Aaron O'Neal

Aaron’s enthusiasm for cars and engines began early, sparked by a fascination with speed and mechanics. This passion shaped his childhood and teenage years, where he spent time immersed in motorcycles, carburetors, and the intricacies of engine design. His journey evolved from tinkering with traditional V8 platforms to experimenting with hot rod V6s, ultimately setting the stage for a remarkable career in automotive tuning.

Early Beginnings in EFI Tuning

Aaron embarked on his journey into EFI tuning in 1999, starting with Hondas. His curiosity and skill quickly expanded to encompass forced induction and nitrous systems, leading to work on Subarus and Mitsubishi Evolutions. His tuning capabilities flourished, and in 2005, his purchase of a Mitsubishi Evolution 9 further fueled his drive to master engine tuning. By 2008, he joined a performance shop in Camas, WA, as one of the main tuners, marking the start of a distinguished professional career.

Mastery Across Platforms and Disciplines

Over 17 years in the industry, Aaron honed his expertise by tuning a variety of ECUs on the market and working with diverse engine platforms from Domestic, Japanese, and European manufacturers. His projects ranged from street cars to “fast streetcars” and racecars, encompassing numerous racing disciplines such as drag racing, road racing, rally racing, and autocross. Aaron’s ability to adapt and excel across these categories speaks to his deep understanding of engine performance and tuning.

More Than Just a Tuner

Aaron’s drive to push boundaries led him beyond tuning to engine building and engine part design. He frequently consulted with suppliers to refine parts combinations and ensure optimal performance. His comprehensive knowledge of how engines, parts, and tuning interact enabled him not only to tune but also to diagnose and repair engines when needed. This holistic approach has made him a respected figure in the automotive performance world.

Racing and Personal Experience

Aaron’s involvement in racing extended beyond tuning as he personally participated in drag racing, road racing, rally racing, and autocross. His firsthand experience in these competitive environments gave him unique insights that he applied to his professional work, allowing him to tailor tuning and builds for specific racing disciplines.

Ronin Brothers Performance

In pursuit of greater opportunities and challenges, Aaron left the Pacific Northwest to join Ronin Brothers Performance. As a tuner and build consultant, he continues to channel his passion into creating and tuning exceptional automotive projects. His dedication to producing the best possible product is a testament to his lifelong commitment to automotive excellence.

Aaron’s journey from a childhood fascination to professional expertise showcases a remarkable evolution in the field of automotive tuning and engine building. His vast experience across platforms and disciplines makes him a valuable asset to any project aiming to achieve peak performance.

Tuning Platforms

• Factory ECU Tuning
• Haltech
• AEM
• MOTEC
• Ecutek
• Cobb
• HP Tuners
• Holley
• and many more