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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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
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.
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.
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
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.
“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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, that's settled since I haven't restored any cars over the last few years.
Okay.
Okay.
Yeah.
So, cancel hasn't been knocking on the door.
So, it's all good.
Well, we have to get started again.
Yeah, Rob.
You don't have to restore a car soon.
Yeah.
We still got to pull out your P76.
Yeah, let's go.
Yeah, that's a lot of work.
I think it's time for that.
I'm keen for that.
Rob, we've shown on this podcast what you can do when you band together.
Yeah, absolutely.
I'll set up my bike first.
We're getting at a laser.
Yeah.
We can get Chad at three transmissions.
Doesn't matter.
If you get us all wet, put on a barbecue.
Oh, there you go.
Done.
Two little takes that Rob just had.
I'll be, you know.
A couple of packages of sausages.
Yeah.
People flock to your house.
Everyone's happy.
We'll all have a panel to sand back and block back for you, mate.
Yeah.
Done in one day.
We're there.
I mean, I'm joking, but I'm also sort of not.
Like, that's what these things need.
They need working bees to get involved and it's more fun.
Absolutely.
True.
Is when we all bash our heads against the wall in a garage on your own,
well, it's sort of no fun.
It's just the cars can defeat you.
But when you get together and you go,
okay, solve that problem, problem.
Who do you know who can do that?
And then you bang and stomp.
Just do it.
Maybe I'll do that with my Renault.
You do it with your P76.
I'll do it with my Renault Resto.
I think this is a good option.
Go on, Rob.
Let's pick a day.
Let's make it up.
Oh, I'll think about it.
Scotty's Golf Tip of the Week.
Golf Tip of the Week for today is, if you notice on your golf balls,
they've got like a little marker, a little line pointing in the direction.
When you're on the green, remember you are allowed to pick up your golf ball
as long as you've got a marker down there.
Use it.
Line it up properly.
Sit it down.
We see the pin and the angle that you want it on.
And yeah, you'll notice a huge difference.
You'll be two-putting instead of three-putting in no time.
Like it.
Is that like the optimal direction that that ball will travel?
It's just kind of like a guideline for yourself to line up with the middle of your
putter and where you want to hit at the direction.
Okay, cool.
Like it.
Chad's delivering it and magnet transmission swaps.
So yeah, I'll take it apart and then probably won't be able to put it back in.
No, I think we're very close, Chad.
I think we're very close.
Yeah.
But see you see our boy there.
Edward Bunty by swap himself.
Vienta 99, 174Ks, 3.0L, silky.
Priced at $5,250 on marker plays.
Volvo XC40, 23,900, drive away on car sales.
You'll be surprised how many people have shared me your bloody Vienta this week.
Really?
Yeah.
They're like, oh, you're like, can we switch to this?
I'm like, yes, I know.
I've seen this car.
Or like other just randoms.
Other P randoms, yeah.
Yeah, right.
So, well, that's good to know.
It should be probably like two or three times actually, yeah.
Wow, that's good to know.
It's getting a little bit of traction.
This, it is Jim's car taking, driving a car near you, I suppose?
Yeah, absolutely.
And also I'll pivot slightly this week and mention a fuel saving tip,
because I saw an idiot doing it, I think, this week,
which is if you're in an area where you can see that a light is about to change,
don't race up to it and then dive in the brakes.
Do try and see if you can coast and maintain movement before the light turns green again,
and you'll be amazed at how much fuel you can save.
Jim's fuel tips, like it, like it.
Like us on our Facebook page, car talk, TORQ,
we've made it here, if you miss any of our Prince episodes,
they're all up on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasting up.
So, don't forget to subscribe, rate and view us to us there.
Check out our merch, go online,
and you can get the merch through our show notes here,
but it's printlocker.com and type in Car Talk Store,
or you can support the show by becoming a patron to our Patreon,
go to patreon.com forward slash car talk podcast.
We are also on YouTube, so all our latest episodes are getting uploaded there,
as well as on the Spotify's and the podcast world's.
So, check us out there.
Gentlemen, honour is always, and I'll see you next time.
Take it easy.
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
See you guys.
Bye-bye.
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.
On this episode of Car Torque, Matty, David, Ed, Alam, Chad, Jim, Rob and Scotty discuss their latest updates as well as Sakura Picnic 2026! They then battle it out in the quiz at the end of the show!
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