Niko Pagones of Amaxi Autosport shares his journey from go-kart racing to restoring and upgrading classic BMWs and Porsches with modern technology. The conversation covers challenges in classic car restoration, the importance of quality tires for safety, and the blend of performance and preservation in restomods. Niko’s passion for racing and hands-on learning shines through, offering insights into how vintage cars can be enhanced to run like new while maintaining their heritage. The hosts also discuss practical automotive tips and the quirks of working on modern and classic vehicles.
This week Niko Pagones, owner and founder of Amaxi Autosport joins us in the studio to talk about how he started his shop, the excitement and challenges that came with that, and how he's using the latest tech to solve the problems of restoration in older cars. We talk 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D printed metal, and a whole lot more. If you want to get a hold of Niko to do some work on your ride, you can find him over at Amaxi Auto!
"Brian came back. I saw that. Brian Beck came back out with the four scan and redid the Ranger Raptor sea lights."
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a tough truck made for driving off-road and rough places. It has special features to help it handle dirt and rocks better than regular trucks.
The Ford Ranger Raptor is a high-performance off-road variant of the Ford Ranger pickup truck, designed for rugged terrain and enhanced driving dynamics.
"This is not the tip of this is addressing the Porsche ignition on the left thing. Okay. There's a lot of controversy around that."
Most cars have the key on the right side, but Porsche puts the key on the left side. This started a long time ago to help drivers start races faster.
Porsche ignition on the left refers to the unique placement of the ignition switch on the left side of the steering wheel in many Porsche models, a tradition dating back to early Porsche cars like the 356. This design was originally intended to facilitate faster race starts, especially in Le Mans-style races.
"...the real reason they did it is it was literally they just had less wiring in the shop for the 356. Yeah. But I mean, I guess it wouldn't there wouldn't have been a center tunnel in that"
The Porsche 356 is an old Porsche car made a long time ago. It had the ignition key on the left side, which is unusual compared to most cars. This was done for specific reasons related to how the car was built.
The Porsche 356 is the first production automobile by Porsche, produced from 1948 to 1965. It is known for its lightweight design and rear-engine layout, and it featured the ignition switch on the left side, a unique characteristic carried over to later Porsche models.
"cheap tires, I mean, you know, those $40 Linglong specials, which is an actual brand name and come at me."
Linglong is a company that makes tires that don't cost much. But cheaper tires might not work as well or last as long.
Linglong is a tire brand known for producing budget-friendly tires. While affordable, their tires may have lower quality compounds affecting performance and safety.
"Okay. Yeah. So just one of the other things to consider if you're on the fence about tires, you're trying to put it off. I mean, yes, the seasons are changing. You probably are saying I can go a little longer. It's not worth it. Now one time that that extra five feet is the difference between a bumper and not and you're going to triple the cost of those, what those tires would have cost with a fender bender, even the most mild one."
Tires are the round rubber parts on your car's wheels that touch the road. They help your car grip the road so you can drive safely, especially when the weather changes.
Tires are the rubber components that connect a vehicle to the road surface, affecting grip, handling, and safety. Good tires are essential for maintaining control, especially in changing weather conditions.
"I started racing go carts. And I did that for about four to five years all across the US. And so that kind of sparked, obviously, you know, my interest with racing and cars and fixing things up."
Go kart racing is like racing tiny cars that are small and fast. Many race car drivers start by racing go karts to learn how to drive fast and safely.
Go kart racing is a form of motorsport using small, open-wheel vehicles called go karts. It is often a starting point for many professional racers to learn driving skills and racing techniques.
"...nd then got my first car. It was at 89, 325 is an E30. Oh, great start. So, you know, obviously started..."
The BMW 3 Series is a popular car that many people enjoy because it drives well and looks nice. The 1989 model is special because it’s old but still fun to drive and easy to fix.
The BMW 3 Series, particularly the E30 325 from 1989, is a classic compact executive car known for its balanced handling and sporty character. It has a strong enthusiast following due to its timeless design and driving dynamics, often considered a great entry point into performance cars.
"that, you know, I'd always take things apart and, you know, figure out how to get a few more horsepower out of my little pit bike or, you know, the go-kart suspensions"
Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is. More horsepower means the car can go faster or pull heavier loads.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that quantifies the power output of an engine or motor. It indicates how much work the engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
"a little wobbly, you know, fix everything like that. So that sounds a lot of chassis tuning."
Chassis tuning means fixing and adjusting the parts that hold the car together and help it drive smoothly and safely.
