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Sakura Picnic 2026

Sakura Picnic 2026

Car Torque with Matty J May 13, 2026 108 min
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About this episode

Roads, festivals, and workshop reality collide as the hosts recap travel through Vietnam and Laos—sealed roads in one place, then “bull dust” and near-zero visibility in another—plus a three-day water festival with flour, wristbands, and utes packed with people. Back home, the conversation pivots to maintenance and upgrades: Falcon sensor work, VicRoads plates, alternator diagnosis, and multiple clutch/hydraulic troubleshooting stories. The episode also swings through EV practicality, Japanese car-show highlights, and a late car-quiz round.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Toyota Corolla

"...cross this several places, them trying to convert Corollas into rally cars, and they're absolutely trashed."

The Toyota Corolla is a small, everyday car. People sometimes try to modify them for racing or rally driving, but that kind of driving is very demanding. The podcast is saying the converted Corollas didn’t hold up well.

Car

Toyota Camry

"and they're absolutely trashed. And these Camrys and Corollas, yeah, trash, trash, trash. If there..."

The Toyota Camry is a larger everyday car than the Corolla. It’s usually meant for normal driving, not rough racing. The podcast is describing Camrys that were modified for that kind of use and ended up badly damaged.

Car

Honda CRF 250s

"We're on Honda CRF 250s, and they just keep on going and going, and one had a cam chain, started a rattle of cam chain tensioner going on it."

The Honda CRF 250 is a small dirt bike that’s often used for trail riding. Here, they’re talking about the bikes they rode on the trip and a problem that happened with one of them.

Term

cam chain tensioner

"and one had a cam chain, started a rattle of cam chain tensioner going on it. So you've got a side of the road, the mechanic pulled it all apart"

In a bike engine, the cam chain helps control when the valves open and close. The cam chain tensioner keeps that chain tight—if it’s not working right, you can hear rattling.

Term

thermostat

"The Falcon, that's going to get a thermostat. It's going to get..."

A thermostat controls engine temperature by deciding when coolant should start flowing to the radiator. That helps the engine warm up correctly and not overheat.

Term

oxy sensors

"It's going to get new oxy sensors, pre-cat and post-catalytic converter, because the engine light is coming on and we think that it's that based on the codes."

Oxygen sensors read what’s coming out of the exhaust. The car uses that info to keep the fuel mixture right, and if the readings are off, you can get a check-engine light.

Term

pre-cat and post-catalytic converter

"It's going to get new oxy sensors, pre-cat and post-catalytic converter, because the engine light is coming on and we think that it's that based on the codes."

“Pre-cat” and “post-catalytic converter” refer to oxygen sensors placed before and after the catalytic converter. Comparing readings helps confirm whether the catalytic converter is working properly.

Term

engine light

"because the engine light is coming on and we think that it's that based on the codes."

The engine light is the car’s warning that something isn’t right. It usually means the computer logged a fault code, often related to sensors or emissions.

Term

codes

"because the engine light is coming on and we think that it's that based on the codes."

“Codes” are the fault messages the car’s computer saves. A scan tool can read them to help figure out what part or system is causing the problem.

Company

VicRoads

"I'm going to go tomorrow to VicRoads and order restyled number plates, which of course you can do online..."

VicRoads is the government office in Victoria that handles things like vehicle registration and license plates. They’re the place the host would order updated plates through.

Concept

restyled number plates

"I'm going to go tomorrow to VicRoads and order restyled number plates, which of course you can do online..."

“Restyled number plates” means getting a new-looking license plate design for the car. The host says the online form doesn’t handle company-name registrations the way they want.

Car

Volvo XC40

"The Volvo is online. That's a little XC40 that I bought. That's actually Belgium built... But it's a 2018 Belgian built XC40 2.0L T5."

The Volvo XC40 is a small SUV from Volvo. Here, they’re talking about a 2018 XC40 with a 2.0-liter turbo engine (T5) and a regular automatic transmission, which is why they like how it drives.

Term

2.0L T5

"But it's a 2018 Belgian built XC40 2.0L T5. And that goes really well."

“T5” is Volvo’s name for a turbo engine. With a 2.0-liter size, it’s designed to feel punchier than a non-turbo 2.0-liter.

Term

CVT

"It's got a normal auto in it, not a CVT. It's that nice red metallic."

CVT stands for a transmission that can change “gears” smoothly instead of shifting in steps. The speaker says their XC40 doesn’t have a CVT, and that’s part of why they like how it drives.

Term

two-tone

"And ironically, a lot of those are two-tone. They've got a black roof on them. Mine has a white roof."

Two-tone just means the car uses two colors—usually one for the body and a different color for the roof. They’re pointing out the roof color difference on their XC40.

Term

cameras

"Everything is cameras [1037.7s] are all red and it's greens"

Cameras in the car help you see around it, especially when parking or driving slowly. Some cars use several cameras to give the driver a clearer view.

Brand

Harman Kardon

"and it's got the Harman Kardon and the heated seats."

Harman Kardon is a brand that makes high-end car audio. If your car has it, the sound system is usually better than the basic one.

Term

heated seats

"and it's got the Harman Kardon and the heated seats."

Heated seats warm up the seats with built-in heat. It’s a handy feature when it’s cold outside.

