Two Guys Garage Podcast

Sterling Backus, the man who's made a name for himself 3D printing a Lamborghini, is back with an update on his remarkable story of success and failure. Having already done the impossible, Sterling discusses his latest project – 3D printing a McLaren! “I bought the worst excuse for a McLaren 600 LT in the United States that came with a certificate of destruction because it was so bad," he tells the guys. Nonetheless, “the carbon fiber tub was in amazingly good condition, so we were able to fix [it] and put a new A-pillar in and then the race was on!" You’ve got to hear it to believe this amazing story of a man that's changing the 3D printing game, right out of his home garage.

Is it time to finally ditch the carburetor? David Page joins Kevin and Willie to discuss how Edelbrock is bringing 21st-century tech to the streets and making wiring intimidation a thing of the past. Discover the new Easy Street EFI, featuring a simple 4-wire hookup and the revolutionary ability to email your data logs directly to tech support for instant troubleshooting. We also get the "skinny" on the Victor LZR supercharger - an aerospace-grade, 1300HP beast that uses a smartphone app to dial in boost ramps and a "scramble button" for the ultimate track-to-street versatility.

Keegan Sobilo is a young up-and-coming race car driver who runs for a cause: pediatric cancer. Keegan started racing Mini-Cups at age 8 and now, at only 16 years old, he has in Willie’s words, “accomplished more than most of us would-be weekend warriors." The Pro Late Model driver already has 11 starts under his belt, notching three top 10 finishes. He finished 5th in the CRA All Stars Tour points and 3rd in the CRA All Stars Tour Rookie of the Year Standings, proving that Keegan is someone to watch – and listen to – in the world of racing.

Wiring is the one subject every builder loves to hate. Kevin and Willie sit down with Jay Harris from Infinitybox to discuss how their distributed, solid-state power system is the "fuel injection" of automotive electrical. Discover how to replace clunky "relay cubbies" and miles of wire with 21st-century tech - from soft-start fans and theater-dimming lights to a smartphone-controlled "Command Center" featuring passive keyless entry and integrated security - giving your weekend restomod the same creature comforts as your daily driver.

On this podcast Ross Berlanga from TMI Products joins the guys once again to discuss some of their interior offerings including newly developed options for 80s, 90s and OBS vehicles that are making a resurgence in the aftermarket. With over 2 million SKUs, they probably have what you are looking for. Speaking on the ease of going with TMI products and how quickly you can transform your car's interior, Willie states, "One shipment, one order, one weekend - totally transformed, that's impressive man". Ross agrees, mentioning, "That's the goal, you and a buddy will be able to transform your interior over a weekend in your garage". Listen in and learn about interior options for your build!

The guys debate the thrilling future of hot rodding, breaking down build trends that are blending new technology with old iron, while asking if the pure, combustion-driven soul of hot rodding can survive the evolving horsepower war and inspire the next generation of builders. Willie muses, “regardless of what lens you’re looking through you gotta call it exciting”.

Welder, educator, author, and consultant Mark Prosser joins the podcast again to pass on more of his welding skills, knowledge, and tips with listeners. Speaking on the issue of welding on older muscle cars, Willie notes that,” when you get into that old metal, it takes the weld so much differently from some of the new metal … what's so different about metal today that's different from metal from several decades ago?" "Metals change through the years” Mark notes speaking on metallurgy,” just like welding processes, just like everything else". On this podcast, Mark and the guys shine a light on some of those changes and offer some techniques that might just help you tackle some of those welding issues, especially those that occur when working with thin sheet metal.

The founders of American Metal Customs reveal how their passion-driven culture for Americana, art, and speed, combined with 100+ years of collective experience, fuels their award-winning and eye-popping custom builds. The team – led by Josh Allison and Chris Bishop along with Ralph Baldwin – discusses how their commitment to the "raw" and "authentic" led them to revolutionize not just vehicles, but whiskey, too, sonically infusing it with genuine horsepower to create a blended taste all its own. ADVISORY: This episode contains colorful metaphors and adult language.

