Episodes

Bernie Pawlik and Mark walk through what a thorough pre-purchase inspection covers using a 2022 Toyota 4Runner with about 70,000 km. They explain the goal: avoid buying a “lemon” and uncover whether the price matches the vehicle’s real condition. The shop’s digital, 102-item inspection uses green/orange/red notes, includes battery and brake measurements, checks maintenance items, and documents underbody scrapes. They also highlight interesting 4Runner tech details like hydraulic power steering and an integrated brake system tied to modern safety features.

Jason Cammisa and Derek “Hyphen” Tam-Scott dig into the real-world headaches of California emissions rules while prepping a Volkswagen VR6 Cabrio with an engine swap. They compare Mark III vs Mark IV Golf-era build quality, joke about their shared red, open-top daily drivers, and discuss how “referee” inspections can turn a straightforward swap into a bureaucratic ordeal—especially when dyno-based smog checks and fees derail your day. The show also includes a collector-car auction guessing game tied to their guest/collector perspectives.

Entre felicitaciones, cotorreo y noticias internacionales, José Razabala y “Sopita de Lima” abren el programa con el Fiat Topolino Sport Special Edition como tema del día y un repaso rápido del mercado: un robot humanoide se suma a BMW, Lamborghini anuncia el Urus SE Performante y EE. UU. no renovará el tratado con México y Canadá. El foco fuerte cae en la SUV eléctrica Seeker 7X (Gilly): potencia, plataforma de 800V, carga rápida, autonomía, frenos, gadgets y precios/variantes, comparándola con rivales premium. También se mencionan alertas y asistencias de manejo, y cierran con dinámica de audiencia.

Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken swap notes on Jay’s Rivian R2 demo drive and the surprisingly involved reservation process. Jay paid a $100 online to secure a place in line, then booked a slot at a Rivian center inside a Westchester Mall. He praised the R2’s comfort, spacious feel, and competence, but didn’t find it as exciting as other EVs he’s driven—especially compared with his McLaren reference point. He also hit the R2’s 80 mph governor during a spirited attempt to keep up with a Corvette C8, and discussed real-world range, power use, and how EV driving should be smooth rather than constantly chasing acceleration.

Ross Evans and Shannon Nordstrom field listener calls on drivetrain maintenance and fuel choices. A key question compares whether to service the 10-speed automatic in a 2020 F-350 and a 2023 F-150 Roush, with discussion centered on internal thermostats, why full flushes are difficult/expensive, and why drain-and-fill plus filter/pan service may be the practical route. They also debate converting to E85, covering tuning costs, fuel economy tradeoffs, and station availability. The show ends with advice on buying a Honda Odyssey amid VCM bypass concerns.

Racing over the weekend kicks things off with a Bonnington blast in a 1960 Elba Courier, plus a look ahead to Andrew’s deeper dive later. The main focus is Formula 1’s British GP drama and why the rules were (mostly) followed this time—contrasted with Abu Dhabi 2021—sparking debate about race control timing, safety-car procedures, and whether lapped-car handling should be changed. They also discuss the “overtake button” style of passing: fine when it enables brave moves, but frustrating when it’s easily undone. The conversation hints at how driver confidence and setup philosophy are shifting this season.

A real-world diagnostic case study centers on a 2016 Cadillac Escalade (6.2L) stuck in limp mode with reduced power and a check-engine light. The recurring code is P2101 (throttle actuator position performance), triggered when actual throttle position doesn’t match predicted position for over a second or when throttle control exceeds reduced-power limits. After multiple throttle body replacements (including OE) and even an ECM swap/cloning, the issue persists. The episode focuses on why intermittent throttle problems are hard to catch, how aftermarket parts can mislead, and how deeper code criteria and data analysis finally point toward the real cause.

Nile MotorMouth Jenkins argues that keeping a car for the long haul is mostly about simple, repeatable habits—not replacing vehicles every 3–5 years. He frames planned obsolescence as a money game between banks and automakers, then pivots to practical “back to the basics” maintenance. The episode includes a quick tech tip on wiper blades (not just for rain) and promises five straightforward checks drivers can do to avoid weird noises, breakdowns, and unnecessary repair costs. Expect a mix of humor, real shop experience, and money-saving guidance.

