How to Make BIG POWER, Safely /ENGINEERED

Learn on Monday, wrench smarter on Sunday. So you want some horsepower?
Introducing a NEW series on /DRIVE, aimed at educating you to build a faster, better, more reliable car: /ENGINEERED. We want to empower our fellow enthusiasts to know more, and do more, by learning from some of the best engineers in the game.
The topic this week: forced induction. What it is, what it does, and which method makes the most power. There's no better expert than the founder of Nelson Racing Engines, Tom Nelson.

[@SloppyMechanics]

incredibly humbled today to hear one of my automotive hero's reference me and my builds, on top of that i am loving these videos, questions, answers, hard facts, no bullshit, why tom nelson is one of my hero's and why i love his videos is because he shares a ton of info along with what he shows, obviously right up my alley haha. showing people the fuel, temps, timing and how well a car produces power per lb or in low or high end comparisons was unheard of before, hotrodding used to be so cloak and dagger, and people were keeping all of their perceived secrets. even if they were incorrect, laying everything on the table and learning together collectively has been an incredible learning experience and rewarding as all hell. Drive keep on doing what you're doing! Tom keep being yourself, you are one of the most real sounding dudes i've ever heard comment on things. I wouldnt be doing what i do with cars today with out looking up to people like tom and f/f roadkill etc.

[@zach0326]

congratulations on getting such a legend to mention and be impressed with your work, you really earned it with all of the work you do for everybody in the automotive community.

[@zzFisk]

+Sloppy Mechanics Damn didn't know you were still making videos... one of my favorite car-related channels.

[@bluespig1]

Dude, learn to construct a sentence with a start, middle & end with a full stop. Commar after commar is just confusing everybody way more than necessary.

[@kmkstu420]

Sloppy Mechanics are

[@rocky19811969]

I definitely would like to second that comment sloppy. Tom is a realist I got the opportunity to meet him, my wife and I visited cali from Toronto Canada and he really showed us some socal hospitality!! He showed us the shop and spent his very valuable time speaking with us JUST BECAUSE! My wife really got to see why I am so pationate about the automotive world because of guys like Tom. You are also the man Matt been followin u sine the start as well keep it up guys you, it is individuals like yourselves who lead the way for the future gearheads that are becoming less and less nowadays!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Awesome video! I'll be sure to keep my Integra's power level below 1200 HP per Nelson's recommendation.

[@jadew1547]

good to see u here 😌

[@thesnap6376]

+Engineering Explained LOL hey Love the vids man. 1200 HP for the street, to remain safe. But i'd say definitely if a person has a AWD Nissan or Lambo you could go more. Now, in a , 800+ rwd can get you in trouble on the street.

[@MrHercsk]

but it will NEVER sound like a V8

[@southjerseysound7340]

With 1k+ HP who cares what it sounds like ;-)

[@SS-hw1ou]

1200 ho should be enough on the street

[@slyphendrivevlog8765]

i love the /engineering series... maybe because i'm an engineer, or maybe i'm just getting into cars and want to learn more about it.

[@Cornwall1888]

Probably both

[@Len_M.]

I could watch that all day. Wish the other vids weren't private :( I hate waiting. Heh.

[@drunkdonutboy]

Mechanical Engineer here, working as a technician to pay my way through school. The more I work the more i want to learn about it. It is INSANE the amount of intricacies behind the design of an automobile. From the oil pump to the transmission to the wheels. The amount of thought that goes into ONE PIECE is sickening.

[@MotionAutoTv]

I love these videos! Its awesome the power of KZbin and its ability to pretty much sit down with one of the best in the game to get some NO BS facts and advice on making power! I have been watching Sloppy mechanics and NRETV for years! Keep up the good work /Drive! I appreciate the content!

[@SadWatermelon]

I was gunna make my car 4000hp but thanks for letting me know 2000hp is enough

[@bumblebeebob99]

Ayy lmao

[@2JZLS]

Beugh

[@jebwatson]

I love watching these interviews. This guy just oozes knowledge and experience.

[@DeuceBiggerHo]

Yes

[@imallearsru]

Fantastic, after so many years of deliberation and uncertainty now I know that 1200 hp is enough for my '76 Pinto.

