Jeremy Weller - EP.183

Right-hand drive (RHD) means the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, which is common in countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia. In enthusiast circles, RHD conversions and factory RHD cars are often discussed because they affect driving feel, legality, and parts availability.

Fog lights are auxiliary headlights designed to improve visibility in bad weather like fog, rain, or snow. The hosts are using the presence/absence of fog lights as a clue to identify the specific Evolution generation.

JDM means “Japanese Domestic Market.” It refers to cars that were originally sold in Japan, which often includes right-hand-drive layouts and equipment differences compared with cars sold in other markets.

The Nissan 300 ZX (often called the Z32 in enthusiast circles) is a late-80s/early-90s sports coupe known for its sleek styling and strong performance for its era. It’s a popular “dream car” because it blends everyday usability with a true sports-car feel.

The Ford Escort is a compact car line that was common in the U.S. in the 1990s. In this conversation it’s mentioned as the replacement for the speaker’s intended Nissan 300 ZX.

The Honda Civic is a long-running compact car known for being practical, efficient, and easy to live with. Here it’s mentioned as the car the speaker thought they were going to get before ending up with a different “C” car.

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that was sold in the U.S. through the 1990s and early 2000s. In the episode, it’s the “simpler” car the speaker ended up with after expecting something else.

A 2.3-liter direct-injection engine uses a fixed displacement (2.3 liters) and injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber rather than into the intake. Direct injection is a common modern approach because it can improve efficiency and allow more precise fuel metering for turbo setups.

The Mazda Speed3 is a performance-oriented Mazda hatchback known for being a popular “platform” for modifications. In this segment, the hosts talk about it in the context of turbocharging and how much space it gives for working on the engine bay.

The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for strong straight-line speed and serious track capability. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned in a “trolling people” comparison about racing expectations versus other cars, which highlights how the GT-R is perceived as a benchmark for performance. That reputation is why it often comes up when people talk about who can actually keep up.

A turbocharger uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine that forces more air into the engine, allowing higher power without increasing engine size. The hosts also mention that turbo cars tend to have large followings and big aftermarket support, largely because they’re common and tunable.

The radiator support is the structural panel/frame area that holds the radiator and related front-end components. In turbo conversions, people sometimes have to modify or cut it to make room for larger intercoolers, piping, or turbo hardware when the engine bay is tight.

A “stock block” means the engine’s core casting is left in factory form rather than replaced with a stronger aftermarket block. It’s a common benchmark in tuning because pushing big power through an unmodified foundation increases stress on the internals.

A transmission is the gearbox that transfers engine power to the wheels and selects different gear ratios for acceleration and cruising. When the transmission “went out,” it usually means the car can’t shift properly or drive normally.

The Mazda MX-5 (often called the Miata) is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster built for fun, simple handling, and an engaging driving feel. It’s a common “starter” sports car and a popular platform for enthusiasts, which is why it comes up in stories about early car ownership and weekend driving. The mention of a “96” M-edition points to a specific mid-90s variant that people often seek out for its character and period-correct setup.

The Mazda RX-7 is a right-hand-drive-friendly sports car best known for its rotary engine (a Wankel design) rather than a traditional piston engine. In enthusiast circles, it’s a popular platform for maintenance, parts sourcing, and ownership because many examples are older and need attention to wear items.

The Mazda RX-8 is another rotary-powered Mazda, also using a Wankel design that spins instead of reciprocating like a conventional engine. It’s often discussed alongside the RX-7 because both are rotary enthusiast cars, and their ownership typically involves planning for age-related maintenance.

The Mitsubishi Evo is the Evolution model line from Mitsubishi, known for rally-bred all-wheel-drive performance. In this segment, the host is discussing the name “Evo” and how it relates to the earlier “evolution” trademark idea.

The Mazda Speed 3 is a performance version of the Mazda3, typically known for its turbocharged engine and enthusiast-focused tuning. The segment describes trading into a “speed three,” which is a common enthusiast upgrade path from other modified cars.

“Boosted” means the engine is making extra intake pressure using a forced-induction system like a turbocharger or supercharger. In this context, the RX-8 they drove was “boosted,” so it likely had more power and different driving feel than a stock car.

Driver Motor Sports is the named shop the host mentions as a place to source and work with right-hand-drive cars. The host says they’re located in Rustberg, Virginia and are helpful with the import process.

The “import process” refers to the steps required to bring a vehicle from another country into the U.S., including paperwork, compliance requirements, and logistics. Here it’s mentioned in the context of a shop specializing in right-hand-drive cars and helping customers handle the import work.

In car context, tuning means adjusting engine management and other settings to change how the car makes power and responds. It can involve software changes, fueling/ignition adjustments, and sometimes supporting hardware. The episode ties tuning to a failure event after the original turbo work.

Spooling is how quickly a turbocharger builds boost pressure after you press the accelerator. Faster spool usually means less turbo lag and quicker acceleration. The host says the upgraded turbo is “fast spooling,” implying improved throttle response.