“Once you start really putting some racing technology into streetable cars, it gets really fun.” So it goes for Full Blown Kustoms owner James Goldman, as he tells the guys in this podcast. “They have four wheels and a seat, but they’re not cars anymore, they’re spaceships.” One need look no further than his twin turbo ’69 Lincoln Continental build for proof – as witnessed by its 14 million online views. Understanding the importance of building a core team while praising the fluidity of metal as an art form, Goldman notes that “whether it’s being unique and different or just having a much tighter fit and finish on your car, that’s becoming more important.”

Ross Berlanga from TMI Products joins Kevin and Willie to discuss bridging the gap between high-end custom interiors and affordability, detailing how their new CAD and 3D printing techniques are bringing bespoke seats and door panels to classics. Ross also spills some of the details on their most ambitious SEMA build yet: a special interior that made the company “stretch our wings” for an all-carbon fiber 1969 Mustang Fastback.

A plasma cutter is an indispensable machine for anyone doing a significant amount of fab work. “The things you can do with a CNC plasma table are almost mind-blowing,” extols Kevin. “The speed, the accuracy, the repeatability, all of that when you really want to pump out the work." Greg Combe and Joe Cook of Tracker CNC join Kevin and Willie today to talk about CNC plasma tables and the differences between theirs and the competition. With specialized Command and Cut software and long-lasting construction, Tracker CNC’s affordable, professional grade CNC plasma cutting tables have contributed to their 30-year reputation for quality and customer service within the industry.

Brandon Arpin of Valvetronic Designs joins the guys to detail the technical science behind achieving the perfect, non-raspy sound for modern hot rods and luxury cars. He shares how the company moved from a simple BMW exhaust fix to a powerhouse now expanding its titanium and stainless-steel valved systems into the Jeep, Raptor, Mopar and diesel markets to satisfy both the track racer and the sound-conscious enthusiast. Listen in as Kevin and Willie discover the secrets to engineering the ultimate exhaust note and building a successful automotive performance brand.

One of the godfathers of the Coyote engine, Adam Christian, joins the podcast to talk shop with the guys and discuss the infamous Ford GT40. Kevin notes that Adam “has a lot of car builds under his belt, and one of those builds is a full restoration of one of the original GT40s” made famous as the Le Mans-winning car that broke Ferrari’s winning streak in the 1960s and was recently brought back into the spotlight in the 2019 film, “Ford v Ferrari”. They discuss some of the history of the Coyote engine as well as the history and different generations of the amazing American-made GT40.

The dream isn't just a house - it's also the perfect automotive workshop! Brian McNamara of Gearhead Homes Realty joins the guys to reveal the crucial building specs needed for a true forever shop, including electrical amperage, concrete thickness (for lift installation), lighting, winch points, tool and part storage solutions, the always crucial beer fridge, and more! Brian also discusses market trends and explains how he connects enthusiasts with properties featuring car condos and large shop space, sharing valuable advice on the financial realities of building a garage addition versus buying a home with one already in place.

Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot’s Secret returns for another visit with the guys, and this time he’s brought with him Kevin Adams, VP of Research and Development, to talk about not only metal-on-metal contact, varnish, and sludge, but their new entry into the gasoline engine world. They've just emerged from the testing lab, where they’ve been focused on fixing a major problem in the LS engine world – the notorious LS engine tick. This new product is still being developed, and they need you to help test it to make sure it works on all applications. Tune in and find out how!

The pocket knife is the "universal tool" in just about every car guy's life. Michael Janich discusses the three design innovations that established Spyderco as the industry leader, and delves into how they prioritize the mechanical properties of their blades. Find out why the predictable composition of a leaf spring is the bladesmith's favorite automotive-based raw material, and hear Mike's answer to the challenge, "If somebody gave you a leaf spring, how fast could you make a knife out of it?"

When it comes to custom made-to-order lightweight forged aluminum performance wheels, David Schardt and the team at Forgeline Motorsports “make some of the top wheels you’ll see on just about anything,” notes Kevin, “from full-on race cars and supercars, down to just cool street machines.” David rejoins the podcast to compare notes with the guys on some of their past wheel decisions, discuss wheel technology and manufacturing from the past to the present, and consider the impact of proper wheel choice on the entire look of your vehicle.