[@DJInclined]

Can you guys do a /Build series? I'm loving this one anyhow.

[@dgarage9]

Great video. Dude seems legit and down to earth. No bs. True practitioner.

[@codyace]

Nice shout out to the @SloppyMechanics with the Junkyard goodness! We love your stuff NRE!

[@stevesolo16]

Mr. Nelson said something that's invaluable. "It's better to learn from someone who has direct knowledge by putting workable applications on the road." Personally, I know just being "Book Smart," isn't enough. You have to be hands on because there are issues that crop up that aren't covered by books. Handling heat, running a race motor on the street, fitting A/C, cam timing for turbo cars, etc...no two builds are the same anymore. Just learning fuel management and tuning to severe weather has become an art. I believe learning all the intricacies of a Dominator Carburator is necessary to understand EFI to the fullest.

[@wadetaylor9974]

Knowledge IS "POWER"! No substitute for experience. Sound advice. Rock solid.

[@shawngoodall7492]

there are dozens of people making the power. You can tell a NRE motor 50 yards away though. his engines truly are works of art!! The polished hard line plumbing on everything is nothing short of amazing. Nelson symmetry in an engine compartment is a league all his own without a doubt.

[@mandom4486]

smart, wise, educated honest man speaking. I respect Nelson's architecture, word and work

[@HoosierDaddy145]

Ive been obsessed with the insanity of these motors since i was a young teenager. Finally, he says “theres 1000 guys now doin this” and i fall under those guys. Just my half junk franken turboed 6.0 but it is a BLAST

[@jdcustomz]

One of the men I follow and why I started in this industry myself.

[@SpeedFreak0122]

I just wanna sit and listen to this guy talk about cars all day long, he seems so cool.

[@PacificCoastAuto]

Thank you for this video. These are perfect videos to work to when I am the last person in the office and everyone has gone home. I wish I could have unlimited videos like this.

[@vivalaphill]

1300hp daily driveable ........DAAAAAAMMMMMNNNN

[@CrivRex]

+vivalaphill dude, look up nelsons racing. It's insane these people

[@bentrimble2167]

The fact that Tom is humble enough to include the fact that sloppy mechanics combinations can do the same thing his can for 1/40 of the price is awesome. Obviously the Chinese charger and 300k junkyard v8 isn’t a going to be a lifetime combo but it gives the power to the blue collar middle class guys to go out and compete with the big boys and have a great time for cheap. Thanks to all of these guys Tom Nelson and Matt Happel, Richard Holdener for continuing to share invaluable information with the car community for FREE.

[@Cornwall1888]

Good to know 1200bhp is enough for the streets lol

[@vivalaphill]

+Cornwall1888 my 1807 horse carriage made 2500hp but thanks to this video i removed 1300 horses, since i know that 1200 is enough :´´D

[@Cornwall1888]

vivalaphill don't go down to 1150bhp you'll never get up to speed on the freeway.

[@vivalaphill]

Cornwall1888 yeah, noticed that aswell it´s kinda hard to overtake someone now or accelerate while driving up a slope..

[@BOKtober]

+Cornwall1888 For some reason i was expecting him to say 500-600hp or something at least somewhat reasonable haha

[@bagelbytes69420]

+Dr Unemployed My mustang which has around 400 whp is plenty fast i cant fathom driving something with 1200hp or more... faster than a liter bike?

[@anetworkservice]

Wow! Great job Tom. I enjoyed hearing you recite what a lot of us have learned by following you over the years. Now you have given others that knowledge in a nutshell. I always learn things from you, and it helps me to plan for things I'm currently working on or trying to accomplish. Like that 900 horsepower rule, and the pitfalls of different types of boost. I was working toward an "up to" 1200 horsepower BBC using a Centrifugal Blower, and I already knew that darn belt was the worst of it. As a long time auto tech (20+ yrs) we all know and understand belt harmonics. They are vicious and ugly. The bigger the belt and stronger the load, the uglier they get! Turbos really are a great way forward to high horsepower. I just don't like all that heat. I'm glad you made it clear how challenging that can be and let everyone know that these things tale A LOT of cooling. Specially in your nice compact, neatly packaged, assemblies. I don't think you even got into or covered what I feel is one of your best ideas and achievements. The alternate fuels injection system to make that tame street car into a beast after those turbos spin up. Mark

[@jasonworks1362]

i would like to say thanks to Tom for taking the time to do this video. I personally would be interested in anything he wants to share. He does amazing work, just take a look at any engine compartment in any of the vehicles he has created and your just blown away at the level of detail and the beauty of the work. Thanks Tom

The Humble Big Motor Builder. Thank you sir.

