1985 Mazda RX-7 & Hudson Hornet: Zack Pradel on 1,700+ Car Reviews 🏎️🎥
About this episode
Zach Pradel, creator of the Shooting Cars YouTube channel, shares his journey from owning and rebuilding multiple Mazda RX-7s to reviewing over 1,700 cars. He discusses his passion for automotive history, including deep dives into classics like the Hudson Hornet and unique features like pop-up headlights. Zach also talks about his creative process, balancing reviews with video essays, and his dream cars such as the Nissan Skyline GTR and air-cooled Porsches. The conversation highlights his storytelling skills, love for rotary engines, and connection to family car history.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
1985 Mazda RX-7 restoration and Hudson Hornet history with Zack Pradel. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of the Shooting Cars YouTube channel to discuss the logistics of filming over 1,700 car reviews and the "soul" of the machines that made us.
Zack shares his personal automotive journey, from blowing up his first 12A rotary engine as a teenager to his family’s heirloom 1931 Ford Model A. We dive into the driving dynamics of the Hudson Hornet, why the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R is the ultimate dream car, and the fascinating history behind abandoned Saturn dealerships and pop-up headlights.
In this episode, we cover:
- 🏎️ The Rotary Obsession: Zack’s history with the Mazda RX-7 FB and FC, including engine swaps and rust-bucket rescues.
- 🎥 The Art of the Review: How he built a catalog of 1,700+ automotive videos by reviewing everything from grandma’s car to the Chevy Traverse.
- ⏱️ Automotive History: Video essays on 55-mph speedometers, the GM EV1, and the customer-first culture of Saturn.
- 🇯🇵 JDM Legends: Why the Nissan Skyline GT-R is "sheer terror" and the joy of the 1993 Mazda Miata.
- 🍦 Family Heirlooms: The heartwarming story of his grandfather’s 1931 Model A and the "Dairy Queen breakdown" dad joke
Connect with our guest:
🌐 Website: https://zackpradel.com
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ShootingCars
Connect with us:
📧 Email: [email protected]
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Mazda Rx7
"Another RX7 shirt in honor of our guest. Um, I've only owned one. He's owned a couple, and uh, I have one other RX7 shirt, man, it just brings me back to my 1986 Maroon Red RX 7 with a red interior."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car famous for using a special type of engine called a rotary engine. The 1986 version is an older model that many car fans like because it drives well and looks cool.
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car produced by Mazda known for its rotary engine and lightweight design. The 1986 model is part of the first generation, celebrated for its handling and unique powertrain.
DeLorean
"Let's have Zach view my DeLorean. ... So, how soon is this DeLorean drive gonna happen?"
The DeLorean is a special car known for its unique doors that open upwards and its shiny metal body. It became very popular because it was used as a time machine in a famous movie.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is an iconic sports car produced by the DeLorean Motor Company in the early 1980s, famous for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless steel body. It gained pop culture fame as the time machine in the Back to the Future movies.
transmission rebuilt
"I'm having the transmission rebuilt just for you. That I think that'd be fantastic."
The transmission is a part of the car that helps it change gears. Rebuilding it means fixing or replacing parts inside so it works well again.
A transmission rebuild involves disassembling, inspecting, and replacing worn or damaged parts inside a vehicle's transmission to restore its proper function. This process can extend the life of the transmission and improve shifting performance.
12A
"I immediately blew up the engine, immediately blew up this 12A."
The 12A is a type of engine that Mazda used in some RX-7 cars. It spins very fast but needs special care to keep it running well.
The 12A is a specific model of Mazda's rotary engine used in early RX-7s. It is a two-rotor engine known for its high-revving nature but requires careful maintenance to avoid failures.
fuel injected
"So it was fuel injected, made you know, 50% more horsepower, all this stuff."
Fuel injection is a way the car puts fuel into the engine to make it run better and stronger compared to older methods.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel directly into the engine's combustion chambers or intake manifold, improving efficiency and power compared to carbureted systems.
Chevrolet Traverse Z71
"I have a 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 at the house. Brand new three-row SUV with like the off-road tires and whatnot. Chevy sent it to me for the last week to drive around and get my thoughts in that on this SUV, right?"
The Chevrolet Traverse Z71 is a big SUV from Chevrolet that can seat many people and has special tires and parts to help it drive better off-road. It's a newer car from 2025.
The Chevrolet Traverse Z71 is a 2025 model year three-row SUV known for its off-road oriented Z71 trim, which includes features like off-road tires and suspension upgrades. It is a modern family SUV with capabilities for light off-roading.
Ford Model A
"I mean, even my 1931 Ford Model A, it's a covered wagon. I mean, it's really a covered wagon with a motor up at the front."
The Ford Model A from 1931 is an old car that was one of the first cars many people owned. It looks simple and is kind of like a wagon with an engine.
The 1931 Ford Model A is an early American automobile that succeeded the Model T. It is often described as a 'covered wagon with a motor' due to its simple and utilitarian design compared to modern cars.
