{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"SkillsUSA's Real Impact on the Next Generation","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/skillsusa-s-real-impact-on-the-next-generation","audioUrl":"https://www.buzzsprout.com/940384/episodes/19242161-skillsusa-s-real-impact-on-the-next-generation.mp3","description":"Christian Spell, a recent high school graduate and SkillsUSA National Officer, joins Jay to share how a serious injury redirected his path—straight into automotive class and SkillsUSA. He opens up about competing, leading, and developing the professional skills most techs never learn in a shop.Watch the video recordingAbout the EpisodeHost: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.comGuest: Christian Spell, SkillsUSA, cspell@skillsusanationalofficer.orgLinks & ResourcesGet notified of new episodes --> Join our email list2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) June 1–5Join the ASE Connects CommunityASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & DealersASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free!)Connect with us on social:FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok"},"annotations":[{"startTime":165.2,"endTime":173.7,"type":"company","title":"Warren Oil Company","url":"/glossary/warren-oil-company","quote":"Yes, sir. My granddad was the founder and CEO of Warren Oil Company.\n[173.7s] We were based out of Dunn, North Carolina, which is about 20 minutes from my house.","canonicalId":"company:warren-oil-company","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Warren Oil Company is mentioned as the employer/business founded by the guest’s granddad, with the guest describing it as a founder-and-CEO story. The episode uses it to connect the family’s oil-industry background to automotive suppliers and lubricants used in cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Warren Oil Company is the oil business the guest’s granddad started and ran. The episode brings it up to explain the family’s connection to car-related products like engine oil."}},{"startTime":182.9,"endTime":187.84,"type":"car","title":"Mazda Rx7","url":"/cars/mazda/rx-7","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/2000-2003_Mazda_RX-7_engine.jpg","quote":"and actually the very first Mazda RX-7 had Warnold in it.\n[188.4s] The very first RX-7 had Warnold in it, and I have one of the promotional posters from Japan","canonicalId":"car:mazda:rx-7","priority":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Mazda RX-7 is a famous Japanese sports car known for its rotary engine, which spins rather than using the usual piston-and-crank design. In this episode, the host mentions that the very first RX-7 used Warnold oil, which is a neat example of how supplier relationships can show up in early production details.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mazda RX-7 is a well-known sports car from Japan. It’s especially famous because it uses a rotary engine, and this story says the earliest RX-7s used a specific oil brand (Warnold).","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":230.4,"endTime":242.7,"type":"company","title":"Napa","url":"/glossary/napa","quote":"We were meeting with Exxon, Chevron, Mobile One, Napa.\n[236.7s] We used to make the private label for Napa's oil.","canonicalId":"company:napa","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NAPA is referenced as a major automotive parts and distribution brand that sells products including motor oil. The episode specifically mentions NAPA’s oil being private-labeled by the guest’s family business, illustrating how automotive retail brands can source fluids from upstream manufacturers.","simplifiedExplanation":"NAPA is an automotive brand that sells parts and also motor oil. The guest says their family helped make NAPA-branded oil under a private-label arrangement."}},{"startTime":230.4,"endTime":236.7,"type":"company","title":"Exxon","url":"/glossary/exxon","quote":"We were meeting with Exxon, Chevron, Mobile One, Napa.\n[236.7s] We used to make the private label for Napa's oil.","canonicalId":"company:exxon","priority":0.15,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Exxon is referenced as one of the major oil companies the family met with while selling and producing lubricants. In automotive terms, these kinds of suppliers often provide base oils and branding relationships that can influence what ends up in vehicles and retail products.","simplifiedExplanation":"Exxon is a large oil company. The guest mentions meeting with companies like Exxon as part of their oil business and how they worked with big industry players."