[@BrianWerner]

Wisdom from a "shade tree" guy. Definitely a better engineer than most engineers. Very educational and I appreciate you sharing the knowledge.

[@patrickkennedy2533]

I could listen to anything this cat has to say all day . Programs like this put the education and purpose back into the internet ,and crazy interesting also.

[@Jake-fx8xy]

This dude is crazy smart I could listen to him talk about cars all day

[@wontputrealname]

I've seen only a couple of your videos and I'm very impressed so far. You may not posses recognised qualifications but in my opinion you're a talented development engineer.

[@mchenryjeremy]

Been following Tom for years, even before KZbin and I've always admired his ability to make huge power with class.

[@gasolinaquema8416]

Man all I want is my 08 G35 sedan to have 500 to the wheel as a daily driver. He's talking insane numbers! Must be why he's the man!! Good stuff. Second vide I watched. I don't like long videos but you have so much interesting topics I can't stop listening!!!

[@zaknefain100]

Really like Tom.. very down to earth guy. As he said, lots of people are making big power now; take a strong platform, bolt some turbos on, fuel management and all the parts to support it and make >1k hp. What I like about Nelson's stuff is the design.. from their intakes, to the routing of the wastegates... everything is done with a sense of style that I enjoy seeing in his work. As an engineer, that's something I really appreciate about his work.. function first always, but *form* is what makes your work unique. 🤜

[@spitfiretmac590]

I recognized the road at 10:43. Always wondered who made this skid marks on Corbin up in Porter Ranch. Good to know. hehe

[@core2duodell]

love this ENGINEERED series. Especially great to hear from Nelson himself

[@osheathedj]

Tom Nelson is my hero. I love the vid series!

[@cali2468]

This guy is a true legend in the game of high performance. His work was one of the first to grab my attention along with John Lingenfelter, Reeves Callaway and John Hennessey. I'd love to get a build done by Nelson one day.

[@scott5006]

12psi on a stock 4.6 3v with a USED garrett 60mm t04e, used boost a pump, and used cobra injectors. 12k miles, 14 months and still going strong as one of my 2 daily drivers! moral: boost is for everyone just get into it!

[@أحمدالمحروقي-ج8ظ]

Cool How much hp Have you reached 350 hp with that

[@scott5006]

It actually makes just a bit more than that. I don't wanna push it till i get forged rods. Hopefully Ill have time this winter to put my intercooler in it, then I can give it more timing and power and stay safe on the rods. but now I'm in a kx500 project, and I want to turbo that. this work has so many vehicles, so many turbos, so little time!

[@tedsevilla1487]

I am so inspired every time I watch it and then make sure that my employees watch it because you are very inspiring person God bless you

[@55ironrebel]

I would LOVE to work with and for this Kid FOR FREE! WHY? Because he has my heart and passion for Engines & the power they can and will generate love it man....!

[@kedr77]

Another amazing tutorial video relating to sport mécanics. The man who explains the different configurations is, without any doubt, filled with passion which make it, almost, simple to understand!Many thanks DRIVE

[@The101Point1]

The great Tom Nelson been watching NRE videos for like 11 years

[@dieselrotor]

2nd "Drive" video I have watched. I now have a new favorite video channel.

[@DrakeMR2]

Really like listening to this guy talk, more Nelson videos!

[@edge2sword186]

Ohio George's twin turbo 429 Mustang got banned for going too fast back in the early 70's. He was miles ahead of everyone back then .A real innovator.

[@timcrary4249]

He was getting 800hp out of a pinto engine!!

