Automotive Education Stories - Makenna and Brandon - University Restoration Program Journey
About this episode
Makenna and Brandon share their inspiring journey through the automotive restoration program at Weber State University. They discuss the hands-on experiences that shaped their passion for cars, including rebuilding engines and working with advanced technology. The episode highlights the program's inclusive environment, particularly for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes about their first cars, the challenges they faced, and their aspirations in the automotive industry, making it a compelling exploration of automotive education.
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In this inspiring episode, we shine a light on the next generation of car enthusiasts represented by Makenna (a top student) and Brandon (an instructor) from Weber State University’s renowned automotive tech program. Together, they share uplifting restoration stories from the shop floor – from resurrecting a vintage Mustang GT as a class project to fine-tuning a classic Pontiac GTO’s carburetor that had stumped even seasoned mechanics. PBS NewsHour even featured their work, and now we get the behind-the-scenes look at how these projects double as rolling classrooms. Makenna talks about balancing academic life with greasy hands, and how working on classic cars has given her confidence and a deep appreciation for automotive history. Brandon adds perspective on teaching: instilling not just technical skills but also automotive passion and patience in his students.
Makenna and Brandon's favorite episode is "From Mustang GT Builds to Pontiac GTO Restorations: Weber State Automotive Tech & Education" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16548659-from-mustang-gt-builds-to-pontiac-gto-restorations-weber-state-automotive-tech-education
Listeners will learn how modern educational tools meet old-school cars – think 3D-printing parts for a 60’s muscle car – and the fun “auto adventures” that happen when college kids road-trip to car shows in their freshly restored rides. “Campus of Cars” is equal parts educational and heartwarming, illustrating how the torch of car culture is passed on. It’s a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of car restoration and the young people who will keep our classic car memories alive.
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Delorean DMC-12
"...ill, ill fitting seals on my fuel injectors on my DeLorean, mechanical fuel injection. So I did the jar test..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a cool-looking car with doors that open upwards, like a bird's wings. It's famous because it was in a popular movie, and people love it for its unique style, even though it had some problems when it was made.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became iconic for its unique design and gullwing doors, famously featured in the 'Back to the Future' movies. Produced in the early 1980s, it is known for its stainless steel body and has a cult following, despite its limited production and financial struggles.
fuel injectors
"fuel injectors on my DeLorean, mechanical fuel injection. So I did the jar test where I pulled out each fuel injector..."
Fuel injectors are parts of a car's engine that spray fuel into the engine to help it run. They make sure the fuel mixes well with air for better performance.
Fuel injectors are components in an engine that deliver fuel into the combustion chamber. They atomize the fuel for better mixing with air, which is crucial for efficient combustion.
DeLorean
"fuel injectors on my DeLorean, mechanical fuel injection. So I did the jar test where I pulled out each fuel injector..."
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous for appearing in movies, especially 'Back to the Future'.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless steel body. It gained iconic status from its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
Honda Prologue
"...t moving on today's moonshine. Today's theme, the prologue is going to be back to school. Yes."
The Honda Prologue is a new electric car that Honda is making, designed to be good for the environment. It's meant to be a practical choice for people who want to drive an electric vehicle without giving up space or comfort.
The Honda Prologue is an upcoming electric SUV that represents Honda's commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. Set to launch in the near future, it aims to compete in the growing electric vehicle market with a focus on practicality and efficiency.
battery powered
"...but his initial druthers were battery powered. Yeah, I can't speak for Ford..."
Battery powered means a vehicle runs on electricity stored in batteries instead of using gasoline. These types of cars are becoming more popular today.
Battery powered refers to vehicles that operate using electric energy stored in batteries, as opposed to traditional internal combustion engines that rely on gasoline or diesel. This technology has seen a resurgence in recent years with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs).
electric cars
"...but there were a lot of electric cars around that, I don't know, 1918, 1920s..."
Electric cars are vehicles that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are known for being better for the environment because they produce fewer emissions.
Electric cars are vehicles that are powered entirely or partially by electricity. They use electric motors and batteries instead of traditional gasoline engines, offering benefits like lower emissions and reduced fuel costs.
Chevrolet Camaro
"So my first car was actually a 1979 Z28 Camaro. I know you guys can imagine it. Midnight blue, black."
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a special version of the Camaro that is designed for better performance. The 1979 model is known for its stylish look and powerful engine.
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a performance variant of the Camaro, known for its sporty design and powerful engine options. The 1979 model is part of the second generation of Camaros, which featured a more aggressive styling and improved performance features.
4L60E
"...but I've got a 5-3 LS and a 4L-60E that I'm gonna put in into it."
The 4L60E is an automatic transmission made by GM that helps cars shift gears smoothly. It's often used in many different cars and is known for being strong and reliable.
The 4L60E is a four-speed automatic transmission developed by General Motors. It's known for its durability and is commonly used in a variety of GM vehicles, making it a popular choice for performance builds.
