Detune It or Send It Featuring Brian Elich!
About this episode
Brian Elich returns to the show to discuss his rapid rotation of vehicles, including his search-and-rescue Mitsubishi Montero. The crew shares highlights from the Pacific Northwest Overland Rally, teasing an upcoming guest who drove a Jeep across the Darien Gap in the 1980s. They also dive into the logistics of extended-range fuel tanks, the customer service experience of high-end overland vans, and the market for naturally aspirated V10 engines like the Audi R8. Finally, they offer crucial advice on whether to strip aftermarket parts before trading in a modified car.
Our good friend Brian Elich is back on the show, and we’re catching up the only way we know how—talking cars and bad financial decisions. This time around we get into trade-ins, specifically whether it actually makes sense to de-tune your car before handing over the keys. The answer? It depends… and probably not how you’d hope.
Brian’s been busy since the last time he was on, so we run through his latest additions (none of them boring, obviously), and then jump into what’s happening in the market right now. We talk about the slow death of the V10—and why it’s probably not coming back—plus Corvette casually smashing the Pikes Peak production record with the ZR1X.
We also get into the totally-not-controversial Nitro Circus America situation, relive some of the worst mods we’ve ever done, and talk about how we somehow ended up loving cars we don’t even want to touch anymore.
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Moab
"He washed his truck for the first time since Moab. Like what a year? It's been a year, just over. Yeah, you don't want to get rid of that red dust."
Moab is a city in Utah surrounded by beautiful red rocks. It is famous because people from all over the world bring their trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs there to drive over steep, rocky trails for fun.
Moab, Utah, is a world-renowned destination for off-roading, famous for its challenging red rock sandstone trails like Hell's Gate and Fins and Things. It serves as a ultimate testing ground for 4x4 vehicles, SUVs, and adventure vans.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
"In case money's not an object, we went and put an extended range tank in the Sprinter van, so that's twice as expensive to fill now."
The Sprinter is a large, tall van made by Mercedes-Benz. Many people buy them to convert into custom mobile homes or camping vans because they are spacious and can handle rough roads.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a highly versatile full-size van powered by a range of turbocharged diesel engines. It has become the gold standard platform for custom camper conversions, overlanding builds, and commercial fleet use due to its robust chassis and available four-wheel-drive systems.
extended range tank
"In case money's not an object, we went and put an extended range tank in the Sprinter van, so that's twice as expensive to fill now."
This is a larger gas tank installed on a vehicle so it can hold more fuel. It allows you to drive much further between gas station stops, which is great for road trips or remote camping.
An extended range fuel tank is an aftermarket or factory-upgraded fuel reservoir designed to replace or supplement the stock tank. It significantly increases a vehicle's driving range, which is highly valued in overlanding and long-distance towing.
Ford Bronco Raptor
"They make a 30-something gallon for the Bronco Raptor right now and it actually doesn't drop the tank any lower..."
This is an extreme, high-performance version of the Ford Bronco. It is built to drive incredibly fast over rough desert terrain and sand dunes, featuring giant tires and a very powerful engine.
The Ford Bronco Raptor is an ultra-high-performance off-road SUV powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Inspired by Ultra4 desert racing, it features a heavily reinforced fully boxed frame, massive 37-inch tires, and Fox Live Valve semi-active dampers.
F-150 Raptor
"...h, they make a 30 Something gallon for the Bronco Raptor right now and it actually doesn't drop the tank a..."
The F-150 is a large, highly popular pickup truck made by Ford. It is used by millions of people for everything from heavy construction work and towing trailers to everyday family driving.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has reigned as America's best-selling vehicle for decades. It is highly versatile, offering a massive range of configurations from basic work trucks to luxury cruisers and high-performance off-road variants like the Raptor. It is often discussed in the context of towing capacity, utility, and aftermarket upgrades like extended-range fuel tanks.
Mitsubishi Montero
"That search-and-rescue Montero is so cool. I love it. I can't believe I bought it and I still love it."
