Frequently asked questions

VPR-Engineering is a high-level engineering and tuning company for race cars, motorsport and high-end performance projects. We develop, build, improve, configure and calibrate vehicles where standard solutions are not enough. Our work includes, among other things:

• Race car engineering and development
• Standalone ECU systems
• Professional ECU calibration and tuning
• Motorsport electronics
• Complete custom wiring harnesses
• OEM++ harnesses and integrations
• PDM/PMU systems
• CAN-bus integration
• Displays and data acquisition
• Sensor integration
• Datalogging and analysis
• Engine protection strategies
• Boost and torque management
• Traction control and launch strategies
• Technical diagnostics
• Component selection and specification
• BOM's (Bill of Materials)
• Technical documentation
• Further development of existing race cars

Our starting point is that a race car is approached as one complete technical system.

VPR-Engineering combines high-level engineering with practical motorsport experience. We do not look only at maximum power, but at the race car as one complete technical system. Engine, ECU, electronics, wiring harness, sensors, driveline, CAN communication, data and driver all have to work together properly. VPR-Engineering is led by Rolph van Veen & Mike Zegwaard. Together they combine specialist knowledge of engine management, vehicle technology, electronics, calibration and motorsport. Rolph’s technical background and experience from the Formula 1 world, combined with the hands-on technical expertise within VPR-Engineering, forms the basis for a way of working in which engineering, data, development and execution come together.

The result should not simply be a car with more power, but a professionally developed vehicle that functions as a complete package.

We focus primarily on:

• professional and semi-professional race teams
• experienced drivers
• serious trackday drivers
• owners of high-end performance cars
• collectors with unusual projects
• clients who want a high-quality race or performance car developed

These are generally clients who invest deliberately in quality and engineering, and who are not looking purely for the cheapest solution.

Yes. Depending on the project, VPR-Engineering can be involved from the first technical concept phase through to a fully functioning race car. We can also take care of specific parts of a larger project where other specialist companies are involved in the build as well.

Yes. Many projects start with an existing race car that needs to be developed further. We can look at, for example:

• engine management
• calibration
• electronics
• wiring harnesses
• sensors
• CAN communication
• datalogging
• protection strategies
• reliability

Based on technical analysis and data we determine where improvements are possible.

No. Maximum power is only one part of a good race car. We also look at:

• torque delivery
• throttle response
• traction
• temperatures
• boost control
• engine protection
• repeatability
• driveability
• reliability

A race car has to perform consistently throughout the conditions it was built for.

Yes. ECU calibration and engine management are among our most important specialisms. We work with, among others:

• MoTeC
• Syvecs
• MaxxECU
• Link ECU
• ECUMaster
• Haltech

Which system is most suitable depends on the project.

Yes. We can analyse, configure and professionally calibrate existing systems, provided the hardware and installation are suitable. The calibration is matched to the specific engine, fuel, hardware and application.

Yes. VPR-Engineering provides professional configuration, calibration and tuning of existing MoTeC systems. We do not sell MoTeC products ourselves.

Yes. We use Syvecs mainly for high-end performance and professional motorsport projects. Syvecs ECUs, Plug & Play systems and other components are available through VPR-Engineering on request. We can also take care of configuration and professional calibration.

Yes. VPR-Engineering designs and builds complete custom wiring harnesses for race cars, motorsport and high-end performance projects. This can range from a dedicated motorsport harness to a very high-grade OEM++ installation.

In an OEM++ installation we aim for a level of finish where the electronics are professionally integrated into the vehicle and retain as much as possible of the appearance and logic of high-quality factory engineering, but with the functionality the specific performance project requires. Reliability, serviceability, tidy routing, connector selection and documentation are all important here.

Where this is part of the assignment: yes. We can document extensive projects with, for example:

• BOM (Bill of Materials)
• connector information
• pinouts
• wire identification
• relevant system documentation

This makes future diagnostics, maintenance and further development considerably easier.

Yes. That is precisely an important part of our engineering approach. Instead of connecting separate systems together afterwards, we can design the complete electronic architecture around ECU, PDM/PMU, displays, sensors, actuators and communication.

