Old Cars and New Adventures with Brian McLean

The Ford Bronco is a full-size SUV built for off-road capability, with a focus on rugged driving and trail-ready features. It often comes up in conversations because it’s a modern throwback to the Bronco nameplate and is popular with people who want both daily usability and adventure. In this podcast, it’s mentioned as a “weird Bronco,” suggesting a personal or distinctive take on the vehicle.

The hosts are talking about rallying older vintage cars, which is a motorsport-style road event where you drive a route and follow rules while dealing with the unpredictability of older machinery. Vintage cars can be “a gamble” because reliability, parts availability, and unexpected failures are more likely than in modern cars.

This phrase points to the typical “adventure” of vintage-car events: breakdowns, getting stuck on the roadside, and needing improvisation or roadside assistance. It contrasts the experience with driving a newer car, which is generally less likely to fail in the same way.

A cross-country road trip is a long-distance drive across large regions of a country, which matters for cars because it stresses cooling, fuel planning, tires, and overall reliability. In the context of vintage rallies, it highlights why older cars can turn a simple drive into a bigger challenge.

A towing package is an insurance-style coverage add-on that pays for towing and roadside transport when a vehicle can’t be driven. For older cars, this matters because breakdowns can happen far from home and the nearest service option may be many miles away.

Hagerty is an insurance and collector-car services company that’s well known for supporting classic and enthusiast vehicles. Here, it’s mentioned as the provider of a towing package, which is a common perk for owners of older cars that may be harder to get serviced quickly.

The Mazda RX-8 is known for its rotary engine (it uses a Wankel design rather than a conventional piston engine). In this segment, the host is impressed that an RX-8 is actually running on the road, which is a big deal for a car with a reputation for complexity and maintenance needs.

An LS swap means replacing a car’s original engine with a General Motors LS-series V8 (commonly from models like the Camaro/Corvette). It’s popular because the LS engines are compact, modern, and have strong aftermarket support, but the swap requires fabrication and tuning to make everything work together.

Diesel is a fuel and engine type where compression ignites the fuel, rather than using spark plugs like most gasoline engines. The host is teeing up a discussion about different diesel use cases (farm/off-road/agricultural), which often have different equipment needs and maintenance considerations.

“Diesel number two” is the common, everyday diesel fuel grade sold in most places. It typically contains additives and waxy components that can improve lubrication, but it can still gel in cold weather. That’s why fuel grade and climate matter.

A block heater is an electrical heater that warms the engine’s block (and often the coolant) while the car is parked. For diesel engines, it helps prevent hard starts by keeping fuel and engine components warm enough to operate. It’s especially common in very cold climates.

In diesel fuel talk, “gel” means the fuel’s components start to form waxy crystals and thicken, restricting flow to the fuel system. This is why cold-weather diesel performance matters: once gelling happens, filters and lines can clog and the engine may not start.

B20 is a biodiesel blend containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel (the “B” percentage is by volume). The episode suggests being careful with higher biodiesel content because it can gel at higher temperatures, especially near freezing.

“Dash” here refers to the instrument panel area where warning lights appear. A warning light on the dash indicates the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics detected a fault that may need attention.

DEF stands for Diesel Exhaust Fluid, a urea-based liquid injected into many modern diesel exhaust systems. It helps reduce harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) by converting them into less harmful emissions. The key point here is that DEF is a specific product, and using the wrong additives can interfere with how the system is designed to work.

In this context, “warranty” refers to the manufacturer’s coverage rules that can be affected by modifications like engine swaps. The host is implying that installing a Cummins into a vehicle originally built with a different emissions setup could void or complicate warranty coverage.

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for being practical and capable, especially for work and light off-road use. It gets discussed in enthusiast circles because there are performance-oriented versions like the Ranger Raptor. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of someone swapping or comparing a Ranger Raptor to another vehicle.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its wide range of configurations and popularity as a daily work vehicle. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside other vehicles in a comparison about who had space in a van spot, suggesting it came up as part of a vehicle lineup or discussion. That makes it a relevant “everyday truck” reference rather than a deep technical topic.

A 1971 Rolls-Royce Shadow (specifically a long-wheelbase version) is a classic British luxury sedan known for its stately ride and chauffeur-era comfort. In this segment, the host highlights it as a car they’ve actually used for long-distance trips, including needing reliable climate control.

Palm Springs is a desert city in Southern California known for hot, dry weather. That climate makes working air conditioning especially important for comfort and usability in an older car.