}},{"startTime":236.7,"endTime":246.8,"type":"concept","title":"private label","url":"/glossary/private-label","quote":"We used\n[236.7s] to make the private label for Napa's oil. Wow. How cool is that? I was never really around for\n[242.7s] that. AutoZone as well. I'm not sure if we made the private label for AutoZone.","canonicalId":"concept:private-label","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Private label means a product is manufactured by one company but sold under another company’s brand name. Here, the guest says their oil company produced private-label oil for brands like Napa (and possibly AutoZone), which is a common supply-chain model in automotive fluids.","simplifiedExplanation":"Private label means one company makes a product, but it’s sold under a different brand name. In this story, the family’s oil company made oil that other stores or brands sold as their own."}},{"startTime":242.7,"endTime":246.8,"type":"company","title":"AutoZone","url":"/glossary/autozone","quote":"that. AutoZone as well. I'm not sure if we made the private label for AutoZone. I know we made\n[246.8s] the private label for Family Dollar.","canonicalId":"company:autozone","priority":0.15,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"AutoZone is mentioned as a large automotive retailer the family sold oil to, and the guest wonders whether they also produced AutoZone’s private-label oil. For listeners, it’s a real-world example of how automotive fluids move through retail supply chains.","simplifiedExplanation":"AutoZone is a big store that sells car parts and car supplies. The guest says they sold a lot of oil to AutoZone and might have made some of the store’s own-brand oil too."}},{"startTime":269.6,"endTime":276.8,"type":"company","title":"TSA","url":"/glossary/tsa","quote":"both of you were having security\n[276.8s] line issues trying to get through with some of the TSA complications that we've had lately.\n[282.1s] It sounds like your dad's still traveling quite a bit.","canonicalId":"company:tsa","priority":0.12,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is referenced in the context of airport security lines and complications. While not an automotive technology, it’s part of the episode’s story about travel and timing, not car mechanics.","simplifiedExplanation":"TSA is the U.S. agency that handles airport security screening. The guest mentions TSA-related issues while trying to get through at the airport."}},{"startTime":432.0,"endTime":439.8,"type":"term","title":"NASCAR","url":"/glossary/nascar","quote":"he was very big in NASCAR. We had a car in NASCAR that was branded with our family logo, I think.","canonicalId":"term:nascar","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NASCAR is a stock-car racing series in the U.S., known for oval-track racing and teams that build and prepare cars specifically for that format. When the speaker says their family connection was “big in NASCAR,” it frames the person’s motorsports background.","simplifiedExplanation":"NASCAR is a popular U.S. racing league where teams race cars built for stock-car competition. It’s a big part of American motorsports culture."}},{"startTime":454.1,"endTime":461.1,"type":"term","title":"NHRA","url":"/glossary/nhra","quote":"I'm not sure if the car was Cup Series or I know he was big with NHRA. John Force, I know John Force was one of his good friends and they talk a lot and everything.","canonicalId":"term:nhra","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"NHRA stands for the National Hot Rod Association, which runs drag racing events in the U.S. The speaker’s mention suggests the person’s racing connections weren’t just oval-track NASCAR, but also drag-racing culture.","simplifiedExplanation":"NHRA is a major U.S. organization for drag racing. It’s where cars compete in straight-line acceleration races."}},{"startTime":454.1,"endTime":461.1,"type":"term","title":"Cup Series","url":"/glossary/cup-series","quote":"I'm not sure if the car was Cup Series or I know he was big with NHRA. John Force, I know John Force was one of his good friends and they talk a lot and everything.","canonicalId":"term:cup-series","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cup Series” refers to NASCAR’s top national touring series (the premier NASCAR championship level). The speaker is unsure whether the car they had was in that top NASCAR tier or another NASCAR category.","simplifiedExplanation":"In NASCAR, the “Cup Series” is the main, top-level championship. The speaker is wondering if their car was competing at that highest level."}},{"startTime":461.1,"endTime":467.2,"type":"person","title":"John Force","url":"/glossary/john-force","quote":"John Force, I know John Force was one of his good friends and they talk a lot and everything. Yep. And the race where his daughter, where John Force's daughter outraced him that day,","canonicalId":"person:john-force","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"John Force is a famous NHRA drag racer known for long-term success and a high-profile presence in American drag racing. The speaker connects him to their family’s racing circle and to a specific race story involving Force’s daughter.","simplifiedExplanation":"John Force is a well-known drag racer in the NHRA. The host is saying he was friends with the person they’re talking about and that his family was involved in a notable race."