Yes. We can use CAN communication to let different vehicle systems talk to each other. For example, communication between:

• ECU
• PDM/PMU
• dashboard
• sensor modules
• other vehicle electronics

Where technically possible: yes. This is particularly relevant on modern performance cars and OEM++ projects where certain original vehicle functions have to be retained while professional motorsport electronics are added.

Yes. Data is an important part of how we work. Datalogging can be used to analyse performance, track down technical problems, monitor engine values and develop further improvements to the car.

Yes. Complex diagnostics and technical problem-solving are part of our engineering work. We work systematically with measurements, logging, data and technical analysis. Naturally we cannot guarantee in advance that every technical problem can be found within a predetermined number of hours.

Yes. For extensive projects we can research which components best suit each other and the objectives of the vehicle. This includes, among others:

• ECU
• PDM/PMU
• sensors
• displays
• connectors
• wiring
• injectors
• fuel system
• turbo
• other motorsport components

Yes. We can put together a technically substantiated parts specification and Bill of Materials (BOM) for a project. In doing so we look not only at what is needed immediately, but also at compatibility, capacity, reliability, integration and future expansion.

Not where engineering or extensive technical research is required. Straightforward sales advice about a product we supply is a different matter from technically designing a complete system. Researching, calculating and selecting components, and producing extensive parts specifications or BOM's, is paid engineering work. Costs and scope are discussed with the client in advance.

Because a professional motorsport project involves far more than drawing up a parts list. Compatibility, electrical load, I/O requirements, sensors, communication protocols, capacity, reliability and future expansion all have to be taken into account. The client is paying for specialist engineering knowledge and a technically substantiated solution.

Yes. On larger or technically complex projects we prefer to start with a technical intake. In it we discuss the current car, engine, electronics, existing modifications, application, problems, objectives, timeline and the available budget.

Yes. On larger projects it is important to know in advance what budget is available. That allows us to develop a technical concept that not only meets the objectives, but can also realistically be carried out within the project budget.

That depends on the work. Clearly defined work can often be quoted in advance. With development, diagnostics, research and R&D it is not always possible to determine exactly how many engineering hours will be required. In that case we agree in advance how the work and hours will be calculated.

Yes. Larger race and motorsport projects can require several disciplines. VPR-Engineering can work with engine builders, chassis and suspension specialists, fabricators and other technical suppliers. In doing so we can be responsible for one specific technical element or fulfil a broader engineering role within the project.

Yes. A car does not have to be built entirely by VPR-Engineering. We can also be engaged separately for, for example:

• engineering
• ECU calibration
• electronics
• wiring harnesses
• CAN integration
• datalogging
• diagnostics
• parts specification
• technical advice

Depending on the assignment, engineering and advice are invoiced on the agreed scope or on time spent.

Yes. A serious race car is rarely fully developed after the first build or calibration. Based on datalogging, driver feedback, technical changes and practical experience we can keep optimising the car throughout its life cycle.

No. VPR-Engineering deliberately focuses on projects that match our expertise, quality level and technical way of working. For larger assignments we therefore assess the vehicle, the objectives, the timeline, the technical requirements and the available budget in advance. That allows us to give the projects we do take on the attention they need.

VPR-Engineering is particularly relevant for:

• professional race cars
• high-end track tools
• high-power builds
• complex engine swaps
• exclusive performance cars
• other vehicles requiring specialist engineering and calibration

Clients choose VPR-Engineering when they are looking for more than a traditional tuner or workshop. Under the leadership of Rolph van Veen & Mike Zegwaard we combine professional ECU calibration with race car engineering, motorsport electronics, custom wiring, CAN integration, datalogging and technical problem-solving. That lets us approach a project from a much broader technical level. Instead of optimising individual parts separately, we look at the way all the systems in the car work together. We can also develop complete motorsport and OEM++ wiring harnesses and provide extensive projects with BOM's, connector information, pinouts and technical documentation. VPR-Engineering exists for clients who do not simply want a faster car, but a professionally developed race or performance project in which engineering, execution and calibration are all at the same high level.