“Operational air conditioning” means the car’s A/C system is functioning well enough to cool the cabin reliably. On older luxury cars, A/C is often a key usability factor for road trips because it can be expensive or time-consuming to repair if components fail.

Route 66 is the famous historic U.S. highway route associated with classic Americana road trips. Mentioning it here emphasizes that the car was used for long-distance touring rather than kept purely for collecting.

“Low mileage” is often treated as a proxy for condition, but on older cars it can be misleading. If a car sat for long periods, rubber and other wear items can age and degrade even without many miles.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a long-running, body-on-frame SUV famous for durability and off-road strength. It’s often brought up because it’s built to last and is commonly owned for many years, which fits the podcast’s mention of a 1999 with relatively low miles. That kind of example is typically discussed as a “starting point” for a project or ownership story.

“Well-rings” are sealing rings used around injector wells/fitment areas to prevent fuel or vapor leaks. Because they’re typically rubber or elastomer, they can harden and fail with age, which is why low-mile, older cars can still require injector seal work.

Fuel injectors are the components that spray fuel into the engine in precise amounts. On older cars, injector-related seals (like O-rings/well-rings) can degrade, causing leaks or poor fueling, so they may need replacement even at relatively low mileage.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power—how much work the engine can do over time. In this context, the host is using it to set expectations for how modest the diesel’s output is.

The “Type 2 bus” refers to the Volkswagen Transporter/Bus line (commonly called the VW Type 2). It’s known for being a classic air-cooled Volkswagen platform, and it’s notable here because the hosts are surprised it can climb a hill.

The Nissan 350Z is a late-2000s-era sports coupe famous for its naturally aspirated V6 and driver-focused feel. Here it’s used as an example of a “fun car” the host owned, contrasted with not having “old fun cars.”

Rust is corrosion of metal, and on classic cars it’s especially important because it can weaken body structure and spread under paint. The speaker notes the earlier Rolls-Royce had rust, which is part of why they sought a better example.

In classic luxury cars, “veneer” refers to thin decorative wood layers used on interior trim. The speaker says they “fell for the veneers,” which points to the car’s high-end cabin materials and finishing rather than performance hardware.

A 1969 Rolls-Royce coupé is a classic British grand tourer, known for its long-hood styling and traditional Rolls-Royce luxury. In this context, the host is highlighting a specific vintage two-door Rolls-Royce as a desirable “old car” find.

The Aston Martin DB9 is a luxury grand tourer built for comfortable high-speed driving, with a focus on performance and refinement. It’s notable in enthusiast circles because some versions were offered with a manual transmission, which is specifically referenced in the podcast. The host’s mention suggests they’ve driven one and knew about the limited manual options.

The Fiat 500 is a small Italian city car that’s often used as a practical daily driver. Here, it’s mentioned as the mechanic’s car, setting the scene for who showed up to help when the Ferrari wouldn’t restart.

An alternator is the electrical generator on a car that powers the vehicle’s electronics and recharges the battery while the engine runs. The host says they had an alternator fail, and notes there are two of them—suggesting a setup where redundancy or multiple charging units exist.

“Drain the battery” means the car’s electrical system is drawing more power than the battery (and charging system) can replenish. In older cars or when the charging system is stressed, that can lead to no-start situations.

The Dodge Charger is a performance-oriented sedan/coupe that’s known for strong engines and a sporty driving feel. In this podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside a battery and charger routine, implying an electrical or battery-related issue that required swapping batteries. That kind of story is often discussed when troubleshooting or maintaining a car with repeated starting/power problems.

“Hot start issues” are starting problems that happen when the engine is warm—often after heat-soak. Common causes in older cars include fuel vaporization, weak ignition components, or battery/charging problems that show up more when everything is hot.

“Car washes” in this context isn’t the basic activity—it’s being used as a social setting where car people gather and interact. The hosts are describing how these meetups create friendly community around older cars.

Wilbur, Washington is a small town in eastern Washington, and the hosts describe driving to a “little old drive-in” there. This matters because drive-ins and small-town car culture are often where older-car communities show up and socialize.

The Dodge Viper is a hardcore American sports car known for its big V10 engine and raw, analog driving feel. In this segment, the hosts mention it as one of the standout cars a high-school graduate wants to ride in, highlighting its “bucket list” status among enthusiasts.

The Buick Skylark is a midsize car that was produced across many decades, with earlier versions often remembered for being affordable and common. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a “75 piece of junk Skylark” from high school, which signals a personal story about a less-than-perfect ownership experience. That kind of reference is typically used to contrast past cars with what someone owns or drives now.