The Montero is an older, boxy SUV made by Mitsubishi. It is highly respected by off-road fans because it is built like a tank and can climb over very rough obstacles without breaking down.
The Mitsubishi Montero (known globally as the Pajero) is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV famous for its legendary Dakar Rally pedigree. It features a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential, making it a highly capable and reliable choice for budget-conscious overlanders.
Ford Maverick
"...eah, exactly originally bought both Thinking that Maverick would want it and then you know Maverick decided ..."
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck made by Ford. It is designed to be much smaller, more affordable, and better on gas than traditional giant trucks, making it easy to park and drive in cities while still having a useful truck bed.
The Ford Maverick is a highly popular compact unibody pickup truck that revived the small truck segment upon its debut for the 2022 model year. Sharing its platform with the Escape and Bronco Sport, it offers a standard hybrid powertrain, excellent fuel economy, and highly clever cargo solutions. It is frequently discussed as a practical, easy-to-drive alternative to traditional mid-size and full-size trucks.
Darien Gap
"There are no roads. Yeah, Darien Gap. Yeah, it's the only, it's the first car to ever cross the Darien Gap. Wow. Oh, yeah, I did not know that was possible."
The Darién Gap is a thick, dangerous jungle between Central and South America where there are absolutely no roads. Crossing it in a car is nearly impossible and requires hacking through swamps and rivers.
The Darién Gap is a notorious, roadless swath of dense jungle and swampland connecting Panama in Central America to Colombia in South America. Spanning roughly 60 miles, it is one of the most inhospitable and dangerous geographic barriers on Earth, making vehicular crossings legendary feats.
Jeep Wrangler
"Last year, the AEV took a brand new 2023 Wrangler and kitted it out and made it look like her old Jeep..."
The Wrangler is the classic, boxy Jeep that lets you take the doors and roof off. It is built specifically for crawling over rocks and driving through deep mud.
The Jeep Wrangler is a legendary body-on-frame 4x4 vehicle defined by its solid front and rear axles and removable doors and roof. The 2023 model year represents the refined 'JL' generation, offering modern turbocharged and plug-in hybrid powertrains while retaining class-leading off-road articulation.
Audi R8
"I think last week I was talking about he's been looking at R8s because the V10 market, everybody wants the V10s by the way."
The R8 is a low-slung, incredibly fast sports car made by Audi. It has its engine in the middle of the car (behind the seats) and is famous for its loud, high-pitched engine sound.
The Audi R8 is a mid-engine supercar famous for sharing its platform and screaming naturally aspirated V10 engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán. It represents Audi's flagship performance halo, combining everyday usability with exotic car performance.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...n r8. Okay. No, no, he's looking at replacing the Corvette something. Yeah Yeah, we need to have a meeting. ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous two-seat sports car built for speed and handling. In its latest version, the engine is located in the middle of the car behind the seats, which helps it grip the road better and look like an expensive European supercar.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car that underwent a historic transformation for its eighth generation (C8) by moving to a mid-engine layout. This design change places the engine behind the driver to optimize weight distribution and handling, allowing it to compete directly with exotic European supercars. It is highly discussed for offering world-class performance and supercar styling at a fraction of the price of its competitors.
Dodge Viper
"You've got the Viper. You got the R8. There's no production V10s right now."
The Viper is a famous American sports car with a giant, loud 10-cylinder engine. Older versions didn't have modern safety electronics, making them very wild and difficult to drive fast.
The Dodge Viper is an iconic American sports car legendary for its massive, front-mounted V10 engine and raw, driver-focused character devoid of electronic driving aids. Produced across five generations, it remains a symbol of uncompromising performance and mechanical simplicity.
Lexus LFA
"Oh, new V10s, many V10s, LFA. Well, I mean Huracán..."
The LFA is an ultra-rare, extremely expensive supercar built by Lexus. It is famous for having an engine that revs so fast it required a digital dashboard because a physical needle couldn't keep up, and it sounds like an old Formula 1 race car.