}},{"startTime":528.32,"endTime":531.98,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang","url":"/cars/ford/mustang","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/2024_Ford_Mustang%2C_LaSalle%2C_Ontario%2C_2025-06-28.jpg","quote":"...ould become interested in it, but I wrote in that Mustang that day and I was like, yep. And over the years,...","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang","priority":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports coupe/convertible known for its performance-focused styling and broad range of engine options. It comes up often in automotive discussions because it’s a mainstream “entry point” into muscle-car history and has had many different generations over the years. In a podcast, it’s likely mentioned as a familiar, widely recognized platform that people connect with through ownership or driving experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang is a sports car made by Ford. It’s known for being fun to drive and has been made for many years in different versions. People talk about it a lot because it’s a well-known car model with a big fan base.","imageAttribution":"Crisco 1492 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":532.0,"endTime":537.7,"type":"term","title":"tuned it up","quote":"And over the years, he got it, he tuned it up and everything, put some cool parts on it. And well, he didn't do it himself.","canonicalId":"term:tuned-it-up","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Tuned it up” refers to adjusting a car’s setup—often engine calibration and/or performance parts—to improve how it runs. In enthusiast contexts, it usually means more than routine maintenance; it’s about dialing in performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Tuned it up” means they made the car run better, usually by adjusting things so it performs the way they want. It’s often part of car modification, not just basic upkeep."}},{"startTime":932.3,"endTime":940.0,"type":"term","title":"SP2","quote":"So when we started, we didn't start off in the automotive shop. We started with, are you familiar with SP2? Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. We did a two week SP2 safety course online, all the virtual modules and everything before we got started into the actual getting into engine bay","canonicalId":"term:sp2","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"SP2 here refers to a safety course track the speaker took before working in an automotive shop. It’s presented as an online, two-week set of virtual modules meant to prepare students for hands-on work safely.","simplifiedExplanation":"SP2 sounds like a safety training course you take before you start working on cars. In this episode, it’s described as online modules that teach you how to work safely before you get into the shop."}},{"startTime":933.22,"endTime":939.66,"type":"car","title":"Ferrari SP2","url":"/cars/ferrari/sp2","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/2018_Ferrari_Monza_SP2.jpg","quote":"...tive shop. We started with, are you familiar with SP2? Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. We did a two week SP2 safe...","canonicalId":"car:ferrari:sp2","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ferrari SP2 is a special, limited-production Ferrari model built around the brand’s performance and bespoke design approach. It’s significant enough that shops and owners often discuss it in terms of specialized service and safety procedures, which is why it may come up in a workshop or training context. The mention of an “SP2 safe” process suggests specific handling, procedures, or precautions tied to that model.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ferrari SP2 is a rare, high-performance sports car made by Ferrari. Because it’s a special model, it can require specific knowledge and careful procedures when working on it. That’s why a podcast might mention it in a shop or safety-training discussion.","imageAttribution":"DestinationFearFan (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":939.8,"endTime":944.5,"type":"term","title":"engine bay","url":"/glossary/engine-bay","quote":"all the virtual modules and everything before we got started into the actual getting into engine bay and working on the cars and everything.","canonicalId":"term:engine-bay","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The engine bay is the compartment under the hood where the engine and many related components live. The speaker contrasts online safety modules with later hands-on work “in the engine bay.”","simplifiedExplanation":"The engine bay is the space under the hood where the engine and car fluids/components are located. It’s where you work when you’re doing repairs."}},{"startTime":963.4,"endTime":972.9,"type":"term","title":"viscosities","url":"/glossary/viscosities","quote":"there was another section was about chemicals and everything and talk about the different viscosities. And I was like, okay, yep, yep, I'm riding home in this classroom right here. And I finished before everybody else with the viscosity stuff.","canonicalId":"term:viscosities","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Viscosity is a fluid’s resistance to flowing, and in cars it matters because different fluids (like oils and some chemicals) need the right flow behavior for temperature and engine/vehicle design. The speaker treats “viscosity stuff” as a key early lesson in an automotive safety/skills curriculum."