Term

keyless entry

"And, you know, the keyless entry on the rear doors as well as on the front doors."

Keyless entry means you can unlock the car by using the door handle, without putting a key in the lock. You just need the key fob with you.

Term

magic seats

"very, very practical [1131.1s] package with the way the magic seats work. And I said, you guys [1134.2s] invented those like milk that, you know, the fact that you can [1138.0s] go flat in the back and it's really small, you can fit stuff"

“Magic seats” means the back seats fold in a clever way. The point they’re making is that you can lay them flat to carry more stuff, even though the car is small.

Term

boost mode

"in it, you can use the magic seats, you've got a boost mode, of course, it's fun."

Boost mode is a setting that makes the car feel quicker for a short time. It usually gives you stronger acceleration when you need it.

Term

EV

"of course, it's fun. It's the first EV that's actually, I think, gonna be genuinely fun to drive from a from a car person perspective. ... it's purely a city run about. But I said, it doesn't matter, if you sell it, you sell it."

EV means electric vehicle. Instead of using gas, it runs on electricity from a battery.

Car

Suzuki Jimny

"And I said, look at Jimny, you know, Jimny, Jimny is true to its original, you know, design brief, it's a ladder frame four by four, it's a four by four. But you so you got motorheads buying them who tricked them to the max."

The Suzuki Jimny is a small 4x4 that’s built like a traditional off-road vehicle. People either modify it for serious trails or just buy it because it’s fun and cute.

Term

four by four

"it's a ladder frame four by four, it's a four by four. But you so you got motorheads buying them who tricked them to the max."

“Four by four” means the car can send power to all four wheels. That helps it grip better on dirt, mud, snow, or uneven ground.

Term

ladder frame

"And I said, look at Jimny, you know, Jimny, Jimny is true to its original, you know, design brief, it's a ladder frame four by four, it's a four by four."

A ladder frame is a sturdy “frame” under the car, built like two main rails with bars connecting them. It helps the vehicle handle bumps and rough roads better than some unibody designs.

Topic

accessories and buyer types for the Jimny

"And I said, go on a site called os Jimny.com and just look at the accessories you can get for that car. And then I said, the other buy for a Jimny at the other end of the scale is someone who knows nothing about cars..."

The host talks about two kinds of Jimny buyers: people who add upgrades for off-roading and people who just want something small and cute for the city.

Concept

same platform

"So it would be that platform. Now I'm not sure how different it is changed. Obviously, there's a huge battery involved"

They mean the electric version and the regular version are built on the same basic “bones.” That usually makes the car cheaper and faster to develop because manufacturers reuse a lot of the design.

Term

battery

"Obviously, there's a huge battery involved or you know, bigger battery than you would normally have in a normal in one."

In an electric car, the battery is the big pack that stores the electricity. The speaker is saying the electric version needs a much bigger battery than a normal (non-electric) version.

Term

wheel arch

"If all they've done is bung some sports seats in it painted into funky colors and widen the wheel arches, given it a little electronic boost mode,"

They’re talking about making the area around the tires wider. That helps fit wider tires/wheels and prevents the tire from hitting the body when you turn or drive.

Concept

R&D

"well, I mean, you know, you had that much R&D. But do you reckon that it hurt?"

R&D stands for research and development—the work required to design, test, and refine a product before it’s sold. The speaker is questioning whether the changes to the EV are substantial enough to justify the development effort.

Car

Mitsubishi Lancer

"...l, maybe the Vegero, but that was through and the Lancer maybe. But yeah, eight years is a long time for a..."

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car made by Mitsubishi. The podcast talks about a time period—“eight years”—connected to the Lancer. That suggests they’re discussing how long it’s been around or how long a situation has lasted.

Car

Fiat 500

"...form and a new interior. I mean, look at the Fiat 500 that the new Fiat 100. How many of those are they..."

The Fiat 500 is a small car designed for city driving. The podcast is talking about how many of them are still around. That helps show how easy it might be to find one today.

Term

alternator

"Open the bonnet and plug the alternator and the sound completely goes away. So I'd say it's the the bearings or some crap that's inside it that's just starting to fail"

The alternator is what makes electricity for the car while you’re driving. It also keeps the battery charged so the car can start again later.

Term

bearings

"So I'd say it's the the bearings or some crap that's inside it that's just starting to fail and getting the wearing whining noise happening."

Bearings are small parts inside rotating machinery that help things spin smoothly. If they wear out, they can make loud whining noises and cause the unit to fail.

Term

radiator support

"Because you need to pretty much try and remove the front bumper, remove wheel to get to remove radiator support. So then you can kind of pull the radiator radiator forward."

The radiator support is the metal frame that holds the radiator steady. If you need to reach something behind the front bumper area, you often have to move this support out of the way.

Term

front bumper

"Because you need to pretty much try and remove the front bumper, remove wheel to get to remove radiator support."

The front bumper is the outer cover at the front of the car. Mechanics sometimes have to remove it to get to parts deeper in the front end.

Car

Toyota RAV4

"I've heard some people with the uh RAV4s that had the same engine in it having some problems with multiple alternators before"

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV. In this segment, it’s mentioned because some owners have reported alternator problems too.