The fuel pump is the component that moves fuel from the tank to the engine at the right pressure. If it fails, the engine can starve for fuel, run poorly, or stall—sometimes with sudden drivability problems.

“Lock solid” describes a failure mode where a rotating component stops moving entirely and becomes rigidly stuck. In a vehicle, that can happen when a bearing seizes or a driveline component fails, leading to sudden loss of motion.

A differential is the gear mechanism that allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds while still receiving engine torque. If a differential fails, it can cause binding, loud noises, and driveline lock-up symptoms.

A bearing is a precision part that lets shafts or wheels rotate with low friction. When a bearing seizes, it stops rotating and can lock up the drivetrain/wheel, causing sudden harsh noises, vibration, and loss of motion.

A “parts depot” is a dedicated storage and distribution location for automotive parts. In a breakdown or repair situation, it’s where you’d hope to source the specific components you need quickly.

A trailer is a wheeled platform pulled by a vehicle to carry cargo. Here, they’re using a trailer to move “rolls” (likely materials or parts) after assembling them into a box-van setup.

A “box van” is a cargo truck with an enclosed, box-shaped body. Enclosing parts or materials helps protect them from weather and road debris during transport.

A “car ship” here refers to using a vehicle-transport service to move a car (or possibly a project car) rather than driving it yourself. The speaker is weighing time and cost versus self-hauling.

U-Haul is a well-known U.S. company that rents trucks and trailers for moving goods. In this context, it’s being used as a reference point for the cost of hauling a car or parts.

“Quad headlights” means there are four headlight lamps total—typically arranged as two per side. This is a common styling cue on certain older American cars and helps people identify the model at a glance.

The Buick Riviera is a personal-luxury coupe/convertible line from Buick, known for its distinctive front-end styling. In the segment, people are confusing the car’s front appearance with a Riviera, showing how the Riviera’s look is recognizable even when the exact model isn’t.

“Rietta” refers to the Buick Reatta, a rare personal-luxury car produced by Buick. The speaker is clarifying that the car being discussed isn’t a Riviera, but instead is a Reatta—another model with similar-era styling cues.

“Kilometerage” is how many kilometers a car has been driven, similar to “mileage” but using the metric unit system. It’s commonly used in Europe and other regions where distances are measured in kilometers.

A “V12” is an engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a V shape (two banks of six). In a V12 Ferrari, that cylinder layout is part of why the car can feel smooth and produce strong power across a wide range.

Torque is the engine’s twisting force that helps the car accelerate, especially at lower speeds or during steady driving. When the host says it has “torque all day long,” they mean it keeps pulling strongly across much of the rev range.

“AC” here means the car’s air conditioning system. The host is checking whether it was “functional,” and later mentions idling with the cooling fans and AC on—both of which can increase electrical and engine load.

Cooling fans move air through the radiator to keep engine temperatures under control, especially when the car is idling or when airflow is limited. The host’s point is that the car could idle while the fans were running and the AC was on.

Belts in the charging system transmit rotation from the engine to accessories like the alternator. Very narrow belts can be more sensitive to tension, alignment, and wear—so shredding one can happen if the setup isn’t right.

“Throw a code” refers to the car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) detecting a fault and storing a diagnostic trouble code. If a car “does not throw a code,” it means the computer didn’t log any detected errors during that trip.

The Alpina Z8 refers to an Alpina-tuned version of the BMW Z8, with Alpina typically focusing on performance and drivability upgrades. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a dramatic story context involving suffocating and dying, which suggests the car is part of a personal anecdote rather than a spec discussion. The name comes up because it’s a distinctive, less common take on the Z8.

The Jaguar XKR is a performance version of the Jaguar XK, built around a powerful supercharged V8 and a grand-touring vibe. The host mentions taking the XKR on the trip, contrasting it with the Viper and setting up a comparison of driving character.

“Top down” refers to driving with the convertible roof lowered. It’s mentioned here to set the scene for the Viper’s sound—open-air driving makes engine and exhaust notes much more noticeable.

The BMW M4 is BMW’s performance coupe/convertible in the M lineup, built for sharper handling and stronger power than a standard 4 Series. In this segment, they mention Ben’s M4 as the car they didn’t want him to go back and pick up, implying the M4 is the “other” modern performance option versus the classic SLC.

