133. The Pile Up EP21: The Beast of Science
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds around the restoration of a 1988 Chevrolet, filled with humorous anecdotes about wrenching and the challenges of working on vintage engines. The hosts share their experiences with engine swaps, the quirks of their vehicles, and the camaraderie found in the van community. The episode also features an intriguing segment on a unique hot rod powered by a WWII Spitfire engine, detailing its history and the eccentricities of its creator. The conversation takes a poignant turn as they address the tragic murder of a young woman in the welding industry, highlighting the challenges women face in trades.
Emily talks about a a 27-liter 1,650 cubic inches, V12 Spitfire powered hotrod called The Beast, Rose gets sciencey.
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!
4.3
"...it's already 40 over the that was the engine that was in my 67 before..."
The 4.3 is a type of engine that is 4.3 liters in size. It's a V6 engine, meaning it has six cylinders arranged in a V shape, which helps it produce a good amount of power while still being efficient.
The 4.3 refers to a 4.3-liter V6 engine, commonly used in various vehicles, known for its balance of power and efficiency. It's often found in trucks and SUVs, providing a good mix of torque and horsepower for everyday driving.
horsepower
"...they make about 200 horse and the 88 makes 160 better be zippier..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a vehicle go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally translating to better performance.
camshaft
"...it's got better heads and more lift on the camshaft and I put the throttle body intake on it..."
The camshaft is a part of the engine that helps control when the valves open and close. This is important for how well the engine runs and how much power it can produce.
The camshaft is a crucial engine component that controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It plays a significant role in determining the engine's performance characteristics, including power output and efficiency.
throttle body
"the throttle body is from a 5.7 so 350 oh so more air and fuel and it needs it"
The throttle body is a part of the engine that controls how much air goes in. It helps the engine run better by adjusting the air flow when you press the gas pedal.
The throttle body is a crucial component in an engine's air intake system, controlling the amount of air that enters the engine. It plays a significant role in the engine's performance and efficiency by regulating airflow based on the driver's accelerator pedal input.
OBD I
"...OBD one OBD one you're my only hope OBD one I had the pleasure of taking off some of the exhaust manifold bolts..."
OBD I is an early version of a system that helps cars check their own performance and emissions. It’s mostly found in older cars and gives basic information about how the car is running.
OBD I stands for On-Board Diagnostics generation one, a system used in vehicles to monitor and report on various vehicle functions and emissions. It provides basic diagnostic information and is primarily used in older vehicles, before the more advanced OBD II system became standard.
exhaust manifold
"...of taking off some of the exhaust manifold bolts and one of them there was one that really took me a long time..."
The exhaust manifold is a part of the car that collects gases from the engine and sends them out through the exhaust. It helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently.
The exhaust manifold is a component that collects exhaust gases from the engine's cylinders and directs them to the exhaust system. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
ratchet
"...I had an ideal setup I had a long handle snap on quarter drive ratchet and a 916 snap on quarter drive socket..."
A ratchet is a tool that helps you turn bolts and nuts without having to take it off each time. It makes it easier to work on cars, especially in tight spots.
A ratchet is a tool used to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts. It allows for continuous motion in one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction, making it easier to work in tight spaces.
accessory drive
"I was on the front side getting the accessory drive off it was cool it's just messy and the it had dealer add-on air..."
The accessory drive is a part of the engine that helps run things like the air conditioning and the alternator. It makes sure these parts work properly.
The accessory drive is a system that powers various components of an engine, such as the alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. It's crucial for the proper functioning of these accessories.
serpentine belt
"...it had dealer add-on air so it's a four-rib serpentine system with a v-belt for the sand and air compressor..."
A serpentine belt is a long belt that connects different parts of the engine to help them work together. It makes it easier to run things like the air conditioning and the alternator.
A serpentine belt is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an engine, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. It's known for its efficiency and simplicity.
v-belt
"...for the sand and air compressor which we would put those on the street rods and they're good to mount..."
A v-belt is a type of belt shaped like a 'V' that helps connect different parts of the engine. It helps power things like the air conditioning.
A v-belt is a type of belt used in engines to drive various components. It has a trapezoidal cross-section that fits into matching grooves on pulleys, allowing for efficient power transfer.
air compressor
"...because the smog pump used to be there and the air compressor you know and you're taking both those out right..."
An air compressor is a device that pushes air into a system. In cars, it can be used for things like the air conditioning to help cool the inside of the car.
An air compressor in a vehicle is typically used to supply compressed air for various systems, such as the air conditioning system or pneumatic tools. It helps in providing the necessary pressure for these functions.
smog pump
"...because the smog pump used to be there and the air compressor you know and you're taking both those out right..."
A smog pump is a part of a car's system that helps clean up the exhaust gases to make them less harmful to the environment. It adds air to the exhaust to help burn off more pollutants.
A smog pump is an emissions control device that helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions by injecting air into the exhaust system. This process helps burn off excess hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide before they exit the tailpipe.
pulley
"...I think I'm gonna put a pulley where the smog pump was why don't go back and just change the belt back to that way..."
A pulley is a round wheel that helps move belts in a car's engine. It can help turn other parts of the engine, like the alternator or water pump, to keep everything working smoothly.
A pulley is a wheel on an axle or shaft designed to support movement and change of direction of a cable or belt. In automotive applications, pulleys are used to drive various engine components, such as the alternator or water pump.
four-rib belts
"...I think that the belt became really hard to find I mean the four-rib belts are hard to get..."
Four-rib belts are a type of belt used in cars that have four grooves on the inside. These grooves help the belt stay in place and work better with the engine parts it connects to.