[@beefzerkee]

I know how engines work, but it’s insane to me to think there are transmissions and rear ends that can handle that level of power. I wish I had knowledge like this man, he knows everything I wish I knew. I plan on attempting my first twin turbo build in a few months

[@DeuceBiggerHo]

Oh man, you just spoke my mind! 👍😁

[@DeuceBiggerHo]

Hope your first build goes well! I’m planning on doing the same thing. I’ve messed about with engines and cars before but I think I need to go right back to basics first with Instruction manual in hand etc. Here in 🇬🇧 we got the famous Haynes manuals which are really good. I’m gonna rebuild a lawnmower engine, a 2 stroke, maybe a motorbike engine, a four pot engine, then try a V8. I need a bit more practice first. I’m fully expecting to blow up my first turbo conversion. I was thinking of a 2 litre four pot turbo conversion. I will blow that up first and go from there 😂🤣

[@DeuceBiggerHo]

And I thought the same. What the hell trans and diffs hold all that crazy power? Modified th400?

[@nicb7628]

I actually love this series... This dude is a legend!

[@hirthirthirt1693]

I like that invterview a lot.....the way ist starts ......just to go over why the LS is so great.

[@DCsProductions]

I would be interested to see what this man can do with something like a fiero.

[@drive]

+DCsProductions Make it capable of space travel.

[@danfrederiksen1607]

+/DRIVE is that how that works? or are smart space oriented people more into electric drive while V8 idiots do donuts.

[@ramairgto72]

+DCsProductions Hate seeing PMD cars with Chevy in it...

[@iaidobey]

+ramairgto72 Chevy? Or you mean GM Corporate engines?

[@ramairgto72]

iaidobey If GM didn't list them as Gen 1, 2, 3 & 4 I would call them Corporate engines. But since GM calls them Chevy Generation engines I will call them what they are.

[@ArthurSperotto]

Man these were some good times...

[@Custard76]

Loving this series cant get enough of it. As I'm in the UK and into Historics cars whether it be American muscle or a Austin Mini or A40s, I would love to give these guys a mini or A40 and see what they could do with A series engine with there knowledge would be a good giggle to see. keep these vids coming there awesome

[@centipede8376]

Keep the /Engineering vids coming guys. Great stuff.

[@totalyep]

Tom is such a legend. I wish he would do more videos.

[@johnmckamy6398]

thank you for what you do , I probably wont ever be able to afford a NRE car but to me it's enough just to see the advancements being made by innovators like you .

[@Thatdudebigttv]

these videos have been awsome for someone like myself whos is just trying to learn more and do things on my own keep vids like this coming !

[@exodusfivesixfivesix8050]

This guy is awesome. I really want my build done here.

[@djremotion2]

If I ever win in lottery, I will ship my Z3 Coupe to Tom Nelson at States and he will build it with ~1500hp and then I will be ever happy.

[@ubilockon]

Don't fucking stop this series. Don't put this series on monetary production with the rest of the stuff. This series is amazing.

[@tdawg719]

"I used to make a living street racing"

[@jonalarcon8564]

Dingus Kahn me too but now adays it's too dangerous I only race strip and soon speed runs only

[@madfiat8932]

So with this heat issue - I know that I'm on the opposite end of the power spectrum with an Abarth... But, people are busy changing out the Side-Mount Intercoolers for Front-Mount because it reduces the amount of piping. Manufacturer says basically what you do, that it would be too much heat in front of the radiator for hot climates. Food for thought.

[@jackthompson1382]

Holy cow! I can die and go to heaven now!!! Two of my greatest automotive Hero's in recognition of each other! They're so different, yet so alike! Garage built vs 40k!!!

[@askloglog]

i love these /Engineered vids, please keep doing them

[@SmOgER10]

"On the street you don't really need anymore than 1200HP" I lol'ed!

[@nitetrane98]

I truly love the idea of a docile grocery getter with a 1,000HP loud pedal. What used to pass for cool was a lumpy, loping ass cammed, non idling, obnoxiously loud, engine maybe making 600HP. Basically an on/off switch for a throttle. Sucks to get old.

[@letcouragetakeushome]

Love these videos! So informative, keep up the good work Drive 💪🏼

[@110americalovingpatriot2]

When the video first started I thought I clicked on the wrong video. Hi my name is Tom Nelson and I've had an addiction for a long time now. Which I kept watching and Tom does have an addiction and a need a need for speed!!

[@tompickrell9125]

Tom Nelson has still been the best on the show

[@xxxxdarksidexxxx]

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!@! Thank you for taking the comments seriously and keeping these videos coming with-in days of request. In-cre-eeeeee-bleh!!

[@geminioutdoorz]

would be great to meet you someday and take in the k owledge been watching your videos for years and once i am able to afford and engine for my truck your the one imgoing to best quality and you seem down to earth and i thank you for that and sharing your knowledge

[@MrBeerscuits]

He was like "You know 1000 horsepower, no big deal". Haha good stuff, nice video.

[@tgshark1]

A car you can drive to work and back and on the weekends to Vegas or whatever, 1800 to 2000hp, wowza.

[@saby8765]

I gobbled up this video...so much stuff in one small video!

[@HexlGaming]

Is it just me or is that pen-part really satisfying?!

[@keithblazier1341]

Hell yes you are an engineer!!! One who got educated in the real world and spent a lot of money with Snapon . Lol

[@ramairgto72]

We love you Tom Arnold!

[@truethinker68]

17:55 shade tree guy. real old school . nothing like getting down in the trenches.

[@geoffhales8571]

Wow great great video,Thankyou,good luck to you Mr N,from uk

[@paultarr3124]

Drive @MDMusto, @slice_franklin, @PaulTarr1, Now this is Classic...... Thanks Mike and Tom

[@natepierce1281]

Way to go to mention Matt . (: He is the man.

[@wille3991]

this man is a badass I'd let him build my motor and see the spec involved and learn from it great shit dude TWINS ALL DAY

[@nathanlambert1705]

whatever dude. I am an engineer and I am hugely impressed by the products they put out.

[@Martin.ac.85]

This series of videos needs to be subtitled sooooo bad. All the videos are excellent. I would love that my father can understand this

[@brotherskrillrc6042]

Honestly he's the goat, you can do what you want within your budget he says you can build the high hp motors you play you pay he builds on top notch level and yes you play you pay but for much longer on a built bottom end etc. Etc. Not knockin just watchin

[@mitchlu]

He may not be an engineer, but as one, he certainly has my respect.

[@gh-cu1jh]

8:32 man the only thing that made me come back from my tuned and stage 2 twin turbos n54 was the scream of the s85

[@thicknick734]

12:25 lol i can get in trouble with my 20 hp go kart

[@jamesmorfison2008]

I'm with you 100% SLOPPEY MACHANIC

[@TheWesman45]

I've followed NRE for years now and I'd really love to see Tom tackle rotary heat with power.. If anybody can solve the wankle's issues, I think it's this guy...

[@stokerboiler]

Ever done anything with CNG fuel? 120 octane and a bit of cooling help at the regulator.

[@MagmaTrevor]

Give this man a trophy he has an excellent mind set

[@YouArentSlick]

I think he has a few already

[@MagmaTrevor]

most likely

[@uxsvent1]

after playing automation on steam, I wish you could make the engines from the simulator in real life. made one that got 32 mpg on 71 ron lol but had over 500hp top speed was 145-150mph . its a good fun simulator for building cars from engines to bodies. some people go a little crazy with the 3k hp builds but at least the ones I build could be made with a decent budget in real life.

[@taylortrascher2274]

"Up next: 'Why 800HP is Too Much - /BIG MUSCLE'"

[@rcman2010]

I Enjoy these videos alot. they have lots of great info!

[@jamesvaughn4747]

Love this guy wish I had the money to get a build from him

[@m7md4x4]

Shooot, thank god I'm at 1199, way below 1200 hp. Thanks 4 the info

[@wannabBIGA]

awesome vids, nelson super cars FTW!

[@1gturbo]

Nice sloppy/happel reference! Good input in the vid too.

[@xynurse6095]

Please continue to make more videos like this.

[@tedsevilla1487]

Just can't stop watching you video amazing

[@jonalarcon8564]

40 ,000 dollars is that much money for one of toms engines I figured it would be around 50, 000, plus I make a pretty decent living myself , I like tom for his honesty ,I heard alot of bad things about him but I wont know till I go see him and do business with him and that will be soon

[@scarmenl]

Great video thanks. Have plans to build an car around one of Toms engines.

[@MoreGrievances]

I'm sold. A reliable DD with a conservative 1,200 HP is in my future.