LS engine
"...not most street friendly, but I've got a 5-3 LS and a 4L-60E that I'm gonna put in into it."
The LS engine is a type of V8 engine made by GM that many car enthusiasts love for its power and ability to be used in different types of cars.
The LS engine is a series of V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their performance and versatility. They are commonly used in various applications, including street and show cars, due to their lightweight design and powerful output.
horsepower
"that kind of the emissions and horsepower change. So going from this little small block Chevy,"
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which is crucial for understanding vehicle performance.
Chevrolet small block
"So going from this little small block Chevy, look what emissions we produced,"
The small block is a type of engine made by Chevrolet. It's popular because it's powerful and can be used in many different kinds of vehicles.
The Chevrolet small block is a series of V8 engines produced by Chevrolet, known for their versatility and performance. They are widely used in various applications, from muscle cars to trucks.
LS 5.3
"what can we do with a fairly stock LS 5-3. So it's really cool to be able to show students"
The LS 5.3 is a type of engine made by General Motors. It's known for being strong and is often found in trucks and sporty cars.
The LS 5.3 is a member of the LS family of engines produced by General Motors. It's known for its reliability and performance, often used in trucks and performance vehicles.
4-wheel alignment
"that with the equipment that we here at Weber State, we've got a 4Wheel alignment. We have got the 4Wheel dyno as well"
4-wheel alignment is when a mechanic makes sure all four wheels of a car are pointing in the right direction. This helps the car drive better and makes the tires last longer.
A 4-wheel alignment is a service that adjusts the angles of the wheels to ensure they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. Proper alignment improves vehicle handling, tire wear, and fuel efficiency.
4-wheel dyno
"We have got the 4Wheel dyno as well and also our engine dyno"
A 4-wheel dyno is a machine that tests how powerful a car's engine is while the car is on it. It helps mechanics see how well the engine is working.
A 4-wheel dynamometer (dyno) is a device used to measure the power output of a vehicle's engine while all four wheels are on the ground. It provides accurate performance data for tuning and diagnostics.
engine dyno
"and also our engine dyno"
An engine dyno is a machine that tests how strong an engine is by itself. It helps mechanics understand how to make the engine perform better.
An engine dynamometer (engine dyno) is a device used to measure the power and torque output of an engine independently from the vehicle. It helps in tuning and performance evaluation.
Chevrolet Beretta
"the car that actually drove around all the time while I was just loving the Camaro was a 95 Beretta and Z26."
The Chevrolet Beretta Z26 is a sporty car from the 1990s. It was designed to be faster and more stylish than the regular Beretta.
The Chevrolet Beretta Z26 was a sporty version of the Beretta, known for its performance and style in the mid-1990s. It featured a more powerful engine and sportier design elements compared to the base model.
bumper
"...Just put a bumper hood, fix a radiator or the core support..."
A bumper is the part of a car that helps protect it in case of a crash. It's found at the front and back of the vehicle.
A bumper is a protective component located at the front and rear of a vehicle, designed to absorb impact during collisions and protect the car's body and frame.
radiator
"...fix a radiator or the core support and learned a little bit of those body things..."
A radiator is a part of a car that helps keep the engine cool by removing heat from the engine's coolant.
The radiator is a crucial component of a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine coolant to prevent overheating.
frame rails
"...being able to straighten some frame rails out and just do the body paint..."
Frame rails are metal parts that help support the car's body and keep it strong. They run along the sides of the car.
Frame rails are the structural components of a vehicle's chassis that run along the sides and provide support and rigidity to the vehicle's body.
Chevrolet Corsica
"...his dad renting a Corsica, the four-door version and came out to visit him at college..."
The Chevrolet Corsica is a four-door car that was made by Chevrolet. It was popular in the late 80s and 90s for being affordable and practical for families.
The Chevrolet Corsica was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1987 to 1996. It was known for its practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
turbocharged
"So that one, I turbocharged. Well, I built a turbo kit for it."
Turbocharging is a way to make a car's engine more powerful by forcing more air into it. This helps the engine burn more fuel and produce more power.
Turbocharging is a method of forced induction that uses a turbine-driven forced induction device to increase an engine's efficiency and power output. It allows for more air and fuel to enter the engine, which can significantly boost performance.
turbo kit
"Well, I built a turbo kit for it, but the problem with that 4060 was they were pretty robust..."
A turbo kit is a set of parts you need to add a turbocharger to a car's engine. It helps make the engine more powerful by forcing in more air.
A turbo kit is a collection of parts designed to add a turbocharger to an engine. It typically includes the turbocharger itself, piping, intercoolers, and other components necessary for installation and optimal performance.
boost
"...but once you started putting boost to them, they would blow up..."
Boost is the extra air pressure that a turbocharger adds to an engine. This helps the engine make more power by burning more fuel.
