Get Out and Drive It: Chad Reynold's Automotive Journey

NHRA Stock Eliminator was a drag-racing class run by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) that emphasized cars staying close to factory specifications. Chad’s mention signals that his Camaro and later his other Camaro were raced under specific rule constraints, which affects what engine and performance parts are allowed.

In classic-car talk, “matching” usually means the car’s major components (most importantly the engine) correspond to what the car was originally built with. Chad uses it to highlight authenticity and provenance for his 1969 Camaro convertible.

Chad says the car initially had a “turbo 350,” meaning a Chevrolet 350 V8 that was set up with a turbocharger. That’s a major performance change versus naturally aspirated setups, and it also affects how the engine behaves under drag-racing conditions.

A “stocker cam” is the camshaft configuration that matches the factory/allowed specifications for a given racing class. Chad notes Stock Eliminator rules require the cam’s total lift to match the factory lift for the engine being claimed, while other cam dimensions like duration can be changed.

Total lift is how far the camshaft allows the engine’s valves to open at maximum. Chad highlights that Stock Eliminator rules tightly restrict total lift to match factory values, which limits how aggressive the cam can be.

A camshaft controls valve timing and lift, which strongly influences how an engine makes power across the RPM range. Chad contrasts a “300-horse 350 camshaft” with the “stocker cam,” explaining that Stock Eliminator rules constrain certain cam specs while allowing other dimensions to vary.

Cam duration is the number of crankshaft degrees (or time) the valve stays open, which affects where in the RPM range the engine makes power. Chad says duration and other cam dimensions can vary even when total lift must match factory specs.

“Wide open” refers to wide-open throttle (WOT), where the throttle is fully opened and the engine can access maximum airflow. Chad uses it to describe how an aggressive cam may feel weak at lower RPM but comes alive at high demand.

A “stall” converter is part of an automatic transmission setup. A higher-stall torque converter lets the engine rev higher before the car fully moves, which helps launch harder—especially with performance camshafts and drag-style power.

“Small block” is a common hot-rod shorthand for a compact V8 engine family (often referring to Chevrolet’s small-block V8s). It contrasts with “big block” engines, which are larger-displacement V8s typically associated with more torque and heavier-duty builds.

The Chevrolet Corvette is known for being a performance-focused American sports car, and the 1994 Corvette Convertible is part of the C4 generation. Here it matters because it’s the car the host and his buddy used to do a long Power Tour-style road trip, showing how these cars can be driven hard over distance.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-size muscle-car icon, and the 1966 Chevelle is a particularly popular year for enthusiasts. In this segment it’s tied to the host’s Power Tour plans—meaning it’s being treated as a real, driven project car rather than a trailer queen.

The Chevrolet Caprice (1994) is a full-size sedan platform that’s commonly used as a donor for swaps because it offers a complete, modern-ish chassis and drivetrain. Here it’s central to the build: the host uses its longer wheelbase chassis to fit under a 1956 wagon body.

“9C1” is a GM police package code used for certain Caprice/Impala police variants. It typically indicates a factory configuration intended for law-enforcement use, which can include durability-focused components and sometimes different dimensions or equipment compared with civilian trims.

The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV built for everyday driving with a focus on practicality and comfort. In the podcast context, it’s being discussed in relation to tire fitment—specifically how a large tire can contact the front wheel opening if it isn’t centered properly. That kind of detail matters to owners who modify wheels/tires and want to avoid rubbing or damage.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. It strongly affects how a car’s body sits over the chassis and how components clear the wheel openings—so changing wheelbase can be the difference between rubbing and fitting.

“Tri-Five” (often shortened to “Tri5”) refers to the 1955–1957 Chevrolet passenger-car generation. Enthusiasts use it as shorthand for that era’s body and chassis, and the host is discussing how its wheelbase affects fitment when running larger tires.

A “patinaed car” is one that intentionally keeps or recreates age-related wear—like faded paint, surface rust, and scuffs—so it looks lived-in rather than freshly restored. In the hot-rod world, it’s often used to create a believable, period-correct look.

“Painless wiring” refers to aftermarket automotive wiring harnesses and components sold by Painless Performance. Enthusiasts use them to simplify electrical work and reduce the hassle of custom wiring in a build.

Hot Rod Magazine is a long-running American publication focused on hot rods, muscle cars, and custom builds. Being featured in it is a big credibility boost in the enthusiast world.

Hot Rod TV is a TV program/production brand that covers hot-rod culture and events. In this segment, it’s tied to the host’s interviews and his role during Power Tour coverage.

The Volkswagen Bus is a classic van known for its roomy interior and its long-standing popularity with road-trip and touring communities. In the podcast context, it’s grouped with other vehicles used for events, which emphasizes its use as a people-and-gear transporter. It comes up because it’s an iconic platform for enthusiasts who want something practical but characterful.

