{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Ben Norris - EP.162","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ben-norris-ep-162","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/2145436/episodes/18267209-ben-norris-ep-162.mp3","description":"Send us a textIn this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we sit down with Ben Norris, an Alabama native and proud owner of an R33 GT-R we met at GT-R Festival 2025. Ben’s passion for RHD culture runs deep, and his story is a perfect blend of hustle, heart, and horsepower.We talk about his journey into JDM cars, how he managed to get his hands on a Skyline, and what the right-hand-drive lifestyle means to him. From the early days of grinding to finally owning his dream car, Ben brings a refreshing, down-to-earth perspective on the community and the culture behind it.🎙️ A Southern come-up, an R33 dream, and the passion that keeps the RHD world turning.Find us on Facebook groups - RHDGUYS-JDMBOYSSocials - @RHDGUYS Merch - http://RHDGUYS.COMWant a discount on Nissan parts?Use code \"RHDGUYS\" athttps://nizmopartsplug.comNeed An ECU? Visit Haltech!"},"annotations":[{"startTime":24.2,"endTime":32.2,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Skyline GT-R R33","url":"/cars/nissan/skyline","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/1966-1968_Nissan_Prince_Skyline_GT.jpg","quote":"...there wasn't like an insane amount of 33s at the at GTR festival. There was some but like, you know...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:skyline","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It features a powerful turbocharged inline-six engine and is part of the legendary GT-R lineage, which has a strong following among car enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is a fast sports car that many people love. It's known for its powerful engine and cool design, making it popular at car shows and festivals.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":55.8,"endTime":63.5,"type":"term","title":"J-Spec","url":"/glossary/j-spec","quote":"Yeah, for sure unique. Yeah, and so he was at like the J spec booth or something like that","canonicalId":"term:j-spec","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"J-Spec refers to Japanese specification vehicles, which are cars built to meet Japanese regulations and standards. These vehicles often have unique features and specifications that differ from their counterparts in other markets.","simplifiedExplanation":"J-Spec cars are vehicles made for the Japanese market, which can have different rules and features compared to cars made for other countries. They might look or perform differently because of these specific requirements."}},{"startTime":256.5,"endTime":258.6,"type":"car","title":"Honda Prelude","url":"/cars/honda/prelude","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/1982_Honda_Prelude_%2815977118997%29.jpg","quote":"Started off my first car was a Prelude","canonicalId":"car:honda:prelude","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001. It is known for its performance and handling, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that Honda made for many years. It's known for being fun to drive and has a sporty look.","imageAttribution":"Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":258.6,"endTime":267.1,"type":"car","title":"Nissan 240","url":"/cars/nissan/240sx","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/1990_240sx_Quarter_View.JPG","quote":"moved into 240s had nice four or five 240s","canonicalId":"car:nissan:240sx","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan 240 is a series of sports cars that includes models like the 240SX. They are popular in the drifting community due to their rear-wheel-drive layout and tunability.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan 240 is a type of car that many people like for racing and drifting. It's known for being easy to modify and has a sporty feel.","imageAttribution":"The pun stops here (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":258.65,"endTime":266.21,"type":"car","title":"Volvo 240S","url":"/cars/volvo/240","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/1989_Volvo_240_GL_%2857832%29.jpg","quote":"...elude  And you know and then grew into moved into 240s had nice four or five 240s  and then obviously wh...","canonicalId":"car:volvo:240","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volvo 240 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo from 1974 to 1993. Known for its boxy design, durability, and safety features, the 240 became a symbol of reliability and practicality, making it a popular choice among families and enthusiasts alike. Its significance in automotive history lies in its reputation for longevity and the strong community of fans that still appreciate its classic design.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volvo 240 is a sturdy car that was made for many years, and it's known for being very safe and reliable. People often talk about it because it has a unique boxy shape and is loved by those who appreciate older cars that last a long time.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":269.25,"endTime":273.45,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Skylines","url":"/cars/nissan/skyline","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/1966-1968_Nissan_Prince_Skyline_GT.jpg","quote":"when Skylines came legal. I was like, it's gotta be the next best thing.","canonicalId":"car:nissan:skyline","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Skyline is a line of cars that gained fame for their performance, especially the GT-R variants. They are highly sought after by car enthusiasts and were recently legalized for import in the U.S.