850HP, Precision Tuning, and a Smarter Dash: How Helftec Optimized a V8 Hellcat-Powered Nissan S14 with PLEX
When you’re building a drift monster pushing 850+ horsepower, every component needs to pull its weight—especially the dashboard. For Flavio Helfenstein of Helftec Engineering, the goal was clear: find a cost-effective, highly configurable dash that could handle all sensor data, GPS tracking, and real-time logging while keeping things simple for the driver.
His weapon of choice? The PLEX SDM-550 Dash Display Logger.
Let’s first go through the back-story: One of their most thrilling collaborations of Flavio is with the Swiss Punisher Drift Team, led by Roger Stöckli, a dominant force in the European drifting scene. Since its founding in 2015, the team has secured major victories, including Swiss Drift Masters PRO champion and Most Spectacular Driver at the Nürburgring Drift Cup. Their flagship car, Project BOSS, is a monstrous Nissan S14 chassis powered by a 6.2L HEMI Hellcat engine, delivering 840 PS and 1,250 Nm of torque—a beast built for smoke-filled, tire-shredding dominance. With Helftec’s expertise in precision tuning and the raw power of the Hellcat V8, this project demanded a dash system that could seamlessly integrate real-time telemetry, CAN Bus data, and GPS logging while offering the flexibility needed for a competition-driven drift machine. That’s where the PLEX SDM-550 came into play.
Why PLEX? A Fully Customizable Solution.
The PLEX SDM-550 stood out for three key reasons:
✅ Full Custom Page Setup – No more rigid layouts; Helftec could design a dash that suited both function and style.
✅ Fast, Simple CAN Bus Integration – The PLEX software tool made filtering and linking sensor data effortless.
✅ Quick Configuration & Updates – Setup was faster than any other option, which was a game-changer given the tight project timeline.
“The price was very competitive for a full package,” says Flavio. “No long programming time, and I could set up everything exactly how we needed.”
Perfecting the Look & Feel
The PLEX dash allowed Helftec to mix modern digital displays with classic, circular-style gauges, creating a unique interface that felt old school but delivered cutting-edge functionality.
🎯 RPM front and center – Clean, driver-focused layout.
🎯 Icons and indicators fully customizable – Giving real-time alerts without clutter.
🎯 Adaptability – They could tweak the setup after dyno tuning and track practice with ease.
“With this dash, I can add all the small details that make customers happy,” Flavio explains. “Its flexibility and fast programming time make it a great business choice for me.”
Results: A Dash That Works Harder So the Team Doesn’t Have To
Switching to PLEX SDM-550 didn’t just make the car easier to drive—it made it easier to manage.
🔹 Faster configuration & setup – Less time wasted on programming.
🔹 Easier customer support – The driver could self-fix small issues, reducing calls for tech support.
🔹 Remote data sharing – USB logging allowed instant data transfers, streamlining tuning adjustments.
“With pages for all car info, support time is lower, and the driver can send me all the data easily,” Flavio notes.
Final Verdict: The Best Tool for the Job
For Helftec, the PLEX SDM-550 has become an essential part of their high-performance builds.
✅ Highly durable – Proven in real-world racetrack conditions.
✅ Driver-approved – Simple, clear, and effective in action.
✅ Business-friendly – Saves time, increases efficiency, and keeps customers happy.
For tuners, builders, and racers looking for a fully customizable, high-performance dash without the headaches, the PLEX SDM-550 is the real deal.
About Helftec
Helftec Engineering AG, the motorsport division of Garage Helfenstein AG in Hildisrieden, Switzerland, specializes in developing and manufacturing motorsport products. Founded by brothers Guido and Flavio Helfenstein, the company offers comprehensive services in vehicle and engine construction, electrical systems, welding, and parts fabrication. Their in-house capabilities allow for rapid production of custom parts and prototypes, utilizing modern software for electrical design and programming. Notably, they have developed their own engine control unit, the Helftec ECU V 5.1, and operate a state-of-the-art all-wheel chassis dynamometer capable of measuring up to 2,500 horsepower. Their expertise extends across various vehicle brands and applications, aiming to bring automotive dreams to life.
About Swiss Punisher Drift Team (Roger Stoeckli)
The Punisher Drift Team, led by Swiss driver Roger Stöckli, is renowned for its dynamic presence in the drifting scene. Established in 2015, the team has achieved notable successes, including securing the 1st rank in the Swiss Drift Masters PRO category in 2017 and being honored as the Most Spectacular Driver in the PRO Class at the Nürburgring Drift Cup in 2022. Their flagship vehicle, the “Project BOSS,” features a Nissan S14 chassis powered by a 6.2L HEMI Hellcat engine, delivering 840 PS and 1,250 NM of torque. The team continues to captivate audiences with their thrilling performances and technical prowess.
2.8” uSDM-200
4.3” SDM-330
5” SDM-550
7” SDM-700R
uSDM-200-DL/G
SDM-330-DL/G
SDM-550
SDM-700R
Knock Monitor V3
PCA-2000Plus
PLEX KNOCK MONITOR V3
PLEX PCA-2000Plus
Device Configuration SW
PCA-2000Plus System
PCA-WIN 2.0 SW
Pressure Sensors
PLEX PBC v2 KIT
PLEX EXP-Boost
PLEX PDA-WIN 2.0 SW
PLEX PDA-WIN PRO 2.0 SW
Combustion Analysis SW