Roadrunner To Pike’s Peak
About this episode
Richard Tomlin shares his exciting journey with a 1968 Roadrunner, now mounted on a NASCAR truck chassis, as he prepares for the Pikes Peak race. The discussion covers the challenges of modifying the car, including tuning for altitude and the unique engineering behind the build. The episode also features insights into the automotive culture, including a segment on cars with 'ugly mugs' and upcoming automotive events, making it a rich blend of technical details and car enthusiast camaraderie.
What happens when a family heirloom gets a NASCAR heart and a date with a mountain? We brought Richard Tomlin of Apex Auto Works on to share the full story of transforming a 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner into a Pike’s Peak contender by setting the classic body over a stretched NASCAR truck chassis and dropping in a Mopar R5 P7 that sings to 9,500 RPM. The road to SEMA almost ended on the shoulder after a tow rig failure, but with help from racers and friends the car made a prime debut and drew a crowd that wanted every detail—how it was built, why it matters, and where it’s headed next.
We dig into the engineering: cutting and adding four inches to match the B-body wheelbase, aligning the shell, using NASCAR-style ride height adjusters, and balancing street presence with a proper cage, race seats, and belts. Then we climb into the thin-air problem. Pike’s Peak starts near 8,000 feet and finishes above 14,000, so we talk mid-altitude tuning targets, power loss on NA engines, and a throwback solution—variable jetting on a carb, with insight from Brad Pink, son of legendary engine builder Ed Pink. The motor has already proved itself on the mountain in a C10, and we break down the expectations for power at altitude versus near sea level.
Richard also opens the shop doors: a turbo LS7 Volvo, a refreshed ’69 Roadrunner, a twin-turbo LS G-body in paint, and a batch of Miatas, including a Lemons car that a 17-year-old is repairing while learning to wrench. We talk craft, patience, and why “toys” deserve thoughtful timelines. Along the way, we swap stories about Charlotte’s NASCAR spectacle—how great facilities make new fans—and preview a spring motorsports festival in Victoria’s Riverside Park: a tight, time-attack course through the trees designed for stunning visuals and driver challenge.
If you love bold builds, real-world engineering, and the culture that keeps car life vibrant, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share it with a friend who loves hill climbs or sleepers, and leave a review to tell us what you’d climb the mountain with.
Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!
The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
Paint protection, tint, and more!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
---- -----
Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?
In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!
Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
----- -----
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.
In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:
Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.
Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTime
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/
https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime
https://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTime
For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at
[email protected]
Plymouth Roadrunner
"...his Las Vegas showing of the infamous 68 Roadrunner. Later in Jeff's car culture, ugly mugs."
The 1968 Roadrunner is a classic American muscle car that was built for speed and style. It's known for being powerful and affordable, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner is a classic muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It was designed to be a budget-friendly option with powerful engine choices, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
Chrysler New Chrysler
"...Mars as a review of the new Chrysler Pacifica. Howdy."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a family minivan that has lots of room for passengers and cargo. It's designed to be practical and comfortable for families on the go.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan known for its spacious interior, advanced technology features, and family-friendly design. It offers a comfortable ride and various configurations for seating and cargo space.
Chrysler Pacifica
"...imagination. Mars as a review of the new Chrysler Pacifica. Howdy."
injector issues
"...had some injector issues."
Injector issues happen when the parts that send fuel to the engine don't work properly. This can cause the engine to run badly or even stop working.
Injector issues refer to problems with the fuel injectors, which are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. Malfunctions can lead to poor engine performance, misfires, or stalling.
B-body
"...about what we had done and why. Why we're running a big B-body up Pikes Peak."
B-body is a type of car design used by GM for big cars. They are known for being spacious and powerful, often used in racing or custom builds.
The term 'B-body' refers to a specific platform used by General Motors for full-size cars from the 1960s to the 1990s. These cars are known for their large size and rear-wheel-drive layout, making them popular for modifications and racing.
Pikes Peak
"...and why. Why we're running a big B-body up Pikes Peak."
Pikes Peak is a mountain in Colorado where a famous car race takes place every year. It's known for being very challenging because of its steep roads and unpredictable weather.
Pikes Peak is a famous mountain in Colorado known for its annual hill climb race, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious automobile races in the world. It challenges drivers with its steep elevation and changing weather conditions.
Dodge NASCAR truck
"...sitting on a 2015 NASCAR truck chassis, which was still a Dodge vehicle at that time. But wait a minute, a NASCAR race truck chassis?"
A NASCAR truck chassis is the base frame of a racing truck used in NASCAR events. It is built to be very strong and safe for racing at high speeds.
The Dodge NASCAR truck chassis refers to a race-ready frame used in NASCAR competitions, specifically from the 2015 season. These chassis are designed for high performance and safety during racing events.
Mopar R5 P7
"It runs the Mopar R5 P7 engine. So revs at 9,500 RPMs."
The Mopar R5 P7 is a powerful engine used in racing cars. It's built to run really fast and produce a lot of horsepower.
The Mopar R5 P7 engine is a high-performance engine used in various racing applications, known for its high RPM capabilities and power output. It is designed for competitive motorsport environments.
