Houston’S DIY Garage Revolution
About this episode
Dive into Houston's vibrant DIY garage scene with Robert from Apex Garage, a new community space offering lifts, tools, and expert help for car enthusiasts and mobile mechanics. The hosts discuss the rising costs of repairs, the value of working alongside fellow gearheads, and plans for memberships, track days, and social events. Plus, meet Jose, a passionate Subaru WRX STI builder who shares insights on his rally-inspired car, engine tuning with E85 fuel, and the challenges of upgrading transmissions. The episode also covers recent vehicle recalls and upcoming local car meets, blending practical info with engaging car culture stories.
A car meet is fun. A place to actually work on your car without fighting apartment rules, HOA complaints, or a garage full of storage is the part most of us are missing. Broadcasting from the Team Gillman Mega Meet, we start with a fast, useful scan of current automotive recalls, including a Kumho tire issue and a stack of vehicle recalls that touch everything from windshield wipers to rear view cameras and fuel delivery. If you have been putting off checking your VIN, this is your nudge to hit safercar.gov and confirm your car is up to date.
Then we sit down with IK from Apex Garage, a new DIY garage near Spring designed for Houston car enthusiasts, mobile mechanics, and first timers who want to learn. We talk lifts, tools, repair guides, a mechanic on standby, and how hourly and daily bay rentals can make real maintenance affordable again as labor rates climb. We also get into the community angle: memberships, a sim racing lounge, watch parties for F1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, plus plans for group track days across road courses and drag strips.
Finally, Subaru fans get a treat. Jose Martinez walks us through his WRX STI builds, including a bug eye era car with a WRC inspired look and a serious power setup. We dig into E85 flex fuel tuning, ethanol content monitoring you can check on your phone, anti lag, two step, and why a six speed swap is the next big move when you outgrow a five speed transmission.
If you’re into Houston car culture, DIY auto repair, Subaru WRX STI mods, E85 flex fuel, or track day planning, hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review. What project would you tackle first if you had a lift and a full tool wall waiting for you?
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KUMO
""I never thought that KUMO would ever be anything. They've come along around, yeah, yeah. KUMO is recalling certain SOLASTA 11 tires...""
KUMO makes tires, which are the rubber parts that your car's wheels use to grip the road. They are popular because they cost less but still work well.
KUMO is a tire brand known for producing affordable tires often used on a variety of vehicles. They have gained popularity over time as a budget-friendly option in the tire market.
DOT number
""DOT. Number 139. Oh. I wanted to be sure and put that in there. 139 is important. It is very important.""
The DOT number is a code on tires that shows they meet safety rules and tells when and where the tire was made. This helps find tires that might have problems.
The DOT number is a code on tires indicating compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards. It also identifies the manufacturing location and date. The number 139 refers to the specific plant or batch relevant to the recall.
Ford Aviator
"Ford Escape Explorer Aviator Corsair 2020 to 2022. The windshield wipers may fail."
The Ford Aviator is a fancy SUV made by Ford. Some models from 2020 to 2022 have problems with their windshield wipers not working, which can be dangerous when driving in bad weather.
The Ford Aviator is a luxury midsize SUV introduced by Ford. The 2020 to 2022 models are part of recalls involving windshield wiper failures that can compromise driver visibility.
Ford Escape
"Ford Escape Explorer Aviator Corsair 2020 to 2022. The windshield wipers may fail."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV made by Ford. Some 2020 to 2022 models have problems with their windshield wipers not working properly, which can be dangerous when driving in rain.
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV produced by Ford. The 2020 to 2022 models are known for certain recalls including windshield wiper failures that can affect driver visibility and safety.
Ford Explorer
"Ford Escape Explorer Aviator Corsair 2020 to 2022. The windshield wipers may fail."
The Ford Explorer is a bigger SUV made by Ford. Some recent models from 2020 to 2022 have issues where the windshield wipers might stop working, which is unsafe in rain or snow.