Chassis tuning involves adjusting and optimizing the suspension, frame, and other structural components of a vehicle to improve handling, stability, and ride quality.
"Especially in the restoration field. I mean, we need more of that. Yeah. And that's especially in, in, in all, I don't mean any brand, all brands, I think there's not enough of it."
Restoration means fixing up an old car to make it look and work like new again. People do this to keep classic cars in good shape.
Restoration refers to the process of returning a car to its original condition, often focusing on classic or vintage vehicles. It involves repairing or replacing parts to preserve the car's authenticity and value.
Race prep means getting a car ready to race by making it faster and safer.
Race prep refers to the modifications and preparations made to a car to make it suitable and competitive for racing, including mechanical upgrades and safety enhancements.
"That's kind of where my passion lies is the motorsport side of things and,"
Motorsport means racing cars or other vehicles for sport.
Motorsport is competitive racing involving motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and other motorized machines, often on tracks or closed courses.
"...on't get that. Yeah. I mean, I love an air cooled 911 as much as the next person, but holy crap. I mean..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people love because it’s fast and has a unique engine that makes a special sound. Older versions are especially popular because they feel very connected to the road.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car, especially revered in its air-cooled form for its distinctive engine sound and driving experience. It represents a pinnacle of engineering and heritage in the sports car world, often discussed for its performance and classic status.
"Had a 2.7, the old magnesium engines. And it ran and drove, which is great."
The 2.7 engine is a type of engine with a size of 2.7 liters that was used in some Porsche 911 cars. It helps the car go fast and is special because of how it was made.
The 2.7 engine refers to the 2.7-liter flat-six engine used in Porsche 911 models from the early to mid-1970s. It is known for its performance and was a significant upgrade over earlier engines.
"I tore the whole thing to pieces. And so rebuild all the suspension, put a bunch of stuff back on it."
Fixing the suspension means taking apart the parts that help the car ride smoothly and replacing anything broken so the car drives better.
Rebuilding the suspension involves disassembling and replacing worn or damaged parts like shocks, springs, and bushings to restore handling and ride quality.
"There's a ton of rust everywhere on the car. So I cut the whole nose of the car off and grafted a whole new front end back on and a ton of other different, you know, body work stuff."
Rust repair means cutting away parts of the car that have gotten rusty and putting in new metal to keep the car strong and looking good.
Rust repair involves cutting out corroded metal sections and welding in new panels to restore structural integrity and appearance.
"Okay. So, you know, I take everything apart. I'm like, you know what? Let me just send the cylinder heads off. Just I did a compression test and it was just God awful."
Cylinder heads are the top part of the engine where air and fuel go in and exhaust comes out. They help the engine run properly.
Cylinder heads are the part of an engine that sits above the cylinders and contains components like valves and camshafts. They play a crucial role in controlling air and fuel flow into the engine and exhaust flow out.
"Let me just send the cylinder heads off. Just I did a compression test and it was just God awful."
A compression test checks how well the engine's cylinders are sealing. If the pressure is low, the engine might have problems.
A compression test measures the pressure in an engine's cylinders to assess the condition of piston rings, valves, and head gaskets. Low compression usually indicates engine wear or damage.
"Let's get the, you know, cam shafts refreshed everything kind of resealed."
Camshafts help the engine breathe by opening and closing valves. Fixing them helps the engine run better.
Camshafts are rotating shafts in an engine that open and close the intake and exhaust valves at the correct times. Refurbishing camshafts can restore proper engine timing and performance.
"As I'm pulling things apart, I'm seeing broken piston rings."
Piston rings help keep the engine tight and stop oil from leaking. If they're broken, the engine won't work well.
Piston rings seal the gap between the piston and cylinder wall to maintain compression and control oil consumption. Broken piston rings cause poor engine performance and oil leaks.
"Then there was like a spun main bearing to the case."
Main bearings help the engine's big spinning part move smoothly. If they get damaged, the engine can break badly.
Main bearings support the crankshaft inside the engine block and allow it to rotate smoothly. A spun main bearing means it has seized or rotated improperly, causing severe engine damage.
"A spun main bearing to the case. So the case was all trashed."
The engine case is the main body of the engine that holds everything together. If it's damaged, the engine might not be fixable.
The engine case, or engine block, houses the cylinders and many internal engine components. Damage to the case often means the engine is beyond simple repair.
"COVID sort of rewrote a bunch of the rules on modding your car, because it's funny what Resto mods have taken over as really valuable. Now, 9 11, especially Eric will to sort of, you know, taking the prize for that. But I'm seeing more and more like actual Resto mods come through and go for good money."
