Southwest Research Institute provides testing and problem solving for applications that literally reach from deep sea to deep space (and everything in between). Amongst all of that, the Tribology department at SwRI has been helping professional racing teams solve problems for years. 

During this in-depth episode, Dr. Peter Lee from SwRI shares his experiences and reveals some cutting edge new coating technology. 

#engine #pistonrings #ford #dyno #dynotested #nascar

Dr Peter Lee - Southwest Research Institute E87 Total Seal Piston Rings

Tom Martino discusses stepping into the NHRA Factory X engine wars. Hosts Keith Jones and Joe Castello pepper Tom with questions about his motivation and ideas for the very challenging NHRA class. We can't have Tom on the show without a story about WJ and Tom's days running Pro Stock.

Tom Martino tackles Factory X E88 Total Seal Piston Rings

Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales, answers the most common questions for Total Seal customers. 
What ring is right for my application? 
What should the end gap be set at?
What cylinder finish do I need?
What kind of oil should I use?
Can you run gas ports with gapless rings?
and more..

Keith Jones answers Frequently Asked Questions on Hidden Horsepower

Greg Anderson, PRI President Mike Good, and 16 year old phenom London Zapzalka are the first guests in the Total Seal booth at PRI 2024. Greg Anderson recaps his 6th championship season in NHRA Pro Stock, PRI President Mike Good discusses the health of the industry, and 16 year old London Zapzalka talks about 3D printing a running internal combustion engine. The Performance Racing Industry trade show is a yearly tradition!

PRI 2024 - Greg Anderson,  PRI President Mike Good, and London Zapzalka

Pat Musi, Greg and Aaron Stanfield, and Gary Stinnett all swing by the Total Seal booth at PRI 2024. Each guest has something of great interest for hosts Lake and Joe.

PRI 2024 - Pat Musi, Greg and Aaron Stanfield, and Gary Stinnett

Mark Pawuk, Ben Strader, and Darin Morgan stop by the Total Seal booth at PRI 2024. Mark Pawuk is a first time world champion in the NHRA Flex Jet Factory Stock Showdown. Mark discusses his engine builder David Barton and his long road to become champion. Ben Strader tuned for world champion Greg Stanfield in NHRA Factory X, and has great stories from the season, and Darin Morgan puts the Sox and Martin HEMI Challenge world on notice with his latest build at BES.

PRI 2024 - Mark Pawuk, Ben Strader, and Darin Morgan Full

Hidden Horsepower: Remembering Ed Pink
In this special tribute episode of Hidden Horsepower, hosts Keith Jones, Director of Technical Sales for Total Seal Piston Rings, and Joe Castello welcome Frank Honsowetz, former President and General Manager of Ed Pink Racing Engines, to reflect on the extraordinary life and legacy of legendary engine builder Ed Pink. Honsowetz, who collaborated closely with Pink on the Infinity IRL Indy Car program in the late 1990s, shares intimate stories and insights into Pink’s innovative genius, relentless pursuit of performance, and profound impact on motorsports. Titled Remembering Ed Pink, this episode celebrates the man whose engines powered champions and redefined racing, offering listeners a heartfelt look at his enduring influence through the eyes of those who knew him best.

Remembering Ed Pink featuring Frank Honsowetz

In this high-octane episode of Total Seal’s Hidden Horsepower podcast, hosts Keith Jones, Scott Diehl, and Joe Castello sit down with David Ward, the mastermind behind High Performance Lubricants, LLC, and a true guru in the world of high-performance lubricants for racing. As the key principal of High Performance Lubricants, David shares his fascinating origin story, detailing how his passion for precision and performance fueled the creation of a company renowned for its top-tier lubricants for industrial equipment, vehicles, and, most notably, the high-stakes world of motorsports. From the racetracks to the lab, David reveals the secrets behind formulating lubricants that power champions, including his own racing endeavors as a driver and promoter with the 2025 Midwest Pavement Midgets. Learn how High Performance Lubricants, based in Manteno, Illinois, crafts cutting-edge products for racing teams and industrial applications, including honing oil. With their deep-rooted sponsorships in racing events and partnerships with top-tier teams, including Total Seal's own NHRA Pro Stock team, David’s insights offer a masterclass in blending innovation with speed. Tune in for a dynamic conversation packed with technical expertise, racing anecdotes, and the story of a company that’s lubricating the path to victory, both on and off the track!



Unleashing the Power with David Ward of High Performance Lubricants E90 Total Seal Piston Rings

Ever wondered how a tiny VW engine can conquer the brutal sands of the Baja 1000? In this adrenaline-fueled episode 92 of Hidden Horsepower by Total Seal Piston Rings, engine-building legend Jorge Jimenez from Jimenez Racing spills the beans on crafting unbeatable VW powerplants that race—and WIN—in the world's toughest off-road battles! Join Total Seal's own Ben O'Conner and host Joe Castello as they dive deep into the art of ring seal mastery, Jorge's wild career secrets, and the insider tricks that turn stock VW bugs into desert beasts capable of surviving 1,000 miles of punishing terrain. From piston ring innovations that keep engines screaming under extreme heat to the high-stakes stories of Baja glory, this is your front-row seat to the horsepower hidden in every rev! Whether you're a gearhead obsessed with off-road racing, a VW enthusiast chasing that next build, or just love epic tales of engineering triumph, you WON'T want to miss this! Hit play now and get ready to rev up your knowledge. Timestamps:0:00 Intro: Welcome to the Desert Wars

Subscribe for more Hidden Horsepower episodes packed with pro tips, tech breakdowns, and racing legends! Drop a like if you're team VW, comment your dream Baja build, and share with your pit crew. #Baja1000 #VWRacing #EngineBuilding #TotalSeal #OffRoadRacing #HiddenHorsepower

Unlock the Secrets of Desert-Dominating VW Engines! 🚀 E92 Jorge Jimenez of Jimenez Racing

In this exhilarating episode of the Hidden Horsepower Podcast, hosts Keith Jones and Joe Castello sit down with newly crowned NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock World Champion John DeFlorian fresh off his thrilling victory at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis. The high-octane conversation dives into John’s championship journey, his standout performance, and the grit behind his success. Joined by legendary engine builder Jon Kaase and Total Seal’s Matt Hartford, the episode takes an exciting turn as both guests surprise John with heartfelt congratulations, sharing insights on the engineering and teamwork that powered his win. Tune in for an unforgettable blend of technical expertise, racing passion, and championship celebration!



Celebrating NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock World Champion John DeFlorian - E93

Keith Jones from Total Seal Piston Rings and host Joe Castello interview the world's most knowledgeable engine builders. Technology, tips, and information about how to tackle challenges when building high performance engines and finding that "Hidden Horsepower".

New tracks tagged #Engine Technology