Drag Week is an event where street cars repeatedly run drag races over multiple days, typically with street driving between sessions. It’s designed to test not just straight-line speed, but also how well the car survives and performs day after day.

Fremont Drag Strip was a drag racing venue in the San Francisco Bay Area. The host describes it as being at sea level and later becoming Baylands Raceway Park, highlighting how local track history shaped his childhood racing memories.

Baylands Raceway Park is the later name/location that Fremont Drag Strip became. The host uses it to connect the track’s past drag-racing identity to what it turned into over time.

Great Men, Kansas appears to be a mis-transcription of a drag-racing event/location in Kansas. The host is describing a specific race weekend (Rocky Mountain Race Week) where Daphne made her last drag-strip pass.

Rocky Mountain Race Week is the named drag-racing event series/weekend the host references. It frames the timeline for the story about Daphne’s final pass and the car’s nitrous tuning.

Nitrous (often misspoken as “nitris”) is a performance system that injects nitrous oxide into the engine to temporarily boost power. It’s commonly used in drag racing to improve acceleration without changing the engine’s basic displacement.

Dry nitrous is a nitrous setup where nitrous oxide is injected without fuel being added by the nitrous system itself. Because fuel delivery is handled separately (often by the engine’s existing fuel injection), it requires careful tuning to avoid running too lean.

Spark plugs are the ignition components that create the spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder. In nitrous tuning, their condition (color/insulation) can help indicate whether the mixture and timing are safe under boost.

Data logs are recorded engine/vehicle sensor readings (like throttle position, air-fuel behavior, and timing) captured during runs. For drag racing and nitrous tuning, logs help diagnose issues like traction problems and whether the tune is behaving as expected.

“Spin the tires” refers to wheelspin during launch, where the tires lose traction and rotate faster than the car is accelerating. In drag racing, avoiding tire spin can improve consistency and sometimes helps the car hit its best elapsed time.

“1320 video” refers to filming/coverage associated with the 1320 brand/community, which focuses heavily on drag racing content. The host mentions it because they had video capture of the nitrous hit and the run.

A roll bar is a safety structure installed in the cabin to protect occupants in a rollover or hard impact. Drag racing rules often require roll bars at certain power/ET thresholds, so the host notes that lacking one affected what the car was allowed to do “with tech.”

The timing shack is the control area at a drag strip where officials operate timing equipment and record results. The host mentions it because that’s where she received her slip with the recorded times.

“Tech” is short for technical inspection at a race event, where officials check the car against safety and rules requirements. The host is saying the car’s run was limited by what it passed (or didn’t pass) in tech inspection.

A “time slip” (called “slip” here) is the printed record of a drag run, typically including elapsed time (ET) and trap speed. It’s the official proof of how fast the car ran in that pass.

“11.50” is a drag-racing elapsed time (ET) in seconds, indicating how quickly the car completed the quarter-mile. The host uses it to show how much faster Daphne ran compared with her usual 12.0-second pass.

A “dog ring” gearbox uses dog clutches instead of synchronizers, allowing faster, more direct gear engagement—common in racing or performance builds. A “four speed” indicates the transmission has four forward gears, and dog-ring setups are usually less forgiving than street-synced transmissions.

“5.57 gears” refers to a rear-axle gear ratio of 5.57:1, which multiplies torque to improve acceleration. Higher numerical ratios like 5.57 typically make launches quicker but can reduce highway cruising smoothness and increase engine RPM at speed.

The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan known for comfort and a traditional, V8-powered feel. In the episode, it’s used as a contrast to the grandpa’s later hot-rod truck project—going from a big comfort car to a custom, show-focused build.

A four-link is a rear suspension setup that uses four control arms to locate the rear axle. It’s popular in custom trucks and hot rods because it can be tuned for ride quality and traction, and it helps control axle movement under acceleration and braking.

A “square body front clip” refers to swapping in the front end (hood, fenders, and related front structure) from a “square body” era pickup. This is a common hot-rod customization because the donor front end can be easier to fit, looks more aggressive, and provides a convenient base for modern suspension and steering setups.

Air ride (air suspension) uses air springs and valves to raise and lower the vehicle, often with a remote control. It’s commonly used in show trucks because it lets you “lay out” the stance at car meets while still being adjustable for driving.

“TBI 350” refers to a Chevrolet 350 V8 using TBI (throttle-body injection), which is a fuel-injection system that meters fuel at a throttle body instead of using carburetors. It’s a common swap for hot rods because it improves starting and drivability while staying relatively simple compared with multi-port fuel injection.

The 700R4 is a four-speed automatic transmission used in many GM builds, known for its overdrive gear that can improve highway cruising. In hot rods, it’s often paired with a V8 like the TBI 350 to get both stronger acceleration and better fuel economy than older three-speed automatics.

