131. The Pile Up EP19: Cooking the Books
About this episode
Delving into the muscle car era, the hosts uncover a fascinating conspiracy where automotive companies intentionally underrated horsepower to boost sales and manage insurance costs. They share shocking examples, like the 1969 Camaro Z01, which was advertised at 430 horsepower but actually produced 550. The discussion highlights the marketing strategies of the time, the impact of the oil crisis, and the eventual fallout when insurance companies caught on. With a mix of humor and nostalgia, this episode offers a unique look at how the automotive industry played with numbers to create a thrilling driving experience.
Emily dives deep into a wild conspiracy at the height of the muscle car era. Rose gets judgy with the GTO
SHOW NOTES
Pontiac GTO tiger comercial
Recorded, edited & mixed by Emdognightmare & Queen of the Vans
Production & research Queen of the Vans & Emdognightmare
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Hugs, thank you & high fives to Greg Meleney for the killer tunez!
muscle car era
"This happened during the height of the muscle car era. Which was the late 60s."
The muscle car era was a time when American car manufacturers made powerful cars with big engines, especially in the 1960s and early 70s. These cars were known for being fast and exciting to drive.
The muscle car era refers to a period in American automotive history, primarily during the 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by the production of high-performance vehicles with powerful engines, often featuring aggressive styling. These cars were designed for speed and performance, appealing to a younger demographic and often associated with American car culture.
horsepower
"[221.3s] the horsepower [223.3s] that they were putting out."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the output of engines. It's an important figure for understanding a vehicle's performance and capability.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"The 1969 Chevelle SS 396 Advertised horsepower 375 Actual horsepower"
The Chevelle SS 396 is a type of car made by Chevrolet in 1969. It's a muscle car, which means it's designed for speed and power.
The Chevelle SS 396 is a high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Chevelle, produced in 1969. It is known for its powerful engine and classic muscle car styling.
torque
"Wow. Now here's something that I didn't find numbers on is torque which is also important. I mean, okay, 396 It's torquey. Probably."
Torque is how much twisting force an engine can produce. It's important because it helps cars accelerate faster, especially in races.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial for understanding how an engine performs, especially in applications like drag racing where acceleration is key. Higher torque means better pulling power, which is essential for quick starts and maintaining speed.
drag racing
"People that want to make big power drag racing"
Drag racing is a race where two cars go straight down a track to see which one is faster. It's all about how quickly they can speed up from a stop.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing where two vehicles compete to see which can cover a straight distance in the shortest time, typically a quarter-mile. It emphasizes acceleration and speed, making torque and horsepower critical for performance.
Hemi
"you're either building a Hemi or you're building a big block Chevy."
Hemi is a type of engine design that helps it run more efficiently and powerfully. It's often found in fast cars because it can produce a lot of power.
Hemi refers to an engine design with a hemispherical combustion chamber, which allows for better airflow and more efficient combustion. This design is known for producing high power and torque, making it popular in performance and muscle cars.
big block Chevy
"you're either building a Hemi or you're building a big block Chevy."
Big block Chevy is a type of large engine made by Chevrolet that is known for being very powerful. It's often used in fast cars.
Big block Chevy refers to a series of large displacement V8 engines produced by Chevrolet, known for their high power output and torque. These engines are commonly used in muscle cars and performance vehicles.
Ford Mustang
"Next up we have the 1969 Mustang Boss 429. The 396 had how much?"
The 1969 Mustang Boss 429 is a special version of the Ford Mustang from 1969, famous for its powerful engine and unique design. It's a rare car that many collectors love.
The 1969 Mustang Boss 429 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, designed for racing and equipped with a powerful 429 cubic inch V8 engine. It is known for its distinctive styling and limited production, making it a sought-after collector's item.
small block Chevy
"That's like a mark of the small block Chevy is like the fact that you can make it and make, you know, one horse per cube."
The small block Chevy is a type of V8 engine made by Chevrolet. It's famous for being powerful and is used in many cars, especially for racing and performance upgrades.
The small block Chevy refers to a family of V8 engines produced by Chevrolet, known for their compact size and versatility. These engines have been widely used in various Chevrolet models and are popular in performance and racing applications due to their power and tunability.
429
"Oh, it's a 429. Yeah. That's a whole other beast."
The 429 is a big engine made by Ford that is known for being very powerful. It was used in some classic cars, making them faster and more exciting to drive.