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Skyline is a popular sports car known for its speed and performance. It became more famous when it was allowed to be sold in the U.S.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":291.7,"endTime":294.1,"type":"term","title":"lifted trucks","url":"/glossary/lifted-trucks","quote":"I've had Jeeps lifted trucks","canonicalId":"term:lifted-trucks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lifted trucks are modified vehicles that have been raised higher off the ground than standard trucks. This modification often improves off-road capability and gives the truck a more aggressive appearance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lifted trucks are trucks that have been made taller than usual. This helps them drive better on rough roads and makes them look tougher."}},{"startTime":418.8,"endTime":424.2,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen R32","url":"/cars/volkswagen/r32","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/2007_Volkswagen_Golf_R32_Blue_HCC22.jpg","quote":"I did this kind of the same thing with my R32. I picked it up in right outside of Philadelphia and then drove it all the way back to Maine, which is about six hours","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:r32","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen R32 is a high-performance version of the Golf, known for its powerful engine and all-wheel drive system. It's popular among enthusiasts for its sporty handling and distinctive sound.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen R32 is a sportier version of the Golf hatchback. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it fun to drive.","imageAttribution":"MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":468.6,"endTime":471.8,"type":"term","title":"stock","url":"/glossary/stock","quote":"So was it all stock when you bought it?","canonicalId":"term:stock","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In automotive terms, 'stock' refers to a vehicle that is in its original factory condition without any modifications or aftermarket parts.","simplifiedExplanation":"'Stock' means that the car is just like it was when it was first made, without any changes or upgrades."}},{"startTime":478.9,"endTime":481.2,"type":"part","title":"Blitz exhaust","url":"/glossary/blitz-exhaust","quote":"So it had a set of work emotions on it. I think they were like xd-9s and a blitz exhaust on it.","canonicalId":"part:blitz-exhaust","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Blitz is a well-known brand that specializes in high-performance exhaust systems for various vehicles, enhancing both sound and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Blitz is a company that makes exhaust systems for cars. These systems can make the car sound better and help it perform better."}},{"startTime":484.8,"endTime":490.4,"type":"part","title":"Rays CR 28","url":"/glossary/rays-cr-28","quote":"Immediately bought a set of different wheels for it because there were 17s got some 18s CR 28 rays.","canonicalId":"part:rays-cr-28","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rays Engineering is a Japanese company known for producing high-quality lightweight wheels. The CR 28 model is designed for performance and aesthetics, often used in motorsports.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rays CR 28 is a type of wheel made by a company called Rays. These wheels are popular because they are lightweight and look good on cars."}},{"startTime":516.6,"endTime":523.6,"type":"part","title":"built head","url":"/glossary/built-head","quote":"...it's got a built head did the single turbo conversion and you know...","canonicalId":"part:built-head","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A built head refers to an engine cylinder head that has been modified or upgraded to improve airflow and performance. This can include larger valves, porting, and other enhancements to optimize engine efficiency and power.","simplifiedExplanation":"A built head is a part of the engine that has been improved to help it run better and faster. It usually has bigger openings for air and fuel to get in, which helps the engine perform well."}},{"startTime":523.6,"endTime":527.2,"type":"term","title":"single turbo conversion","url":"/glossary/single-turbo-conversion","quote":"...did the single turbo conversion and you know...","canonicalId":"term:single-turbo-conversion","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A single turbo conversion involves replacing a naturally aspirated engine or a smaller turbo setup with a single larger turbocharger to increase power and performance. This modification can significantly enhance the vehicle's horsepower and torque output.","simplifiedExplanation":"A single turbo conversion means adding one big turbocharger to an engine to make it more powerful. It helps the engine breathe better and produce more speed."}},{"startTime":700.4,"endTime":702.9,"type":"part","title":"turbo kit","url":"/glossary/turbo-kit","quote":"What turbos on there So the turbo kit the whole kit is a spectrum motorsports out of Canada.","canonicalId":"part:turbo-kit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A turbo kit is a collection of components designed to add a turbocharger to an engine, enhancing its performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in increased power output.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbo kit helps make a car faster by adding a turbocharger, which pushes more air into the engine. This means the engine can burn more fuel and produce more power."