Two Guys Garage Podcast

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.

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.

“These hybrids are really shaping up to be the wave of the future,” observes Willie at the outset of this week’s podcast, with Kevin noting that Hypercraft “kinda has its tentacles in a lot of different spaces,” from marine to defense and racing. “When you have the best of both worlds,” adds Hypercraft founder Jake Hawksworth, “you don’t have to compromise anymore; it’s going to be the age of hybrid.” The proof is in the company’s Sierra, the signature single seat, electric, RWD, 300 hp, 0-60 in 2.4 seconds track car. “If you ever dreamed about being able to actually jump in a life size RC car and drive it,” Jake tells the guys, “this is exactly what this is.”

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.

Join Kevin and Willie as they recount their most epic automotive blunders from decades of hot rod building and racing. From over-cammed street cars and nitrous nightmares to the perils of too much horsepower on the track, the guys share many of their hard-earned lessons that transformed mistakes into future motoring triumphs.

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.

Ever wonder what makes a painter a "game changer"? Kevin and Willie sit down with one on this episode. Jeremy Winters (aka "That Jeremy Fella") is a painter whose career spans from helping his mom paint crafts, to collision repair painting, to saving reality TV show deadlines. Learn about his journey, the meticulous process behind a perfect paint job, and how he uses his skills to transform vehicles and inspire the DIY community.

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

Kevin and Willie explore the evolution and common issues of automotive fuel systems with Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot's Secret, who reveals why this "forgotten maintenance item" is often the culprit behind sluggish performance. The trio examine how poor fuel from your local pump effects the overall fuel system, and how the company’s advanced gasoline additive “Gasoline Extreme” combats carbon deposits and provides vital lubrication for modern engines, restoring that performance and lost fuel economy.

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.

The guys welcome Geoff Gerko of Mantic Clutch USA back to the podcast to discuss his lifelong love of manual transmissions and building clutches for 2500 ft-lbs of torque. Along the way, he unveils his impending rebrand to Gerko’s Custom Clutches, discusses how superior materials and modular design lead to unmatched performance, and offers a glimpse into the future of high-performance clutch technology.

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”.

From concept to patent to power, Kevin and Willie delve into the journey of the RoadSkulls V-Twin Performance "Straight Shooter" air intake system that represents a revolutionary advancement in motorcycle performance technology. Creator Kevin Edgmon enlightens the guys on just how his utility-patented design is making a significant impact on engine power and responsiveness, especially on motorcycles and vehicles battling turbo lag.

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.”

From duct tape dilemmas to custom leather dreams, Kevin and Willie delve into the world of automotive interiors with Pat Russell of PJ's Trim Shop. Discover how a master craftsman transforms a car's cabin into a luxurious, personalized space, revealing the unexpected challenges and rewarding artistry of bespoke automotive upholstery.

The guys discuss buying and selling at Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and local automotive auctions with Rick Fragnoli the owner of Cleveland Power and Performance. They also trade stories as well as tips and tricks for getting what you want at swap meets. Kevin asks, “So what is your top piece of advice for scoring big at a swap meet?” Rick states, “Cash in hand, you gotta have cash”.

Technical jobs are in high demand. Are you ready to build a career instead of racking up debt? Kevin and Willie talk with Josh Jones from Lincoln Tech about their diverse technical programs revealing how their state-of-the-art facilities and industry-aligned programs are equipping students with tangible skills and direct pathways to lucrative careers. From the surprisingly short completion times and the high demand for graduates in fields like automotive, diesel, and electrical, they discuss the compelling alternative to traditional higher education.

From selling glitter out of a suitcase to traveling to European manufacturing and mining facilities chasing the perfect pigment, today the guys talk all the things that bling when it comes to paint with Manny Martinez the owner and founder of Tropical Glitz. Referring to customers and their desire to find the perfect paint, Manny states, “you guys have a vision, you have a dream so we’re here to give you a solution for that vision”.

Ever wonder how cars achieve that perfect balance of handling and ride comfort? How car manufacturers predict and measure the seemingly invisible movements and deflections within a vehicle's suspension system? Kevin and Willie pick the brain of Cayman Dynamics suspension expert Chris White, diving into the complex world of kinematics, compliance, and high-tech tools used by OEMs to dial in everything from comfy cruisers to track-ready machines.

The 2023 SEMA Show continues to loom large on the guys’ minds. “It is so massive, it’s hard to even wrap your brain around,” marvels Kevin, while Willie exclaims “it’s just filled to the gills with cool cars and wild things to see, watch, and witness.” It also provided occasion for Willie to reunite with his old “PINKS All Out” pal, 6-time World Champion NHRA Top Fuel Driver Clay Millican. Along with CRC Marketing Director Raquel Wenger, they discuss CRC ‘s “Build for the Future” scholarship program and the amazing story behind the 2006 bone stock GTO with only 1350 original miles on it they had at the booth.

Kevin and Willie share their often humorous and always educational tales of first engine builds, setting the stage for a deep dive into the world of reliable power via crate engines. They tap into the expertise of Mike Goodwin from Ford Performance, who provides the inside track on their extensive crate engine lineup. From robust "heritage pushrod engines” to the mind-blowing "Megazilla 2.0" targeting 1200 horsepower, Ford Performance’s crate engines are making high-end and backyard builds even easier with warrantied plug-and-play power.

Kevin and Willie discuss the current evolution and transitioning of the Automotive Industry to electric vehicle technology. From hybrid to full autonomous electric vehicles, the guys discuss it all. Kevin states, “It just keeps getting better and better and we love it, and now we’re at this crossroad…” Do you like electric vehicles or are you a muscle car purist? “After enough beat downs on the track, you’re gonna change your mind!”