Part

master cylinder

"So we're really scratching our heads trying to think like, what is it? Like we've replaced master cylinder. Sorry, I mean, we installed a master cylinder, replaced the slave cylinder that was on the gearbox..."

The master cylinder is like the pump for the clutch hydraulics. When you press the pedal, it creates pressure that helps move the clutch parts.

Part

slave cylinder

"Sorry, I mean, we installed a master cylinder, replaced the slave cylinder that was on the gearbox, new clutch, machine flywheel, pretty much everything that we can think of clutch pedal installed."

The slave cylinder is the part that actually moves the clutch parts. It uses hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to push or pull the release mechanism.

Part

clutch

"..., replaced the slave cylinder that was on the gearbox, new clutch, machine flywheel, pretty much everything that we can think of clutch pedal installed."

The clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the gearbox. Pressing it lets you shift; letting it out transfers power back to the wheels.

Part

flywheel

"..., replaced the slave cylinder that was on the gearbox, new clutch, machine flywheel, pretty much everything that we can think of clutch pedal installed."

The flywheel is a heavy spinning part on the engine. The clutch grabs it, and machining it means they resurface the contact area so the clutch can work properly.

Term

main spring

"Yeah, look, yeah, it is except the the pedal is still not fully assembled. So the that main spring that gets the pedal back to it's like full travel is not installed..."

The main spring helps push the clutch pedal back up after you press it. If it’s missing, the pedal might not return properly, which can cause clutch problems.

Term

full travel

"We are we're getting full travel on the pedal like in terms of how much it's going into the you know, that's that's actuating on the gearbox."

Full travel means the pedal/linkage moves far enough to do the job. If it doesn’t, the clutch might not fully release, so you can’t get the car into gear.

Term

push rod travel

"Yeah, look, yeah, it is except the the pedal is still not fully assembled... And we're just trying to stop the car back together. So I thought that can wait. We are we're getting full travel on the pedal like in terms of how much it's going into the you know, that's that's actuating on the gearbox. Yeah, so it's actuating. Yeah, so it's you know, it's doing full push rod travel. It's actuating on the gearbox side."

Push rod travel is how far the clutch release mechanism moves when you press the pedal. If travel is too short, the clutch may not fully disengage; if it’s correct, the release mechanism actuates the gearbox-side components as intended.

Term

gear grinding

"you put your clutch in you go to go into a gear and it just grinds like your clutch isn't actually like it's disengaging"

Gear grinding is the harsh metal-on-metal sound that happens when gears are not synchronized or the clutch isn’t fully disengaged. In a manual transmission, if the clutch doesn’t separate properly, the input shaft keeps spinning and the gears clash during selection.

Part

pivot ball

"it's bent clutch fork and potentially a is also called a pivot ball which is inside the gearbox. It sits like against the inner housing and the fork actually pivots on that point"

The pivot ball is a small part inside the gearbox that acts like the “hinge point” for the clutch fork. If it’s not right, the lever can’t move the clutch parts properly. That can lead to clutch problems even if the pedal is being pressed fully.

Term

gearbox out

"So I think that's the next step. Unfortunately, it's a gearbox out. So gearbox is going to come back out."

“Gearbox out” means taking the transmission out of the car. It’s usually required when the problem is inside the gearbox and you can’t reach it easily. It’s more work than a quick external repair.

Concept

manualised

"at least it's manualised. It's full. done. It's a manual car. It's just, I think it's just a teething issue"

“Manualised” means the car has been converted to work like a manual. Conversions don’t always work perfectly right away, so you can get early problems that need fixing. That’s what the speaker is calling a temporary teething issue.

Term

no grinding

"and I drove it around like in and out of my driveway a few times and it all shifts fine. No grinding."

Grinding usually happens when you try to shift without the clutch fully doing its job. “No grinding” means the clutch and shifting are behaving correctly.

Term

fully engaged

"It's fully engaged like it was fully engaging rather and yeah. That's a really good call."

“Fully engaged” describes the clutch being completely connected to the transmission when the pedal is released. If a clutch doesn’t fully engage, you can get incomplete power transfer, abnormal shifting behavior, or drivability issues.

Term

bell housing

"Is the bell housing, you know, does there need to be some sort of adapter with the bell housing or something?"

The bell housing is the “connector” area between the engine and the transmission. If you swap parts, the bell housing (and related adapters) can determine whether everything lines up and works correctly.

Term

sandwich plates

"Did you put those sandwich plates back in? ... The sandwich plates, those little like small sheet metal pieces in between the block and the gearbox."

“Sandwich plates” are thin metal spacers that go between the engine and the transmission. They help the parts line up correctly and sit at the right distance, so everything can move and engage properly.

Term

gearboxes

"Lucky Paul Gatt can get those gearboxes out in about half an hour. [2310.4s] So he's definitely got it down to a fine art. [2313.5s] Like speed running it."

A gearbox is the part that helps the engine power the wheels in different gears. On a manual car, you need the clutch to make the gearbox connect properly. If the clutch isn’t working, the gearbox can’t behave normally when you try to shift.

Term

bulbous

"And it was the, the line would sort of get bulbous, you know, it would, it would expand like it had, had movement in it because it was old rather than sort of holding the line rather"

Here “bulbous” means the clutch hose gets swollen like a bubble. When that happens, the fluid pressure doesn’t push the clutch parts properly, so the clutch may not engage.