In automotive terms, 'boost' refers to the increase in air pressure provided by a turbocharger or supercharger to an engine. This boost allows the engine to burn more fuel and produce more power than it would normally be able to at atmospheric pressure.
Chevrolet Z26
"Yeah, so the first was a white Z26, one of my sister wrecked, ended up selling it to a friend when I bought the purple one"
The Chevrolet Z26 is a sportier version of the Cavalier, a compact car. It has some upgrades that make it more fun to drive compared to regular models.
The Chevrolet Z26 is a performance variant of the Chevrolet Cavalier, known for its sporty features and enhancements over the standard model.
transmission
"He thought he needed to transmission. And I had a spare transmission laying around..."
The transmission is what helps your car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. It can change gears automatically or manually, depending on the type.
A transmission is a crucial component in a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. It can be automatic or manual, affecting how the vehicle operates and performs.
throttle position sensor
"...found it was just a simple connector on the throttle position sensor that was actually failed and fixed that for basically nothing."
The throttle position sensor is a part that tells the car's computer how much the gas pedal is pressed. This helps the car run smoothly and use fuel efficiently.
The throttle position sensor (TPS) is an electronic component that monitors the position of the throttle in an internal combustion engine. It sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Tesla Model 3
"So just a little rear wheel drive model three"
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric car that is known for being fast and having a long battery range. It's designed to be a more affordable option compared to other Tesla models.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan known for its performance, range, and advanced technology features. It's one of Tesla's most popular models, offering various configurations including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.
rear-wheel drive
"But the rear wheel drive one, I keep that as stock as possible."
Rear-wheel drive means that the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This can help with handling and performance, but it might not be as good in bad weather as other setups.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup can provide better handling and balance, especially in performance vehicles, but may be less effective in slippery conditions compared to all-wheel drive.
battery module
"Just curious, I think I've seen, obviously you could go give Tesla $25,000. For a new module, right?"
A battery module is a part of the battery in electric cars that stores energy. It's made up of smaller parts called cells, and multiple modules work together to power the car.
A battery module is a component of an electric vehicle's battery pack, containing multiple battery cells that work together to store and supply electrical energy. In electric vehicles like Tesla, these modules are crucial for the overall performance and range of the vehicle.
EV backups
"...sell the modules out for EV backups or battery backups for homes. So some of those companies will refurbish the battery..."
EV backups are when you use the battery from an electric car to provide power to your home. This can help keep your lights on if there's a blackout or save money on electricity.
EV backups refer to using electric vehicle batteries as a power source for homes, allowing them to store energy for later use. This can be particularly useful during power outages or for energy management.
Tesla
"...but you can purchase them and in the car that there's just really not a good procedure for a Tesla yet..."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for their advanced technology and have several different models that people can buy.
Tesla is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles known for their innovative technology and performance. They are at the forefront of the EV market and have various models designed for different needs.
Chevrolet Impala
"It was a 09 Impala LTZ and it was a decent car but it was just an auction car."
The Chevrolet Impala LTZ is a version of the Impala that comes with more luxury features. The 2009 model is part of a series that was made from 2006 to 2016.
The Chevrolet Impala LTZ is a trim level of the Impala, known for its added luxury features and comfort. The 2009 model is part of the eighth generation of the Impala, which was produced from 2006 to 2016.
39
"Ended up having to replace the 39 in it and then replaced the 4065 in it as well."
The '39' is a type of engine used in some Impalas. It's designed to give a good mix of power and gas mileage, but it can have some problems if not taken care of.
The '39' refers to the 3.9L V6 engine that was commonly used in the Chevrolet Impala during this generation. This engine is known for its balance of power and fuel efficiency, but it can have issues related to oil consumption and timing chain wear.
4065
"...and then replaced the 4065 in it as well."
The '4065' is a type of automatic transmission found in some Impalas. It's designed to shift gears smoothly, but it can have issues if it isn't taken care of.
The '4065' refers to the 4T65-E automatic transmission, which was commonly used in the Chevrolet Impala. This transmission is known for its smooth shifting but can develop problems such as slipping or failure if not maintained properly.
Ford Explorer
"...let's talk about how it all started. Was there an explorer to go exploring with in your past? Yes."
The Ford Explorer is a big family car that can carry a lot of people and their stuff. It's been around for a long time and is known for being comfortable and useful for road trips or daily driving.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a popular choice for families since its introduction in 1990. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, the Explorer has evolved through several generations, incorporating advanced technology and safety features, making it a significant player in the SUV market.
Acura Mdx
"until we started this podcast and I drive an Acura MDX. And so in honor of all you wonderful people"
The Acura MDX is a fancy family SUV that has a lot of room inside and feels nice to drive. It's designed to be safe and comfortable for families, which is why many people like it.
The Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced technology features. Since its debut in 2000, it has garnered praise for its reliability and family-friendly design, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.
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