RPM
"So revs at 9,500 RPMs. It makes 808 horsepower at the wheels in Colorado."
RPM tells us how fast the engine is spinning. Higher numbers mean the engine is working harder and can produce more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation in one minute. Higher RPMs can indicate more power but can also lead to engine strain if sustained for too long.
horsepower
"It makes 808 horsepower at the wheels in Colorado. It's slow."
Horsepower is how we measure how strong an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time. Higher horsepower typically means better performance and acceleration.
chassis
"Did you have to do anything to the chassis to get it to fit other than maybe a couple of tabs or something?"
The chassis is the main structure of a car that holds everything together, like the engine and wheels. It's important for how the car drives and handles.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and components like the engine and suspension. It is crucial for the vehicle's structural integrity and performance.
Dodge Road Runner
"... on some ears and tabs. No, so what we did is the road runner is actually a 116-inch wheel base."
The Dodge Road Runner is a fast car from the late 60s and early 70s that people loved for its speed and cool features. It even has a horn that sounds like a cartoon character! It's talked about a lot because it's a classic muscle car that many car fans admire.
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic muscle car that was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its performance and distinctive 'beep beep' horn. It was designed to be a lightweight, high-performance vehicle, often featuring powerful V8 engines that appealed to speed enthusiasts. The Road Runner remains a significant part of American automotive history, often celebrated for its fun design and racing pedigree.
wheelbase
"...the road runner is actually a 116-inch wheel base. The NASCAR truck is a 112."
Wheelbase is how far apart the front and back wheels are on a car. A longer wheelbase can make the car feel more stable when driving.
Wheelbase refers to the distance between the front and rear axles of a vehicle. It affects the handling, stability, and ride comfort of the car.
cage structure
"So once we got it here, we cut all the cage structure off"
The cage structure is a set of strong bars inside a race car that keeps the driver safe in an accident. It makes the car stronger and helps it handle better.
The cage structure refers to a framework of bars or tubes inside a vehicle, often used in racing cars for safety. It helps protect the driver in case of a crash and adds rigidity to the chassis.
wheel spacers
"So did the actual width of the wheel wells fit this truck? We actually had to put spacers on it."
Wheel spacers are used to make the wheels sit wider on a vehicle. This can make the car look better and sometimes improve how it handles, but it can also put extra stress on some parts of the car.
Wheel spacers are components that are placed between the wheel and the hub to increase the track width of the vehicle. They can help improve handling and aesthetics by pushing the wheels outwards, but they may also affect suspension geometry and load on the wheel bearings.
18 by 10 steel wheels
"And those are 18 by 10 steel wheels. We have our poverty caps or dog dishes, as people call them."
This means the wheels are 18 inches wide and 10 inches tall. They are made of steel, which is a common material for durability and cost-effectiveness.
The term '18 by 10 steel wheels' refers to the size and material of the wheels used on a vehicle. The first number indicates the diameter of the wheel in inches, while the second number indicates the width of the wheel in inches, which affects tire fitment and performance.
NASCAR
"...the floor on the inside is 100% NASCAR. And then we've got our ultra shield racing seats"
NASCAR is a type of car racing that takes place on oval tracks. The cars used in NASCAR are specially built to be fast and safe for racing.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. The term 'NASCAR' often refers to the specific design and safety standards used in vehicles built for these races.
Ultra Shield
"...And then we've got our ultra shield racing seats"
Ultra Shield makes special seats for race cars. These seats help keep drivers safe and comfortable while they are racing.
Ultra Shield is a company that specializes in manufacturing racing seats and safety equipment for motorsports. Their products are designed to provide safety and comfort for drivers during high-performance racing.
Chevrolet C10
"...t this motor has been up Pike's Peak twice in the C10 truck that it was in that we worked on in the pas..."
The Chevrolet C10 is an old pickup truck that many people love because it's tough and can be used for different purposes. It's popular among fans who like to fix up and customize cars, and some even race them in special events. You might hear about it because of its cool history and the fun projects people do with it.
The Chevrolet C10 is a classic pickup truck produced from the 1960s to the early 1980s, known for its robust build and versatility. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often modified for performance and style, making it a popular choice for restoration projects. Its significance in automotive culture is highlighted by its appearances in motorsport events, such as the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb.
NA motor
"People used to say and people still do say you'll be down 30 to 40% on an NA motor. Our other car is still light."
An NA motor is an engine that doesn't use any extra devices to force air in. It just uses the air pressure around it, which can make it less powerful than engines that do use those devices.
An NA motor refers to a naturally aspirated engine, which relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the combustion chamber rather than using a turbocharger or supercharger. This can affect performance and efficiency compared to forced induction engines.
fuel injection
"We never noticed it, but it is also fuel injection. This one is carb rated."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into an engine more accurately than older methods. It helps the engine run better and use fuel more efficiently.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine, allowing for more precise control of the fuel-air mixture, improving efficiency and performance compared to carbureted engines.
carburetor
"This one is carb rated. Rick did notice some drop, but we're looking right now back into some of the old school stuff."
A carburetor is an older device that mixes air and fuel so that the engine can run. It's not as common in modern cars, which usually use fuel injection instead.