}},{"startTime":702.9,"endTime":710.4,"type":"company","title":"Spectrum Motorsports","url":"/glossary/spectrum-motorsports","quote":"the whole kit is a spectrum motorsports out of Canada. Oh cool. It's their in-house Built turbo.","canonicalId":"company:spectrum-motorsports","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Spectrum Motorsports is a company based in Canada that specializes in aftermarket performance parts, including turbo kits and other enhancements for vehicles. They are known for their in-house built components that cater to automotive enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Spectrum Motorsports is a company that makes parts to make cars faster, like turbo kits. They are located in Canada and focus on performance upgrades."}},{"startTime":710.4,"endTime":715.0,"type":"part","title":"SR 61","url":"/glossary/sr-61","quote":"It's their SR 61 So it's 61 mil equivalent ball bearing.","canonicalId":"part:sr-61","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The SR 61 is a specific model of turbocharger produced by Spectrum Motorsports. It features a 61 millimeter compressor wheel, which is designed to improve airflow and boost pressure, enhancing engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The SR 61 is a type of turbocharger made by Spectrum Motorsports. It helps the engine get more air, which makes it more powerful."}},{"startTime":727.9,"endTime":734.3,"type":"term","title":"tuning","url":"/glossary/tuning","quote":"What do you use for tuning? So countersteer out of Canton, Georgia. Yeah He's actually the one Dylan. He's the one to put the engine together for me","canonicalId":"term:tuning","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tuning refers to the process of adjusting the engine management system to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. It often involves modifying the fuel-air mixture, ignition timing, and other parameters to suit specific driving conditions or performance goals.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tuning is like fine-tuning a musical instrument, but for a car's engine. It helps the engine run better and perform well by adjusting how it uses fuel and air."}},{"startTime":734.3,"endTime":738.1,"type":"term","title":"countersteer","url":"/glossary/counter-steer","quote":"So countersteer out of Canton, Georgia. Yeah He's actually the one Dylan. He's the one to put the engine together for me","canonicalId":"term:counter-steer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Countersteering is a driving technique used to maintain control of a vehicle during a skid or when turning at high speeds. It involves turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid to regain traction and control.","simplifiedExplanation":"Countersteering is what you do when your car starts to slide sideways. You turn the wheel the other way to help straighten the car out and keep it from spinning."}},{"startTime":792.6,"endTime":795.9,"type":"car","title":"Nissan GT-R","url":"/cars/nissan/gt-r","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Nissan_GT-R_%2830780%29.jpg","quote":"...I trailer the car to GTR festival...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:gt-r","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful engine. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is popular among car enthusiasts for its performance capabilities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that many people love for racing and driving. It's known for being very powerful and has a lot of cool technology in it.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":922.7,"endTime":922.9,"type":"term","title":"JDM","url":"/glossary/jdm","quote":"Oh, so he's just you know, basically a bunch of JDM cars. Oh, yeah, that's cool","canonicalId":"term:jdm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to vehicles and parts that are produced for the Japanese market. These cars often have unique features and specifications that differ from their international counterparts.","simplifiedExplanation":"JDM means cars made for Japan, which can be different from the same models sold in other countries. They often have special features that you won't find elsewhere."}},{"startTime":928.0,"endTime":928.5,"type":"concept","title":"GTR festival","url":"/glossary/gtr-festival","quote":"So what like what's your overall take on GTR festival like what do you like about it?","canonicalId":"concept:gtr-festival","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The GTR festival is an event that celebrates the Nissan GT-R, a high-performance sports car. It typically features car shows, races, and gatherings of enthusiasts showcasing their modified and stock GT-Rs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The GTR festival is a big event for fans of the Nissan GT-R car. People come together to show off their cars and enjoy activities related to this popular sports car."}},{"startTime":996.0,"endTime":1000.0,"type":"part","title":"coilovers","url":"/glossary/coilovers","quote":"So it's just HKS coils cool. Yeah, and it's got SPL high-cost delete. That's it's really all it is","canonicalId":"part:coilovers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines a coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved handling. They are popular in performance and racing applications.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coilovers are special parts of a car's suspension that help control how the car rides and handles. They can be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits, which can improve performance."