The 429 refers to a large V8 engine produced by Ford, known for its high performance and power. It was commonly used in muscle cars during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly in the Ford Mustang and other full-size cars.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...t hot rod shop I worked at, I mean, I worked at a Corvette shop first, but that's not a hot rod shop."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It has been around for a long time and is famous for being one of the best American-made sports cars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and powerful engine options. It has a long history dating back to 1953 and is often celebrated as an American icon in the automotive world, making it a frequent topic of discussion among car enthusiasts.
fastback
"Are they fastbacks? They look..."
A fastback is a type of car shape where the back of the car slopes down smoothly from the roof to the trunk. It looks sleek and sporty.
A fastback is a car design where the roofline slopes down continuously to the rear, creating a streamlined appearance. This design is often associated with sporty and performance-oriented vehicles.
notchback
"I think one was a notchback"
A notchback is a car shape where the trunk is separate from the passenger area, making it look more boxy compared to a fastback. It usually has a straight-up rear window.
A notchback is a car design characterized by a distinct separation between the trunk and the passenger compartment, often featuring a more upright rear window. This design contrasts with fastbacks and is common in sedans and coupes.
Pontiac Torinos
"I don't know. One of the Torino's that we had in was a fastback and it was... that's a wild-looking car."
The Pontiac Torino is an older car that many people think looks great and goes fast. It's part of the classic muscle car group.
The Pontiac Torino is an older model that was part of the mid-size car segment in the 1970s, known for its performance and stylish design. It is often discussed among classic car enthusiasts for its muscle car heritage.
Ford Torino
"Anyway, I like them. It's a Ford Torino Cobra Jet. Alright, let's talk."
The Ford Torino is an older car that was popular in the 70s and is known for being stylish and powerful. Many people like it because it has a classic look.
The Ford Torino is a mid-size car produced in the late 1960s and 1970s, known for its performance variants and stylish design. It holds a place in automotive history as a classic muscle car and is often discussed among collectors and enthusiasts.
straight six
"...with a straight six stove bolt and then you've got like..."
A straight six is a type of engine that has six cylinders lined up in a row. It's known for running smoothly and providing good power.
A straight six is an engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a straight line. This design is known for its smooth operation and good torque characteristics, making it popular in various vehicles, especially in the mid-20th century.
Chevrolet Camaro
"Well, it's gonna get nastier. Okay. 69 Camaro. Okay. Z01. Advertised horsepower 430."
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a fast sports car from 1969 that is famous for its strong engine and cool looks. It's a classic muscle car that many car fans love.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a high-performance variant of the Camaro, known for its powerful engine and sporty design. The 1969 model is particularly iconic in automotive history, often celebrated for its muscle car heritage.
naturally aspirated
"Naturally aspirated too. Yeah."
Naturally aspirated means that an engine gets air from the atmosphere without any extra help from devices like turbochargers. This can make the engine feel more responsive when you press the gas pedal.
Naturally aspirated refers to an engine that relies on atmospheric pressure alone to draw air into the combustion chamber, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger to increase air intake. This typically results in a more linear power delivery and can enhance the driving experience.
396
"...I'm gonna assume that that's the 396 or it's a big block. Yeah."
The 396 refers to a type of powerful engine made by Chevrolet that is often used in fast cars. It's known for helping cars go really fast.
The 396 is a specific engine displacement designation used by Chevrolet for their big block V8 engines, commonly found in muscle cars from the 1960s and early 1970s. It is known for its performance capabilities.
Ford 429
"...it's got the 429 in it, but like it's a big car. That's true."
The Ford 429 is a powerful engine made by Ford. It's often found in big cars and trucks because it provides a lot of strength and speed.
The Ford 429 is a big-block V8 engine produced by Ford Motor Company, known for its power and torque, often used in larger vehicles like trucks and muscle cars.
Cadillac DeVille
"...like that 79 DeVille 425 motor in it. It's like the boat motor."
The 1979 Cadillac DeVille is a large luxury car that was very comfortable and had a lot of space inside. It was known for its smooth driving experience.
The 1979 Cadillac DeVille is a full-size luxury car known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, often equipped with powerful V8 engines like the 425.
Mercury Marauder
"...I think it's like a Mercury Marauder. I think it's like a 79 Marauder and it's like the biggest engine they made, but the least amount of power."
The Mercury Marauder is a big car made by the Mercury brand, especially known for its size and engine. The 1979 version had a large engine but didn't produce much power, which was surprising for such a big car.
