Two Guys Garage Podcast

Driveshafts take a relentless beating, constantly applying load with substantial torque. Repairs, upgrades and modifications are always top of mind for Lee Mejia of The Driveshaft Shop. Citing expensive custom builds that completely neglect driveshafts and axles, Lee regales Willie and Kevin with stories of destructive and real-world testing, like what happens when a heavy projectile made out of steel suddenly pole vaults or grenades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Einstein of Additives, Chris Gabrelcik of Hot Shot’s Secret, returns for another informative podcast in which he demystifies viscosity; discusses the endless learning curve involved in developing problem-specific solutions for friction; and amazes the guys with tales of the World’s Fastest 7.3, his 11 Diesel World Records, and the very real 100,000 mile oil change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They may not be all that sexy, but when it comes to pneumatics and air tools, a compressor is the first and most critical big tool you’re likely to buy. Today the guys learn from Jarrett Affolter of Ingersoll Rand all there is to know about air compressors – the different types, what the fail points are, how to make them last forever, and what size you need to do what you want to do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jamie Meyer’s credentials are impressive to say the least: PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology; postdoctoral researcher in molecular genetics; former head of GM Performance; and now the newly minted President of the Performance Racing Industry. In a frank and wide-ranging conversation, the guys discuss everything from the LSX and COPO Camaro initiatives he led, to Dr. Meyer’s vision for PRI during COVID-19 and a post-pandemic world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Jim Chadick, life was a choice between being a rock star or a car guy. While the former didn’t quite work out, the CEO of Performance Online has no regrets. Jim and his Operations Manager Larry Ashley join the guys to reflect on how tastes have changed from the early 90s – when how you looked in a car or truck was all that mattered – through today, where owners want classics to handle like modern cars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lots of folks love a car or truck that looks old but drives like new. Crate motors, overdrive transmissions and big brakes have blown open the resto market, and that’s been good for business at Auto Metal Direct. GM Mike Gray gives the guys a primer on how AMD’s sheet metal is better than OE, why quality matters, and the reason muscle car guys love trucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A safety fuel cell is a legit piece of racing hardware; an indispensable replacement for a fuel tank with a whole lot of advantages for hotrodders. Aero Tec Laboratories has been producing and perfecting these since 1970. Ron Ross attributes ATL’s success to constant R&D and one fundamental principle: “We can’t sit still and not move forward.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin and Willie welcome Mike Kidd and Matt Memmer of TREMEC to the podcast for a frank and wide-ranging conversation. As the premier supplier to OEs around the world for high-performance cars bordering on supercars, the guys acknowledge the slow fade of traditional manual transmissions and espouse the virtues of their new DCT performance components. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of guys in the racing word know about Holbrook Racing Engines; the name is synonymous with big power. Following in the tracks of his legendary father Carl – the original Captain Cobra Jet – Chris Holbrook has perpetuated the family pedigree with a slew of awards and a reputation as being the guy you don’t want to line up against on the drag strip! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode the guys go deep with Mark Stielow, Sr. Manager at GM in Advanced Vehicle Dynamics, described by Kevin as “one of the sharpest car cats – from designing, to building, to driving the damn tires off!” Mark knows all there is to know about Camaros, having built 17 of them during his career-long tenure at General Motors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the old pole barn in the woods to the custom multicar garage and the ultra-modern car condo, gearheads have been searching for the perfect Man Cave / Mechanic’s Dream since time immemorial. Brian McNamara of Gearhead Homes joins the guys today to answer the call as he reveal the tricks of the trade and hottest trends in auto-centric real estate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may seem like voodoo magic, but formulating effective engine additives involves intense chemistry and physics. And no one is more knowledgeable about liquid protection than “the Einstein of Additives,” Chris Gabrelcik. On this episode, the man behind Hot Shot’s Secret shares some good ones with the guys, including how the product got its name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Firebird is considered by many to be GM’s red-headed stepchild; “a cool car with a beak,” compared to the cooler Camaro. Having recently brought a ’68 Firebird back from the dead on the TV show, Kevin and Willie take listeners inside the episode, detailing the upgraded PROFORM radiator, Mantic twin disc clutch and Fragola fuel lines they installed on this neglected classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A superior detailing job can really deliver the WOW factor that takes your ride from merely “meh” to downright “DAMN!” On this podcast, Kevin Davis schools the guys on how Gtechniq’s harder, long-lasting ceramic coating process can make your car that car! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the TV show, the guys did a serious upgrade on a super cool “Green Go” 2017 Dodge Challenger. On this week’s podcast, they detail how they took this V6(!) making 305 hp and 255 mph at the tires and suped it up with a RIPP Supercharger and Power Stop Z26 Street Warrior Brakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cut-and-stick-on sound deadening materials are effective, but can be a slog to install. In this episode, Kevin and Willie detail how LizardSkin’s spray-on insulation eliminates the misery so often associated with thermal management and noise reduction DIY projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having recently upgraded a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, the guys wax rhapsodic about their love affair with trucks – all kinds of trucks – and some of the really cool tools they’ve been working with lately on the TV show and in their own garages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gauge cluster is more than just a functional panel; this precision instrument can also serve as fine jewelry for your ride. Classic Instruments COO John McLeod tours Kevin and Willie through the company’s ICU – Instrument Customization Unit – and answers the question, “How can we make it smarter and smaller?