For the first time since the 1960s, there’s a new automotive aftermarket industry trade show on the horizon. Under the auspices of the North Carolina Motorsports Association in consultation with former PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer, preparations are deep underway for the High Performance Expo’s June 2025 debut in Charlotte. “There’s still spots or pockets in the industry where there’s opportunities for growth, and there’s opportunities to bring people together,” Jamie tells the guys, as they discuss the framework and aspirations for HPX in anticipation of next summer’s inaugural event.
Terry Fair of Vorshlag Motorsports returns to the podcast with an update on some of his current builds – most notably his “Trigger” Mustang – as well as the pros and cons that come with reengineering vehicles to racing levels. As a leading manufacturer and fabricator of high-end suspension and track components for track-oriented cars, “This man has got enough seat time in every racing aspect in every arena to probably give you some solid advice,” notes Willie. So, grab a pencil and get ready for some knowledge!
Diesel technology is having a moment, and Clint Cannon knows it. As President of ATS Diesel Performance, he can attest firsthand to why now is not the time for anyone in the industry to be resting on its laurels. ATS has been at the forefront of cutting-edge transmission and engine upgrades for diesel trucks for over 30 years. And with its new VNT Turbo and recently unveiled long-in-development offering for the (gasp!) gas engine market, Clint fully intends to remain so. About the latter he tells the guys, “It was kind of odd how this whole thing came together.” Listen and learn just how odd, indeed!
For some time now, Kevin’s been steadily transforming a ’69 Fastback Mustang from a former track car into a mean street-and-pro-touring beast. “The big question,” Willie asks, “is how do you get something that old to perform like something that’s new?” In this episode, Kevin provides an update on the current status of the project, including what parts, pieces, modifications, and new performance components he’s added to bring his modern vision for this classic closer to fruition.
Andrew Schafer got a 1975 Chevy K20 from his grandfather that was in need of an engine swap, so he picked up a used LS engine on Facebook Marketplace and started the rebuild… in his dorm room. His first Instagram post topped a million views, and within two months he had amassed over 500,000 followers waiting to see what was next. “The first time you build an engine is the craziest experience,” observes Willie, “let alone doing it in a setting that makes that experience ten times crazier!” Listen in as he and Kevin meet the social media sensation known as the “Dorm Room Mechanic”.
Welding and fabrication legends Bryan Fuller and Mark Prosser join the podcast to catch everyone up on what’s going on in their worlds. Speaking on projects, Mark muses, “Everybody is into a cool project until there’s a bunch of work to be done. They love seeing the parts come in, the shiny chrome and the polished aluminum but now we gotta work guys…“. Enjoy this first of a two part podcast journey as they discuss past, present, and future projects and everything in-between.
Factory Five Racing President and CEO Dave Smith has made an indelible mark in the component car, kit car, and hot rod industries. Once again leaping headfirst into automotive design, FFR’s latest is a remarkable prerunner truck kit that can double as your daily driver. As Dave explains it to the guys, “The idea was to use our chassis engineering and manufacturing skills in chassis and suspension, which we’re good at, and leverage it into a build-it-yourself Raptor on steroids with rabies.” And best of all, it comes at a very affordable price.
Aerosol paints have evolved considerably since Ed Seymour first invented them 75 years ago, and the company that bears his name remains at the forefront of the aftermarket, turning DIYers into artists. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the guys welcome Rodion Galperin for a conversation about all things aerosol, including the latest breakthroughs in the tech and some helpful tips for mastering your own technique.
On a recent episode of the TV show, the guys were intending to rebuild a ’66 Charger’s 440 block as well as a 4-speed 833 overdrive transmission, but what they found was something neither had expected. “The first warning signs of an engine that is not a runner,” notes Willie, “is when you see (paint) overspray on push-rods, internals, and on the valley pan.” It became pretty obvious pretty quickly that the supposed drop-in runner of an engine was not at all what it was supposed to be. What happened next is the focus of today’s podcast.
The guys welcome Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot’s Secret back to the podcast to talk not about diesel, but gasoline additives. Gasoline is a more highly refined product than diesel, so are additives really necessary, and are they effective? With so many available options on the market, Kevin asks, “Is that really a secret sauce or is it just a sauce? What is in there and what is it doing for me anyway, do I need it?” You may find the answers surprising.
With summer upon us, Kevin and Willie share personal stories of overheating and give listeners tips, tricks, knowledge, and know-how to help stay cool! From OE cooling systems to your weekend hot rod’s system, the guys talk common mistakes and ways to maintain a proper cooling system. Kevin states, “What we end up doing as hot rodders, we obviously increase horsepower, but we build our own cooling systems, we chose a radiator, and we chose a fan, and you know what? There’s a lot of little details that sometimes we miss”.
The guys have learned a thing or two about blasting over the years, dating back to the days before PPE was commonplace and the effects of prolonged exposure to various media was of little concern. Now with dozens of “Blasting with Byrd” TV segments under his belt, Kevin has become something of an expert on the subject, and today he and Willie welcome Dustless Blasting Marketing Director Kaylyn Starr to the podcast. The company was first to market with a mobile blasting platform that provides environmentally friendly solutions for a plethora of applications and occupations, leading Kevin to attest, “It’s mind-blowing to compare it to anything else.”