A “passing button” is a driver control that temporarily boosts performance for overtaking, often by changing throttle mapping or engine response. The host connects it to needing more power, implying it’s meant for quick acceleration when you’re trying to pass.

This is a Mercedes-Benz W123-era wagon with a diesel engine, and the key point is its reputation for durability and long-distance use. The host is describing it as a “relatively long mileage” car that still gets used frequently.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (often called the G-Wagen) is a rugged luxury SUV known for its boxy design and off-road capability. The podcast mention references an “85 Mercedes wagon diesel” with relatively high mileage, which fits the idea of long-term ownership and durability. It’s brought up as part of a conversation about older vehicles and how they hold up over time.

“W123” refers to Mercedes-Benz’s W123 generation, known among enthusiasts for being extremely tough and long-lived. When the host calls them “the cockroaches of the car world,” they’re emphasizing that these cars tend to survive neglect and keep running.

A 2021 Porsche Boxster GTS is a mid-engine roadster with a performance-focused trim that typically adds sportier tuning and equipment. The host notes it was “specced out exactly the way she wants it,” emphasizing how the GTS package is chosen for a specific driving feel.

“Specced” is enthusiast shorthand for specifying a car’s build—choosing the exact options, trims, and packages when ordering. Here, the host says Sherry “specced that out exactly the way she wants it,” meaning she configured the car to her preferences.

The 2011 Jaguar XJL is a long-wheelbase version of Jaguar’s XJ sedan, built for comfort and highway cruising. The host treats it as a “winner beater car” and specifically links its ownership confidence to the fact that it shares the same drivetrain as the Jaguar XKR.

A drivetrain is the set of components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels, typically including the transmission, driveshaft(s), differential, and related parts. When the host says the XKR has the same drivetrain as the XJL, he’s implying the cars share major mechanical hardware, which can make ownership and troubleshooting simpler.

“HP DE” is shorthand for high-performance driving events, commonly called track days, where drivers take their own cars onto a circuit for timed or coached sessions. The host’s “HP DE fun day car” phrasing means his 350Z is set up for that kind of on-track use.

“TH four hundreds” appears to refer to a specific transmission family/type used in some Rolls-Royce applications. The host’s point is that these transmissions are durable and “not a lot to go wrong with them” as long as they’re treated properly.

The braking system is the set of components that slow and stop the car, including the brake hardware and how it’s controlled. The host calls it “weird,” then says he understands what it entails now, implying there’s a particular design or behavior that surprised him earlier.

The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car known for bold styling and powerful engine options. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a bright green Challenger that appeared at a gas station and prompted someone to follow along, which highlights the car’s visibility and presence. That kind of story is common with Challengers because they’re often driven and recognized as enthusiast cars.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) means the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels, which handle both steering and propulsion. That’s a notable packaging choice for a large, 1970s-style cruiser like the one being discussed, because it changes how the car is laid out compared with rear-wheel-drive designs.

“Cubic inch” is a displacement measurement for an engine—how much total volume the cylinders sweep as they move air and fuel. A “500 cubic inch” engine implies a very large V8-era displacement, which helps explain why the car feels like a big, torque-rich cruiser even when it’s front-wheel drive.

The Porsche 928 is a front-engine grand tourer (GT) from Porsche, best known for its V8 and long-distance comfort. In this segment, the host highlights it as an easy-to-drive, great-sounding car and specifically calls out its distinctive pop-up headlights, which help explain why it stands out visually and driving-wise.

Pop-up headlights are headlamps that retract into the body when off and rise when activated. They’re a styling and packaging feature that can also affect aerodynamics and how the car looks at a glance—here, the host uses them to describe what makes the Porsche 928 feel distinctive.

“Lower 48” is shorthand for the contiguous United States—the 48 states that are connected by land. In an overlanding context, it’s a reminder that even remote areas are still within a large, populated country.

An “overlander” is someone who travels long distances over rough roads or remote routes, often with a vehicle set up for self-sufficiency. The term is common in the off-road/expedition community and implies planning for fuel, water, and recovery.

Starlink is a satellite internet service that can provide connectivity in areas without normal cell coverage. For remote driving, it reduces the risk of being truly “cut off” if you break down.

A “pilot bearing” (often called a pilot bearing/bushing) supports the transmission input shaft at the engine side. If it fails, it can cause driveline noise, vibration, or shifting issues—especially noticeable when the car is being driven hard or after long trips.

Monterey refers to the Monterey area in California, which hosts major automotive events and drives. It’s a common destination for car enthusiasts, including events tied to the Monterey car week ecosystem.