How To Bang Gears The Wrong Way - Adam’s Modded Imports and Track Day Tales
About this episode
Christian and Doug welcome Adam, a longtime friend and car enthusiast, to share his automotive journey. They reminisce about Adam's first car, a Toyota Corolla FX-16, and the life lessons learned while working on it. The conversation shifts to his favorite adult car, a Nissan Maxima, where he discusses modifications and memorable experiences. Adam also shares stories about his Infiniti Q50s and the thrill of high-performance driving. The episode is filled with nostalgia, humor, and insights into car culture and personal connections.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Adam’s automotive journey is a tale of youthful innovation and speed. He transports us back to the late ’80s with his first ride, a peppy 1987 Toyota Corolla FX-16, and shares how it ignited his inner “shade-tree mechanic.” Listeners will hear how Adam pushed boundaries by modifying a ’96 Nissan Maxima – even engineering an automatic to “bang gears” like a manual – reflecting true car enthusiast creativity. As he moves into the modern era with an Infiniti Q50, Adam doesn’t just commute – he takes it to the track, proving that everyday cars can deliver heart-pounding automotive adventures. This episode is rich with car trivia and tuning insights: from garage tinkering victories to the adrenaline of tracking a sport sedan.
Adam's favorite episode is the one featuring his wife, Melissa Turbo - "Turbocharged Memories – Melissa’s Road from High School LeBaron to Family SUV" https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/16066469-turbocharged-memories-melissa-s-road-from-high-school-lebaron-to-family-suv
It’s an inspiring look at automotive culture and personal growth, sure to fuel anyone who craves car stories about customization, performance, and living life in the fast lane.
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Toyota Corolla
"...I had a, I don't know what year it was, 87-ish. Toyota Corolla FX. FX-16, if I remember correctly."
The Toyota Corolla FX-16 is a special version of the Corolla from the late 1980s. It's known for being light and fun to drive, making it popular among car fans.
The Toyota Corolla FX-16 is a sporty variant of the Corolla, known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It was produced in the late 1980s and is often appreciated by enthusiasts for its fun driving experience.
Toyota FX-16
"Good point, FX-16. It was not the base model. It had the 16-valve engine, but it was not the GTS model that had the stick shift in the 14s."
The Toyota FX-16 is a small car made by Toyota in the late '80s and early '90s. It was designed to be sporty and fun to drive, making it popular among car lovers.
The Toyota FX-16 is a compact car that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its sporty design and performance. It was part of Toyota's lineup that appealed to enthusiasts looking for a fun-to-drive vehicle.
16-valve engine
"It had the 16-valve engine, but it was not the GTS model that had the stick shift in the 14s. I had the automatic in the 13s."
A 16-valve engine has 16 openings for air and fuel to enter and exhaust to exit, which helps the engine run better and faster. It's often found in sportier cars.
A 16-valve engine refers to an engine design that has 16 valves, typically four valves per cylinder, which allows for better airflow and improved performance compared to engines with fewer valves. This design is common in performance-oriented vehicles.
GTS model
"It had the 16-valve engine, but it was not the GTS model that had the stick shift in the 14s. I had the automatic in the 13s."
The GTS model is a sportier version of a car that usually has better performance and extra features. It’s designed for people who want a more exciting driving experience.
The GTS model typically refers to a sportier trim level of a vehicle that often includes performance enhancements, upgraded features, and a more aggressive design. In the context of the Toyota FX-16, the GTS would have offered a more engaging driving experience compared to the base models.
stick shift
"It had the stick shift in the 14s. I had the automatic in the 13s."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself using a lever. Many people enjoy driving stick shifts because they feel more in control of the car.
A stick shift, also known as a manual transmission, is a type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a gear stick. This type of transmission is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for the level of control it offers.
automatic
"I had the automatic in the 13s. 13."
An automatic transmission is a system in cars that changes gears for you, so you don’t have to do it manually. It makes driving easier, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears. This is common in most modern vehicles.
junk yard
"...Learned how to go to a junk yard and acquire replacement parts,..."
A junk yard is a place where old cars are kept, and you can find parts to fix your own car. People often go there to buy cheap parts instead of buying new ones.
A junk yard, also known as a salvage yard, is a place where old, damaged, or abandoned vehicles are stored for the purpose of selling parts or recycling. It's a valuable resource for car enthusiasts looking for affordable replacement parts or project car components.
bartering
"...you extract parts, you know. You barter with the junk yard owner..."
Bartering means trading things instead of using money. In a junkyard, you might trade a part you have for a part you need.
Bartering is the exchange of goods or services without using money. In a junkyard context, it might involve trading parts or labor for other parts instead of paying cash.
Honda Civic
"...ers, it was a basically kind of a twin of a Honda Civic two-door. It looked, we had a mutual friend"
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it runs well and doesn't use too much gas. It's been around for a long time and is known for being reliable, which means it usually doesn't break down often. Many drivers choose it because it's a good mix of fun to drive and easy to take care of.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1972. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, the Civic has evolved through multiple generations, making it a popular choice among drivers of all ages. Its significance lies in its reputation as a dependable vehicle that offers a balance of performance and economy.
Nissan Maxima
"and bought a 96 Nissan Maxima. Nice. Which had that for a long time."
The Nissan Maxima is a large car that is comfortable and has good performance. The 1996 version is known for being a nice mix of sporty and luxurious.