Tired of leaving horsepower on the table? Brian Tooley of BTR returns to the podcast to explain how his company consistently outperforms the competition. He breaks down some of his proprietary engineering — from using GT Power to harness wave dynamics and air inertia — to designing his new multi-million dollar, canted-valve cylinder head built to withstand and maximize power from the highest levels of boost.

Modern diesel engines are unbelievably powerful machines, and Bert Bonilla of Alliant Power knows a lot about them and the huge selection of new and remanufactured diesel parts they offer. “These guys really live in the diesel world, really cut their teeth in the diesel world,” Willie observes by way of introduction, “and that nowadays is big power, big performance and big issues.” The guys tap into Bert’s deep knowledge of the process of remanufacturing and fixing issues with used parts, common diesel engine problems, major failures that Alliant sees in their service shops, and what to do to maintain that engine for longer

Willie heads to Jeff Lutz's race shop to join Lutz, NHRA Top Fuel Champion Clay Millican, and Raquel Wenger of CRC Industries to preview the latest CRC SEMA Build. This year, they’ve built the ultimate blend of muscle and mission – a monstrous, 904 horsepower, 1977 big-block Pro Street Chevy truck. The team discusses why this simpler, rowdy build was chosen after last year's highly complex hydrogen-powered '57 Chevy, and stresses how the “CRC Build for the Future” program in partnership with TechForce Foundation supports and creates scholarships for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Much like the host city of Las Vegas, the annual automotive aftermarket celebration known as the SEMA Show continues to get bigger and better every year, and this year promises to be no exception. From its first-ever live stream of all 31 hours of the show, to music acts and industry events, SEMA is THE place to be the first week of November. “This is where the future of automotive is being dictated,” Tom Gattuso, VP, Events, SEMA, tells the guys, themselves veterans of more SEMA Shows than they can count. “As a car guy, it is heaven,” Willie exclaims. “For four or five days, it is like nothing else!” Listen in and get the scoop on all that’s in store for this year’s event.

Willie and Kevin welcome Jim Dvorak of Mother's High Performance Car Care to trace the company's more than 50-year journey, from their single Mag & Aluminum Polish developed in an Orange County tire shop - to their global lineup of over 100 products. Jim breaks down the modern detailing evolution, contrasting traditional carnauba wax with new DIY ceramic coatings and revealing the modern tools that cut detailing time while providing a professional, season-long shine.

Brian Wolfe from Willis Performance joins the guys on the podcast to discuss his work with the Godzilla engine. Known as a Godzilla engine guru, Brian helped guide the 7.3-liter Godzilla engine while at Ford and is now able to create this engine in a way that makes it affordable for anyone. Willie asks, “Is it really out there and affordable to the point where you could go get your hands on one?” Brian counters with the full formula, describing the parts and the process of how he’s making 627 hp and 647 lb-ft with an affordable Godzilla engine for under $4,000! You don’t want to miss this episode!

This episode doubles as a personal look into Willie’s "Cars for Christmas" charity and a masterclass in used car assessment. Willie details his inspection processes, covering frequent failure points caused by salt corrosion, gasket leaks, and worn-out motor mounts, and describes what it takes to get these donated cars back on the road. From simple fixes to complex engine and subframe repairs, the work that Willie and friends perform is the very backbone of this powerful, life-changing program.

With Two Guys Garage sister series Truck U now celebrating its milestone 20th season on the air, Kevin and Willie welcome longtime hosts and best buddies Bruno Massel and Matt Steele for a fun and insightful conversation featuring memorable moments, bloopers, and anecdotes from their two-decade history together. “We had all this stuff in common and we just both wanted to make the television product the best that it could possibly be,” Matt recalls about their initial meeting, “and as a result of that, the work relationship was just really good from the start.” It’s a fun-filled trip down memory lane as twin sets of automotive television’s longest-running duos look back at how far the industry has come and muse about what lies ahead.

