EP 359 Bill Talks summer events, Magazine & Old VW inventions.

Ross Wolf is an aftermarket parts brand that makes enthusiast-focused components for Volkswagen owners. In this segment, they’re specifically promoting an axle seal kit aimed at fixing axle leaks.

An axle seal kit replaces the seals that keep differential/axle oil from leaking at the axle ends. On older Volkswagens, worn seals can lead to visible drips and oil loss, so a seal kit is a targeted fix rather than a whole axle replacement.

Viton is a brand of high-performance rubber (a fluoroelastomer) known for resisting heat, oil, and chemicals. Using Viton gaskets helps them seal reliably in engine-bay conditions where regular rubber might harden or fail.

Mini sump plates are aftermarket oil-sump-related components used to improve oil control and sealing on certain Volkswagen setups. They’re typically part of a leak-prevention or oiling-system upgrade, especially for engines that see frequent maintenance or modifications.

Shift rod bushing couplers are drivetrain linkage parts that connect and support the shift mechanism. If these bushings/couplers wear out, you can get sloppy shifter feel, vague engagement, or increased play in the linkage.

Icon Pistons is an aftermarket piston brand that supplies performance-focused internal engine parts for Volkswagen builds. Here, they’re advertising specific piston sizing (90.5) that’s intended for a Volkswagen engine application.

The “Baja bug” refers to the Volkswagen Beetle-based off-road build that’s associated with the Baja California race culture. It’s typically set up with off-road tires, extra ground clearance, and suspension/brake upgrades so it can handle rough desert trails.

A trail ride is a group drive along a designated path—often dirt, gravel, or desert trails—rather than a paved road. For off-road cars like Baja-style Volkswagens, it usually means slower speeds, more traction management, and careful line choice around obstacles.

A power line road is an access track that runs alongside electrical transmission lines, often maintained only enough for utility access. These routes can be sandy, rocky, or rutted, which is why they’re commonly used for off-road excursions.

The Ford Excursion is a large, body-on-frame SUV built on a truck platform, designed for towing and off-road-capable use. It’s often discussed because of its size and durability, making it a popular choice for people who want a serious vehicle for rough roads and long trips. In the podcast context, it sounds like it’s being referenced for an off-road route or “excursion” experience.

This segment lays out the event logistics for the “Road to Good Springs,” including meeting at Pioneer Saloon, then heading back via I-15 to make the bowling tournament. It also describes a ~20-mile off-road track and how they’ll test-run it before the group goes.

“Off-road capable” means the vehicle is set up to handle traction loss, uneven surfaces, and obstacles like ruts. In this segment, the host emphasizes it because the route includes rough, rutted-out roads where a street-only car would struggle.

The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic, air-cooled Volkswagen model that became one of the most recognizable cars ever made. It’s significant in car culture because it has a long history and a huge enthusiast following, which is why you’ll often see them gathered at events. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as part of a group of Volkswagen “bugs” cruising together through the desert.

An air-cooled engine relies on airflow over the engine’s fins to remove heat, instead of using a liquid coolant system. That’s why air-cooled Volkswagens are strongly associated with classic VW culture and events.

Luft Ziegen is the name of a specific Southern California car event the host is promoting. In this context it’s tied to air-cooled/old VW culture and registration/ticketing details.

The “MP 70th anniversary open house” is a company-hosted event celebrating MP’s 70 years in business. The host frames it as an open house with activities like an engine battle.

An “engine battle” at car events is typically a head-to-head competition focused on engine performance, sound, or build quality. In this segment, the host says they’ll be emceeing the engine battle and references “just talking engines,” indicating it’s a structured showcase for engine builds.

The Volkswagen Bus (often called a Microbus or Type 2) is an iconic Volkswagen van known for its spacious interior and distinctive look. It’s a major part of classic Volkswagen culture and is frequently featured in photos and shows because of its strong community and customization scene. In the podcast, it sounds like a specific bus—“Mickey the bus”—and a photo moment are being discussed.