Brembo is a performance brake brand known for high-grip, track-capable brake systems. When someone mentions “Brembos,” they usually mean upgraded brake calipers (and sometimes rotors) for stronger stopping and better heat handling.

An intercooler cools the compressed air coming from the turbo before it enters the engine. The “HKS intercooler” refers to an aftermarket unit from HKS, which can improve charge-air temperatures, helping power and reducing the chance of knock under boost.

The intercooler core is the internal heat-exchanging “radiator” portion of the intercooler. It’s the part that actually transfers heat from the hot compressed air to the cooler airflow.

RHD Japan is an aftermarket parts retailer/importer that specializes in right-hand-drive Japanese car parts. In this segment, it’s referenced as the source for the host’s intercooler piping.

HKS is an aftermarket performance brand, and an “intake”/“high suction” kit is typically aimed at improving airflow into the engine. On turbo cars especially, better intake flow can help the engine respond more crisply and support higher boost setups. In this context, the host is describing a specific HKS kit they added under the hood.

Bushings are rubber or polyurethane mounts that sit between suspension parts to reduce vibration and allow controlled movement. Replacing worn bushings on the subframe can noticeably tighten steering and make the car feel more responsive, because the suspension geometry stays more consistent.

A subframe is a structural frame section that the suspension components attach to, helping locate the wheels and maintain alignment under load. When the subframe bushings are replaced, the suspension can hold its intended position better, which is why the driver may describe the car as feeling “brand new.”

White Line is an aftermarket brand known for suspension bushings and related handling parts. In this context, using White Line bushings suggests the shop replaced the worn rubber with performance-oriented components to restore or improve suspension feel.

Crank windows are manual side windows operated with a hand crank instead of an electric motor. They’re often found on more stripped, performance-oriented trims because they can save weight and reduce complexity.

AC (air conditioning) cools the cabin using a refrigerant system. Performance-minded builds sometimes delete or avoid it to reduce weight and complexity, even though it’s useful on hot days.

ABS (anti-lock braking system) helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. It modulates brake pressure so the tires keep traction, which improves steering control on slippery surfaces.

An “OEM plus” build aims to improve a car while keeping it feeling factory-correct—using upgrades that look and behave like they belong on the original design. It’s a middle ground between stock and full custom, often focusing on reliability, fitment, and period-appropriate parts.

A blow-off valve (BOV) releases pressurized air from the intake system when the throttle closes, preventing compressor surge. On turbo cars, it can affect throttle response and the sound/feel of shifts, and it’s often discussed in tuning circles.

“mishi moto” appears to refer to Mishimoto, an aftermarket brand known for cooling-system parts like radiator hoses and intercooler components. The speaker says they had a partial sponsorship, implying they received or discounted parts for the build.

Radiator hoses are the coolant hoses that route liquid between the radiator and engine cooling passages. Upgrading them is common in performance builds because higher heat loads and age-related cracking can cause leaks or reduced cooling performance.

Injector Dynamics 1050s are high-flow fuel injectors designed to deliver more fuel than stock injectors. On turbo builds, bigger injectors help support higher boost and power while keeping the air-fuel mixture in a safe range.

An R-Tech exhaust manifold is an aftermarket exhaust manifold that routes exhaust gases from the engine to the turbo more efficiently than many stock setups. Better exhaust flow can improve turbo response and overall performance on a turbo build.

An Invidia dump pipe is an aftermarket exhaust section that helps route exhaust gases from the turbo to the rest of the exhaust system. On turbo cars, dump pipes are often used to reduce restrictions and improve flow for better power and spool characteristics.

A Haltech 1500 Elite is an aftermarket engine management ECU used to control fueling, ignition timing, and boost-related parameters. Enthusiasts use it to tune the car more precisely than many stock systems, especially with supporting mods like injectors and exhaust.

“Anti-light” for the launch likely refers to a launch-control or anti-lag strategy that helps manage turbo behavior during hard acceleration. The goal is to keep boost response strong when you floor it, rather than waiting for the turbo to spool.

“Hugest flame” is describing visible exhaust flames during aggressive throttle events, which are often associated with over-fueling or ignition strategies used for anti-lag/launch behavior. While it looks dramatic, it can be hard on exhaust components if it’s done repeatedly.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports car/pony car known for its performance options and strong enthusiast following. In podcast talk, it often comes up because there are many trims and generations, and people may be referencing how common or recognizable Mustangs are in car culture. That’s likely why it’s mentioned alongside other performance cars in a “what’s crazy” style comparison.

A body kit is a set of exterior panels—like bumpers, side skirts, and sometimes spoilers—designed to change a car’s look and sometimes its aerodynamics. The episode mentions an Evo body kit with prominent fog lights, which is a common aftermarket style.

“Aftermarket” refers to parts or accessories made by companies other than the original manufacturer. In this context, it means the Evo body kit and lighting were sold as upgrades beyond the factory configuration.

A spoiler is an aerodynamic add-on (often on the trunk or hatch) intended to change airflow and increase downforce. The transcript connects bigger spoilers with the evolution of the Evo’s aftermarket and rally-inspired styling.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI TME is a special, limited-production Evo variant (the “TME” edition) that’s sought after because it’s tied to a specific homologation/limited-run story and tends to have unique spec details. The episode also references a very low worldwide production count, which is a big part of why these cars and their parts are collectible.

“Falcon” refers to a tire brand. The speaker says the wheels are wrapped in Falcon tires and emphasizes grip (“super grippy”), which matters because tire compound and model strongly affect traction and feel.

“Super grippy” is enthusiast shorthand for high traction—tires that provide strong grip at the contact patch. It’s typically influenced by tire compound (rubber softness) and tread design.

The Ford Falcon is a performance-focused car line, and the context here suggests a specific 1960s-era Falcon with a six-cylinder setup. The mention of it being “super grippy” points to how certain older Falcons can feel planted and responsive, especially when set up with the right tires and suspension. It’s discussed because classic Falcons can be surprisingly capable and fun, even by modern standards in the right configuration.

“Interwall” appears to be a transcription error for “sidewall,” which is the tire’s outer wall between the tread and the rim. Sidewall construction and markings can matter for durability and for identifying the exact tire.

Cusco is an aftermarket performance brand known for chassis-bracing parts. Bracing like this is meant to reduce flex in the body so suspension tuning feels more consistent.

A rear strut bar (often called a strut brace) connects suspension mounting points to reduce chassis flex. Less flex can improve steering feel and consistency because the suspension geometry stays closer to what the designer intended.

Blitz ZZ's are aftermarket coil springs/shocks used in a coilover setup. The “6k” front and rear refers to spring rate (stiffness), which affects ride harshness and how well the car controls body motion on-road and on rough surfaces.

In suspension talk, “drivability” means how easy and predictable the car feels in everyday driving—ride comfort, steering response, and how smoothly it transitions over bumps. It’s often used to describe whether performance mods make the car pleasant to live with.

Rallycross is a motorsport where cars race on mixed surfaces (often dirt and tarmac) over short, closed circuits. It typically demands suspension travel, traction, and durability that differ from pure street or track driving.

A “dog box” is a close-ratio manual transmission using dog-style engagement for the gears. It’s designed for fast, repeated shifts under hard driving, but it’s usually harsher and less smooth than a typical street gearbox.

A sequential gearbox shifts through gears in order (1st to 2nd to 3rd, etc.) rather than using an H-pattern. This can make shifts faster and more consistent, which is why sequential setups are common in motorsport.

Wheel dollies are rolling platforms used to support a car’s wheels when it’s stored for long periods. They reduce tire flat-spotting and make it easier to move the car without driving it.

An antique plate is a special license plate category for older vehicles, usually with eligibility rules tied to the vehicle’s age. In this discussion, the key point is that the “antique” threshold was raised, which affects when a car qualifies for that plate and any related benefits.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a long-running compact car, and it’s especially known in enthusiast circles for performance variants. In this segment, the hosts mention people misreading or misidentifying the car as a Lancer, which is why the speaker wants a clearer plate/customization.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a smaller, economy-focused Mitsubishi model, but in this conversation it’s being discussed in the context of performance comparisons. The hosts mention “mirage” and “evo thing,” implying people associate it with the Evo performance world even though it’s a different platform.

The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 is a performance-oriented version of the Galant, known for its turbocharged, all-wheel-drive setup in enthusiast circles. Here it’s listed alongside Lancers and Mirages as part of a group of Mitsubishi models people swap or compare when talking about “Evo” style builds.

“100k” here refers to 100,000 miles on the odometer, which is a common milestone used by car owners to plan maintenance and future upgrades. The speaker ties it to a future plan “outside of building,” suggesting they’re waiting until the car reaches that mileage before doing the next step.

A widebody is a bodywork modification that adds wider fenders/quarters to increase track width and make room for wider tires. It’s often done for looks, but it can also improve grip and stability by letting the car use more tire contact patch.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight composite material used in performance and show-car parts. Because it’s strong for its weight, it’s commonly used for body panels and interior components to reduce mass and add a motorsport aesthetic.

“Evo 5/6 platform” refers to basing the car’s conversion around the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V/VI generation’s layout and parts. In practice, it usually means swapping in that generation’s suspension, drivetrain, and body components to match the Evo’s geometry and performance package.

Sound deadening is material added to reduce cabin noise and vibration. Removing it saves weight and can make the car feel more raw, but it also increases road and mechanical noise inside the cabin.

Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes the car’s tires toward the ground. More downforce generally improves grip and stability at speed, which is why it’s a common goal for track-focused builds.

“Tracking it” means using the car on a closed circuit for repeated high-speed laps. It changes the priorities of the build—cooling, brakes, tires, and chassis stiffness—compared with normal street driving.

A boot seal is the weatherstrip around the trunk/boot opening that prevents water and wind from entering the cargo area. If it’s failing, washing the car can lead to water leaking into places it shouldn’t, and you may also notice more wind noise. Here, the host reports an immediate improvement after replacing it.