Brothers Custom Automotive hot rod builder Bill Jagenow joins Willie and Kevin for a lively conversation all about their shared passion for Bonneville Speed Week. They discuss the raw essence of land speed racing, revealing the emotional stakes and deep history of the Bonneville Salt Flats, including the military's top-secret presence at the now historic Wendover Airfield and the record-breaking life of automotive hero AB Jenkins. From the competitive challenge over a 164 MPH record to the tragic loss of a fellow racer, the guys consider how the salt is a place of both triumph and final tribute, culminating in a powerful, high-speed ceremony for the late icon, Gene Winfield.

A professional full vehicle paint job can be very expensive, so it can be tempting to save cash by doing it yourself. However, there are a ton of pitfalls to beware of, not to mention a learning curve that can be quite steep. But with time, patience, and a clean working environment, you can achieve a shiny result to be proud of. “There is no better feeling in the car world than spitting out a great paint job,” Kevin tells Willie as they cover some tips and things to look out for when attempting a DIY paint job. Mobile Environmental Solutions’ Tom Williams joins the conversation to offer his insights on the merits of mobile paint booths and advancements in the paintless dent repair (PDR) market.

In this episode, former Ford engineer Kevin Byrd and former magazine Editor and Content Director REVan Evan Smith reveal the full, untold story of Ford’s secret Boss 351 V10 Mustang. They discuss how the unauthorized "skunkworks" team secretly engineered the 11-second naturally aspirated engine and how one of the prototypes was hidden away for two decades before finally being restored and inducted into the Ford Heritage Collection.

REVan Evan Smith is back on the podcast to once again discuss all things horsepower with the guys. As a driver, builder, professional photographer, writer, and video host who covers everything automotive, "This guy is sheer chaos on wheels," muses Willie. Evan’s got a lot on his mind today, including his ‘68 Mercury Cyclone build with a Godzilla engine, Paul Svinicki's famous 2000 Mustang Cobra R that resurfaced, was rebuilt, and once again ran on the track, and plenty of thoughts on industry trends both past and present.

Kevin and Willie sit down with King of the Hammers champion Brad Lovell to talk about his storied career and the upcoming "Build for Off Road" Adventure Ride. He gives a glimpse into the highs and lows of competing and reveals how the anticipated trip will test both man and machine in a different way than a high-stakes race, highlighting the camaraderie and shared struggle that makes off-roading so special.

Renowned race announcer, event correspondent, and car builder Tim Strange returns to the podcast to talk shop and catch the guys up on what’s new in his world. As a fixture in the automotive industry, Tim is known for building “in your face hotrods”, and in this episode he discusses all things automotive, from trends in the industry to what he’s currently working on in his shop.

Rick Love of Vintage Air returns to the podcast with an exploration of the history and technology behind modern A/C systems. “Our expectations for when we’re driving our hot rods or our muscle cars have changed a lot through the years” states Rick, “and part of that is the expectation of comfort when you’re running down the road.” Tune in as he and the guys discuss how new components have made it easier than ever to add efficient cooling to classic cars, transforming them into comfortable and reliable daily drivers.

During a recent visit to the 2024 ISN Tool Dealer Expo, Willie discovered a group of products from a company called GripEdge Tools that positively blew his mind. He could hardly wait to get back and tell Kevin about their new Rounding Preventative Technology – RPT – that’s quickly changing the stripped fastener game. With Kevin sufficiently intrigued, the guys welcome Dan Styer to share his tools with listeners… and test Kevin’s skepticism.

Adam Christian, GT40 Engineer at Llama Bite, joins the guys for an inside look at how builders are using tech like 3D printing and scanning, laser cutting, and CAD to overcome budget and space limitations and make this once-exclusive hobby accessible to everyone. Adam reveals his secrets for creating custom parts by leveraging online services, using 3D-printed plastic for metal forming, and working smarter to get professional results.

It’s been nearly 5 years since the inception of the podcast, and Kevin and Willie can hardly believe it. Yet, here they are, celebrating episode #300. “It’s been a fun little journey, but I don’t see it ending anytime soon,” observes Kevin, adding that “there’s so many things out there that are still evolving and still ready to dive deep into.” It’s the perfect launchpad for revisiting some of the major changes that have impacted the auto industry – and the guys’ personal lives during this period. “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately,” says Willie. “What an epic time to be alive, to be able to drive, and just enjoy all the offerings that are on the table!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guys welcome Garret Gibeau, a Product Development Engineer from AMSOIL, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of lubricants. They explore the company's pioneering history—from its founder creating the first synthetic oil in 1972—to its modern mission of engineering innovative products that push past industry standards for peak performance.