Wiley, Texas is referenced as the location of the first cruise night the group attended. It’s a real-world car-meet setting where local enthusiasts gather, which helps explain the “show stuff” culture in the episode.

“Channeled” refers to a body modification where the car’s body is lowered over the frame (or the frame is modified) to create a lower, more aggressive stance. It’s a classic hot-rod technique used to improve visual proportions and emphasize a “laid-out” look.

Hot August Nights is a large classic car event where enthusiasts bring cars to show and cruise. In this segment, it’s where the Studebaker truck was crashed, making the event part of the truck’s story arc.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car, and the “69 Camaro” refers to the 1969 model year. In enthusiast culture, older cars like a 1969 Camaro are valued not just for specs, but for the stories and identity they carry from their era.

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan, and the “2024 Camry” is the current-generation version at the time of the episode. The host’s point is that newer, common cars tend to feel less “special” socially because they don’t have the same historical aura as older enthusiast icons.

The Honda Civic is a compact car with a huge enthusiast following, and “94 Honda Civic” points to the 1994 model year. The host is highlighting how even non-exotic cars can still create community and conversation.

“Bell Air” is a Chevrolet model line, and “66 Bell Air Station wagon” points to a 1966 Chevrolet Bel Air wagon. The host is describing a planned drivetrain and transmission upgrade to turn it into a more street-friendly cruiser rather than a pure drag setup.

TKX is a brand/model name for a modern aftermarket manual transmission used in classic-car swaps. It’s popular because it provides a stronger, more usable gearset than many older transmissions when paired with modern engines.

“No-prep” refers to drag racing where the track surface and traction are not specially prepared for maximum grip. It usually demands a car setup that can handle inconsistent traction, often with strong tires and suspension tuning.

“5-3” and “6-liter” are shorthand for engine displacement choices (commonly referring to 5.3L and 6.0L class V8s in GM swap conversations). The host is saying the wagon will likely be built around one of those modern engine sizes.

American Powertrain is an aftermarket company that supplies parts and swap kits for engine and drivetrain conversions. In this segment, they’re mentioned as the source for the transmission/swap setup for a classic Chevrolet wagon.

A “ProCharger” is a specific brand of supercharger system (an aftermarket forced-induction setup). The host says they added ProChargers to the car, which made it extremely loud and fast but less enjoyable to cruise.

“LS” refers to the GM LS-series V8 engine family, which is widely used in modern engine swaps because it’s compact, powerful, and has strong aftermarket support. The host is saying the Nova will get an LS engine at some point.

TCI is an aftermarket brand known for performance transmission and drivetrain components, especially for classic-car builds. In this context, “full TCI everything underneath it” suggests the Nova’s underpinnings are built around TCI components.

Richard Holdner is the person the host names as finishing an engine build for the Nova. In enthusiast circles, naming the builder is a way to credit the craftsmanship behind the swap.

An “LTG crate motor” refers to a GM LTG-series engine sold as a crate (a new, complete engine shipped for installation). “Crate motor” implies you’re buying an engine ready to install rather than rebuilding an old one.

The Chevrolet Chevette is a compact car from the late 1970s and 1980s, and the host specifies a “1987 Chevette.” They’re planning an engine swap using an LTG crate motor and a six-speed transmission.

The “Square Body” refers to the 1970s–early-1980s Chevrolet/GMC truck styling, and a “Square Body Suburban” is the full-size SUV version of that era. Chad mentions it as a waiting project, reflecting how this generation is a common enthusiast base for swaps and restorations.

The Chevrolet Nova is a classic American muscle-era model known for its huge aftermarket support and easy customization. Chad specifically talks about a “68 Nova” as a friend’s purchase, highlighting how these cars are commonly kept as projects and eventually driven.

Overdrive is a higher gear ratio that lets the engine spin more slowly at cruising speeds. Chad argues that converting a hot rod to overdrive is one of the biggest upgrades for making it more enjoyable to drive because it reduces strain and makes highway driving less tiring.

Bonneville refers to the Bonneville Salt Flats, a famous venue for land-speed records in Utah. Chad cites his experience there to emphasize he’s raced a lot and understands how different drivetrains feel at speed.

Magnum refers to another aftermarket transmission option Chad mentions alongside the TKX. In this context, he’s comparing transmission choices aimed at improving drivability via overdrive rather than chasing drag-strip performance.

A “10-second drag car” is a car that runs the quarter-mile in about 10 seconds, which is a common shorthand for drag-strip performance. Chad uses this to make a point about how a stick shift can feel more engaging than an automatic, even when comparing very fast cars.

“373 ring opinion” appears to be a transcription error for a rear-end gear ratio (commonly written like “3.73”). Gear ratio strongly affects acceleration and how the engine RPM sits in each gear, which matters when pairing a transmission with overdrive.

