By Prashirwin Naidu
Lenzil “Len” Naidoo turned his passion for car modifications into a thriving business, establishing BBT Automotive as one of South Africa’s most trusted names in performance tuning and vehicle maintenance. From humble beginnings in Durban to a bustling workshop in Johannesburg, Len and his team specialise in performance upgrades, custom tuning, and expert servicing. Xploreza caught up with Len to delve into his journey and the evolving world of car tuning in South Africa.
What inspired your passion for car tuning, and was there a defining moment
that started it all?
I’ve always been hands-on and curious about making things better and faster. As a kid, I’d break toys and put them back together. Growing up in Durban, I modified my first 1.4L Golf and raced it. Inspired by my family’s DIY ethos and films like Gone in 60 Seconds, my passion for car tuning grew naturally over time.
How did BBT Automotive get its name and how did you build its reputation?
The name BBT Automotive came from a nickname I used to call everyone—“Ballas.”
It eventually turned into “Big Ballas,” and when I opened the shop, my friends joked
about calling it “Big Ballas Tuning.” But over time, I felt it was derogative, so I
changed it to Blessed Beyond Tuning. Our success comes from staying consistent, honest, and hard-working. We never cut corners or overpromise, we do things the right way. A lot of our growth has come from word of mouth.
What were the challenges you experienced when you were starting out?
I moved to Johannesburg in 2014 after finishing my apprenticeship and worked at
Renault, but the job didn’t live up to expectations. Frustrated, I resigned in 2016 without a backup plan. That same day, I received a job offer at Nissan as a master technician. Later, when my Polo was written off in an accident, it cleared my debts.
My parents encouraged me to start my own business, and in 2017, BBT Automotive was born.
Who typically comes for tuning, and what are some common misconceptions
about tuned cars?
Most people turn to tuning once their car’s warranty expires or when they’re simply
bored with it. Rather than buying a new car and adding debt, tuning gives an older
model a fresh lease of life. A simple software tune and downpipe can make a huge difference. There’s a misconception that tuning breaks cars, but proper maintenance
is key. We inspect every car before tuning, replacing parts like coil packs or spark plugs that are prone to wear, to prevent any issues down the line.
What Advice would you give for someone new to tuning?
A stock car can break just like a modified one. It’s all about knowing what you
want—whether it’s a daily driver, a weekend racer, or just some added fun. We tunecars based on how people drive, not just for raw power. Reliability comes down to how you treat your car.
Performance tuning can be expensive. How do you ensure value for money,
especially in today’s economy?
Tuning is like any skilled trade, you’re not just paying for the work but for the knowledge and experience behind it. There’s a well-known story about a ship engineer who fixed a major issue in five minutes and charged $100 000. The value isn’t in those five minutes; it’s in the years of experience that made it possible. I price my services based on my expertise, not just market rates. Some might say I charge more than dealerships, but I know the value I bring. At the same time, I believe in helping people when I can. If you’re blessed, you should pay it forward. But running a business means balancing that with making sure the bills get paid.
With the rising cost of fuel and parts, is car tuning still a worthwhile
investment for enthusiasts?
The game has changed. Modern cars make tuning much easier and more accessible. In the past, you had to upgrade turbos, intercoolers, fuel pumps, and more just to see decent gains. Now, with newer models, you can achieve huge power just through software tuning. Take the Golf 7R, for example; it needed extensive mods to reach 270-280 kW. A newer model? Just a downpipe and a tune, and you’re there. It’s becoming more of a “keyboard warrior” game, less mechanical and more digital.
How do you see the future of tuning evolving, especially with electric and
hybrid cars?
I think the younger generation will appreciate EVs more because they value
convenience. Everything today is about what’s easiest. If it’s not convenient, people don’t want to do it. That’s why electric cars will continue growing. They’re insanely fast, but lack the raw experience—no noise, no smell of fuel and burnt rubber which is what excites me about cars. My kids might never want an EV because I’ll brainwash them into loving combustion engines!
What advice would you give to aspiring tuners who want to follow in your
footsteps?
If you love it, do it and find a way to make it happen. My grandfather always said:
“You have to do what you need to do, so you can do what you want to do.” I love
building high-performance cars, but to afford that, I have to do the less exciting stuff like servicing brakes. If you want to pursue something, be prepared to put in the groundwork first.
You’ve had some great runs at the track. How did your first track day feel, and
is there one that stands out?
I had no idea this world existed until my first track day, and I was hooked. The sound, the smell of rubber and fuel, and the rush of speed—once you experience it, there’s no turning back. One of my best runs was in my daily driver. I just put slicks on it—no prep, no stripped-out interior, nothing special. The car had all the bolt-ons: injectors, charge pipes, and meth injection, but the engine, gearbox, and turbo were all stock. I was still running 19-inch wheels at the back, though I later switched to aftermarket 52s. With some race fuel and a race seat, I hit a 12.6-second quarter-mile, which was impressive for that setup.
You’re a fan of sleeper cars, why’s that?
I’ve always been an underdog, so I love it when cars defy expectations. People
judge based on looks, be it cars or success, but they don’t see the work behind it. Take the Cupra, for example. It may look small, but I’ve left much bigger machines behind on the freeway.