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV from Ford. The 2020 to 2022 model years are included in recalls for windshield wiper failures, which can impact safety during adverse weather.
Ford E350
"Um Ford E350, 450, 2627. Backup alarm sound failure."
The Ford E350 is a big van made by Ford. Some recent models have problems with the backup alarm not working, which helps warn people when the van is backing up.
The Ford E350 is a full-size van used for cargo and passenger transport. The 2020 to 2022 models are subject to recalls for backup alarm sound failures, which can reduce safety when reversing.
backup alarm
"Um Ford E350, 450, 2627. Backup alarm sound failure."
A backup alarm is a loud noise a vehicle makes when it is going backward to warn people nearby. If it doesn't work, people might not know the vehicle is moving and could get hurt.
A backup alarm is a safety device that emits a loud sound when a vehicle is reversing to alert pedestrians and other drivers. Failure of this alarm can increase the risk of accidents during reversing maneuvers.
Ford E450
"Um Ford E350, 450, 2627. Backup alarm sound failure."
The Ford E450 is a large van made by Ford. Some recent models have problems where the backup alarm doesn't work, which warns people when the van is backing up.
The Ford E450 is a heavy-duty full-size van used for commercial and passenger purposes. The 2020 to 2022 models are included in recalls for backup alarm sound failures, which can compromise safety when reversing.
Ford F250 Super Duty
"Uhdriveshaft may separate on the Ford F250 and 350 SD super huge. Yeah. You hate to have that driveshaft separate when you're doing about 70 down the highway."
The Ford F250 Super Duty is a big truck made by Ford used for pulling heavy trailers. Some recent models have problems where a part called the driveshaft can break and cause dangerous situations on the road.
The Ford F250 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for towing and hauling. The 2020 to 2022 models have recalls related to driveshaft separation, which can cause loss of vehicle control at highway speeds.
driveshaft
"Uhdriveshaft may separate on the Ford F250 and 350 SD super huge. Yeah. You hate to have that driveshaft separate when you're doing about 70 down the highway."
A driveshaft is a part inside a vehicle that helps move power from the engine to the wheels so the car can move. If it breaks or comes apart, the vehicle can lose power and be very unsafe to drive.
A driveshaft is a mechanical component that transmits torque from the engine and transmission to the vehicle's wheels. Failure or separation of the driveshaft can cause loss of power delivery and dangerous handling issues.
Ford F350 Super Duty
"Uhdriveshaft may separate on the Ford F250 and 350 SD super huge. Yeah. You hate to have that driveshaft separate when you're doing about 70 down the highway."
The Ford F350 Super Duty is a large truck made by Ford for pulling very heavy loads. Some recent models have problems where the driveshaft can break, which is very dangerous when driving fast on the highway.
The Ford F350 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck used for heavy towing and hauling. The 2020 to 2022 models are subject to recalls for driveshaft separation, which can lead to loss of control at highway speeds.
Chevrolet Express
"ChevroletExpress. That'sthevan."
The Chevrolet Express is a big van made by Chevrolet that can carry people or stuff. People use it for work or travel because it's strong and useful.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van produced by Chevrolet, commonly used for passenger and cargo transport. It is known for its durability and versatility in commercial and personal use.
GMC Savana
"Yeah,webelievethattheGMCSavannah. TheGMCSavannahistheisthepassengervan."
The GMC Savana is a large van made by GMC that can carry people or cargo. It's like the Chevrolet Express but with the GMC name.
The GMC Savana is a full-size passenger and cargo van made by GMC, similar to the Chevrolet Express but marketed under the GMC brand. It is commonly used for commercial purposes and passenger transport.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500
"Andlet'snotforgetChevroletSilverado3500andtheGMC35002526. Enginestallduetodisabledrearfuelpump."
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is a big, strong pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It's used to pull heavy trailers and carry heavy stuff.