YouTube rabbit holes
"I get to really, I get to do the legwork that, you know, I think a lot of people go down these like YouTube rabbit holes, you know, and like um do a bunch of research on a topic. I do that too."
A YouTube rabbit hole is when you start watching one video and then keep watching more and more videos about the same topic, learning a lot without planning to at first.
"YouTube rabbit holes" refers to the experience of watching one video after another on YouTube, often leading to extensive research or learning about a topic. This concept highlights how people can dive deeply into subjects through online video content.
rotary engine
"Should we should we step into the the rotary engine time machine and and see where it takes us? Yeah, let's um let's take the rotary, let's take the uh second exit off the rotary, the rotary died back to the rotor."
A rotary engine is a type of car engine that uses a spinning part instead of the usual up-and-down moving parts. It makes the engine smaller and lighter, but it needs special care to keep it running well.
A rotary engine, also known as a Wankel engine, is an internal combustion engine that uses a rotating triangular rotor instead of pistons. It is known for being compact, lightweight, and capable of high-revving performance, but it requires specific maintenance and can have different reliability characteristics compared to conventional engines.
fuel injection
"That was a 1987, fuel injected 13B, so 1.3 liter as opposed to this was a 1.1."
Fuel injection is a way a car gets gas into its engine. It helps the car run better and use fuel more efficiently than older methods.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel directly into the engine's combustion chambers or intake manifold, improving efficiency and performance compared to older carburetor systems.
13B engine
"That was a 1987, fuel injected 13B, so 1.3 liter as opposed to this was a 1.1."
The 13B engine is a special kind of engine used in some Mazda RX-7 cars. Instead of pistons, it uses spinning parts called rotors, which makes it different and fun to drive.
The 13B is a 1.3-liter two-rotor rotary engine produced by Mazda, famous for its high-revving nature and compact size. It was used in various RX-7 models and is a key part of the car's performance character.
engine swap
"The swap was actually relatively simple. It would just, it took me a year because I didn't know anything about cars or like mechanical."
An engine swap means taking out the car's old engine and putting in a new or different one. People do this to make the car faster or better.
An engine swap is the process of removing a car's original engine and replacing it with a different one, often to improve performance or reliability.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
"Had the um going back to your RX 7 with the engine swap, had something happened to the RX 7 that prompted you to get the Miata, or it was just fortuitous timing?"
The Mazda Miata is a small, sporty convertible car that's easy and fun to drive. Many people like it because it's light and handles well.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster known for its excellent handling and fun driving experience. It is often used as a practical sports car alternative.
solid rear axle
"So I get home, put it in the garage, you know, get the the uh the jack underneath the pumpkin, they would call it, because those were solid rear axle cars. Yes, they were where the the second gen moved to independent."
A solid rear axle means the two back wheels are connected by one solid piece. This makes the car strong but can make the ride less smooth.
A solid rear axle is a type of rear suspension where both rear wheels are connected by a single solid beam. This design is durable but can compromise ride comfort and handling compared to independent suspension.
independent rear suspension
"Yes, they were where the the second gen moved to independent. Yep."
Independent rear suspension means each back wheel can move on its own, which helps the car drive more smoothly and handle better.
Independent rear suspension allows each rear wheel to move independently, improving ride quality and handling compared to a solid axle.
trailing arms
"Um lifted it up, and the the two, I I think they're called trailing arms, but like the stabilizer, yeah, yeah. The trailing arms had completely disconnected from the car due to rust."
Trailing arms are parts that help keep the back wheels steady and connected to the car's body. They help the car drive smoothly and safely.
Trailing arms are suspension components that connect the rear axle to the chassis, helping control wheel movement and maintain alignment. They are crucial for vehicle stability and handling.
Road America
"I drove that car on Road America, the racetrack. Um, and I'm very fortunate in hindsight that nothing happened."
Road America is a well-known race track in Wisconsin where people race cars and have driving events.
Road America is a famous motorsport road course located in Wisconsin, known for hosting various racing events including sports car and open-wheel racing. It is a challenging track favored by driving enthusiasts.
disc brakes
"I bought it because it was a GSL, which means sunroof, disc brakes, and six speakers instead of four."
Disc brakes are parts of the car that help it stop by pressing pads against a round metal disc. They work better than some other types of brakes.
Disc brakes are a type of braking system that uses calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc or rotor to create friction and slow the vehicle. They generally provide better stopping power and heat dissipation than drum brakes.
GSL
"I bought it because it was a GSL, which means sunroof, disc brakes, and six speakers instead of four."
GSL is a name for a nicer version of the Mazda RX-7 that has extra features like a sunroof and better brakes.
GSL is a trim level designation for the Mazda RX-7 that includes features like a sunroof, disc brakes, and six speakers instead of four. It indicates a higher-spec version of the car.
drum brakes
"It shows up on the truck. I look at it, it has drum brakes, no sunroof, and four speakers."
Drum brakes are parts of the car that help it stop by pressing pads inside a round drum. They are not as strong as disc brakes.