A carburetor is a device that mixes air and fuel for internal combustion engines, allowing for the engine to run. It was widely used before fuel injection systems became more common.
jetting
"The answers used to actually run what I call a throttle adjuster on an old lawnmower, but they would actually adjust the jetting, the variable jetting as they were going up the mountain."
Jetting is about changing the size of openings in the fuel system to control how much fuel goes into the engine. This helps the engine run better depending on conditions.
Jetting refers to the process of adjusting the size of the jets in a carburetor or fuel injection system to control the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, which can affect performance and efficiency.
Miata
"...a couple of Miata's."
This is a small, fun sports car made by Mazda that many people enjoy driving because it's light and handles well.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its sporty handling and fun driving experience. It's a popular choice among car enthusiasts for both casual driving and motorsports.
suspension
"...depends on what they want done to the car suspension or maybe some body work."
Suspension is the part of a car that helps it stay stable and comfortable while driving. It includes things like springs and shock absorbers that help the car handle bumps and turns better.
Suspension refers to the system of components that connect a vehicle to its wheels and allow for relative motion between them. It plays a crucial role in handling, ride comfort, and safety.
Chrysler 300
"...n a messy toolbox. First one we got is a Chrysler 300 from 2005 to 2010. Chrysler 300 made an entrance"
The Chrysler 300 is a big, fancy car that looks really cool and has a lot of space inside. It became popular because it's comfortable to drive and has strong engines that make it fun. People talk about it because of its unique style and how nice it is to ride in.
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size luxury sedan that gained popularity for its bold design and powerful engine options, particularly during its production from 2005 to 2010. It is known for its spacious interior and a smooth ride, making it a comfortable choice for families and executives alike. The Chrysler 300's distinctive styling and performance capabilities often make it a topic of discussion among car enthusiasts.
Tata Motors Sumo
"It stood out from other sedans, like a sumo wrestler in a ballet class. And that was exactly ..."
The Tata Motors Sumo is a big vehicle that's often used by families and businesses because it has a lot of space inside. It's known for being strong and able to drive on rough roads, which is why many people like it. You might hear about it because it's a popular choice in places where tough vehicles are needed.
The Tata Motors Sumo is a multi-purpose vehicle produced by Tata Motors, primarily known for its spacious interior and rugged build. It has been popular in markets like India for its affordability and ability to handle rough terrain, making it a common choice for families and commercial use. The Sumo's unique design and practicality often lead to discussions about its role in the automotive landscape of emerging markets.
Jeep Cherokee
"And then the next one we have is a Jeep Cherokee from 14 to 18. This Jeep Cherokee, the KL generation,"
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that can handle rough terrain and is popular for both city driving and outdoor adventures. The KL generation refers to the specific version made between 2014 and 2018.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and versatility. The KL generation, produced from 2014 to 2018, features modern styling and improved technology compared to earlier models.
American Motors Corporation (Amc) Matador
"Imagine that. The next one is an AMC Matador coupe from 74. And Kathy and I knew she had a rea..."
The AMC Matador is a car from the 1970s that has a unique look and a lot of room inside for passengers. It was made for families and came in different styles, like a two-door or four-door version. People talk about it because it's a classic car that stands out from others of its time.
The AMC Matador is a mid-size car produced by American Motors Corporation in the 1970s, known for its distinctive styling and spacious interior. It was available in various body styles, including coupe and sedan, and was aimed at the family market during a time of changing automotive preferences. The Matador's unique design and place in automotive history often make it a topic of interest among classic car enthusiasts.
Dodge Nitro
"on a serious business executive. Dodge Nitro, still around. The Dodge Nitro certainly packed"
The Dodge Nitro is a medium-sized SUV that looks tough and can handle different kinds of driving, like off-road adventures. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo, making it good for families. People talk about it because it's a strong vehicle that can do a lot of things.
The Dodge Nitro is a mid-size SUV that was produced from 2007 to 2012, known for its bold styling and off-road capabilities. It offers a spacious interior and a powerful engine, making it suitable for both daily driving and adventurous outings. The Nitro's rugged design and versatility often make it a topic of discussion among SUV enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Ssr
"Last one, everybody's favorite, the Chevrolet SSR."
The Chevrolet SSR is a unique vehicle that looks like a mix between a truck and a convertible. It was made in the early 2000s and is known for its eye-catching design.
The Chevrolet SSR is a retro-styled pickup truck that was produced from 2003 to 2006. It features a unique design that blends elements of a convertible and a truck, making it stand out in the automotive market.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
"...flexed all the time, kind of like the PT, not the PT Cruiser, the hot rod looking thing."
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a small car that looks a bit old-fashioned, which makes it stand out. It's known for being practical with plenty of space inside, making it a good choice for families. People discuss it because of its unique look and how different it is from other cars.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car that gained attention for its retro styling and versatile interior, produced from 2000 to 2010. Its unique design and practicality made it a popular choice among families and young drivers, though it has received mixed reviews regarding performance and handling. The PT Cruiser's quirky appearance often sparks conversations about automotive design trends of the early 2000s.
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.