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for towing and hauling heavy loads. It is part of Chevrolet's Silverado lineup and is often used in commercial and industrial applications.
GMC 3500
"Andlet'snotforgetChevroletSilverado3500andtheGMC35002526. Enginestallduetodisabledrearfuelpump."
The GMC 3500 is a big truck made by GMC that can pull and carry very heavy things, like trailers or equipment.
The GMC 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck similar to the Chevrolet Silverado 3500, designed for heavy towing and hauling. It is part of GMC's lineup of trucks for commercial and industrial use.
VIN number
"AndumthatwillallowyoutoputinyourVINnumberinthelittleboxandyoucanchecktoseeifyourcarisgoingtoberecalledorisrecalled."
A VIN number is like a car's fingerprint. It helps you find out important things about the car, like if it has been recalled or had problems.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It is used to track recalls, registrations, and vehicle history.
lifts
""Do you have lifts there? We have lifts, we have tools, we have repair guides...""
Lifts are machines that can raise your car up so you can work underneath it more easily and safely.
Lifts are mechanical devices used in garages to raise vehicles off the ground, allowing easier access to the underside for repairs and maintenance. They are essential equipment in professional and DIY garages.
do-it-yourself garage
"Sowhathedidwasheturnedhisgaragethatuhwasapartofthedealership,heturneditintoado-it-yourselfthing. Soyougointhereandrentthespace. Andifyouneededtools,theyhadtoolsthatyoucouldrentoralift."
A do-it-yourself garage is a place where you can rent a spot and tools to fix your car yourself, instead of going to a mechanic. It helps people who want to work on their cars but don't have all the tools at home.
A do-it-yourself garage is a facility where car owners can rent space and tools to work on their own vehicles, often including equipment like lifts and specialized tools. This concept allows enthusiasts to perform maintenance or repairs without owning a full workshop.
mobile mechanics
"There's a lot of mobile mechanics. Well, here's the deal."
Mobile mechanics are car repair people who come to your home or wherever your car is instead of you going to a shop.
Mobile mechanics are automotive technicians who travel to customers' locations to perform vehicle repairs and maintenance, offering convenience compared to traditional garages.
Formula One
"Um,inourcase,we'rehugeracingenthusiasts,FormulaOne,IndyCar,NASCAR."
Formula One is a type of car racing where very fast and special cars race on tracks all over the world. It's like the top level of car racing.
Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced race cars competing in a series of Grand Prix events worldwide.
IndyCar
"Um,inourcase,we'rehugeracingenthusiasts,FormulaOne,IndyCar,NASCAR."
IndyCar is a type of car racing mostly in the United States where very fast cars race on special tracks, including big oval tracks.
IndyCar is a premier American open-wheel racing series known for events like the Indianapolis 500. It features high-speed oval and road course racing with specialized single-seater cars.
NASCAR
"Um,inourcase,we'rehugeracingenthusiasts,FormulaOne,IndyCar,NASCAR."
NASCAR is a kind of car racing in America where cars that look like regular cars race on oval tracks at high speeds.
NASCAR is a popular American stock car racing series featuring production-based cars racing primarily on oval tracks. It is known for its close competition and large fan base.
track days
"Eventuallyformemberstoo,we'llhavetrackdays,right? BecauseImean,what'showit'snotmuchfunjustbuildingacarandnotnevergettingtotestitout."
Track days are special events where people can take their own cars to a race track and drive fast in a safe place.
Track days are events where car enthusiasts can drive their own cars on a race track in a controlled environment, allowing them to experience high-performance driving safely.
JDM
""...we'realsohavingoneofthesewhereit'sasmaller,onasmallerscale,butwe'relookingtohaveaJDMcarmeetforouropeningceremonytogetthecarguystogether. Umwe'reabitpartialtotheJDMcommunityourselves.""
