Back in the day, you had maybe two options for hoses – rubber and steel braided. Today, with so many different combinations to choose from, it can be downright overwhelming. What, why, and how to run the right lines is the domain of Brint McLellan, Technical Analyst at Fragola Performance Systems. Brint joins the guys to discuss the big mistakes, pros and cons, dos and don’ts of selecting and plumbing a wide array of fluid lines, from fuel to power steering, cooling to brakes, nitrous to racing.
Photo journalist and die-hard magazine guy “REVan” Evan Smith’s had his finger on the pulse of performance and racing for as long as he or anyone else can remember. In this all-new chat with the guys, he talks about making the transition from print to video to digital, and the need to keep pace with rapidly changing technology and the distribution systems central to reaching car folks wherever they are. And for folks wondering how to get your car into your favorite publication he offers some great dos and don’ts you’ll definitely want to hear!
Chris Gabrelcik, aka the Additive Alchemist and Guru of Goo, returns with more insights about “the cholesterol of your engine,” stiction. As CEO of Lubrication Specialties, Inc., a custom lubricant company breaking World Records in NHRDA racing, he’s proud to note that “the same thing we’re selling to our racing car guys is the same thing a diesel truck owner can buy for his truck.” It’s also a cost-effective product for keeping vehicles on the road longer, especially amid soaring inflation. “You’re reducing the friction and the wear, which is one thing, but you’re also doing the cleaning,” explains Kevin, “so it’s really the combination of those two things that’s kind of magical.”
Kevin and Willie welcome back Dave Smith, President/CEO at Factory Five Racing and one of their first guests from the podcast’s inception. A lot’s happened since then, but enthusiasm for FFR’s kit cars hasn’t waned a bit. “When you think about the satisfaction you get just from mowing your yard,” observes Kevin, “just magnify that by 10 bazillion!” From mistakes made and lessons learned to what’s new on the horizon, the guys have a lot of catching up to do!
In Willie’s view, it represents “everything outside the car that means more than the car.” It’s your own personal Garage Mahal, “the getaway spot where you go to find your soul,” says Kevin. “My garage is where I go to find myself.” Today the guys welcome Brian McNamara of Gearhead Homes to lead them through the ins and outs of searching for, identifying, and purchasing the perfect place. “I find people a garage with an attached house,” he tells them. “You need the bedrooms for the toys, too.”
When it comes to acceleration, Brian Tooley is the man that knows it all. He’s the King of Cams who’s figured out how to make 2+2=5. As Kevin points out, “You can pick a big cam, but what you match it with can really dramatically change your end results,” and Brian is on hand to explain the how and why of it. From the latest R&D at BTR Racing to the future and limitations of EV and hydrogen fuel cells, there’s a lot to learn.
Willie and Kevin firmly believe that races are won with quality braking, as they extol the virtues of old school ABS. To prove their point, they enlist the expertise of Terry Fair, owner of Vorshlag Motorsports and a pioneer in ABS swaps for older platforms. “The better OEM systems have gotten really good,” Terry explains, “and not only does it improve your braking performance 20-30%, it improves driver confidence immensely.”
Kevin and Willie each have a serious case of Spring Fever – especially after two years of Covid – and can hardly wait to break out their toys and get back out there: Willie in his ’69 Charger and Kevin in his fully stripped-down Miata. Car shows, race days, road trips, marathon drives, autocross; you name it, they’re all revved up and almost ready to roll. A little maintenance and boom, it’s off to the races!
RECARO Automotive is renowned for the ergonomics and design of its seats, highly engineered to ensure optimal safety and comfort. Global VP of Product Development & Brand, Nicole Longhini-McElroy, stops by to enlighten the guys about a whole lot more than just derrieres in chairs, especially the “importance of your body and fatigue in a vehicle, and how can you prevent that and give people the ultimate enjoyment of their vehicle.”
Livernois Motorsports & Engineering is the Detroit area’s one-stop shop for performance, service, and tuning. With all 22 lifts in the air and additional vehicles waiting underneath – driven largely by overwhelming demand for F-150 upgrades – the place is busting at the seams. Company president Dan Millen grabs a moment to catch his breath and talk with the guys about everything from supply chain related back orders, to crate engines, the EV evolution, and the future of ICE.
One of the top builders in the world, Levi Green of Hammer Fab is clearly on another level, crushing the stance on his unique creations with bad-ass attitude. The winner of the Ridler Award, Street Rod of the Year, Legend Cup and Barrett-Jackson Cup two times each(!) joins Kevin and Willie to discuss his work, his art, the state of 3D printing, the high cost of new technology, and his passion for training other professional builders how to reach their full potential.
Kevin and Willie groove about the first five project vehicles they’ve completed on Season 21 of the TV show – upgrading a ’68 Camaro to EFI; repairing a ’12 Super Bee with serious piston damage; decking out a pair of ‘22 Broncos; and equipping a brand-new Jeep Gladiator for overlanding. Along the way they share some of the personal projects they’re working on and provide a few tips from lessons they’ve each learned over the years, sometimes the hard way.