Term

hydraulic pressure

"Correct. Correct. So we replaced that in that car. I remember once when the clutch sort of would go down and not come back, it just didn't have that hydraulic pressure to bring it back."

A hydraulic clutch uses fluid pressure to push and pull parts inside the clutch. If that pressure isn’t strong enough, the clutch may not fully disengage when you press the pedal.

Term

donor car

"Well, we took it off the donor car, Matty took it off and all the lines that went with it. And yeah, we can't see any leaks."

A donor car is basically a “parts car.” They take the needed parts off it and use them to fix another car.

Term

bleed

"So you did a full bleed on the marsh on the slave? Yeah, we did too. We did, we did two sets of bleeding and yeah."

Bleeding means getting the air out of the clutch fluid lines. Air makes the pedal feel wrong and can prevent the clutch from fully working, so bleeding restores proper operation.

Part

knuckles

"changed out the knuckles, and just said don't tell them about it because they don't know it was our fault"

“Knuckles” are parts near the wheel that help the suspension and steering connect. If they’re replaced or worn, it can change how the wheels sit and steer, which can make tires wear more evenly.

Term

tires being worn

"because I had complained about the tires being worn and they knew I was after some kind of reimbursement for tires."

Tire wear means the tread is getting used up. If it wears faster or unevenly, it can be a sign that the car’s alignment or suspension isn’t right.

Term

power steering fluid

"You'll say you flushed the power steering fluid, [2845.2s] all you did was get a tokyo baster and take the top bed out"

Power steering fluid is the liquid that helps your steering feel light and smooth. A “flush” means they drain out the old dirty fluid and put in new fluid.

Term

drums

"Don't try and tell me that I need drums and break shoes at $43,000. [2864.7s] Say offer the shoes and then say we recommend the drums"

“Drums” means drum brakes. Instead of a brake pad squeezing a disc, brake shoes press against the inside of a metal drum to slow the car.

Term

brake shoes

"Don't try and tell me that I need drums and break shoes at $43,000. [2864.7s] Say offer the shoes and then say we recommend the drums"

Brake shoes are the parts inside drum brakes that actually do the stopping. As you brake, they wear down and eventually need replacing.

Term

logbook service

"You know, thank you for reminding me that I own my car and I can get a logbook service somewhere else. And that's that's the plan."

A logbook service means you get your car serviced on the schedule the manufacturer specifies. It’s important because it can help keep your warranty valid if something goes wrong later.

Term

warranty

"No, is this warranty? Sorry? Is it still under warranty? Yes. I think it's a seven year warranty."

A warranty is coverage that helps pay for certain repairs for a limited time. The speaker is worried that the warranty might not be handled the same way if there’s a disagreement about parts like tires.

Term

Australian consumer law

"But, you know, under Australian consumer law, I believe if you get your car service under the logbook, you know, system."

Australian consumer law is the set of rules that protects car buyers. Here, the point is that if you service your car properly (as the manufacturer requires), you may not be forced to use only one shop to keep your warranty rights.

Term

genuine parts

"They've got to do all the things that are prescribed, you know, by the manufacturer and you've got to use genuine parts."

Genuine parts are the exact parts made for your car by (or for) the manufacturer. Using them can matter for warranty coverage because they match what the car was designed to use.

Car

Nissan Skyline

"I reckon he's got a self-anise and skyline. Oh, Jim would never spend skyline money."

The Nissan Skyline is a popular Japanese car that enthusiasts really like. When someone says “Skyline money,” they mean it’s the kind of car that can cost a lot because it’s sought after.

Car

Honda Prelude

"I reckon he's got an old prelude. Well, would Jim? Spilled beans, Jim. Hang on, no, but Jim already has a prelude. Yes, well, my prelude is automatic though."

The Honda Prelude is a sporty Honda coupe from Japan. Here it’s being talked about as an older Japanese car people already own.

Car

Holden Calais 2 wagon

"Yeah, so, no, no, and I've got one of my son's VF Calais 2 wagon at the moment, which still has a dodgy tailgate. But I'm thinking laterally, he doesn't need it for the next week or so. So I will, I'm taking it to a panel shop, interestingly, because I think it might be an alignment issue. ... So the little solenoid releases, it's got a soft closed gate on the Calais and he's had trouble with it before and it seemed to be fixed, but then it's not fixed now. So the tailgate won't open."

This is a Holden wagon, and the problem they’re dealing with is the rear tailgate not opening. They think it may be related to how the latch/door mechanism lines up, and they mention a small electronic part that controls the release.

Term

alignment issue

"So I will, I'm taking it to a panel shop, interestingly, because I think it might be an alignment issue. And I spoke to him."

An alignment issue here likely means the tailgate or its mounting points aren’t positioned correctly relative to the body. Even small misalignment can prevent latches and power release mechanisms from engaging properly, which can stop the tailgate from opening.

Term

soft closed gate

"So the little solenoid releases, it's got a soft closed gate on the Calais and he's had trouble with it before and it seemed to be fixed, but then it's not fixed now."

A “soft closed” tailgate is designed to close smoothly instead of slamming. If the latch or release mechanism isn’t working right, it can cause problems like the tailgate not opening.