}},{"startTime":986.4,"endTime":991.9,"type":"term","title":"antifreeze","url":"/glossary/antifreeze","quote":"he was like, well, what was that second module about? It was all handling chemicals and mixtures with antifreeze and all and everything.","canonicalId":"term:antifreeze","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Antifreeze is a coolant additive used in a car’s cooling system to prevent the engine coolant from freezing in cold weather and to help protect against overheating. It’s typically mixed with water and circulates through the radiator and engine to manage temperature.","simplifiedExplanation":"Antifreeze is a liquid mixed into a car’s cooling system. It helps keep the engine from freezing in winter and from overheating in hot weather."}},{"startTime":997.1,"endTime":1002.0,"type":"term","title":"hydraulic fluids","url":"/glossary/hydraulic-fluids","quote":"we didn't just produce just oils, hydraulic fluids, any kind of oil fluid you can think of, you know, we had it.","canonicalId":"term:hydraulic-fluids","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hydraulic fluids are specialized liquids used in hydraulic systems to transfer force and power. In automotive contexts, they’re found in systems like power steering and braking (depending on the design), where the fluid’s viscosity and cleanliness affect how well the system works.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hydraulic fluid is the special oil used in parts of a car that use fluid pressure to move things. If the right fluid isn’t used or it gets dirty, those systems can start working poorly."}},{"startTime":997.1,"endTime":1002.0,"type":"term","title":"oil fluid","quote":"we didn't just produce just oils, hydraulic fluids, any kind of oil fluid you can think of, you know, we had it.","canonicalId":"term:oil-fluid","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Oil fluid” here refers to the broader category of lubricants and related fluids used to reduce friction and wear in mechanical systems. Automotive programs often cover different fluid types because each one (engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic fluid, etc.) is formulated for a specific job and operating temperature range.","simplifiedExplanation":"When they say “oil fluid,” they mean the different kinds of fluids a car uses to keep parts moving smoothly. Different fluids do different jobs, so using the wrong one can cause problems."}},{"startTime":1018.3,"endTime":1026.7,"type":"concept","title":"application side of it","quote":"And I'm sure as you're kind of taking this class, you're starting to learn really kind of maybe the application side of it then too, right?","canonicalId":"concept:application-side-of-it","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This phrase points to applying classroom knowledge to real-world automotive work—turning theory about fluids and chemicals into practical diagnosis and service. In training programs, the “application” focus is what connects safety modules to hands-on tasks like troubleshooting and fixing issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about learning how to use what you studied in class when you’re actually working on cars. It’s the difference between knowing facts and being able to apply them to real problems."}},{"startTime":2322.86,"endTime":2329.9,"type":"part","title":"transmission jacks","url":"/glossary/transmission-jacks","quote":"those transmission jacks are very flimsy and everything. So we had the transmission on","canonicalId":"part:transmission-jacks","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A transmission jack is a specialized shop tool used to support and position a transmission during removal or installation. It’s designed to hold the transmission safely while you maneuver it into place, and the speaker’s point is that their jack setup felt unstable.","simplifiedExplanation":"A transmission jack is a tool mechanics use to hold a car’s transmission while they take it out or put it back in. It helps you move the heavy part without dropping it."}},{"startTime":3566.12,"endTime":3573.64,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Camaro","url":"/cars/chevrolet/camaro","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/%2716_Chevrolet_Camaro_Convertible_%28MIAS_%2716%29.jpg","quote":"So it's parked outside in the driveway right now. I have a, I have a 2010 Camaro. It's a SS with the,","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:camaro","priority":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Camaro is a long-running American muscle car, and this speaker’s 2010 Camaro is specifically an SS. They also mention it has an “2S upgraded package,” which ties into a performance-focused special build. The rest of their description (headers, cat deletes, supercharger-related wheel choice, and dyno tuning) shows they’re treating it like a project car rather than a stock daily.