JDM means cars made for Japan that people outside Japan like because they can be special or different. Car fans sometimes collect or meet up with these cars.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to cars and car parts produced specifically for the Japanese market. Enthusiasts often seek JDM vehicles for their unique specifications and cultural appeal.
flat-six engine
"Is it is it a flat six or a four?"
A flat-six engine is a type of engine where six cylinders lie flat and opposite each other. This helps the car stay balanced and drive smoothly.
A flat-six engine is a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine where the cylinders lie flat in two banks of three on either side of the crankshaft. This design lowers the car's center of gravity and improves balance.
flat-four engine
""It's a flat four right now. Flat four. Okay. Correct. Yeah.""
A flat-four engine has four cylinders lying flat and opposite each other, which helps the car stay balanced and run smoothly. Subaru uses this engine in many of their cars.
A flat-four engine is a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine where cylinders are arranged in two banks of two opposite each other. Subaru commonly uses this engine layout in many of its models, including the WRX.
car build/project car
""So the Vaughan was my first build. I bought that car back in 2017. Completely stopped. And then, like you said, I fell in love with the way it driven and everything. But I didn't know what to do. Like, I was like, what do I how do I modify it? Like, what wheels, what routes should I go? I used to be on the guy. I wanted something different.""
A project car is a car someone works on to make it better or different, like changing the wheels or engine parts to make it more fun or faster.
A car build or project car refers to a vehicle that an enthusiast modifies or restores over time, often customizing parts like wheels, suspension, or engine components to suit personal preferences or performance goals.
octane level
"Yeah, the octane level and all the yeah. Yeah, it's monitoring the octane level as soon as I put E85."
Octane level is how strong the fuel is against making your engine knock or ping. Higher octane means the fuel can handle more pressure without causing problems.
Octane level measures a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. Higher octane fuels allow engines to run more efficiently and with higher compression without damaging knock.
Delicious Tuning
"Yeah, so the software that I got, the problem that I have is called Delicious Tuning. Delicious tuning. It's a small computer. Don't tell anybody about it. No, no, and it's got sensors."
Delicious Tuning is a special computer program and device that helps change how your car's engine works so it can run better with fuels like E85.
Delicious Tuning is an aftermarket tuning software and hardware solution that allows users to modify their vehicle's engine parameters, such as fuel mixture and ignition timing, to optimize performance, especially when using alternative fuels like E85.
anti-lag
"So it does have anti-lag, all the pops and bangs."
Anti-lag helps the turbocharger stay ready so the car can go faster without waiting. It keeps the engine parts spinning even when you’re not pressing the gas.
Anti-lag is a system used in turbocharged engines to reduce turbo lag by keeping the turbo spinning even when the throttle is closed, often by injecting fuel or air to maintain boost pressure. This improves throttle response, especially in rally cars.
two-step
"Yeah, it's got uh two-step and launch control, it's got everything."
Two-step helps the car stay at a certain engine speed so it can start moving fast without slipping the wheels.
Two-step is a rev limiter feature used in performance cars to hold the engine at a set RPM for launch control, helping to manage wheel spin and optimize acceleration from a standstill.
five-speed transmission
"The only thing is that transmission still has five speeds, so there's transmission. Uh it's not the best."
A five-speed transmission means the car has five gears to choose from when driving. More gears can help the car run better.
A five-speed transmission is a manual or automatic gearbox with five forward gears. It is sometimes considered less optimal for performance compared to six-speed transmissions, which offer closer gear ratios and better efficiency.
six-speed transmission
"So, that's the next step. The six speed to go. So, how much is the six speed? You buy the six speed used? Yes, yeah. You gotta buy it used. Because I have to get uh an all four or all five transmission because since my car is old, that one is just a plug and plate. You put it on, everything works."
A six-speed transmission means the car has six gears, which can help it go faster and use fuel better than five gears.
A six-speed transmission has six forward gears and is often preferred for performance cars due to better gear spacing, improved acceleration, and fuel efficiency. Upgrading from a five-speed to a six-speed can enhance driving experience.
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