Designer Murray Pfaff is renowned for his creative and wild projects, weird stuff you can trip out on that makes your jaw drop. Murray makes his third appearance on the podcast fresh off a pair of amazing back-to-back events: the 1,000-mile Hot Rod Power Tour – which saw him field both an Explorer ST with Petty’s Garage and a Meyers Manx SR kit car – followed a mere two days later by EyesOn Design, where unlike any other show in the country, one of the judging teams is legally blind, reviewing the cars purely by touch with white gloves on. It’s a fun and fascinating conversation you won’t want to miss.

Kevin and Willie welcome legendary Top Fuel drag racer Clay Millican to the podcast once again. Clay shares his journey from a childhood dream to a 27-year career, offering an inside look at the indescribable feeling of mind-bending G-forces and speeds, his rigorous race-day schedule, and the vital teamwork required to run a 338-mph "rocketship."

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.

Kevin and Willie dive deep into the technical side of car audio and the ever growing off-road and marine audio advancements with Kicker’s John Myers. Sharing some of his 46 years of audio installation knowledge, John breaks down the science behind passive and active crossovers, reveals the secret to finding the true power of an amplifier, and shows how Kicker's extensive free online resources can help anyone become an audio expert.

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!

Every great mechanic and racer has a story about learning the hard way. Kevin and Willie get candid once again about their most humbling moments, sharing tales of bad paint jobs, an engine fire, a smoked transmission, a wrecked shifter cart, and a fateful day that turned a pristine six-figure race car into a pile of scrap metal. They prove that the path to success is often paved with broken parts and expensive mistakes, but that the struggle often leads to increased strength, greater patience, and valuable 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin and Willie dive deep into the world of hardcore off-roading with guests Ian Johnson of Big Tire Garage and Nate Pickel of Dirt Lifestyle. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Ian’s upcoming epic Build for Off Road Adventure Ride, a massive trek of drivers and sponsors from Big Bear to Las Vegas that will test the limits of man and machine with legendary obstacles and treacherous terrain. Willie B will be along for the ride, too, pushing his own custom-built rig to its very limits and tackling these one-of-a-kind challenges head-on.

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether for off-road, on the street, or at the track, your vehicle’s ignition system is crucial. On this week’s podcast, Kevin and Willie welcome Brian Caruth to explain how Performance Distributors’ high-voltage, low-current, custom-tuned distributors deliver a bigger, longer spark for smoother idle, massive power gains, and bulletproof reliability you can trust wherever you drive.

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”.

Terry Fair of Vorshlag Motorsports returns to the podcast with an update on the evolution of his 700+ HP Mustang "Trigger". About the latest goings-on in his relentless pursuit of speed, Terry reveals the innovations and humble pie moments behind his record-setting builds. “I’ve always shared the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he tells the guys, “because I want people to learn from my mistakes" attempting to move the needle forward for enthusiasts everywhere.

Bryan Fuller and Mark Prosser are back on the podcast discussing the science and art of welding and fabrication. Mark muses, "At the end of the day, every weld is the same thing, you're welding two pieces of metal together man”, the difference is “it's all in the prep”. From Inconel welding to an advanced metal shaping project in the works for 2025, today we're talking metallurgy. Listen in and learn, with this continued conversation with two legends of the industry.

For those who’ve experienced title-related nightmares, this is the episode for you, as the guys dive deep into one of the most dreaded realms of vehicle ownership. Greg LaPoint of GBI Titles helps unpack how to expertly navigate vehicle records, bonded titles, and VIN inspections to get your build road-ready and legally sound. "A car is worth 20% of its value without a title,” reveals Greg. “So, it's worth five times more with a title than without!" – a vital truth he underscores with insider tips for every collector and builder seeking full value and peace of mind.