}},{"startTime":996.0,"endTime":1000.0,"type":"company","title":"HKS","url":"/glossary/hks","quote":"So it's just HKS coils cool. Yeah, and it's got SPL high-cost delete. That's it's really all it is","canonicalId":"company:hks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"HKS is a well-known aftermarket performance parts manufacturer based in Japan, specializing in tuning and performance upgrades for various car models, particularly in the areas of engine performance and suspension systems.","simplifiedExplanation":"HKS is a company that makes parts to help cars go faster and perform better. They are especially popular among car enthusiasts who like to modify their vehicles."}},{"startTime":996.0,"endTime":1000.0,"type":"company","title":"SPL Parts","url":"/glossary/spl-parts","quote":"So it's just HKS coils cool. Yeah, and it's got SPL high-cost delete. That's it's really all it is","canonicalId":"company:spl-parts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"SPL Parts is a manufacturer that specializes in high-performance suspension components and other aftermarket parts for cars, focusing on improving handling and performance for racing and street applications.","simplifiedExplanation":"SPL Parts is a company that makes special parts for cars to help them handle better and perform well, especially for racing or modified vehicles."}},{"startTime":1026.7,"endTime":1033.5,"type":"concept","title":"parade lap","url":"/glossary/parade-lap","quote":"You can't go full blown because it was like a parade lap I see so we got to do like four laps. Couldn't like go balls to the wall on it, but you still could take the corner...","canonicalId":"concept:parade-lap","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A parade lap is a slow-paced lap around a racetrack, typically used for showcasing cars or allowing drivers to familiarize themselves with the track. It is not a competitive lap and usually involves maintaining a controlled speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"A parade lap is when cars drive slowly around a racetrack, usually to show them off or help drivers learn the track. It's not a race, so everyone goes at a safe speed."}},{"startTime":1051.6,"endTime":1057.8,"type":"term","title":"all-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"I'm sure 600 all-wheel-drive coming out of the corners. It's fun.","canonicalId":"term:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions. It's commonly found in performance cars and SUVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather or when going fast."}},{"startTime":1101.8,"endTime":1104.6,"type":"term","title":"torque converter","url":"/glossary/torque-converter","quote":"...they messed their transmission...They messed the torque converter up in their car and then they had someone from...","canonicalId":"term:torque-converter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. It allows the engine to continue running while the vehicle is stationary and helps to multiply engine torque during acceleration.","simplifiedExplanation":"A torque converter helps your car's engine work with the transmission. It lets the engine keep running even when the car is stopped and helps the car speed up faster when you press the gas pedal."}},{"startTime":1266.2,"endTime":1268.6,"type":"part","title":"suspension","url":"/glossary/suspension","quote":"probably go through and and update suspension stuff","canonicalId":"part:suspension","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The suspension system of a car is crucial for handling and ride comfort. It includes components like springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect the vehicle to its wheels.","simplifiedExplanation":"Suspension is the system that helps a car ride smoothly over bumps and keeps the wheels in contact with the ground."}},{"startTime":1272.9,"endTime":1272.9,"type":"company","title":"Recaro","url":"/glossary/recaro","quote":"I'm depending on between recorros or Brits.","canonicalId":"company:recaro","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Recaro is a well-known company that specializes in high-performance automotive seating, offering seats designed for comfort and support during driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Recaro makes car seats that are designed to be more comfortable and supportive, especially for sports cars."}},{"startTime":1340.2,"endTime":1346.2,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Silvia S15","url":"/cars/nissan/silvia","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/1997_Nissan_Silvia_200SX.jpg","quote":"...the prices on s-15s lately. It seems like they're just like Slowly gradually getting Higher and higher and higher...","canonicalId":"car:nissan:silvia","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Nissan Silvia S15 is a popular sports car known for its performance and tuning potential, particularly among car enthusiasts and drifters.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Nissan Silvia S15 is a sports car that many people love for its speed and ability to be customized. It's popular in car culture, especially for racing and drifting.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1370.5,"endTime":1372.9,"type":"term","title":"tariffs","url":"/glossary/tariffs","quote":"...plus tariffs, man, like I have a white 34...","canonicalId":"term:tariffs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can increase the cost of vehicles and parts coming from other countries, affecting prices for consumers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tariffs are extra fees that the government charges on products brought in from other countries. This can make cars and parts more expensive for buyers."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"RHDGUYS","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/ben-norris-ep-162/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}