When it comes to winterizing your vehicle, the worst thing you can do is…nothing. We’ve all been there: a few days’ procrastination turns into weeks, turns into months, and before you know it, you’re in a world of hurt. Today the guys offer insights on the basic guidelines of seasonal prep and spend some time discussing critter control with MouseBlocker inventor Matt Swift.
The right combination of style and performance can elevate just about anything, not least of all wheels and tires. “It’s one thing to have a great-looking tire,” notes Kevin; “it’s another thing to have a great-looking tire that fits with the wheel, so you get that total package.” Josh Simpson of Hercules Tires and Myles Kovacs of TIS Wheels have embraced this concept to the fullest, collaborating on a line of rims and rubber compounds bound to turn heads. “Being partnered with Hercules, for me it’s like hitting the lottery,” says Myles; “we’re like a fashion brand.”
The Einstein of Additives is back, and this time Chris Gabrelcik is joined by Lubrication Specialties Chemical Engineer Kevin Adams and Director of Branding Kyle Fischer for a lively discussion about the critical functions of fluids. “It’s like the blood that’s in your veins; you don’t even think about it,” notes Kevin. “And these guys are tapped in like no one else to the science behind it.”
On the occasion of their milestone 200th episode, Kevin and Willie reflect on some of their best guests, favorite topics, and most memorable moments behind the mic. From the personal to the professional, from rubbin’ elbows to rubbin’ paint, strap in for a high-octane journey down memory lane with two fun-loving, bench-racing buddies.
There are all types of wheels for different applications from different processes at different price points. Casting, flow formed and forged; aluminum, steel, and composites; three-piece and monoblock. It can all seem overwhelming, especially since wheels have so much power to make or break everything about the driving experience. Joining the guys to demystify the confusion is Dave Schardt, President of Forgeline Wheels. “We say it all the time,” notes Kevin. “The right wheels and the right stance can take just any ride and take it up a couple of notches.”
Willie and Kevin are big fans of grabbin’ gears and heel toeing the clutch, especially when a TREMEC tranny’s involved. “There are few things in a vehicle other than the transmission that can really change the whole dynamic of your driving,” notes Kevin, “and really bring the fun factor in.” Mike Kidd is a kindred spirit who also happens to be TREMEC’s Aftermarket Business Manager, and today he joins the guys for a lively update on all the latest goings on at the company.
In this episode’s intro, Willie makes it abundantly clear that he absolutely hates wiring. That is, he did until he discovered American Autowire’s all-in-one kits that make what can seem like a daunting task as easy as possible. “Wiring (for) a lot of people is black magic, it scares them to death,” says Engineering Support Manager Don Bock, “and really, if you understand the concept of it, it’s really not hard.” Adds Kevin, “Don’t be afraid, just get in there and do it!”
It’s a well-acknowledged fact that Kevin and Willie’s longtime friend and living legend Ken Lingenfelter has a finger on all things fast. A true car guy born and bred, he caught the bug at the tender age of 10 when he first laid eyes on a ‘63 split-window Corvette coming off the assembly line, courtesy of his Detroit exec dad. In the decades since, he’s remained a dedicated fan, “absolutely enchanted with the new C8,” and with the new Z06 on the way, “probably more passionate about it today than I’ve ever been.”
Chris Gabrelcik, CEO of Lubrication Specialties, Inc., is a man of science held in high regard by Kevin and Willie, who fondly refer to him by a variety of nicknames, including the recently added moniker of “The Fine Chef of Everything Lubrication-wise”. On this episode he engages the guys in a discussion about how to make your engine last longer, get the best mileage out of it, and get more bang for the buck per gallon.
Mel Roth launched PSCA Racing 22 years ago, nurturing its regional roots as the Pacific Street Car Association into the national platform now named Premier. Among the 6 to 16 different classes of racing depending on venue, the XDR Series spotlights 3000 hp door cars running radial tires on the 1/8-mile drag. “The nature of the beast is you wanna go fast,” Mel tells the guys. “You wanna win, but you really wanna go fast!” Or, as Kevin puts it, “It’s a real cool, relatable racing series with a whole lot of who-knows-what’s-gonna- happen!”
Indianapolis is the place to be each December when PRI, the biggest industry show for performance and racing, rolls into town. Willie describes it as “40-50,000 square feet of heaven!” while Kevin notes, “I hardly ever miss a PRI; if I do I cry for like a month!” Today the guys welcome Dr. Jamie Meyer, President of PRI, back to the podcast for updates on the myriad initiatives and programs the organization has in play. “We are building tools to raise the entire industry. It is a great time to be into cars.”
Not all engine oils are created equal. Viscosity, heat range, performance, and protection can each vary widely. Carmine Colarusso knows this better than most. The CEO of Ultra1Plus has been blending oils for 25 years, many engineered to the specific needs of individual customers. As he sees it, “When you do an oil analysis, it’s like you’re doing a blood test,” he tells Kevin and Willie. “We have the biggest and widest product range that a manufacturer has for their customers…. Any product, we can make it.”