Launch Episode! The Ballast Boys Reunited: Ron Zaras, Vin Anatra
About this episode
The inaugural episode of Very Vehicular brings together Ron Zaras and Vin Anatra, known as the Ballast Boys, for a lively discussion about their automotive adventures and experiences at Hoonigan. The trio dives into their favorite builds, including the iconic Donk, the Rolls Royce drift car, and the unique Shark Cart. They reflect on the camaraderie and creativity that defined their time at Hoonigan, while also exploring the evolution of automotive culture and the challenges of building cars in a corporate environment. With humor and nostalgia, this episode sets the stage for future discussions on cars, builds, and the automotive community.
In the first ever episode of Very Vehicular, Scotto reunites with the OG Ballast Boys: Ron Zaras & Vin Anatra as they reminisce together on their misadventures from the glory days; and catch up on what’s been going on for them in their post-Hoonigan lives. They break down their hottest takes on the state of YouTube and current car culture, reveal new projects, and of course, get into a classic argument in the inaugural edition of Firing Order as they rank their top Hoonigan Builds. Strap in for this 2+ hour jam-packed launch episode of the podcast with the boys and stay tuned for more to come!
@BrianScotto
@RonCar
@VinAnatra
@321ActionAction
Partners:
Vyper Industrial
FCP Euro
Heatwave Visual
Toyo Tires
Producer: Nick Rutter
https://bio.site/321actionaction
00:00 Introduction
02:08 Sponsor: Vyper Industrial
02:54 Sponsor: Toyo Tires
03:26 Sponsor: Heatwave Visual
04:16 Welcome & Catching Up
06:21 The Rabbit Tow Story
16:11 Post-Hoonigan Life & Cars
32:13 Project Cars & YouTube Reality
33:35 Sponsor: FCP Euro
35:02 Drivers Era
45:15 Driving vs Building
52:55 Building Cars for Content
01:10:15 Daily Transmission Memories
01:15:00 The Nürburgring 24 Hours That Got Away
01:24:21 Early YouTube Days
01:30:19 Firing Order: Top 3 Hoonigan Builds Ranked
02:03:40 Good Cop, Bad Cop: Marketplace Finds
02:24:36 What Did You Drive Today?
02:31:38 Outro
Hoonigan
"...we did these videos. You might have seen him. And then we started this small little company called Hoonigan."
Hoonigan is a company that creates fun videos about cars and car culture. They focus on things like racing and drifting, which is when cars slide around corners.
Hoonigan is a brand and media company focused on car culture, motorsports, and automotive entertainment. It was co-founded by Ken Block and is known for its engaging video content featuring cars, drifting, and automotive lifestyle.
Dodge Viper
"...hicular is brought to you by our good friends at Viper Industrial. I met them a couple of years ago"
Toyo Tires
"But that has nothing to do with the tires that are on it. You see, Toyo Tires was the first sponsor I ever had in anything I did all the way back to zero to 60."
Toyo Tires makes tires for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Many people like them because they perform well and last a long time.
Toyo Tires is a well-known tire manufacturer that produces a variety of tires for different types of vehicles, including performance and off-road applications. They are popular among car enthusiasts for their quality and performance.
tow hook
"...they don't have tow hook. Cause it like tow hooks aren't cool to folks."
A tow hook is a part of a car that helps pull it if it gets stuck or needs to be towed. It's important for safety and recovery.
A tow hook is a device attached to a vehicle that allows it to be towed by another vehicle. It's an essential feature for recovery situations, especially in motorsports or off-road scenarios.
blower surge
"...fired up that big block and just like the, the blower surge that that thing would have. John Chase hand painted things on the blower belt..."
Blower surge happens when the supercharger, which helps the engine get more air, suddenly can't get enough air. This can cause the engine to lose power for a moment, and it's usually due to problems with how everything is set up.