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 2010 Camaro is a classic American muscle car. In this case, the speaker says it’s an SS, meaning it’s the sportier, higher-performance trim. They’ve modified it a lot and even had it tuned on a dyno.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":3591.0,"endTime":3596.6,"type":"term","title":"cat deletes","url":"/glossary/cat-deletes","quote":"I've got a long tube headers with cat deletes that runs to an X pipe and it just runs straight out of the back.","canonicalId":"term:cat-deletes","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cat deletes” means removing catalytic converters, which are emissions-control devices that reduce pollutants in the exhaust. Removing them typically makes the car louder and can change exhaust flow, often increasing power potential but also affecting emissions compliance. The speaker pairs this with headers and an X-pipe, which is why they describe the car as “super loud.”","simplifiedExplanation":"“Cat deletes” means removing the catalytic converters. Those parts help clean up exhaust, and removing them usually makes the car louder and can change how it runs. It may also make the car fail emissions testing depending on where you live."}},{"startTime":3591.0,"endTime":3596.6,"type":"term","title":"long tube headers","url":"/glossary/long-tube-headers","quote":"I've got a long tube headers with cat deletes that runs to an X pipe and it just runs straight out of the back.","canonicalId":"term:long-tube-headers","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Long-tube headers are exhaust manifolds with longer primary pipes that help improve exhaust flow and can increase power, especially at higher RPM. They’re a common modification on V8 muscle cars when the goal is better breathing. In this build, they’re paired with other exhaust changes (cat deletes and an X-pipe) to reduce restriction.","simplifiedExplanation":"Long-tube headers are aftermarket exhaust parts that help the engine push exhaust out more efficiently. They can add power, especially when you rev higher. This speaker is using them as part of a bigger exhaust upgrade."}},{"startTime":3596.6,"endTime":3600.8,"type":"term","title":"X pipe","url":"/glossary/x-pipe","quote":"I've got a long tube headers with cat deletes that runs to an X pipe and it just runs straight out of the back.","canonicalId":"term:x-pipe","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An X-pipe is an exhaust crossover design that merges exhaust streams in an “X” shape, which can improve scavenging and help the exhaust system sound and flow better. It’s often used on V8s to tune both performance and the characteristic exhaust note. Here it’s part of the speaker’s header + cat-delete setup feeding a straight-through exhaust.","simplifiedExplanation":"An X-pipe is a specific shape in the exhaust that helps the exhaust pulses work together. It can improve flow and often changes the sound. The speaker is using it as part of their louder, freer-flowing exhaust system."}},{"startTime":3629.0,"endTime":3637.5,"type":"term","title":"dyno tuned","url":"/glossary/dyno-tuned","quote":"I have a dyno tuned. I have the dyno sheet sitting over there from when I took it to a place to get it tuned and it's just, I just got it tuned on 93 pump gas.","canonicalId":"term:dyno-tuned","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Dyno tuned” means the car was calibrated on a dynamometer (dyno), which measures power and torque under controlled load. A proper dyno tune adjusts engine parameters so the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing match the modifications. The speaker later mentions dialing in the air-fuel ratio for 93 pump gas, which is exactly the kind of dyno tuning they’re describing.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Dyno tuned” means the car was tested on a machine that measures power while it’s running. Then the tune is adjusted so it runs correctly with the mods you installed. The goal is usually better performance and smoother operation."}},{"startTime":3637.5,"endTime":3645.0,"type":"term","title":"93 pump gas","url":"/glossary/93-pump-gas","quote":"I have a dyno sheet sitting over there from when I took it to a place to get it tuned and it's just, I just got it tuned on 93 pump gas.","canonicalId":"term:93-pump-gas","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“93 pump gas” refers to gasoline with a 93 octane rating, which resists engine knock (premature combustion). Higher-octane fuel is often used on performance tunes, especially when modifications increase cylinder pressures or the tune is optimized for more aggressive ignition timing. The speaker says the dyno tune was done specifically on this fuel, and that affects how the air-fuel mixture is calibrated.","simplifiedExplanation":"“93 pump gas” is a higher-octane gasoline. Higher octane helps prevent knocking noises in the engine when you’re tuned for more power. The speaker tuned the car using this exact fuel so it would run right."