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 seen a 550whp front-wheel-drive Micra out on track?
Sean Austin’s FWD K11 Nissan Micra is running a turbocharged Primera P11 SR20VE+T Neo VVL (the best SR20?) & 6-speed gearbox, Haltech Nexus R3 engine/power distribution management, Haltech iC-7 dash, and enough power to torque steer into another dimension.

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

With help from CDI Motorsport, Raceworks, Knight Family Motorsport, and a front end swapped in from a Pulsar, this car has evolved from track beater to full track weapon at the World Time Attack Challenge. It’s light, fast, and rowdy, but Sean’s also realistic about its limitations, admitting the platform might have hit its ceiling. That said, not sure we believe that a project is ever truely 'finished'!

This walkaround covers the build, from the engine setup and fabrication, through to suspension compromises and alignment headaches. It's a quick look at what it takes to extract big performance from an unlikely chassis, and believe it or not at this stage all for under $20,000 Kangaroo Dollars (AUD).

#highperformanceacademy #BuildTuneDrive #laterk11 #noideaclub #SR20VVL #Micra #FWD #k11 #TimeAttack #Haltech #WTAC2 #learndriveoptimise #learntotune #enginebuilding101 #dontletthesmokeout #wiring101 #cars #motorsport #racing #boost