Drum brakes are an older type of braking system where brake shoes press outward against a spinning drum to slow the vehicle. They are generally less effective at heat dissipation compared to disc brakes.
power steering
"No power steering, no sunroof manual windows. The power steering was the tough one. Yeah, yeah, because the FC was a lot bigger of a car, too."
Power steering is a feature in cars that makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. Without it, you have to use more strength to steer the car, especially when moving slowly.
Power steering is a system that helps drivers turn the steering wheel more easily by using hydraulic or electric assistance. Cars without power steering require more physical effort to steer, especially at low speeds.
steering rack
"So a lot of people will put the second gen steering racks into it."
A steering rack is a newer part in cars that helps you turn the wheels more easily and accurately when you turn the steering wheel.
A steering rack is a modern steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into linear motion to turn the wheels. It provides more precise steering feel and is lighter than a steering box.
steering box
"Yeah, it was because I I didn't have power steering in any of my first gens, which also it has a steering box, not a steering rack for the first gen. So a lot of people will put the second gen steering racks into it."
A steering box is a part in older cars that helps turn the wheels when you turn the steering wheel. It works but is not as smooth or easy as newer parts.
A steering box is a mechanical component used in older vehicles to convert the rotational movement of the steering wheel into the lateral movement needed to turn the wheels. It is generally less precise and heavier than modern steering racks.
rotary-powered truck
"And Mazda actually sold a rotary-powered truck in the US too. Yeah, no, I've seen them."
A rotary-powered truck is a truck that uses a special kind of engine called a rotary engine, which spins instead of using pistons like most engines. Mazda made some trucks with this kind of engine in the US.
A rotary-powered truck refers to a vehicle powered by a rotary engine, also known as a Wankel engine, which uses a rotary design instead of traditional pistons. Mazda is famous for using rotary engines in some of its cars and even in a truck variant sold in the US.
Ford Courier
"Yeah, and they also they shared a lot of parts with the Ford Courier at the time. So every once in a while I'll see like a Ford Courier at a show, and I'll go, is that no, it's it's not a record."
The Ford Courier is a small pickup truck made by Ford. It shares many parts with similar trucks and was used for light hauling and everyday work.
The Ford Courier was a compact pickup truck sold by Ford in the US, often sharing parts with other small trucks like the Mazda B-Series. It was popular for its small size and utility.
motor swap
"Yeah, that takes the cake, but because I had taken the transmission out during the motor swap. I dropped it because it was just me alone in my garage with no power tools or anything."
A motor swap means taking out the engine from a car and putting in a different one. People do this to fix problems or make the car faster or better.
A motor swap is the process of removing an engine from a vehicle and replacing it with another, either for repair, upgrade, or performance reasons. It often involves significant mechanical work.
55 miles per hour speed limit
"It was a fleet vehicle you know that sort of thing and it had 55 miles an hour highlighted on a dash and I was like okay this is like the 15th car that I've driven that says this like why the heck do like just in this era they highlight 55 miles an hour. Why was that so special?"
Back in the 1970s and 80s, the government made a rule that cars shouldn't go faster than 55 miles per hour to save gas and be safer. So, many cars showed 55 mph clearly on their speedometers to remind drivers.
The 55 miles per hour speed limit was a federally mandated maximum speed limit in the United States from 1974 to 1995, intended to improve fuel efficiency and safety. Many cars from that era highlighted 55 mph on their speedometers as a reminder to drivers.
power seat belts
"I had done so many cars with pop-up headlights I had done so many cars with the power seat belts which I think is my most viewed video ever."
Power seat belts are seat belts that move by themselves using motors to help you buckle up easily and safely.
Power seat belts are seat belts that automatically extend or retract using electric motors, designed to improve ease of use and safety. They were a feature in some cars during the 1980s and 1990s.
pop-up headlights
"I had done so many cars with pop-up headlights I had done so many cars with the power seat belts which I think is my most viewed video ever."
Pop-up headlights are car lights that hide inside the car's front and pop up when you turn them on. They were common on sports cars a long time ago.
Pop-up headlights are a type of automotive headlight design where the lights are hidden within the bodywork and mechanically raised when needed. They were popular in sports and performance cars mainly from the 1960s through the 1990s.
Saturn
"of merchandise from back in the day they had Kellogg's boxes with a Saturn on the front they had windbreakers they had Hot Wheels they had brochures they had you know blankets that were all Saturn branded and so again that sort of scratched this itch of like why are so many why do so many people love saturns and I've driven I think I've driven 20 saturns I think at this point. So different yeah and they were so different the way you did business the way you were handled at the dealership the cars themselves everything about my sister owned a Saturn."
Saturn was a car brand made by General Motors that started in the 1980s. It was special because it treated customers differently and made smaller cars.
Saturn was a brand of automobiles created by General Motors in 1985 to compete with Japanese imports. Known for its unique dealer experience and customer focus, Saturn produced compact and mid-size cars until the brand was discontinued in 2010.
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