“23 window” refers to a Volkswagen Type 2 bus body style with 23 side windows, a layout that’s especially sought after in the classic VW community. Conversions that create a “23-window” look typically involve starting with an earlier panel/van body and modifying the window configuration to match the iconic late-’50s/early-’60s style.

“Cosmic” here is referring to a specific style of classic VW wheel/aftermarket wheel design that’s popular in the vintage scene. When someone says a bus is “sitting on” Cosmic wheels, they mean the stance and look are finished with that particular wheel style.

The “quarter mile” is a drag-racing distance (about 402 meters) used to measure acceleration performance. When someone says a car “runs a quarter mile,” they’re usually referring to its elapsed time and trap speed over that straight-line sprint.

A sequential transmission lets you shift in order (typically up/down one gear at a time) rather than using an H-pattern. That kind of gearbox is common in drag racing and other motorsports because it can make gear changes faster and more consistent under hard acceleration.

A “Mendiola box” refers to a Mendiola sequential gearbox used in motorsport applications. Mendiola is known for purpose-built racing transmissions, and in this context it’s being linked to a quarter-mile car that runs very fast.

Horsepower is a unit that describes engine power output—how much work the engine can do over time. In performance discussions, higher horsepower generally means stronger acceleration potential, especially when paired with the right gearing and traction.

“Cow look” refers to a specific early VW styling trend associated with the lowered, wide-tire, show-car Beetle look. In this segment it’s used in the context of magazine covers and bumper/trim debates, meaning it’s more than a generic “style”—it’s a recognizable subculture aesthetic.

“BRMs” is a wheel brand/model reference commonly associated with classic VW and hot VW styling. In this context it’s part of the exterior “diagram” of what people consider the right look—wheels, bumpers, and trim choices.

A “split-window” Volkswagen is a classic Beetle-era body style where the rear window is divided into two sections. In this segment, the hosts specifically tie that split-window to Mike Mahaffey’s car and discuss how it was presented in early VW Trends magazine, highlighting its influence on the look people chase.

“Eight spokes” describes a wheel design with eight distinct spokes, and “gold” specifies the finish color. The hosts use it to pinpoint the exact visual details of the split-window car’s magazine photo, which matters because wheel choice is a big part of the vintage VW look.

The “VW hobby” refers to the enthusiast community around Volkswagen classics—especially air-cooled VWs and their history, styling, and ownership culture. The host is describing how certain photos capture the community’s identity.

“Auto Haas” is referenced as a VW-related business franchise connected to Ed Craig’s story. In this context, it’s a brand identity for a local automotive operation rather than a generic auto service term.

“Hop up mods” are aftermarket modifications intended to make an engine or drivetrain produce more power or respond better. In classic VW circles, this often means swapping parts like carburetion, ignition, or exhaust to wake up older air-cooled engines.

“Dual CV axles” means using two constant-velocity (CV) axle shafts to transmit power to the wheels while allowing for suspension movement. CV joints keep torque delivery smooth even as the suspension travels and angles change.

The Chevrolet Corvair is a classic American car that’s known for its rear-mounted, air-cooled design and distinctive engineering choices. In the podcast context, it’s being referenced for having dual CV axles, which suggests the discussion is about drivetrain or suspension/axle design similarities. That makes it relevant to enthusiasts comparing how different cars solve similar mechanical problems.

IRS stands for “independent rear suspension,” a rear suspension design where each rear wheel moves independently. On drag and performance VWs, IRS can help with traction and wheel control compared with older rear suspension layouts.

“Swing axle” refers to an older Volkswagen rear suspension design where the axle pivots as the suspension moves. It’s known for having less predictable handling behavior under load changes compared with later independent rear suspension setups.

“New shocks” refers to replacing the suspension dampers to change how the car controls body motion and wheel movement. In the context of classic VWs, magazine ads for VW-specific shocks were a common way to improve ride control and handling feel.

A transaxle combines the transmission and the differential into one unit. On many Volkswagen designs (especially classic rear-engine cars), it helps package power to the rear wheels efficiently and can be built in performance versions for racing use.

A close-ratio gearbox keeps the spacing between gear ratios smaller than normal. That means the engine stays closer to its power band during acceleration, which is especially useful for racing where you want fewer big drops in RPM between shifts.