The Lexus LFA is a limited-production, carbon-fiber supercar celebrated for its high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine co-developed with Yamaha. Its exhaust note is widely considered one of the greatest in automotive history, mimicking the sound of classic Formula 1 cars.
Lamborghini Huracán
"Well, I mean Huracán. Less, I'm saying like they're, oh Huracán. There are no, there are no new V10s."
The Huracán is a sharp, aggressive-looking Italian supercar made by Lamborghini. It is incredibly fast and uses a loud 10-cylinder engine that screams when you accelerate.
The Lamborghini Huracán is a mid-engine exotic sports car powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine. It features an advanced all-wheel-drive system (with rear-wheel-drive variants available) and a dual-clutch transmission, serving as the successor to the highly successful Gallardo.
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (C7)
"Because he's got a C7 Grand Sport. Yep. It's got a C7 Grand Sport."
This is a special version of the Corvette that takes the standard engine but adds the wider body, bigger brakes, and racing suspension from the faster models. It is designed to be incredibly fast around corners on a race track.
The C7 Corvette Grand Sport combines the naturally aspirated 460-horsepower LT1 V8 engine of the Stingray with the wide-body chassis, upgraded suspension, and massive brakes of the supercharged Z06. This configuration makes it highly revered as one of the best-handling, track-focused Corvettes ever built.
PDR
"Which was the PDR. Well, that, but that only records if you put a, you know, SD card in it."
PDR is a built-in camera and computer system in sports cars that records your driving. It overlays information on the video like how fast you were going, what gear you were in, and how hard you turned, which is great for reviewing your track days.
PDR stands for Performance Data Recorder, a factory-integrated system in high-performance GM vehicles like the Corvette. It uses a front-mounted camera, GPS, and vehicle telemetry sensors to record high-definition video overlaid with speed, gear, g-forces, and lap times onto an SD card.
Eibach springs
"He looked at one and I was like, he was like, what about this one? I was like, that's lowered, Eibach springs."
These are aftermarket metal springs that replace the factory ones to lower the car closer to the ground. It makes the car look sportier and handle corners better, but makes the ride stiffer and easier to scrape on bumps.
Eibach springs are premium aftermarket suspension coils designed to lower a vehicle's ride height and stiffen the spring rate. This modification reduces body roll during cornering and improves the car's stance, though it can compromise ride comfort and ground clearance.
Chevrolet Camaro
"But that last Corvette, or not Corvette, Camaro you owned that was low miles and pretty much stock. Yeah. Yeah, I'll tell you, oh, that you're talking about like a month and a half ago. Yeah, that one. Oh, that was a crazy..."
The Camaro is a famous American muscle car made by Chevrolet. The newer versions are praised not just for being fast in a straight line, but for handling corners like an expensive European sports car.
The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro is a rear-wheel-drive pony car built on GM's highly acclaimed Alpha platform. Known for its exceptional handling dynamics, it was offered with powertrains ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder to the supercharged LT4 V8 in the track-slaying ZL1 variant.
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
"Yeah, you needed the new E-Ray and I found a deal on the E-Ray that could not be beaten and I jumped on both..."
The E-Ray is a special hybrid version of the Corvette. It uses a traditional gas engine to power the rear wheels and an electric motor to power the front wheels, making it the first all-wheel-drive Corvette ever.
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is the first-ever electrified and all-wheel-drive Corvette, pairing a 6.2-liter LT2 V8 with an electric motor on the front axle. This hybrid setup delivers blistering 0-60 mph acceleration and all-weather traction while maintaining the Corvette's classic sports car dynamics.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C8)
"Well, now that they're realizing that it's all-wheel drive and it's fast as hell, you know, fast and fun and does everything it needs to do, but then GM went and cranked it up with the ZR1 and yeah, to watch everything that happened at Pikes Peak..."
The ZR1 is the absolute fastest, most extreme version of the Corvette. It has a twin-turbocharged engine with over 1,000 horsepower and giant wings to keep it glued to the road at high speeds.