Blower surge refers to a phenomenon in supercharged engines where the supercharger experiences a rapid change in airflow, often causing a momentary loss of boost pressure. This can lead to performance issues and is typically associated with improper tuning or airflow restrictions.
blower belt
"...John Chase hand painted things on the blower belt. Every time we drove that thing, people would just lose their mind..."
The blower belt is a special belt that helps the supercharger work by connecting it to the engine. When the engine runs, this belt turns the supercharger, which helps the engine get more power.
The blower belt is a component that drives the supercharger in a vehicle. It connects the supercharger to the engine's crankshaft, allowing the supercharger to compress air and increase the engine's power output.
BBS wheels
"...we did a 26 inch BBS ret."
BBS wheels are special wheels made by a famous company that makes high-quality wheels for cars. They are lighter and help cars handle better, which is why many car lovers choose them.
BBS is a well-known brand that produces high-performance wheels for cars. Their wheels are often lightweight and designed for better handling and aesthetics, making them popular among car enthusiasts.
alternator
"...the alternator went on the Mexican B150."
An alternator is a part in a car that makes electricity. It helps keep the battery charged and powers things like the lights and radio when the engine is on.
An alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle's electrical system that generates electricity to power the car's electrical systems and recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Dodge B150
"...d working. So the alternator went on the Mexican B150. I think the coil pack or the coil went on the r..."
coil pack
"...I think the coil pack or the coil went on the rabbit."
A coil pack is a part that helps start the engine by sending electricity to the spark plugs. If it fails, the car may not run properly.
A coil pack is an ignition component that transforms the battery's voltage into the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel in the engine's cylinders. It's essential for engine performance and efficiency.
Volkswagen Rabbit
"...the coil pack or the coil went on the rabbit."
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car made by Volkswagen. It’s popular for being easy to drive and good for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a compact car that was produced by Volkswagen from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, and then again in the late 2000s. It's known for its practicality and fun driving experience.
Econoline
"...you built a racing Econoline. Big shout out to JNK Engines for giving me..."
The Ford Econoline is a big van that people use for work or transporting lots of passengers. It's known for being tough and can be used for many different jobs.
The Ford Econoline is a series of full-size vans that have been popular for commercial and personal use. Known for their durability and versatility, they can be configured for various purposes, including cargo transport and passenger seating.
JNK Engines
"...Big shout out to JNK Engines for giving me a ridiculous, ridiculous engine for a VW turbo."
JNK Engines is a company that builds special engines for cars and vans. They help people make their vehicles faster and more powerful.
JNK Engines is a company that specializes in high-performance engine builds, often catering to enthusiasts looking for custom solutions for their vehicles. They are known for providing powerful and reliable engines for various applications.
VW turbo
"...for giving me a ridiculous, ridiculous engine for a VW turbo. Now, I want to know if you've solved the other simplest..."
A VW turbo is a special part in some Volkswagen cars that makes the engine more powerful by pushing in extra air. This helps the car go faster and use fuel better.
A VW turbo refers to a turbocharged engine produced by Volkswagen, which enhances the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This technology is popular in various VW models for improving performance and efficiency.
SRO
"Vinny and I competed in SRO, a professional racing series is the most unprofessional dudes humanly possible."
SRO is a racing organization that runs different racing series where drivers compete in fast sports cars. It's known for having both professional and less experienced drivers racing together.
SRO stands for Société Rallye Automobile, which is a professional racing organization that oversees various racing series worldwide, including GT racing. It features a mix of amateur and professional drivers competing in high-performance sports cars.
Pike's Peak
"You said you set an EV record at Pike's Peak. I did. Yeah, I did. I did Pike's Peak."
Pike's Peak is a mountain in Colorado where a special race happens every year. Drivers try to reach the top as fast as they can, facing tough roads and weather changes along the way.
Pike's Peak is a famous mountain in Colorado known for its annual hillclimb race, where drivers race to the summit on a challenging course that includes various terrains. The event is known for its steep climbs and changing weather conditions.
WRC
"Like following Ken around WRC, American Rally Association."