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few things are a bigger bummer than overheating. But keeping a white-hot engine running cool is no easy task. Willie and Kevin know that not all fans are created equal, and in this podcast, Fred Garza of Maradyne High Performance Fans provides some fresh insights about staying cool under extreme heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fabrication is essentially the Architecture of How – how to manipulate materials to maximize form and function. Deryck Griffith of Vibrant Performance refers to the process as using “LEGO pieces made out of metal,” as he explains to Kevin and Willie how the company “consolidates the needs of the artist” with high tech engineering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Classic hot rods are as much about cruising as they are about digging deep and going fast. But they don’t offer much beyond three original gears. Adding a Gear Vendors overdrive system is a simple and versatile way to correct that and still maintain the value and integrity of the vehicle. In this episode, the guys get the skinny from company CEO Rick Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Confused about the virtues of a dry sump oil system vs. wet sump? The mystery will be revealed when John Schwarz, President of Aviaid, joins the guys to explain what it is, how it works, and why it may be your best bet for eliminating the need to constantly watch your oil pressure gauge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Three Guys Garage when Kevin reunites with his former co-host, renowned fabricator Bryan Fuller. Get ready for a raucous conversation about cars, bikes, the creative process, Bryan’s new gig as co-host of Car Fix, and the upcoming 20th anniversary season of Two Guys Garage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tires smoking; engines thrashing. Sliding sideways; rubbing bumpers off cones and walls. Kevin and Willie strap in for an adrenaline-fueled conversation with “Fun-Haver” Vaughn Gittin Jr. about everything from 100 mph drifting, to 12.9-mile burnouts at the Nürburgring, and conquering the King of the Hammers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebuilding steering columns is a huge pain in the butt. Kevin and Willie have restored enough street cars, race cars and classics to appreciate the simplicity of updating old straights, tilts and column shifts with brand new quick release equipment and digital dash mounts. Today, ididit GM Trever Cornwell gives them the lowdown on how to steer clear of trouble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All shocks are not created equal. Engineering and manufacturing are critical to effectively tuning, running and racing them. On this episode of the podcast, Willie and Kevin get schooled by legendary suspension expert Jeff Ryan of JRi Shocks. “A shock can cure a lot of things,” he tells them, “but it can’t cure everything.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bearing is arguably the most overlooked part of the engine. It looks very simple but it’s actually a very precisely designed and manufactured component that must be both strong and soft at the same time. Today Ron Sledge of King Engine Bearings joins the guys to break down what goes into them and discuss how to pick the right one for your application. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metalworking can be intimidating, and the learning curve can be steep. But thanks to Darren O’Brien and the good folks at Woodward Fab, it doesn’t have to be. On this episode, the guys discuss how the company’s versatile lineup of affordable tools removes the fear factor and will have you fabricating in no time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A near-death experience incorrectly strapping a car on a trailer taught Willie a hard lesson on the rights and wrongs of vehicle transport. On this episode of the podcast, Joe Parks of industry leader Pilot Transport shares his observations and experience moving everything from a Ford Escort to a Bugatti Veyron across 49 states and Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Johnson is his own man, instantly recognizable for the signature hairstyle, easygoing personality, and unbelievable welding chops. Kevin and Willie recently caught up with the former high school shop teacher turned TV host, as he was about to begin production on Season 2 of his hit MotorTrend series, FourWheeler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating a virtual rat’s nest of wires can drive just about any DIYer to the breaking point of gutting their electrical system and starting from scratch. Willie and Kevin know this drill all too well, and in this podcast they turn to American Autowire’s R&D Manager Don Bock for help with hassle-free wiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strap in for a lively and candid conversation with Leah Pruett, currently third in points driving the Don Schumacher Racing Mopar Top Fuel Dragster in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. With the season on hiatus, Leah chats with the guys about livin’ the dream, working hard and playing harder; the thrill of racing and the reality of living 300 days on the road; and how much it means to be a role model for young girls and boys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A resurgence of interest in resurrecting old cars spurred Kevin and Willie to attempt a project of their own on a recent episode of the TV show. They found a stabled ‘84 Fox Body Mustang Convertible 302 that hadn’t been run in 20 years, so between the dirt, the rust and the rot, the guys really had their hands full! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a conversation with the legendary Art Morrison and his son Craig, the guys are treated to an intimate personal history, from Art’s earliest influences working on a 1930 Model A Ford in the early 1960s… to a ’54 Chevy that he built into a race car… through a tour in Vietnam… to success on the track in 1972… and building 135 rear end dragsters starting in 1977. It’s a fascinating oral history not to be missed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second of a two-part project for the TV show, the guys really upped the ’69 Camaro’s game, converting it from fully carbureted to fully fuel injected, and doubling the original two-speed Powerglide to a four-speed. In this podcast, they explain how they did it and why this is a true DIY project almost anyone can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oil’s job is pretty simple: to clean, cool and lubricate. The science behind it, though, not so simple. Chris Gabrelcik is the white-lab-coat-scientist of Lubrication Specialties, the guru who knows all there is to know about metal-on-metal friction, solving problems and extending the life of everything. Grab some paper and pencils, join Willie and Kevin, and let the learning begin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin and Willie kick off Season 19 of the Two Guys Garage TV show by reconfiguring a 1969 Camaro from a strip car to a born-again daily driver, and in this companion podcast they detail the setup change and performance upgrades that propel the Gen 1 classic from fight to fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lack of proper air conditioning can make things pretty darn hot inside a vintage hot rod, where heavy original units that sucked horsepower were often chucked to lighten the load. That is until Vintage Air came along with dramatically lighter and electronically controlled performance air conditioning systems. In this episode, EVP Rick Love updates the guys on the company’s history making modern units that look just like factory since 1976. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With their suspensions, systems and full-on builds, Detroit Speed is at the forefront of the Pro Touring movement. In this episode, President and self-proclaimed Throttle Jockey Kyle Tucker reveals the engineering, geometry and tire technology that together comprise the secret of the company’s success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, three and four speed transmissions are fine for some folks, but for diehard old school hot rod guys, nothing beats a five or six speed manual shift overdrive conversion. As Willie and Kevin know all too well, there are tons of considerations and complications involved in the process. Enter Bruce Couture, whose Modern DriveLine is a one-stop shop where everything you need “just about jumps out of the box and into the car!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dreaming about a flossy and glossy new paint job for your wheels at an affordable price? Kevin and Willie lead you through the do-it-right process from start to finish – from prepping for paint by Dustless Blasting existing components; to setting up your own inflatable Mobile Environmental Solutions paint booth; through selecting and applying the optimal Dupli-Color paint product to bring your dream to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Kevin and Willie, driving is all about the fun factor, and that means throwing gears – we’re talking huge left thigh, major heel-toe clutch action. More discs = more torque, and that means twin, triple and now even quad disc clutches. On this episode, Geoff Gerko of Mantic Clutch exposes surprising ways clutches are wrecked, and reveals best practices for preserving them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic is fuel delivery – what to do and what not to do to keep fuel systems completely dialed in and up to snuff, especially at high horsepower. For the answer to these and other questions, the guys turn to Steve Matusek, President and Founder of Aeromotive Fuel Systems, where they’re doing things today that no one thought were even possible only three years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harold Sears is Additive Manufacturing Technical Leader at Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, where he’s spearheading revolutionary developments in 3D technology “prototyping virtually everything from the road to the roof.” In this episode, Harold immerses Kevin and Willie in a futuristic automotive universe firmly based in the present, and filled with stunning possibilities for tomorrow and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thrill, the fun, and the adrenaline rush of selling a vehicle at a collector car auction is an experience like no other. And there are few experts in the field more knowledgeable than John Kraman, Consignment Director and Lead Commentator at Mecum Auctions. In this episode, Willie and Kevin pick John’s brain on topics ranging from the pros and cons of reserve vs. no reserve bidding, to what’s hot on the auction block and what’s definitely not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Advances in technology are breathing new life into old hot rods and muscle cars, in many cases allowing them to do things they were never intended to do. Consider the massive performance capabilities in bolt-on suspension packages now leading an explosion in the restomod and truck categories. In this episode, the guys discuss developments with diehard car guy Mike Ruth, Chief Application Engineer leading the charge at Heidts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All aftermarket parts are not created equal. Sure, a set of rims can turn a plain Jane daily driver into a head turner, but when it comes to true performance, superior quality materials and engineering are where the rubber really meets the road. The same holds true for batteries, which run the gamut from practical to powerhouse. In this episode, Kevin and Willie nerd out over both in conversations with Forgeline’s David Schardt and ODYSSEY Battery’s Alan Kohler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite being one of the most critical elements in shaping an engine build, there’s a certain amount of mystery that surrounds the camshaft. In this episode, champion racer and renowned camshaft wizard Brian Tooley delivers a master class on the subject, dropping some serious science on the guys and revealing the three biggest mistakes most often made, even by seasoned professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For its sheer WOW factor, nothing quite beats the Ripsaw EV3-F4 that blew away Willie and Kevin at last year’s SEMA Show. A collaboration between Howe and Howe Technologies and PPE, this sportin’ and snortin’ toy-above-all-toys features a Duramax 6.6L 800hp engine that delivers 1350 ft/lbs of torque at 2100 RPM, all married to a tube chassis that looks and acts like a personalized tank! Mike Howe and PPE’s Joe Komaromi join the guys to detail the evolution of this remarkable project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Singular among automotive hobbyists, enthusiasts and collectors, the name Lingenfelter is instantly identifiable as both a one-of-a-kind Collection of unique cars and a state-of-the-art Performance Engineering company. In this episode, the guys sit down with Ken Lingenfelter for a wide-ranging conversation touching on everything from Cars and Coffees, to Cadillacs and Colorados, to Camaros and Corvettes, and the level of customer expectation that inspires Ken to be raising the bar constantly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices