086: Forget Billet for a Second… What’s With Aftermarket Cast Blocks? [#PODCAST]

Over the last year, we’ve seen a handful of well-respected manufacturers teasing something brand new that pushes against the idea that billet is the only way to go — aftermarket high-performance cast blocks and heads. On this episode, we have @prp-platinumracingproducts7915's Herman Urriola, one of the figures driving this new development, to talk us through the design, manufacture, and use cases for aftermarket cast engines and much more.

----------------------------------
----------------------------------

Platinum Racing Products is well known worldwide thanks to its ultra-high quality parts for a range of high-performance engines that deftly walk the fine line between form and function.

Billet rocker covers, crank trigger kits, fuel rails, RB sump adapters, and much more are PRP’s bread and butter, but recently we’ve seen teases of an ambitious new product from the Australian company — an aftermarket cast aluminium RB26 block and head that doesn’t just reproduce the factory item but improves on it in numerous ways.

In this conversation, we dive pretty deep into Herman’s reasoning behind putting the huge amounts of time and money required into this new product and we touch on who it’s for, why it’s better than billet in a lot of situations, and why an enthusiast would want one in the first place.

Herman also gives us insight into his thriving business and details some of the mistakes he’s made, as well as what he considers the key to operating a successful aftermarket parts business.

A large part of the Platinum Racing Products process involves hundreds of hours of market research, R&D, design, CNC manufacturing, and testing — Herman gives us a really interesting look at what can be quite a high-stakes way of doing business. After all, it can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to take one new part from idea to product on the shelf.

This is going to be a great listen for anyone interested in part development, CAD, CNC manufacturing, engine building, or business development in the aftermarket industry.

Follow Platinum Racing Products here:
IG: @platinumracingproducts
FB: Platinum Racing Products
YT: PRP - Platinum Racing Products
----------------------------------
----------------------------------

TAGS:
#prp #rb26 #2jz #platinumracingproducts #highperformanceacademy #learntotune #enginebuilding101 #dontletthesmokeout #motorsport #buildtunedrive #dragracing #skyline

[kenecchi]

Nismo is no longer taking new orders for heritage RB blocks as of a month or two ago, so there's definitely a need. Excited to see what comes of this.

[customzdream]

I have known Herman from when he work as a truck mechanic and I remember the exact car (Toyota soarer) that ignited his fire. I had the pleasure of working with him when I had my business that, assisted with his.
He was always a gentleman, worked hard, stayed focus and if he ever fell over, he picked himself up dusted himself off and had another go. He knows what he's talking about and if he doesn't, he focuses on learning. A man very deserving of success. This podcast made me smile as it was great to here a mate talk about where he been and how he got there, as I've seen the story play out over the years.
Once again a great podcast and the enthusiasm of Herman in supporting this industry should be really appreciated. Go get them mate.

[KARR]

Herman is just too cool! Being Real, business etiquette, Transparent, new designs, cool parts the list goes on.

[StreetDreamzTT]

Gotta say, THIS WAS A BANGER! thanks for taking the time to provide this information guys!

[Sir.VicsMasher]

Excited for new/ upcoming aftermarket castings to bridge the gap between factory and billet blocks.

[KARR]

I feel like PRP could really help the BMW market like m50/m52/m54 engines. The bimmer motors are great and there is a major lack of stuff for them!

[dnltbrca]

Herman is the man, great to see him here!

[champ]

Very very very dope episode. As an American I’m willing to buy a turn key cast RB in thr 1500hp range. Love I can do colors on it too 😊

[lancehoward]

Another great listen on a Friday night, having a bourbon and working away in the garage while learning some great info. Looking forward to the next one. 😊

[albertt]

Another great pod, always love hearing Herman talk about cars!

[JulianFoley]

A really great and wide-tanging conversation - thanks

[RT-krdk]

Besides cloning stock, people do add features that the factory didn't account for. Better oiling, cooling, strength, eliminating silly design points

[newagetemplar]

Herman is a pucka gent, trust me . Loyalty to his suppliers is scarce these days no back stabbing corporate sales crap from this guy . I’m from a similar background and an engineer etc and this is how I’d do it .
I will never probably purchase any of his products as beemers are our thing .
Nice interview guys, thanks to Andre for a great professional channel too giving a platform for old and new enthusiasts to learn topics in a professional in depth manner .
if only people like this ran the world instead of the clowns in power .
Best wishes peeps 🇬🇧😇

[efernandez]

He mentioned Philippines. What vehicle was being converted from left to right?

[gordowgwg]

Very, very informative interview - easily one of my favourites. 👍😎

Some of the advantages would be cost; OEM casting problem and weak areas can be corrected; better alloys can be used; some series require cast iron blocks/original material; and when there's a minimum vehicle weight, a power to weight, or engine capacity to weight, or similar situation, the iron block gives more front weight that may be beneficial - or at least may be less of a disadvantage.

There's also less chance of pulling head stud threads from the block, and less distortion/flexing as the iron is stronger - either of which may give a more reliable head seal.

I expect(!) that the reason F1, and other top end teams, use pressure cast aluminium is because of the very intricate internal passages, and being able to tailor the grain flow where it's needed.

With the CADCAM, the first part is, I understand, the hard bit - might be a good idea for anyone interested in this to make sure they have the ability to design the part(s) first, in the correct software(s) for the machine(s)
Then there are companies that will machine the part(s) for you - they may seem to be expensive but it's a lot cheaper than buying the machine first, as the gentleman being interviewed said.
I expect Herman has already approached other companies in his area if they'd be interested in him sub-contracting some work to them to fill in their quiet periods, at mutually acceptable rates, and reduce his back-orders? [edit] Ah, got to that bit.

[GTRliffe]

billet alloy is more dense, hence the extra growth

[HHCHunterYTC]

When does herman start making billet hot pants