WRC stands for World Rally Championship, which is a major racing series where cars compete on different types of roads, like dirt and gravel. It's known for its exciting and challenging races.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is a prestigious international motorsport series that features rally racing on various terrains. It showcases the skills of drivers and their co-drivers as they navigate through challenging courses.
American Rally Association
"Like following Ken around WRC, American Rally Association."
The American Rally Association is the group that organizes rally races in the U.S. They help manage the events and support drivers who compete in these races.
The American Rally Association (ARA) is the governing body for rally racing in the United States. It organizes events and promotes the sport, providing a platform for both amateur and professional rally drivers.
zero to 60
"I did stuff at zero to 60, you know, so I really missed that."
'Zero to 60' is a way to measure how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how powerful a car is.
The term 'zero to 60' refers to the time it takes for a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
rally cars
"And I just genuinely love rally cars."
Rally cars are special types of cars made for racing on different surfaces like dirt and snow. They are built to be tough and handle rough roads.
Rally cars are specially modified vehicles designed for rally racing, which involves driving on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, and snow. These cars are built to handle tough conditions and often feature advanced suspension systems and all-wheel drive.
Anti-Lag
"So, yeah, the working name for the company is Anti-Lag, because that's easily the coolest thing about rally cars. And for sure, I just feel like name to thank you. Thank you. It's kind of amazing that it isn't already a name. There's a forum in Australia, but yeah, as a company name, like the fact that I was able to get a URL and all that, like crazy. And like, I think Anti-Lag recently has become more commonplace for people because with modern ECUs, you have like."
Anti-lag helps turbo engines respond faster by keeping the turbo spinning even when the driver isn't pressing the gas pedal. This makes the car quicker off the line and helps it perform better in races.
Anti-lag is a technology used in turbocharged engines, particularly in motorsports, to reduce turbo lag by maintaining boost pressure when the throttle is closed. This allows for quicker acceleration and improved performance, especially in rally racing.
exhaust manifold
"You have little ducts welded into your exhaust manifold that then fuel goes past the cylinder. It explodes in your manifold, spins the turbo up."
The exhaust manifold is a part of the engine that collects the gases that come out after fuel is burned. It helps move those gases away from the engine.
The exhaust manifold is a component that collects exhaust gases from multiple cylinders and directs them to the exhaust system. It plays a crucial role in engine performance and efficiency.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
"But anyway, although I do remember when the Evo eight came out and it had factory two step was like the coolest thing in the world."
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII is a sporty car known for its speed and handling. It has special features that help drivers launch the car quickly from a stop.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, commonly referred to as the Evo VIII, is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan. It features advanced technology and tuning for enhanced performance, including a factory two-step launch control system.
Formula 1
"...everybody like the most regular people I talked to are into F1 and they know the drivers and they know the cars and the teams. I'm like, man, this is sick."
Formula 1 is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and famous drivers. It's known for its exciting races held in different countries, where teams compete to win championships.
Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, showcasing cutting-edge technology and high-speed competition.
NOS bottle
"But it's the original NOS bottle fire bottle that they used to do..."
A NOS bottle is a tank that holds nitrous oxide, a gas that can make a car's engine more powerful when injected. It's often used in racing to give cars an extra boost.
NOS stands for Nitrous Oxide Systems, which refers to a system that injects nitrous oxide into the engine to increase horsepower. A NOS bottle is the container that holds the nitrous oxide used in this system.
nitrous
"they would replace the fire bottle with nitrous so they get a little extra boost."
Nitrous is a gas that can help a car's engine produce more power. When added to the fuel, it helps the engine burn more fuel, making the car go faster.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a gas that, when injected into an engine, can significantly increase its power output. It allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in a temporary boost in horsepower.
drifting
"Drifting is like tires, brakes, like a bumper here to clarify. He meant on the content side, like from a brand side."
Drifting is when a driver makes their car slide sideways while turning. It's a skill that looks cool and is often seen in racing or car shows.
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through a turn. It's often used in motorsports and is popular in car culture.
Toyota JZX 90
"I got the JZX 90. Like I went to Apple Valley. I did all these things."
