Jason’s New Project: VR6 Mk3 Cabrio Incoming — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Cammisa & DTS — Ep. 204
About this episode
Jason Camisa dives into his latest acquisition, a 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio, sharing the story of how he came to own it and his plans for a VR6 conversion. The episode features humorous anecdotes about tires, including a mishap with Grenada tires that led to a breakdown during a road trip. Jason and co-hosts discuss the Cabrio's surprisingly premium feel and performance, while also reminiscing about past VW models. The conversation is filled with camaraderie and car culture insights, making it a fun listen for VW enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Cabrio
"...most recent vehicular acquisition, which sits behind us, or I guess, tell them that. It is a 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio, not lay. People will call it a Cabrio, o-lay, like, o-lay. But it's not organic..."
The Volkswagen Cabrio is a small convertible car that was popular in the 1990s. The 1996 model is part of a series that was made from 1992 to 1999, and it's known for being fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Cabrio is a convertible version of the Golf, known for its compact size and fun driving experience. The 1996 model is part of the Mk3 generation, which was produced from 1992 to 1999.
Osnabrück
"...it's not organic. It's built in Osnabrück in Germany. These are not the other mark threes are Mexican built..."
Osnabrück is a city in Germany where some Volkswagen cars, like the Cabrio, were made. It's important because it shows where the car was built.
Osnabrück is a city in Germany known for its automotive manufacturing, particularly for Volkswagen. The Cabrio was built there, distinguishing it from other models produced in different locations.
Ford Granada
"...mage and Show is sponsored by it's definitely not Granada tires, and you'll find out why also probably not ..."
The Ford Granada is an older car that was made for families, providing a comfortable ride and plenty of space inside. It was popular during its time for being practical.
The Ford Granada was a mid-size car produced by Ford in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its comfort and spacious interior. It was aimed at the family market and offered a range of engines and trim levels.
Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce
"Yeah. My Julietta Spider-Veloce had ancient Freda Stein sprint classics on that. And I was like, I should get new tires. These are like 15 years old, and then I started driving it."
The Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce is a classic sports car that has a convertible top. It's known for being fun to drive and has a stylish look that many people love.
The Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce is a classic convertible sports car known for its stylish design and spirited performance. It is part of the Alfa Romeo Spider lineup, which has been celebrated for its driving dynamics and Italian flair.
automatic car
"Congratulations. It might be the fault of this podcast, but I mentioned to you on this podcast that maybe I should sell the beat."
An automatic car is one that changes gears by itself, so you don’t have to do it manually. This makes it easier to drive, especially in busy traffic.
An automatic car is a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, which shifts gears automatically without the need for the driver to manually change gears. This makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Honda Beat
"...But I did sell the Honda Beat. Congratulations, my condolences. Thank you. Thank you."
The Honda Beat is a tiny sports car from Japan that was made to be fun to drive. It's very small and light, which makes it easy to handle.
The Honda Beat is a kei car produced by Honda from 1991 to 1996. It's known for its small size, lightweight, and fun driving experience, making it popular among enthusiasts.
tires
"...Shouldn't we talk about tires now? Do you want to talk about tires now?"
Tires are the round rubber parts on cars that touch the road. They help the car move and stop safely, and they need to be in good shape for the car to drive well.
Tires are the rubber components that provide traction and support for vehicles. They play a crucial role in handling, safety, and performance, affecting how a car drives and stops.
miles
"And it's got 71,000 miles on it. And I have all books and records."
Miles are a way to measure how far a car has been driven. Generally, cars with fewer miles are considered to be in better condition.
Miles refer to the distance a vehicle has traveled, which is a key indicator of its usage and potential wear. Lower mileage often suggests less wear and tear, making a vehicle more desirable.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
"But yeah, it's a very pleasant, nicely made thing that it was nice to interact with. And it made me want like a Mark III VR6 GTI or something because it like would be the same thing..."
The Volkswagen GTI is a fun and practical car that many people enjoy driving. The Mk3 version was made in the early '90s and had a powerful engine that made it more exciting to drive.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and practicality. The Mk3 generation, produced in the early 1990s, features a VR6 engine option which enhances its sporty character.
horsepower
"An eight valve single overhead cam, 115 horsepower, 100 and I think 32 pound feet of torque."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
torque
"An eight valve single overhead cam, 115 horsepower, 100 and I think 32 pound feet of torque."
Torque measures how much twisting force an engine can produce. It's important for how quickly a car can speed up, especially from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in automotive terms refers to the engine's ability to do work. It's crucial for acceleration and pulling power.
VR6
"It was available with the VR6 as well."
The VR6 is a special type of engine made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be powerful but takes up less space than a regular V6 engine.
The VR6 is a type of engine configuration developed by Volkswagen, combining the characteristics of a V6 engine in a more compact design. It features a narrow angle between the cylinder banks, allowing for a shorter engine length.
redline
"this car doesn't want to actually make it to redline."