The C8 Corvette ZR1 is the ultimate track-focused iteration of Chevrolet's mid-engine sports car, powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 producing over 1,000 horsepower. It features aggressive aerodynamics, massive downforce, and cutting-edge suspension technology designed to shatter track records.
Pikes Peak
"But then GM went and cranked it up with the ZR1 and yeah, to watch everything that happened at Pikes Peak. I've never really paid attention and just watching that car..."
Pikes Peak is a giant mountain in Colorado with a paved road leading to the top. Every year, racers drive up it as fast as possible in a famous race that has scary drop-offs and over 150 sharp turns.
Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado is home to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a legendary 12.42-mile race course that climbs to an altitude of 14,115 feet. With 156 turns and no guardrails in many sections, it is one of the most dangerous and prestigious motorsport events in the world.
downforce
"Because holy crap, talk about corner speed and downforce. When you could hear sometimes there was a four-wheel drift going on..."
Downforce is the invisible air pressure pushing down on a fast car, created by parts like rear wings. It acts like an upside-down airplane wing, pushing the car into the ground so the tires have more grip in fast corners.
Downforce is an aerodynamic force created by wings, splitters, and diffusers that pushes a vehicle downward toward the road. This increases tire grip, allowing the car to corner at much higher speeds without sliding, though it also increases aerodynamic drag.
four-wheel drift
"When you could hear sometimes there was a four-wheel drift going on. It was just going, it didn't care. No, it was insane."
This is a driving situation where all four tires of the car slide sideways through a turn at the same time in a controlled way. It requires a lot of skill and speed to pull off without spinning out.
A four-wheel drift is a high-speed driving technique where all four tires lose traction and slide laterally through a corner simultaneously. Unlike a traditional rear-wheel-drive slide (oversteer), a four-wheel drift is highly controlled and balanced, allowing a driver to carry maximum speed through a turn.
Corvette Grand Sport
"Like and then they drop the gsx The grand sport x which is coming. It's not shipped yet, but that..."
The Corvette is a fast, two-door sports car made by Chevrolet. Special versions like the Grand Sport are designed with wider tires and better suspension to help the car go around corners even faster on a racetrack.
The Corvette is Chevrolet's flagship sports car, celebrated for delivering high performance and striking styling. The 'Grand Sport' designation historically represents a highly desirable trim level that combines the wider body and upgraded suspension of the top-tier track models with the reliable, naturally aspirated engine of the base model. Enthusiasts highly anticipate new iterations of this trim for its perfect balance of daily usability and track capability.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8)
"That's what I wanted, Z06. I know, yeah, but that's what I want because the flat-plane crank V8, that's all I want is the sound."
The Z06 is a high-performance version of the Corvette that uses a special racing-style engine. It doesn't use turbochargers, but instead revs incredibly high and sounds like a screaming Ferrari or Formula 1 car.
The C8 Corvette Z06 is a high-performance sports car powered by the LT6, a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine. Producing 670 horsepower, it holds the record for the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 engine ever, delivering an exotic, high-pitched exhaust note reminiscent of European supercars.
flat-plane crank V8
"I know, yeah, but that's what I want because the flat-plane crank V8, that's all I want is the sound."
This is a special design for a V8 engine's internal crankshaft. It allows the engine to rev much faster and higher than a normal V8, giving the car a high-pitched scream instead of a deep, rumbling growl.
A flat-plane crank V8 is an engine configuration where the connecting rod journals on the crankshaft are spaced 180 degrees apart, creating a flat profile. This design allows for lighter internal components, faster revving, and better exhaust scavenging, resulting in a distinct, high-pitched exhaust note.
Travis Pastrana
"Controversial topic, I'm not going to go into the politics at all, the show that Travis Pastrana put on at the White House."
Travis Pastrana is a famous daredevil and professional racer. He is known for doing crazy stunts on dirt bikes, like backflips, and racing rally cars around the world.