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan known for its performance and comfort. The 1996 model was part of the fourth generation, which offered a blend of sportiness and luxury features.
pre-cat delete
"we did what the kids call a pre-cat delete where they piped to bypass the pre-cats, gave it, which was a big bang for the buck for that car."
A pre-cat delete is when you take out certain parts of the exhaust system to make the car run better and sound louder.
A pre-cat delete is a modification that removes the pre-catalytic converters from a vehicle's exhaust system, often to improve performance and reduce back pressure.
lowering springs
"I know I put some lowering springs on it. I know I rebuilt the brakes a number of times"
Lowering springs are parts you can add to a car to make it sit lower to the ground, which can help it handle better when driving.
Lowering springs are aftermarket suspension components that reduce a vehicle's ride height, improving handling and aesthetics by lowering the center of gravity.
brakes
"I know I put some lowering springs on it. I know I rebuilt the brakes a number of times"
Brakes are the parts of a car that help it slow down or stop when you press the pedal.
Brakes are crucial components of a vehicle that allow it to slow down or stop by applying friction to the wheels.
shift kit
"And it was basically a shift kit, right?"
A shift kit is a set of parts that you can add to an automatic transmission to make it change gears faster and more aggressively, which can make the car feel sportier.
A shift kit is an aftermarket modification for automatic transmissions that alters the shifting characteristics. It can improve shift speed and firmness, enhancing the driving experience, especially under full throttle.
variable length runner
"...had a like a variable length runner and you could buy it aftermarket,..."
A variable length runner helps the engine breathe better by adjusting how long the pathways for air are, depending on how fast the engine is running. This can make the car perform better at different speeds.
A variable length runner is an intake manifold design that allows the length of the intake runners to change based on engine RPM, optimizing airflow for better performance across a range of speeds.
Nissan Altima
"...I think Nissan still uses it. It was the four door sports car. Yes. And if I remember your dad had one..."
The Nissan Altima is a type of car that has four doors and is designed to be sporty. It's known for being fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan that has been marketed as a 'four-door sports car' due to its sporty design and performance features. It has undergone several generations since its introduction, with each new version offering improvements in technology and efficiency.
Infiniti Q50
"I had a 08 Infiniti Q50 which is probably my most fun car. So I leased and I had three of those an 08, an 11 and a 14."
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury car known for being fun to drive and comfortable. It's part of Infiniti's lineup and has several model years, including 2008, 2011, and 2014.
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort. It features a stylish design and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
Texas Motor Speedway
"they have Texas Motor Speedway which is a big nice car loop and they hold private events"
Texas Motor Speedway is a big racetrack in Texas where cars race. It's known for hosting important racing events.
Texas Motor Speedway is a major motorsport complex located in Fort Worth, Texas. It hosts various racing events, including NASCAR and IndyCar races, and features a 1.5-mile quad-oval track.
high performance driving
"and I did some high performance driving stuff there in that car. Wow."
High performance driving is when you drive a car really fast and learn how to handle it well on a racetrack. It's about improving your driving skills for speed and safety.
High performance driving refers to driving techniques and skills that enhance a driver's ability to control a vehicle at high speeds, often in a track environment. This includes advanced cornering, braking, and acceleration techniques.
near luxury
"...you weren't like spending BMW money. There's a term in the industry, near luxury."
'Near luxury' cars are those that feel luxurious but don't cost as much as high-end luxury brands. They provide good quality and features at a more affordable price.
The term 'near luxury' refers to vehicles that offer many of the features and quality associated with luxury brands but are priced lower than traditional luxury vehicles. This segment of the market appeals to buyers looking for a premium experience without the high costs of brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
rear wheel drive
"And that was a rear wheel drive car with a big V6, right?"
In a rear wheel drive car, the back wheels get the power from the engine, which can help with driving performance and handling.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup often provides better handling dynamics and acceleration, especially in performance cars.
horsepower
"300 or 100 horsepower? Nah."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. More horsepower generally means better acceleration and performance.
3.7 V6
"I mean these were, it was a 3.7 V6 and it was, I don't know, it was low to mid 200s at the time."
A 3.7 V6 engine has a total size of 3.7 liters and six cylinders. It's a common engine type that offers a good mix of power and fuel efficiency.
The 3.7 V6 refers to a specific engine displacement of 3.7 liters with six cylinders arranged in a V configuration. This engine size is often found in mid-sized vehicles and provides a balance of power and efficiency.
V6
"I mean these were, it was a 3.7 V6 and it was, I don't know, it was low to mid 200s at the time."
A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V shape, which helps it produce a decent amount of power while still being relatively efficient.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. It is known for providing a good balance of power and efficiency, making it popular in many cars.
Chrysler 200S
"and it was, I don't know, it was low to mid 200s at the time. I don't remember what it was"
The Chrysler 200 is a medium-sized car that was made for families and people who want a comfortable ride. It has a nice inside and is easy to drive, but some people found it didn't perform as well as other similar cars. It's talked about because it looks different and had some trouble getting people to buy it.
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan that was produced from 2010 to 2017, designed to compete with other family sedans in the market. It features a comfortable interior and a smooth ride, but it struggled with performance and reliability compared to its rivals. The 200 is often discussed for its unique styling and the challenges it faced in gaining popularity.
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