Redline is the highest speed at which an engine can safely run. Going past this speed can hurt the engine, so drivers need to be careful.
Redline refers to the maximum engine speed, usually indicated by a red zone on the tachometer. Exceeding this limit can cause engine damage, so it's important for drivers to know their vehicle's redline.
Volkswagen Jetta
"I'd like to find a GTI VR6 or a Jetta GLX VR6, Mark III, ideally one that just got tagged in the back and is totaled."
The Volkswagen Jetta GLX is a fancier version of the Jetta, which is a compact car. The Mark III means it's from a specific time period when this version was made.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLX is a higher trim level of the Jetta, offering more features and a sportier driving experience. The Mark III refers to the generation produced from 1992 to 1999.
subframe
"because I will do a double subframe swap. I'll start off the front subframe, which will then include suspension, brakes, steering, engine, transmission, all of it."
A subframe is a part of a car that holds important pieces like the engine and wheels in place. It helps the car stay strong and work well on the road.
A subframe is a structural component of a vehicle that supports various parts like the engine, suspension, and drivetrain. It helps to absorb shocks and maintain alignment.
Volkswagen Corrado
"The Carrado was 178 in the US. But the Carrado VR6 got a 2.9 liter with 190 horsepower in Europe."
The Volkswagen Corrado is a small, sporty car that was made in the late 80s and early 90s. It has a unique look and is known for being fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Corrado is a sporty compact coupe produced from 1988 to 1995. It is known for its distinctive design and performance, particularly the VR6 variant.
2.9 liter engine
"But the Carrado VR6 got a 2.9 liter with 190 horsepower in Europe."
A 2.9 liter engine means the engine can hold 2.9 liters of air and fuel in its cylinders. Bigger engines usually produce more power.
A 2.9 liter engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. Larger displacement typically allows for more power and torque.
Volkswagen Mark III
"So remember, I had a Mark III, four-door VR6, and I modified the fuck out of that car."
The Volkswagen Mark III is a version of the Golf car made in the early '90s. It's known for being sturdy and having different engine choices.
The Volkswagen Mark III, also known as the Mk3, refers to the third generation of the Volkswagen Golf, produced from 1991 to 1997. It is known for its solid build quality and variety of engine options, including the VR6.
front air dam
"...there's like a rubber lip under the car, under the front air dam."
The front air dam is a part at the front of the car that helps it move better through the air. It can also make the car look cooler.
The front air dam is a component located at the front of a vehicle, designed to improve aerodynamics by reducing air drag and increasing downforce. It can also enhance the car's visual appeal.
LEDs
"And, you know, I'll do a headlight upgrade in terms of LEDs and senons."
LEDs are a type of light that uses less energy and lasts longer than regular bulbs. They're often used in car headlights to make them brighter and more efficient.
LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, are a type of lighting technology that is energy-efficient and long-lasting. They are commonly used in automotive lighting for headlights and interior lights.
cowl shake
"And I am a bit concerned about adding 50% horsepower to this car because it does definitely have cowl shake. I don't know what you're talking about."
Cowl shake is when the front part of a car shakes or vibrates, especially around the windshield. It's more common in cars that don't have a solid roof, like convertibles.
Cowl shake refers to the flex or vibration in the car's body, particularly around the windshield area, often noticeable in convertibles or cars with less structural rigidity. This can be exacerbated by increased horsepower or performance modifications.
structural bracing
"No, I will put structural bracing on it. So I'll do the upper..."
Structural bracing is when you add extra parts to a car's frame to make it stronger and less wobbly. This helps the car handle better and reduces shaking.
Structural bracing involves adding components to a car's chassis to improve rigidity and reduce flex, which can enhance handling and reduce issues like cowl shake. This is especially important in performance vehicles or convertibles.
shock tower
"Well, the upper shock tower upfront, which we'll get rid of probably half of the cowl shake."
The shock tower is where the car's suspension connects to the body. Strengthening this area can help the car handle better and reduce shaking.
The shock tower is a part of the car's suspension system, located at the top of the strut assembly. Upgrading or reinforcing the shock tower can improve handling and reduce body flex, contributing to a more stable ride.
Mark III
"Cabrio is the Mark III terminology. Correct. And as I understand it, there was a facelift on the front half of this car later on in production."
'Mark III' is a way Volkswagen labels its car generations, similar to saying 'third version' of a model. It helps identify which version of a car you're talking about.
The term 'Mark III' refers to the third generation of a specific model in Volkswagen's lineup, often used to denote significant design and engineering changes from previous generations.
Jaguar Mark I
"... it was given a facelift to make it look like the Mark IV cars. So the weird thing about the Mark I, what ..."