Term

solenoid

"When the door's open, the solenoid works fine and it clicks and it opens and closes and opens and closes with the button. ... he said it'll either be that, he said, or the solenoids do go lazy in them."

A solenoid is like an electrically powered “pull” that moves a latch. If it’s weak or slow, the door or tailgate might not open or close properly when you press the button.

Term

factory roof racks

"And today were factory roof racks. Factory racks for an MR2 AW11, which is funny that they're unique to that car, Scotty."

Factory roof racks are roof carriers made for a specific car model. They tend to fit better and mount more securely than cheap universal ones.

Car

MR2 AW11

"Factory racks for an MR2 AW11, which is funny that they're unique to that car, Scotty."

The Toyota MR2 AW11 is the original MR2. The hosts are talking about special factory roof racks made for that exact car, which is why it’s a neat, uncommon detail.

Car

Nissan 300Zx

"... sports car. You park one of those next to like a 300ZX to which there were plenty parked outside."

The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car. The podcast is saying they had a lot of them around at the event and that one was parked next to another similar car. It’s included because it was a common, noticeable sports car there.

Car

Toyota Celica

"Oh, okay. Original blue Celica still had the hubcaps. White wall tires."

They’re talking about a Toyota Celica from the early 1970s. They point out that the early versions look slightly different at the back, like the tail lights.

Term

flat tail lights

"Interestingly, I learned something from that car, which I didn't realize. The subtle differences between the next model with the early cars, 71, 72, had the flat tail lights."

“Flat tail lights” describes a specific rear light shape used on early cars in this Celica discussion. It’s a visual identification cue: early 1971–1972 cars have a different tail-light layout than later versions.

Term

each lens was sort of a separate block

"Whereas the later cars had sort of, each lens was sort of a separate block."

They’re describing how the later tail lights are made of separate sections. That look is different from the earlier cars and helps you identify the version.

Part

tail light lens

"And I know that because I've actually got in my garage in a box, a new tail light lens for one, and it's, but it's obviously for a later model."

The tail light lens is the clear/red cover on the back lights of the car. If it cracks or gets damaged, or if you’re swapping parts from another year, you may need a replacement lens.

Term

petrol filler

"Also, the petrol filler was between the tail lights in that car, that too. So she, because she'd had the Celicas before, and she said... she went to fill it with petrol, and the petrol filler wasn't in the side where she expected it to be."

The petrol filler is where you put the gas nozzle when you refuel. Some cars put it in different spots, so if you’re used to one version, another version can feel “wrong” until you notice the change.

Concept

restored it

"Did she give you any history of that car? Yeah, she's restored it. Yeah, I mean, that far away, hands down, was Kara the show for me, you know, and..."

Restoring a car means fixing it up and bringing it back to a better, often “as-new” condition. Here, they’re describing work like repainting and interior updates.

Term

factory color

"But it was such an unusual color for those early cars, and it was factory, all factory color. She said the only thing that wasn't on it, that is on it now with the white walls,"

Factory color means the car’s paint was the original color chosen by the manufacturer. It matters to collectors because it can be more “authentic” than a repaint.

Term

white walls

"She said the only thing that wasn't on it, that is on it now with the white walls,"

White walls are tires that have a white band around the side. They’re a visual style choice, and the speaker is noting that this car didn’t have them at first.

Car

Ford Mustang

"...d you can see that they really were inspired by a Mustang with the, you know, in the middle."

The Ford Mustang is a sports car from Ford. It’s known for its distinctive look and driving feel. The podcast mentions it because another car’s design was inspired by the Mustang’s shape.

Brand

Facebook marketplace

"One on Facebook marketplace right now for sale. Oh, really?"

They mention Facebook Marketplace because that’s where the car is being advertised for sale. It’s basically an online classifieds listing.

Car

Yaris

"They had the Yaris. I think they had a 1.3 Yaris engine in them, I think, from memory."

They’re saying the small Toyota might use an engine from a Toyota Yaris. That matters because it can make the car easier to maintain and parts easier to find.

Car

GMC Safari

"...ctor of Mitsubishi. There was also a cool T-piece safari wagon that's an ongoing restoration project, but ..."

The GMC Safari is a wagon-style vehicle. The podcast mentions a specific Safari wagon that’s being restored. That means it’s a project car that someone is working on over time.

Concept

restoration project

"There was also a cool T-piece safari wagon that's an ongoing restoration project, [4100.5s] but it was there on its club plates with a bore."

A restoration project is when someone brings an older car back to a better condition. It usually takes time and involves fixing both the outside and the mechanical parts.

Car

Honda CR-Z

"We actually had a Honda had a manual CRZ, [4120.5s] which is the express car from Honda Australia"

The Honda CR-Z is a small Honda hatchback that uses a hybrid system. It’s made to feel sporty to drive, not just efficient.

Concept

original number plates

"which is the express car from Honda Australia [4123.2s] that Mr. Bunting was instrumental in reuniting with its original number plates"

Original number plates are the license plates a car had when it first belonged to someone. Getting them back can make the car feel more “true to its history.”

Car

Honda Insight

"And park next to that was a red first gen insight, [4134.4s] which was one of less than 50 that sold brand new in Australia."

The Honda Insight is a hybrid car designed to be efficient. The first generation is an older version of that model, and it can be pretty uncommon depending on where you live.