The Mercury Marauder is a full-size car that was produced by Mercury from the 1960s to the early 1970s, with a notable revival in 1979. It is known for its large size and powerful engine options, although the 1979 model had a reputation for being less powerful than expected given its engine size.
Cadillac 425
"Cadillacs are that 425. Yeah. Is like very like 200 horse like right at 200, but it's got the torque. It can handle itself as a smooth ride."
The Cadillac 425 is an engine used in Cadillac cars. It's known for being smooth and having a good amount of power, making the car feel comfortable to drive.
The Cadillac 425 refers to a V8 engine produced by Cadillac, known for its smooth operation and decent power output. It was part of Cadillac's lineup during the 1970s and 1980s, offering a balance of performance and comfort.
Honda
"...people were buying bugs and Hondas and Mazdas and probably some Nissan's in there. No. Definitely Hondas were going. No Nissan's."
Honda is a car company from Japan that makes many popular cars, known for being dependable and good on gas.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer, famous for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Mazda
"...and Hondas and Mazdas and probably some Nissan's in there. No. Definitely Hondas were going."
Mazda is another car company from Japan that makes fun-to-drive cars, including sporty models.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its sporty cars and innovative technologies, such as the rotary engine.
Nissan
"...and probably some Nissan's in there. No. Definitely Hondas were going."
Nissan is a car brand from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, including cars and trucks.
Nissan is a Japanese automotive brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to trucks, and is recognized for its innovation and performance.
DeLorean
"The engine that Changebook talks about this because it goes over DeLorean and the GTO."
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for being in the 'Back to the Future' movies.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gullwing doors. It gained iconic status from its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
Delorean DMC-12
"... Changebook talks about this because it goes over DeLorean and the GTO."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique car with doors that open up like wings. It's famous for its cool look and for being in a popular movie about time travel.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became famous for its unique design, including gull-wing doors and stainless steel body. It gained iconic status largely due to its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' films, making it a popular topic in car culture.
Pontiac GTO
"The GTO was a package of the Le Mans. Right?"
The GTO is a classic car made by Pontiac that is known for being powerful and fast. It was one of the first muscle cars in America.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car that was produced by Pontiac from 1964 to 1974. It is often credited with starting the muscle car trend in the United States.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...GM had already gotten in trouble with the Corvair and they were like you can't go putting these big engines in these cars and keep getting us in trouble. Because they were already on blast from the Corvair being and that was the government. Dangerous."
The Chevrolet Corvair was a small car made by Chevrolet in the 1960s. It is known for having safety problems, which were pointed out by a famous consumer advocate named Ralph Nader.
The Chevrolet Corvair was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969. It became infamous for its handling characteristics and safety issues, particularly highlighted by consumer advocate Ralph Nader in his book 'Unsafe at Any Speed.'
Buick Skylark
"...Also related to the Malibu 442 Skylark Grand Sport. 389"
The Buick Skylark is a type of car that was popular in the past, especially known for its stylish design and performance. It was made by the Buick brand, which is part of General Motors.
The Buick Skylark is a nameplate that has been used for various vehicles produced by Buick, particularly known for its mid-size cars in the 1960s and 1970s. It is often associated with classic American muscle cars.
Malibu
"...Also related to the Malibu 442 Skylark Grand Sport. 389"
The Chevrolet Malibu is a car that has been around for many years. It's known for being a comfortable and reliable vehicle that many people use for everyday driving.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that has been in production since 1964. It has undergone several redesigns and is known for its comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency.
Buick Grand Sport
"to the Malibu 442 Skylark Grand Sport. 389 is the V8 and then later"
The Buick Gran Sport is a classic car that was made to be fast and sporty. It's part of the muscle car group and is loved by car collectors.
The Buick Gran Sport is a performance-oriented version of the Buick Skylark, known for its powerful V8 engines and sporty characteristics. It holds a place in automotive history as a classic muscle car and is often discussed among collectors.
Buick Enclave
"I was like, what if, like, instead of a Buick Enclave, you had a Packard Enclave? You know, like, what ..."
The Buick Enclave is a big SUV that has lots of room for families. It's comfortable to drive and is designed to feel nice inside.
The Buick Enclave is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It is often discussed for its family-friendly features and upscale design, making it a popular choice among those seeking a luxury SUV.