Travis Pastrana is an American motorsports competitor and stunt performer who won multiple X Games gold medals in motocross and supercross. He pioneered freestyle motocross, co-founded the Nitro Circus stunt show, and has successfully competed in professional rally racing and NASCAR.
Jeep Commander
"...answer Yep, every month. I really want that power commander for my truck. I'm wanting it more and Oh the tune..."
The Jeep Commander is a boxy, square-shaped SUV with three rows of seats that was sold in the late 2000s. It was designed to carry up to seven people while still being able to drive on rough dirt roads and trails.
The Jeep Commander is a mid-size, three-row SUV produced from 2006 to 2010 that shared its platform with the Grand Cherokee. It is distinguished by its boxy, upright styling that paid homage to classic Jeeps like the Cherokee (XJ). It remains a popular budget-friendly option for off-road enthusiasts who need extra passenger capacity.
power commander
"Every month, I really want that Power Commander for my truck. I'm wanting it more and..."
This is a small electronic tuning box you plug into a vehicle's computer. It lets you change how much fuel goes into the engine, helping it make more power and run smoother.
A Power Commander is an aftermarket fuel injection and ignition timing adjustment module that plugs inline with a vehicle's stock ECU (Engine Control Unit). It allows riders and drivers to load custom maps to optimize fuel delivery for increased horsepower and improved throttle response.
mechanical sympathy
"Mechanical sympathy, that's the term you need to have. Mechanical sympathy for your vehicles all the time."
This is the habit of driving gently and being aware of how hard your car is working. It means not pushing the car past its limits so you don't break expensive parts like the engine, transmission, or suspension.
Mechanical sympathy is the intuitive understanding of how a vehicle's mechanical components function and the conscious effort to drive in a way that minimizes stress, wear, and damage to those parts. It is a crucial mindset for off-roading, track driving, and vehicle longevity.
Nissan GT-R
"I, in fact, even, even with the Z06 and the GT-R, like I didn't, I was like, I'm going to keep it really mild..."
The GT-R is a legendary Japanese sports car made by Nissan. It uses a powerful twin-turbo engine and a smart all-wheel-drive system to accelerate incredibly fast and grip the road like glue.
The Nissan GT-R (specifically the R35 generation) is an all-wheel-drive sports car powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine. Nicknamed 'Godzilla,' it is famous for its advanced launch control, dual-clutch transaxle, and high-tech torque-vectoring systems that allow it to outperform much more expensive supercars.
beadlock rings
"I've added the under lights and I've added the beadlock rings that are technically a GM accessory. Other than that, it is stock."
These are metal rings bolted onto the outside of off-road wheels. They clamp the tire tightly to the wheel so that even if you let almost all the air out of the tire for extra grip on rocks, the tire won't fall off.
Beadlock rings are heavy-duty metal rings bolted to the outer lip of a specialized wheel. They clamp the tire's bead directly to the wheel, preventing the tire from slipping off or decompressing when running extremely low tire pressures for off-road traction.
Rain-X
"There's the Rain-X windshield repair kit. Yeah, you can find them anywhere. They're absolutely the best."
Rain-X is a liquid treatment you wipe onto your windshield. It makes water bead up and fly off the glass while you drive, meaning you barely have to use your windshield wipers in the rain.
Rain-X is a popular brand of automotive glass care products, most famous for its hydrophobic windshield treatments. When applied, it causes rainwater to bead up and roll off the glass, significantly improving visibility during wet weather driving.
Porsche Career Gt
"Yes, this week. So the orange Carrera GT on the cover. Yeah, yeah."
The Carrera GT is a legendary, rare Porsche supercar from the mid-2000s. It uses a loud, high-revving V10 engine that was originally designed for race cars, and it has a manual stick shift, making it very pure but difficult to drive.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a mid-engine supercar powered by a screaming, naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V10 engine derived from a stillborn Le Mans racing program. It features a carbon-fiber monocoque, a traditional six-speed manual transmission, and a notoriously challenging clutch, making it one of the most revered analog supercars ever built.
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