Car

Mazda 323 Astina

"The 323 Astina there with the pop-up headlights."

The Mazda 323 Astina is a sporty trim of the Mazda 323. Here it’s mentioned because it has pop-up headlights, which were a cool, distinctive feature on some older cars.

Term

pop-up headlights

"The 323 Astina there with the pop-up headlights."

Pop-up headlights are headlamps that retract into the body and then rise when you turn them on. They were popular on many 1980s–1990s sports and JDM cars because they let the front end look cleaner while still providing conventional sealed-beam or projector lighting when deployed.

Term

trim work

"And he'd been wanting me to do some trim work on it. [4316.1s] There was some damage on the dashboard and some holes"

Trim work means fixing the car’s interior or exterior finishing parts—things like panels and covers. Here, it’s about repairing dashboard damage and cleaning up where old accessories were removed.

Term

dashboard

"There was some damage on the dashboard and some holes [4319.0s] where the old phone kit had come out of the console."

The dashboard is the front interior panel you see through the windshield. If it’s damaged, it can look bad and may need repair so everything lines up correctly.

Term

console

"where the old phone kit had come out of the console. [4322.1s] And he rang me last week."

The console is the center area inside the car, usually between the seats, with buttons or storage. In this case, something was mounted there before and removing it left holes that need fixing.

Topic

Sakura Picnic

"I said, oh, you should bring it to Sakura Picnic. [4325.2s] He said, what's that?"

Sakura Picnic sounds like a car event or meet-up. The host suggests taking the car there, and the owner asks what it is.

Car

Subaru Sambar

"And Subaru, Sambar. [4365.8s] Oh, yeah, that was cool. [4368.5s] I mean, there was a little all-wheel drive"

The Subaru Sambar is a tiny Japanese van/pickup (a “kei” vehicle) designed for practicality in tight spaces. They’re just saying it was neat to spot at the event.

Term

all-wheel drive

"I mean, there was a little all-wheel drive [4371.2s] carry thing, I think. [4372.5s] That's always cool."

All-wheel drive means power goes to all four wheels. That helps the car grip the road better, especially on slippery surfaces.

Car

Mazda Astina

"Like you, Jim, I noted the Astina, the pop-up light Astinas. [4379.1s] You sort of haven't had them there before."

The Mazda Astina is a Japanese car that’s known for having pop-up headlights. In this segment, they’re excited to see several of them together in one place.

Term

chrome nudge bar

"Couple had, or one at least, had a chrome nudge bar on it, [4390.3s] which I liked as an accessory."

A nudge bar is a protective bar on the front of a car. It’s often added as an accessory to help protect the bumper area and it can look pretty cool.

Brand

Magna

"And I was talking to Sam, who's one of the Magna guys, [4397.6s] and he said, oh, I'd love an SP."

“Magna” here sounds like a nickname for a group of enthusiasts. They’re talking about a person who’s part of that group.

Term

sunroof

"They had the power windows, the sunroof, electric tilt slide thing, and alloy wheels, and of course the better motor."

A sunroof is a panel in the roof that lets in more light, and it can open for fresh air. This one is described as having an electric mechanism to move it.

Term

power windows

"They had the power windows, the sunroof, electric tilt slide thing, and alloy wheels, and of course the better motor."

Power windows are windows you can open and close with buttons, using electricity. It’s just a convenience feature compared with turning a crank by hand.

Term

electric tilt slide

"They had the power windows, the sunroof, electric tilt slide thing, and alloy wheels, and of course the better motor."

“Tilt-slide” describes a sunroof that can either crack open at an angle or slide open. “Electric” means a motor does the moving instead of you doing it by hand.

Term

alloy wheels

"They had the power windows, the sunroof, electric tilt slide thing, and alloy wheels, and of course the better motor."

Alloy wheels are wheels made from a metal mix, usually aluminum. They’re often lighter and look nicer than basic steel wheels.

Term

sport seats

"So sport seats, I think you got as well."

Sport seats are nicer, more supportive seats than the basic ones. They’re usually shaped to hold you better when you’re driving more actively.

Term

400,000 kilometers

"like, he's what had done 400,000 kilometers off, [4483.6s] and it was just, it still went like an absolute [4485.4s] rocket ship."

“400,000 kilometers” means the car has been driven a huge distance. The point here is that it still felt strong even after all that use.

Term

pop-up lights

"An hashtag, you know, pop-up lights. [4493.5s] Always nice. [4494.8s] So, yeah, I don't know, that'll do me."

Pop-up lights are headlights that come out from the front of the car when you turn them on. They’re a distinctive look you often see on older sports cars.

Car

Mazda Speed

"...rd lip, he's put lip on lip, but that's an actual Mazda Speed lip, so they're quite sought after,"

The Mazda Mazdaspeed3 is a sportier version of the Mazda3. The podcast talks about a specific front lip piece that’s part of the Mazdaspeed setup. They say those parts are in demand, which makes the car more desirable to some people.

Car

Mazda Speed protégé

"So I think they've tried to go for the Mazda Speed protégé [4553.5s] or, you know, look. [4555.2s] So that's, they're the American headlights."

The Mazda Speed protégé is a sportier, more performance-focused version of the regular Mazda Protegé. Here, they’re saying the car they’re looking at borrowed some of that “sporty front end” styling.

