap?

Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

At SEMA, Rory Baldrey from Legacy EV walks through the full electric conversion of HP Tuners classic air-cooled 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera, powered by a Cascadia Motion motor and controlled via HP Tuners' Core EV VCU (ECU). Rory explains how this setup compares to more common OEM-based swaps, like Tesla drivetrains, and why they opted for a high-voltage 800V system.

From regen tuning to thermal management, and the cost vs. flexibility tradeoffs of aftermarket parts, it’s a practical look into how EV swaps are evolving and what's possible at the cutting edge of performance electric conversions.

#highperformanceacademy #buildtunedrive #evswap #ElectricPorsche #CascadiaMotion #hptuners #sema ‪@cascadiamotion‬ ‪@HPTuners‬