A resto mod is when someone fixes up an old car and adds new parts or improvements to make it better, but it still looks like the original car. It’s like giving an old car a modern upgrade.
A resto mod is a car that has been restored and modified, typically combining classic styling with modern performance and technology upgrades. This approach aims to retain the original character of the vehicle while enhancing its usability and appeal.
"...ste. Now it seems like, you know, if you mark for Supras, anything 90s JDM, like a really well done Resto ..."
The Toyota Supra is a popular sports car from Japan that’s known for being very fast and easy to make even faster. People really like the versions made in the 1990s because they look cool and drive great.
The Toyota Supra, especially the 1990s models, is a legendary Japanese sports car known for its powerful engine and tuning potential. It has become highly sought after in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) community, with well-restored examples commanding premium prices.
"I'll 3D print it and just literally like make this out of aluminum. Okay. A week later, here you go."
3D printing is like making a real object by building it up layer by layer from a computer design. It helps make custom car parts quickly.
3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates three-dimensional objects by layering material based on digital models, allowing for rapid prototyping and custom parts production.
"Have you had a chance to go down to SEMA and stuff like that? I went down to SEMA for two years ago. Two years ago? That was super cool."
SEMA is a big car show where companies show off cool car parts and new technology for cars. It's a place where car fans and businesses meet.
SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, and it hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing automotive specialty products, aftermarket parts, and innovative car technologies.
"watching like the, you know, the literally the 3D scanners where they're sitting there and they were making parts for"
3D scanners are machines that take pictures of a part from all angles to make a digital copy, so you can make the same part again or change it.
3D scanners capture the shape and dimensions of physical objects digitally, which can then be used to create precise replicas or custom parts via 3D printing or CNC machining.
"but you know, obviously the Porsche stuff's coming out. They're making a great product. Yeah. You know, the Rivians are really nice. You know, I've been driving the F-150 every day, and that thing is great, but the Rivian is just a whole different level."
The Ford F-150 is a very popular big truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It’s strong and can carry or pull heavy things, which makes it useful for lots of jobs.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling full-size pickup trucks in America, known for its versatility, durability, and continual innovation. It’s often praised for its capability as a workhorse and daily driver, making it a common topic in discussions about trucks.
""But the fact that there is zero lag, zero spool, it's just full boost, ready to roll...""
Turbo lag is the short wait you feel when you press the gas before the car speeds up. This happens because the turbocharger needs a moment to get going.
Turbo lag is the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing boost pressure. It happens because the turbo needs time to spool up using exhaust gases.
""...and no waste gates. Yeah, how could that go wrong?""
Waste gates are parts that help control how much power the turbocharger makes by letting some exhaust gases go around it so the car doesn't get too much boost.
Waste gates are valves that control the flow of exhaust gases to the turbocharger, preventing excessive boost pressure by diverting gases away when needed.
""As someone who grew up with 90s tuners cars, I can tell you that'll go wrong. Yeah. That's fair.""
90s tuner cars are cars from the 1990s that people liked to customize and make faster or cooler with new parts.
90s tuner cars refer to Japanese and other affordable performance cars from the 1990s that were popular for aftermarket modifications and tuning to increase power and handling.
"...stuff are you seeing out there that's starting to intrigue you from an engineering standpoint? I know Dan ki..."
The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a regular family car from the late 1990s that was comfortable to drive and had a good engine. It’s not very famous but some people talk about it because of how it was made.
The Oldsmobile Intrigue was a mid-size sedan produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, noted for its smooth ride and V6 engine options. While not a standout in performance, it is sometimes mentioned in engineering discussions for its design and features during its production era.
"...used to joke with that front of ours that had the RS4 and he was like, they're rare. And then we saw si..."
The Audi RS4 is a fast and sporty version of a regular car that can drive well in all kinds of weather because it has special four-wheel drive. It’s not very common, so people often get excited when they see one.
The Audi RS4 is a high-performance version of the Audi A4, known for its powerful engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and sporty handling. It’s considered a rare and desirable car among enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of practicality and performance.
"..., you know? Oh, yeah. But yeah, I got some of the Falcon Wild Peaks. Those are great. So yeah, first time ..."
The Ford Falcon is an older car that people remember because it was tough and lasted a long time. It’s sometimes talked about when people mention good tires or parts for cars.
The Ford Falcon is a classic car that was produced in various forms globally, often recognized for its ruggedness and simple design. It’s sometimes referenced in discussions about durable tires or parts, such as the Falcon Wild Peak tires mentioned.