Car

Protege Speed Protege

"that from the American car. So I think they've tried to go for the Mazda Speed protégé or, you know, look."

The Protegé is a compact car model from Mazda. The podcast says people try to get the “Mazda Speed” version of it, which is the sportier trim. That’s why it comes up—because it’s a specific target for enthusiasts.

Term

ceramic coating

"Jim, your car looked fantastic after the ceramic coating. [4596.4s] The water was just beating like crazy on that thing."

A ceramic coating is a protective spray or layer put on your car’s paint. It helps water roll off more easily and can make the car look cleaner for longer.

Term

quad cam 24 valve

"Scottie proceeded to read out quad cam 24 valve. Yeah."

“Quad cam” means the engine has four camshafts that control when the valves open and close. “24 valve” means there are 24 valves total, which usually goes along with a more complex, higher-performance engine design.

Term

16 valve

"Scottie proceeded to read out quad cam 24 valve. Yeah. 16 valve, whatever it was."

“16 valve” just means the engine has 16 valves total. More valves can help the engine breathe better, but the exact effect depends on the specific engine design.

Brand

David Prince

"He was like, yeah, that's, that's a David Prince sticker. You know, he's a good guy."

“David Prince” is the name Scottie says is on the sticker. The clip doesn’t explain the person, but it sounds like it’s a recognizable name to the car crowd.

Car

Ford laser

"It was the third best selling car in Australia. The Ford laser only behind what other models Jim Jim, uh, holding Commodore and Ford Falcon."

The Ford Laser was a small Ford car sold in Australia. The hosts are saying it was one of the top-selling cars there in the 1980s.

Car

Ford Falcon

"The Ford laser only behind what other models Jim Jim, uh, holding Commodore and Ford Falcon. That's correct."

The Ford Falcon is a famous Australian Ford car line. Here it’s mentioned as one of the top-selling cars that was ahead of the Ford Laser.

Car

Honda Civic Type R

"Question number two. The Honda Civic Type R now starts at how much?"

The Honda Civic Type R is a performance-focused version of the Civic, known for being a hot hatch with track-oriented tuning. In this segment, the hosts are asking about its starting price, tying it to how modern pricing compares to older Australian sales talk.

Term

carbon fiber wing

"Part of the reason why is that they've added as a standard feature now the carbon fiber wing, which is like a $6,000 option, but that's just just bumped the price up."

This is a spoiler made from carbon fiber. It helps the car stick to the road by pushing the rear down, and it usually costs a lot more than simpler materials.

Term

diff oil

"They call it the diff oil. They're putting in the wrong diff oil."

“Diff oil” is the special fluid that lubricates the gears in the differential. If you put the wrong fluid in, the gears may not be protected the way they’re supposed to be.

Term

diffs

"As I said, Chad's uncle is still enjoying working on the diffs, and no recalls."

“Diffs” means the drivetrain parts that help the wheels turn at different speeds when you’re going around a corner. That can change how the car grips and handles.

Car

Mitsubishi Magna

"[5408.3s] Old-drive key word. [5409.7s] Old-drive. [5410.0s] David. [5410.6s] The Mitsubishi Magna. [5412.1s] It would be the Mitsubishi Magna. [5413.3s] Well done, David."

The Mitsubishi Magna is a car model from Mitsubishi that was popular in Australia. Here, it’s mentioned as the trivia answer for the first “old-drive” Australian car.

Term

Anti-lock brakes

"[5488.9s] Anti-lock brakes. [5491.1s] State-of-the-art airbag system"

Anti-lock brakes help stop you without the wheels skidding. They automatically adjust braking pressure so you can still steer while braking hard.

Term

airbag system

"[5491.1s] State-of-the-art airbag system [5493.0s] comprising of driver and front passenger [5495.5s] side airbags."

An airbag system is the safety setup that deploys airbags during a crash. It uses sensors to decide when to inflate the bags for the driver and front passenger.

Car

Ford Mondeo

"[5499.4s] Ed. [5500.2s] Is it a Ford Mondeo? [5501.8s] Something, something?"

The Ford Mondeo is a regular family-sized Ford. Here they’re talking about a sporty version of it.

Car

Focus XR5

"[5524.3s] XR5 turbo. [5526.3s] Yeah. [5526.8s] They weren't cheap. [5527.6s] It was the same running gear as a Focus XR5,"

The Ford Focus XR5 is a sporty version of the Focus. They’re saying the mechanical parts underneath are basically the same as the sporty Mondeo.

Term

running gear

"[5526.8s] They weren't cheap. [5527.6s] It was the same running gear as a Focus XR5,"

“Running gear” means the important mechanical parts that make the car move and handle. They’re saying the sporty Mondeo and the sporty Focus share those parts.

Term

supercharged

"However, for the fastest-to-view, this exclusive Aussie muscle car offers supercharged looks with a supercharged all-at-em aluminium Boss V8, capable of delivering road-dominating 335 kilowatts of power."

“Supercharged” means the engine has a device that forces extra air into it. That extra air helps the engine make more power than it would without the added boost.

Term

335 kilowatts

"However, for the fastest-to-view, this exclusive Aussie muscle car offers supercharged looks with a supercharged all-at-em aluminium Boss V8, capable of delivering road-dominating 335 kilowatts of power."