}},{"startTime":3645.0,"endTime":3652.8,"type":"term","title":"air fuel ratio","url":"/glossary/air-fuel-ratio","quote":"With the, with the headers and the cat deletes, it changed how much air was getting out of the motor and there wasn't no fuel getting in there. So I just got that fuel mixture, the air fuel ratio dialed in","canonicalId":"term:air-fuel-ratio","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The air-fuel ratio is the balance between how much air and how much fuel the engine burns. When exhaust changes (like headers and cat deletes) alter flow, the engine may need a revised tune so the mixture stays in the right range. The speaker says they “dialed in” the air-fuel ratio, which is a core part of making a modified car run correctly on the dyno.","simplifiedExplanation":"The air-fuel ratio is how the engine balances air and gasoline. If you change the exhaust, the engine may need a new balance to run smoothly and make power. The speaker tuned it so the mixture was correct for their setup."}},{"startTime":3659.0,"endTime":3663.9,"type":"term","title":"400 horsepower","url":"/glossary/400-horsepower","quote":"But you know, it's not super fast. I'm making about 400 horsepower to the crank or to the wheels.","canonicalId":"term:400-horsepower","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a measure of engine output, and the speaker specifies they’re making about 400 horsepower. They also clarify it’s “to the crank or to the wheels,” which matters because dyno results can be reported at different points in the drivetrain. This is a key performance takeaway from the modifications and tune they described.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower is a way to describe how much power the engine makes. The speaker says their car is around 400 horsepower, which is the headline number for their build. They also mention the number can be measured either at the engine or at the wheels."}},{"startTime":3684.1,"endTime":3689.0,"type":"term","title":"miles per gallon","url":"/glossary/miles-per-gallon","quote":"The only thing I'm not happy with right now is the miles per gallon. Gas is very expensive right now.","canonicalId":"term:miles-per-gallon","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Miles per gallon (MPG) is a fuel-economy measure that tells you how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of gasoline. Lower MPG means you’ll spend more on fuel for the same distance, which is why it matters when gas prices are high.","simplifiedExplanation":"Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how efficiently a car uses gasoline. Higher MPG means you go farther on the same amount of gas, so it costs less to drive."}},{"startTime":3701.1,"endTime":3709.1,"type":"term","title":"gas pump","quote":"I'm looking about 450 per usual, about 450 something for gas. And I'm at the gas pump twice a week.","canonicalId":"term:gas-pump","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The gas pump is the fueling station dispenser used to add gasoline to the vehicle’s tank. When someone says they’re at the gas pump twice a week, it’s a practical indicator of how expensive their current fuel economy is.","simplifiedExplanation":"The gas pump is where you fill up your car with gasoline. If you’re using it a lot, it usually means your car isn’t getting great fuel economy."}},{"startTime":3718.1,"endTime":3723.7,"type":"term","title":"daily driver","url":"/glossary/daily-driver","quote":"But I'm doing everything my power not to sell that car. You got to get that daily driver old car that you can like beat her.","canonicalId":"term:daily-driver","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A daily driver is the car someone uses for everyday commuting and errands. Enthusiasts often choose a daily driver that’s reliable and economical, because it’s the car they rely on most often.","simplifiedExplanation":"A daily driver is the car you use every day for normal stuff like school, work, and errands. People usually pick one that’s practical and doesn’t cost a fortune to run."}},{"startTime":3728.0,"endTime":3737.8,"type":"term","title":"cam kit","url":"/glossary/cam-kit","quote":"That's the only thing stopping me from ordering that cam kit. If I get that cam, it's gas mileage is going down.","canonicalId":"term:cam-kit","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A cam kit typically refers to aftermarket camshafts (and related hardware) used to change engine timing and airflow characteristics. In practice, cam changes can improve power but often reduce fuel economy, especially if the engine spends more time in higher-RPM operation."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jay Goninen","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/skillsusa-s-real-impact-on-the-next-generation/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}