Select text to request an explanation
Welcome to the Ebonz Podcast. I'm Dan. I'm Nick. How's it going, buddy? I'm blinding people. Yeah,
Brian came back. I saw that. Brian Beck came back out with the four scan and redid the Ranger Raptor
sea lights. And I mean, we knew, I knew why we wanted to up it a little bit, because I wanted
them a little bit brighter. But I realized while driving out here in the pitch park, when I
turned my headlights off, I could still see they were so bright. You said the world's
brightest marker lights. I don't know if that's an issue. They're just orange headlights.
Well, I mean, I mean, they're bright and they're an odd color, but I don't think they're like
illegal bright. Well, I don't know. Like I said, I could just see I'm the type of person that
the State Patrol would love to have a conversation with, you know, somebody like me to go,
Hey, you know, maybe those don't seem a little bright. And I'm sure I could play dumb because
I'm good at that. Like, I bought it from Ford this way. Yeah, I don't think that'll work.
But yeah, there we go. Ford accessory. Yeah, it's a Ford accessory that I put in. I love
how the company that we all bought those from Brian and I now will give you a free install kit
with all the things that I needed to install that. Oh, yeah, we went through all that. So yeah,
I did order those. That's they had I have socketed flexible socket extensions. You're talking
about that. That was the one I wanted to find tool. Yeah, and that really tight 90 degree
adapter, all my 90 degree adapters are pretty chunky. Yeah, I have a Milwaukee one and a
Makito one and a Dewalt one, but they're all like construction based, you know, they're
not made for they're made for getting between two two by fours in a wall, not the drill, not.
Yeah, getting between the bumper and the side fender and things like that. Yeah,
that would have been really handy installing those easier to take a headlight out than you think.
Yeah. Yeah, I mean, it's still harder than it should be. I mean,
yes, there's there's it's one of those things like it's been a while since we've
taken something apart to that drastic of a stream. And it was one of those where
you take somebody apart, you think it's going to pull out and you're like, Oh,
no, something's still stopping me. There's always that one hidden. There was one. I remember
there was one grommet we had and it was in like a recessed pocket. And it was one of those plastic
pops and it was like trying to get a tool in there was just ridiculous. So you don't want to
scratch anything. Well, I mean, at this point, I'm going to need more I have pushed the limits
of that. I'll tell you that I need to have a conversation with those guys at Metropolitan
because I have there's some scratches on the front that are me and had they been and I
not had it would probably be down to the metal. Yeah, that's so but it's it's not buffing out.
No, which I would expect it to be a lifesaver. But you definitely has the limits on yours.
I did. I did. Yeah. Yeah, I've been pretty good. Ryan came back over and did some more
force hand stuff for me. Yeah, the Bambi mode on, which is always nice to have because
then, you know, every fog is on with your high beams, which is just drives me nuts
that they turn off from the factory. And then we did the seatbelt silence one.
I'm wondering what my neighbors think because Brian just shows up in my neighborhood. We both
get into my truck, the windows fog up, he gets in with the computer, he gets out, and then all
of a sudden my lights are brighter. So Lord knows what my neighbors think. That's funny. Yeah.
Yeah. Carter automotive group tip of the week. I got an easy one for you this week. I've got a
I got the feedback on the last one. No, there's there's a lot of controversy. Maybe
your guests, they will know more about this for sure. So this is a good lead in.
This is not the tip of this is addressing the Porsche ignition on the left thing. Okay.
There's a lot of controversy around that. There's the whole sticking with their story of
the Le Mans start kind of thing. There's also a cost less to run bless wiring.
And so running it down the center to a mid-engine car. I mean, it's about the same to me, but
the original or what the controversy is that a lot of people think that the real reason they
did it is it was literally they just had less wiring in the shop for the 356.
Yeah. But I mean, I guess it wouldn't there wouldn't have been a center tunnel in that
would there? The 356? No. Well, I mean, yeah, it's just carpet. It's just the shifter and carpet.
Yeah. So you'd just come out of the dash and down along the along the the rail. Okay.
Yeah. It would be a shorter run of copper. Okay. So that's the possibility there.
Interesting. Yeah. See, this is why I love when people reach out and say, hey,
actually, I think it's this and I looked and there's it's just back and forth all over
the internet. I would love to have a trusted source, but I don't really have one.
I'm sure that trusted source is Ferdinand Porsche and he's been gone for a while.
Right. So yeah, somebody with the word with Porsche in the back of their name.
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.