Kilowatts (kW) are a unit of engine power. Stating “335 kilowatts” is a way to quantify how much power the engine can produce, which is often compared across cars regardless of whether they use horsepower or kW in their marketing.

Term

Brembo four-piston brakes

"And stopping power is equally impressive due to Brembo four-piston brakes up front and single-piston calibres on the rear."

Brembo four-piston brakes are a higher-end brake setup where the caliper uses four pistons to squeeze the brake pads. More clamping force and better pad control can help the car stop harder and feel more consistent.

Term

single-piston calibres

"And stopping power is equally impressive due to Brembo four-piston brakes up front and single-piston calibres on the rear."

A single-piston brake caliper uses one piston to push the brake pads onto the disc. It’s a simpler brake design, and how well it stops the car also depends on the rest of the brake hardware.

Term

reverse parking camera

"Shadow leather interior, reverse parking camera, [5617.7s] unique matte black striped package, gloss black 19-inch five-spoke alloys,"

A reverse parking camera shows what’s behind the car when you put it in reverse. It helps you avoid hitting things while backing up.

Term

bi-modal quad exhaust

"piano black interior, bi-modal quad exhaust, [5625.9s] black upper and lower grilles, black fogman bezels, all-black bumper."

“Bi-modal quad exhaust” describes an exhaust system with four outlets (quad) and two distinct operating modes (bi-modal), typically by using valves to change exhaust flow/sound. This lets the car be quieter in one mode and louder/more free-flowing in another.

Term

all-black diffuser

"And all-black diffuser. [5638.7s] So it's a limited edition, I'll give you a hint,"

A diffuser is a part under the back of the car that helps air flow more smoothly. “All-black” just means it’s finished in black for the sportier look.

Term

four-wheel drive

"Blank edition has all of the four-wheel drive capabilities you expect from Blank."

Four-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels. It helps the car grip better on slippery or rough roads, like dirt or sand.

Term

torque

"Blank edition is available with a 184 kilowatt V6 Miavec engine producing 329 Nm of torque,"

Torque is the engine’s pulling force. Higher torque usually means the car can accelerate and move strongly, especially at lower speeds.

Term

V6 Miavec engine

"Blank edition is available with a 184 kilowatt V6 Miavec engine producing 329 Nm of torque,"

This is a Mitsubishi V6 engine with a system that changes valve timing (MiVEC). That helps the engine make power smoothly whether you’re cruising or accelerating.

Term

sports mode automatic

"329 Nm of torque, made it to a sports mode automatic or choose the turbo diesel in either sports, auto or manual transmission with 147 kilowatts of power."

Sports mode makes an automatic gearbox shift in a more aggressive way. It usually keeps the revs higher so the car feels quicker when you accelerate.

Term

turbo diesel

"With an additional styling and comfort for your next big adventure away. Blank edition is available with a 184 kilowatt V6 Miavec engine producing 329 Nm of torque, made it to a sports mode automatic or choose the turbo diesel in either sports,"

A turbo diesel is a diesel engine with a turbocharger. The turbo helps it make more power and especially more pulling force at lower RPMs.

Car

Mitsubishi Pajero

"Ed. That is Mitsubishi Pajero. It is a Mitsubishi Pajero, well done, but what Mitsubishi Pajero?"

The Mitsubishi Pajero is a tough 4x4 SUV made for off-road and long trips. Here, they’re talking about a special version of the Pajero with different engine options.

Term

4M41

"Well, the Miavec was the 3.8 V6 and the 147 kilowatts, the turbo diesel 4M41."

4M41 is the specific code for a particular Mitsubishi diesel engine. It helps distinguish that exact engine from other diesel options in the same vehicle line.

Brand

Platinum edition

"Oh, you know, I'll give it to you. It was, it's the Platinum edition."

“Platinum edition” is a special trim level. It usually means the car has a specific set of extra features and styling compared to the base version.

Term

Eco-LPI

"Like Eco-LPI? Have you driven Eco-LPI? I'm sure I have, yeah."

Eco-LPI is a way some cars run on LPG (propane/butane mix). It uses a fuel-injection system designed for gas so the engine can burn it more efficiently.

Term

LPG

"Did you consider a little LPG searching the VE Commodores? Yes, I did consider initially..."

LPG is a fuel alternative to petrol. It’s stored as a liquid in the tank and used to power the engine, which can change how the car feels and runs.

Car

VE Commodores

"Did you consider a little LPG searching the VE Commodores? Yes, I did consider initially, but the Barramotor is just so far superior."

The Holden Commodore is an Australian car, and “VE” is the generation code. They’re talking about whether LPG (gas fuel) would be a good idea on that particular Commodore generation.

Car

Nissan 200

"...n, Commodore's, Falcons. Obviously that's now the Nissan 200. Not a high, that's a high ass."

The Nissan 200 SX is a sporty-looking Nissan coupe. The podcast mentions it while talking about different cars in a similar category. It’s included as the next model in their comparison or list.

Term

Modcons

"“What about a Volvo XC40, all the Modcons?” [6141.4s] All the Modcons."

“Modcons” just means modern convenience features. Think of things that make the car nicer to live with—like tech and comfort options.

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