Pontiac Firebird
"And then, you know, Pontiac did a firebird because Camaro was coming up hot. So"
The Pontiac Firebird is a powerful car that was popular in the 70s and 80s. It's known for its cool design and speed, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from the late 1960s until the early 2000s. It is known for its performance and distinctive styling, often compared to its rival, the Chevrolet Camaro.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"Yeah, does it... Is it a part of the Monte Carlo? I just remember thinking that it was a cool car."
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a stylish car that was popular for many years. It's known for looking good and being fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a personal luxury coupe that was produced from the 1970s to the 2000s, known for its stylish design and performance variants. It holds a nostalgic place in automotive history and is often discussed for its classic appeal.
Toyota Prius
"successful sort of like how the Prius is but the Prius is like nobody's"
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to help save on fuel. It's known for being very good on gas and is often seen as a smart choice for the environment.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle that has gained popularity for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. Since its introduction in the late 1990s, it has become synonymous with green technology and is often discussed in the context of sustainable transportation.
Ford F150
"that people would be like, yeah, I'll be there. Like F-150 once upon a time. I feel like the 90s you could have done"
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and able to carry heavy loads, which is why so many people like it.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its durability, versatility, and strong performance. It has a long-standing reputation for being a reliable workhorse, making it a popular choice for both personal and commercial use.
Toyota Tacoma
"What's the following now, oddly? Oh, the Tacoma, yeah. Well, it's a great truck. Yeah, but you mi..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that people use for work and adventures. It's known for being reliable and good for driving on rough roads.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck that is well-regarded for its off-road capabilities and reliability. It has a loyal following among truck enthusiasts and is often discussed for its durability and versatility in various driving conditions.
Toyota 4Runner
"Okay, go ahead. I saw a new 4Runner. And I was highly disappointed."
The Toyota 4Runner is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and outdoor adventures. It's popular with people who like to go camping or off-roading.
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV that is celebrated for its ruggedness and off-road prowess. It has a strong reputation for reliability and is often favored by outdoor enthusiasts for its capability in challenging terrains.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...'t into it. I saw a guy in a neighborhood with an ID buzz and I wanted to be like, how is that?"
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses. It's designed to be eco-friendly and is great for families or road trips.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's shift towards sustainable mobility and is often discussed for its retro design and practicality.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"...aturn car. I don't either. I just, is it what the SL one or something? Did they have names or was it j..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that is known for being stylish and fast. It's a car that many people dream of owning because it looks and feels luxurious.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster known for its elegant design and high-performance capabilities. It has a long history of combining comfort with sportiness, making it a popular choice among luxury car enthusiasts.
BMW M3
"or like sx1, b, i, m3, 10 and I can't, I just"
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that is part of the BMW family. It's known for being fun to drive and has a reputation for being a luxury car.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is often discussed for its blend of luxury and performance.
Pontiac Solstice
"...ision. You've certainly got a vision. The Packard Solstice. I'm sorry, the Packard Sunfire."
The Pontiac Solstice is a small sports car that looks really cool and is fun to drive. It was made in the 2000s and is loved by many car fans.
The Pontiac Solstice is a compact sports car that was produced in the mid-2000s, known for its sleek design and engaging driving experience. It has a cult following among enthusiasts and is often discussed for its unique styling and performance.
Pontiac Sunfire
"...ion. The Packard Solstice. I'm sorry, the Packard Sunfire. It's got a ring to it. The Packard J2000."
The Pontiac Sunfire is a small car that was made to be affordable and fun to drive. It's a good choice for people looking for a budget-friendly vehicle.
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car that was produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for its affordability and sporty design. It is often discussed for its value as a budget-friendly option in the compact car market.
Pontiac J2000
"...ckard Sunfire. It's got a ring to it. The Packard J2000. It's got a ring to it. Again,"
The Pontiac J2000 is a small car from the 1980s that was made to be easy on gas and practical for everyday use. It's not as well-known today but was popular in its time.
The Pontiac J2000 is a compact car produced in the 1980s, known for its economical design and practicality. It is often discussed for its role in the compact car market during that era.
Jaguar Xk
"...People talk about them enough, you know, like the Jaguar XK or like the XK."
The Jaguar XK is a fancy sports car that is known for being fast and looking beautiful. It's a car that many people admire for its luxury.
The Jaguar XK is a luxury sports car that combines performance with elegance, known for its powerful engines and stylish design. It has a rich heritage in the automotive world and is often discussed for its blend of luxury and sportiness.
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