The Jaguar Mark I is an older luxury car known for its beautiful design and smooth performance. It helped Jaguar become famous for making stylish cars.
The Jaguar Mark I is a luxury sedan that was produced in the 1950s, recognized for its elegant design and advanced engineering for its time. It laid the foundation for Jaguar's reputation for producing stylish and high-performance vehicles.
Audi A3
"Yeah. They made the beetle beetle and then the Audi A3 eventually. Yeah."
The Audi A3 is a small luxury car that offers a nice interior and good technology features. It's popular for people who want a stylish and comfortable ride.
The Audi A3 is a compact luxury car that combines performance, technology, and upscale features in a small package. It is well-regarded for its refined interior and advanced safety and infotainment systems.
Mercedes-Benz Evo II Cosworth
"So they did an Evo II Cosworth Mercedes."
The Evo II Cosworth is a special version of a Mercedes car that was designed for better performance, especially in racing.
The Mercedes-Benz Evo II Cosworth is a high-performance variant of the Mercedes 190E, known for its racing pedigree and enhanced performance features.
PPI
"Have the guys do a PPI for you. And I'm like, I don't need it. And he's like, you need it."
A PPI stands for Pre-Purchase Inspection. It's when a mechanic checks a car to make sure everything is working well before you buy it. This helps you avoid buying a car that might have hidden problems.
A PPI, or Pre-Purchase Inspection, is a thorough examination of a vehicle conducted by a qualified mechanic before a purchase. It helps identify any potential issues or repairs needed, ensuring the buyer is making an informed decision.
timing belt
"...they even pulled the cover off and looked at the timing belt. And I knew the timing belt was 17 years old. But it only had like 3,800 miles on it..."
A timing belt is a part of the engine that helps keep everything moving in sync. If it gets too old or worn out, it can break and cause serious engine problems.
The timing belt is a critical component in an engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. It ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes. A worn or old timing belt can lead to engine failure if it breaks.
BMW E30
"...ing on some pretty cool stuff there, including an E30 touring in Poiple. That's cool."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that people love for its fun driving experience and nice interior. The E30 version is an older model that many fans admire for its style and performance.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been in production since 1975. Known for its sporty handling and luxurious features, the E30 variant is particularly celebrated among enthusiasts for its classic design and driving dynamics.
BMW E30M3
"So a double E30M3 subframe swap. So a full M3 wagon, which is pretty cool."
The BMW E30 M3 is a special version of the BMW 3 Series that is designed for performance. It's known for being lightweight and fun to drive, which makes it popular among car fans.
The BMW E30 M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It is renowned for its lightweight construction, sporty handling, and powerful engines, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Volvo S60
"... also did an E30M3 shooting break and red with an S60. No, M60."
The Volvo S60 is a fancy car that focuses on keeping you safe and comfortable while driving. It's known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside.
The Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan known for its safety features, comfortable ride, and stylish design. It has a reputation for reliability and is often praised for its spacious interior and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
"...we then left and went to go drive a C63 AMG that had been manual swapped."
The C63 AMG is a fast and powerful car made by Mercedes-Benz. It's designed for people who love driving and want a mix of luxury and speed.
The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is a high-performance version of the C-Class, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty handling. It's popular among enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and performance.
Dodge Grand
"...opy of my minivan. Like at 20, it turns out, 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan with the hood up and seven kids around it..."
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a big family van that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's great for parents who need to drive kids around and have space for everything.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan that has been a popular choice for families due to its spacious interior and versatile seating configurations. It offers practical features for everyday use, making it ideal for transporting kids and cargo.
Ford F150
"and then find an enterprise and we rent an F-150 and we're just telling the shit home. Like, we're never gonna make it."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work or to haul things. It's popular because it's tough and can carry a lot of weight.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for decades. Known for its durability, versatility, and strong towing capacity, it is often used for both work and personal purposes.
Honda Civic
"...out our friend Rachel's there at racing her spoon civic. So we say hi to Rachel."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and saves on gas. It's also available in sportier versions for those who enjoy driving.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since 1972. It is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty variants, making it a popular choice among drivers of all ages.
Mazda Miatas
"and doesn't have any tires. And I'm like, well, there's Miata's all over the place. Like somebody in a Miata will have a 14 inch tire."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is really fun to drive. It's light and has a simple design, which makes it popular with people who love driving.
The Mazda Miata, also known as the MX-5, is a lightweight two-seat sports car that has been praised for its fun-to-drive nature since its introduction in 1989. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and balanced handling make it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Egolf
"And I look and I'm like, oh shit, shirako, cabriolay, cabbie, e-golf, and the beetle on the front yard."
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car that looks like the regular Golf but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's good for the environment and great for city driving.
The Volkswagen e-Golf is the electric version of the popular Golf hatchback, offering a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. It combines the familiar Golf design with electric efficiency, making it a great choice for urban driving.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.