Four-rib belts refer to a specific type of serpentine belt that has four grooves or ribs on its inner surface. These ribs help the belt grip the pulleys more effectively, providing better traction and reducing slippage.
Delorean DMC-12
"...but did just listen to the DeLorean one and enjoyed it a lot we'll"
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny body and doors that open upwards like wings. It's famous from the movies where it travels through time.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famous for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless steel body. It gained iconic status due to its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
Hyundai Accent
"...e are just like you know just our heavy Kentucky accent yeah where did you go I don't know but it affect..."
The Hyundai Accent is a small, budget-friendly car that is great for getting around town. It's known for being easy to drive and saving money on gas, making it a good choice for many people.
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact car that offers a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has been a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those looking for a reliable daily driver.
Chevrolet Corvair
"...I think that the year that John Jackson gave me a ride in his Corvair to the van oh you know what I think I got stuck in the bleachers at some point there was a"
The Chevrolet Corvair is a small car made by Chevrolet in the 1960s. It had a different engine setup than most cars, which made it special and unique.
The Chevrolet Corvair was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1969. It is known for its unique design, including a rear-engine layout and air-cooled engine, which set it apart from other American cars of its time.
burnout
"...the trading card for Spencer's van is a huge burnout that he did at Midwest on the the county road that runs along the event..."
A burnout is when a car's tires spin while the car is not moving, making a lot of smoke. People do this to show off the power of their car, and it's common at car events.
A burnout is a driving maneuver where the driver spins the wheels of a vehicle while the vehicle is stationary, causing the tires to heat up and produce smoke. It's often done for show or to demonstrate power and can be a popular event at car shows and races.
350
"and had a rebuilt 350 and the five speed behind it and I don't know it"
The 350 is a type of engine made by Chevrolet that is known for being powerful and used in many cars, especially performance ones.
The 350 refers to the Chevrolet 350 engine, a popular small-block V8 engine known for its performance and versatility in various vehicles. It's commonly used in muscle cars and hot rods.
383
"on his 383 but maybe Taz judged it maybe it was Taz's thing hmm I thought you wanted but"
The 383 is a type of engine that is bigger than the standard ones and gives a lot more power. It's often used in modified cars to make them faster.
The 383 refers to a 383 cubic inch engine, which is often a stroked version of the small-block Chevrolet engine. It's known for providing a significant power boost and is popular in custom builds and hot rods.
373 rear gears
"...I have to drive 55 it's all because I had 373 rear gears and the..."
373 rear gears are a way to describe how the car's wheels turn in relation to the engine. A lower number means better fuel economy, while a higher number usually means faster acceleration.
373 rear gears refer to the gear ratio of the differential in a vehicle. A 3.73:1 ratio means that for every 3.73 rotations of the driveshaft, the wheels make one complete rotation. This ratio affects acceleration and fuel efficiency.
unibody
"...mine's unibody oh so it means that they put a separate chassis under the unibody structure oh okay all right I didn't realize that the I didn't realize they..."
Unibody means the car's body is made in one piece with the frame. This makes the car lighter and stronger, which is why many cars today are built this way.
A unibody construction means that the car's body and frame are integrated into a single piece, providing strength and reducing weight. This design is common in modern vehicles as it enhances safety and efficiency.
Ford Ranger
"...n't realize they were unibodies I think it was a ranger chassis yeah yeah it doesn't have a chassis it's..."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that you can use for work or just driving around. It's known for being tough and good on gas, making it a favorite for people who need a reliable vehicle.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. It has been a popular choice for both work and recreational use, often praised for its off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency.
V12
"...what we're gonna talk about is a 27 liter that's 1650 cubic inches v12 spitfire..."
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and smooth, often found in luxury and sports cars.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. This design allows for smoother operation and more power compared to smaller engines, making it popular in high-performance and luxury vehicles.
Rolls-Royce Merlin engine
"...it's powered by a Rolls-Royce 27 liter v12 Merlin engine..."
The Rolls-Royce Merlin is a powerful engine used in planes during World War II. It's well-known for helping planes like the Spitfire fly fast and perform well.
The Rolls-Royce Merlin is a famous V12 aircraft engine used in many World War II fighter planes, including the Spitfire. It is known for its reliability and power, contributing significantly to the performance of these aircraft.
supercharger
"...that's the significance of having a supercharger is that it can take thinner air continue compressing it and that allows it to fly at a higher altitude..."
A supercharger is a part that helps an engine get more air, which means it can make more power. It's especially helpful when flying high up where the air is less thick.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This is particularly useful at higher altitudes where the air is thinner, as it helps maintain engine performance.
Allison transmission
"...I'm assuming it probably an Allison world transmission I don't know but do you think something that was just built for a car could withstand..."
An Allison transmission is a type of automatic transmission used in big vehicles like buses and trucks. It's built to be very strong and can handle heavy weights.
Allison transmissions are known for their durability and are commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles like buses, trucks, and fire engines. They are often automatic and designed to handle high torque and heavy loads.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...f it and it looked like the back of like late 60s Camaro just it had that little like duck tail on it sor..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many people who enjoy driving powerful vehicles.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since the late 1960s. It is celebrated for its powerful performance, distinctive styling, and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"...asically had like the shotgun they called it the Monte Carlo approach I guess the what their Monte Carlo meth..."
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a car that was made for many years and is known for being stylish and fun to drive. It was popular because it combined a comfortable ride with a sporty feel.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a mid-size car that was produced from the 1970s to the 2000s, known for its stylish design and performance-oriented variants. It gained popularity for its blend of comfort and sportiness, especially in the racing community.
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