The Toyota JZX 90 is a car that many people love for drifting and racing. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive, especially in the rear-wheel drive configuration.
The Toyota JZX 90 is a model from the JZX series, known for its performance and popularity in drifting and motorsports. It features a turbocharged inline-six engine and rear-wheel drive, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
F1
"So first off, I'll say my absolutely lukewarm take on this is that F1 fans are not car people, F1 fans are sports."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is popular all over the world. It's known for exciting races and high-tech vehicles.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its high-speed races and advanced technology. It has a massive global following and is often seen as the pinnacle of motorsport.
drift car
"...I should have a drift car, a grip car, a street car, a drag car..."
A drift car is a type of car that is set up to slide sideways around corners. They are built to make it easier to control the car while drifting, which is a popular motorsport style.
A drift car is specifically modified to allow for controlled oversteering, enabling the driver to maintain a slide through corners. This requires modifications to the suspension, tires, and sometimes the engine to achieve the desired performance.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"...So I just realized this because we're making a series of my dad's Chevelle, which is his dream car and growing up,..."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic car that was made by Chevrolet. It's known for being powerful and is often considered a muscle car, which many people love to collect and restore.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized car produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1977. It is known for its performance and classic muscle car appeal, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Beretta
"...some of them are sick. He had like Lumina Z 34s, Beretta GTZs. Yo, Beretta GTZ to teal with teal wheels."
Toyota Supra
"...example, I idolized my entire childhood, Mark for Supra, watching Streetfire.net videos of those things ..."
Porsche Carrera GT
"...ke some incredible cars. Yeah, I mean, I drove a Carrera GT, the Gunther Works Turbo, like tons of crazy shit..."
Porsche 911
"...like maybe 2008, like that was a lot of power in 911. Like now you can get that fact they're still fa..."
Ferrari 360
"Yeah, it's fire. You're like 9, 9, 11 RWB, Ferrari 360, NGT kitted, RS2. We would always we would alway..."
Chevrolet Nova
"...e would always be like scottos. Forget about the Nova. Scotto is so annoying because he has cool cars,..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"... Zach for the 20th time has the heads off of his Corvette and hurt is cold revving the Torx stallion. Righ..."
Tesla Model 3S
"Is Ken here? And there's just like seven Model 3s in the parking lot. Yeah. Like smart cars."
Hyundai Elantra
"...i, Brian had a non-compete. And why we had these Elantra ends is we came up with a big campaign and we we..."
Toyota Ae86
"...ne once asked me like if someone came out with an AE86 VR 6 ITB five speed, whatever swap kit, you'd no..."
Honda Ridgeline
"...elp us like wire this thing in and we put it in a ridgeline, which was so cool, man."
Honda That Honda
"...rimm and the boys like they did an amazing job on that Honda. And like, what was the dude from Honda who help..."
Chevrolet Camaro
"... of what I just said about the donk, but the 632 Camaro. I love that car."
Mazda Miata
"All right. No he's talking about the Miata. And so the Miata."
Ferrari F50
"... bizarre reason. I don't know why a 1986 Pontiac F50. It's an F50 kitted Fiero."
Pontiac Fiero
"... know why a 1986 Pontiac F50. It's an F50 kitted Fiero. Not anything I've ever looked for."
Porsche 944
"Next up. 1990 Porsche 944. It's a manual non-turbo backup, but it's a conv..."
Mitsubishi Lancer
"...remember saving this, but it's a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo MR. It's $4,500."
Subaru BRZ
"The other one was the was the BRZ. The BRZ was the BRZ was a good driver. I think..."
Lancia Delta
"...hat'd you drive? I drove my daily driver, Lancia Delta Integralli. Is it really your daily?"
Nissan Altima
"It was sick. I mean that one Altima passed us, but like, yeah. And then the cop pass..."
Chevrolet C10
"No, it was like going to get tacos. C10 vs. Nova, pre. Pre, every big motor in the Nova."
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