PPG Billet Sequentials six-speed refers to a specific six-speed sequential-style aftermarket transmission product. Chad frames it as an advanced option for builders who want the quickest-running setup, and he notes it wasn’t publicly available yet at the time of his comment.

“Power Glide” is a common enthusiast nickname for GM’s Powerglide automatic transmission. Chad uses it as an example of an older automatic that can still be used to get a long-stored car running and driving rather than waiting for the perfect setup.

Boost is the extra air pressure created by forced induction (like a supercharger or turbocharger) compared to normal atmospheric pressure. Higher boost can increase power, but it also raises heat and stress inside the engine.

Bench racing is the habit of talking about cars—plans, specs, and hypotheticals—without actually driving or using the car. The host’s point is that even hardcore enthusiasts spend most of their time talking rather than driving.

CJ Pony Parts is an aftermarket parts retailer known for performance and restoration parts, especially for Ford Mustang platforms. The host mentions it to explain how understanding corporate realities helps him work with parts companies.

Edelbrock is a well-known performance-parts brand, especially for carburetors, intake manifolds, and engine components. The host references it as an example of a company he collaborates with on product development and marketing.

Fuel injection is how modern engines deliver fuel into the intake using electronically controlled injectors instead of older carburetors. In performance builds, EFI (electronic fuel injection) enables more precise fueling and tuning, which makes it easier to extract power reliably.

The “pro touring” scene focuses on modernizing classic cars for confident handling and drivability, often combining upgraded suspension, brakes, and powertrain tech. In this segment, Chad says many people in that community aren’t fully using EFI and related modern tech.

“Big block” refers to larger-displacement, physically bigger V8 engine families compared with “small block” designs. In hot-rodding and pro touring circles, the term matters because big blocks can change how parts fit and how builds are packaged.

“Sequential” refers to a transmission shifting method where gears are selected in order (like 1→2→3) rather than using an H-pattern gate. Sequential gearboxes are common in racing because they can shift quickly and repeatably under load.

A 3D printer is an additive-manufacturing device that builds parts layer-by-layer from a digital model. In automotive contexts, it’s often used for prototypes and, with metal printing, can produce functional components for motorsport or fabrication workflows.

Metal 3D printing is additive manufacturing that produces parts from metal powders or metal feedstock using specialized equipment. Unlike typical plastic desktop printing, metal printing can create load-bearing parts—often used for custom race components.

In 3D printing, the “bed” is the platform the part is built on. It’s important because the bed’s position and movement (or lack of it) affects how the printer lays down material and how large parts can be made.

A turbo kit is an aftermarket package that adds forced induction to an engine, typically including components like the turbocharger, piping, and related hardware. Chad mentions 3D-printed turbo kit parts made from stainless steel or aluminum for race-car use.

In a turbo system, the “cold side” generally refers to the intake plumbing and components before the turbo compresses the air (as opposed to the hot exhaust side). It’s a common way enthusiasts distinguish which part of the turbo plumbing they mean when discussing materials and fabrication.

Time-lapse is a video technique where frames are captured at intervals and played back faster to show long processes in a short clip. The host says they have “a lot” of time-lapse footage from building their shop.

“Dragon drive” is referenced as an upcoming trip/event the host will attend, described as something he’ll talk about later. The segment frames it as an enthusiast-oriented driving experience, but the exact event details aren’t provided here.

“Facebook groups” are online communities where car enthusiasts share advice, parts for sale, and local meetups. In this context, Chad is contrasting online-only involvement with going to events in person.

A “five or six speed conversion” is an aftermarket drivetrain swap that changes a car’s transmission setup to a manual with five or six gears (or to a different gearbox family). It typically requires matching parts and fabrication work, so it’s a major project rather than a simple bolt-on upgrade.

CompCams is an aftermarket performance parts brand/company, especially known for camshafts. Chad uses it to illustrate that enthusiasts often buy parts that aren’t strictly “needed,” even though they’re popular in the performance industry.

Larry Larson is named as a car builder Chad would contact if he had an unlimited budget. The point here is that he’s treated as a specialist capable of building a custom car to Chad’s request.

Kevin Tetz is mentioned as a builder Chad would send his Camaro to. Chad frames him as a TV/YouTube personality and a specialist for paint and body/metal work, plus overall readiness for driving.

An “engine swap” is replacing a car’s original engine with a different engine (often from another model or a newer generation). It usually involves matching wiring, mounts, cooling, fuel, and sometimes the transmission, so it’s one of the biggest project-car upgrades.

“Hot roddy” refers to the hot-rodding tradition of modifying a car for a more aggressive look and feel—often with straightforward, enthusiast-friendly changes rather than a full restoration. In this segment, it’s contrasted with doing only maintenance and instead doing a small number of fun upgrades.