Straight-cut gears have teeth cut straight across the gear, rather than angled. They’re common in racing because they can be strong and efficient under load, but they’re also louder and can produce more gear whine than helical gears.

An oil adapter is a custom fitting or housing that reroutes or interfaces with an engine’s oiling system. In air-cooled and classic VW performance circles, these are often used to support upgrades like additional oil cooling, different filter setups, or specialty lubrication paths.

The oil filler is the opening on an engine where you add engine oil. In air-cooled and many classic VW setups, it’s typically reached from above and is designed to accept a specific type of oil can or funnel so you don’t spill oil onto hot engine parts.

Center mount shrouds are aerodynamic/ducting pieces used around the cooling fan area to help direct airflow where it’s needed. On air-cooled Volkswagens, shrouds are important because the engine relies on fan-driven airflow to manage head and oil temperatures.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight, stiff composite material often used for performance parts. In this context, a carbon fiber shroud is being used to reduce weight and potentially improve packaging while still managing airflow for cooling.

Carburetion is the process of mixing fuel and air in a carburetor before it enters the engine. On classic air-cooled Volkswagens with carburetors, airflow and temperature can change how the mixture forms, which is why cooling improvements are often linked to better carburetion.

“Upright engines” refers to an engine orientation where the cylinders are positioned more vertically, as opposed to laid-down or transverse layouts. Classic air-cooled Volkswagens are often described this way, and the cooling airflow design is closely tied to that orientation.

“One-off” refers to custom, one-time, or very limited fabrication rather than mass-produced parts. The host is pointing out that classic VW communities often experiment with unique cooling and airflow hardware that may only exist as a prototype or small batch.

A “flatback” conversion is a custom body modification that turns a Volkswagen into a pickup-style vehicle by changing the rear body shape and adding a bed. In this segment, Bill frames it as a DIY/scene invention that highlights how flexible the Volkswagen platform was for custom builds.

A “narrowed beam” is a suspension modification where the front beam (the axle/beam assembly used on many classic Volkswagens) is narrowed to reduce track width. This changes steering geometry and stance, and it’s a common hot-rod/customization technique in the VW scene.

Nitrous (nitrous oxide) is an add-on performance system that injects gas into the engine to temporarily increase power. It’s typically used in short bursts because it stresses components and requires the right fuel/engine setup to do safely.

“Lone wolf” is being used as a nickname/title for Scott Smith’s VW feature car. In enthusiast magazines, these kinds of nicknames often become part of how the community remembers and categorizes specific builds.

“Empty accessories” appears to be enthusiast shorthand for a particular look/parts theme—likely a curated set of period-correct or original-style accessories on the car. In VW magazine culture, these kinds of accessory setups are often used to define a build’s identity and authenticity.

“Runs 11 seconds” is drag-racing shorthand for a very fast elapsed time (ET), typically measured over a quarter-mile. The hosts use it to set expectations—many people assume you need a much larger engine to reach that kind of ET, but this car is doing it with a 1776.

“1776” refers to engine displacement—about 1.776 liters—used in many Volkswagen air-cooled builds. In VW circles, it usually means a stroker-style or otherwise modified engine meant to make more torque than stock and to support faster drag-strip times.

“Wring its neck” is a motorsports expression meaning to push an engine very hard—rev it aggressively and keep it in its power band. In this context, it’s used to explain how a smaller-displacement VW can still reach quick times if it’s tuned and driven aggressively.

This is a discussion about a specific upcoming summer event date and location details. The hosts are encouraging listeners to register early because it’s close to selling out.

The hosts mention where the event is happening—San Anita Raceway Park—and that they’ll be in the infield area. “Infield” is the track-side area inside the oval/loop where events and parking are often set up.

An engine dyno is a test stand that measures how an engine performs under controlled conditions. It’s commonly used to quantify power and torque curves, so builders can compare setups like cam, heads, and fuel changes.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly influences how quickly a car accelerates, especially at lower speeds. When the hosts say they’re “going for” torque, they mean they want the engine build to make the most twist force on the dyno.