The hosts kick off with banter about Fast & Furious—how the early, more grounded car-thief vibe holds up better than the later world-saving chaos—plus a quick debate on ridiculous mods like underglow. The conversation then shifts to BMW’s new 2027 X5 reveal from Spartanburg, focusing on BMW’s “Neue Klasse” design direction. They critique the updated front end (smaller but still awkward grille, illuminated LEDs, configurable headlight “X” elements) and polarizing tail lights, while praising the tech: updated B58 mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid, and a standout EV with big range, torque, and fast-charging numbers.

Shana “Melissa” Felch shares her Subaru journey, starting with her husband’s 2005 Forester XT and how commuting needs and life changes pushed the family deeper into Subarus. After she falls for the 2019 Ascent, the conversation expands into the cars she’s owned, what she’s running now, and how her Subaru Adventure Club connects people through events like Overland Expo. The episode also includes plenty of Overland Expo stories—especially the food with Chef Chad—and a few fun debates (waffles vs. pancakes, crispy vs. soggy).

Roadster Shop’s chassis production leadership gets the spotlight with Kyle Blannis and Jimmy Emily. The conversation traces both men’s paths from the bottom of the shop—sweeping floors, learning TIG welding, and building frame rails—to managing RS2 and RS1 chassis fabrication and assembly. A key theme is pride in the “small stuff” at the end of the process, since the last touches (stickers, crate details, door fitment) are the first things customers see after months of waiting. The episode mixes shop-floor stories, mentorship, and the mindset shift from worker to manager.

Jesse Jackson, founder of Mango Automotive in San Diego, explains how he’s modernizing aftermarket repair through a memorable brand and a friendlier customer experience. The shop’s “pink wall effect” replaces grim waiting rooms with comfort, clean vibes, and even essential-oil scenting. He also tackles gender and pricing bias, arguing women make most decisions and that shops need more women (and broader representation) on both sides of the counter. Mango works on most vehicles, including EVs and diesels, with ASE-certified techs and a team culture that includes being able to drive manual transmissions.

Justin Norris of S&S Diesel talks shop during a busy UCC and pulling-season stretch, then digs into the big news: a new “double-barrel” Cummins fuel rail built to support higher injector quantity. The rail adds 2.5x the volume of a stock 67 Cummins rail, helping maintain steadier rail pressure during injection microseconds—especially with larger Ordnance injectors. Early dyno results aren’t finalized, but bench testing shows promising quantity gains (18 mm³/stroke). They also discuss durability testing and OE-like materials/processes.

New off-roaders get a quick reality check and a practical mindset: expect every wheeling trip to potentially turn into camping, and plan accordingly. The hosts then shift into July housekeeping, including a Wolfbox giveaway for the G900TP three-camera system (4K rear plus two 1080 cameras). They share why the dash-mounted screen can be less distracting than a mirror and explain how continuous recording can overwrite footage unless you save/lock clips. Details cover a limited July group buy and how to sign up before August 1.

Swedish teenager Lexi Danielson, 17, talks about her decade-long climb from karting to Formula 4, including earning a Formula license at just 12 and racing in the CSL Central European Zone against grids of around 44 cars. She describes growing up “on the racetrack” with a racing dad, learning the small technical details that accelerate progress, and handling the grind of long travel and solo prep. Lexi pushes back on gender narratives—she sees it as driver vs. driver—and shares how juggling trains her focus and track awareness.

Porsche Club Insider dives into PCA Parade chatter, including online debates about Porsche’s lineup and why the Cayenne EV seminar drew record interest. The hosts defend the event’s car choices, noting Porsche’s US heritage resources are limited and that budgets and availability shape what shows up. The conversation then shifts to autocross prep and lessons learned, especially around a 356 project and the risks of breaking in a fresh engine. They also discuss autocrossing a Cayenne as a practical, fun fallback when other cars aren’t ready.

The hosts kick off with a July 4th hangout vibe, then pivot to grilling and steak prep—especially the “salt ahead” method (hours to overnight) and favorite seasoning brands. They also swap ranch/meat talk, including Hardcore Carnivore sausage and thoughts on Yellowstone. The main automotive segment focuses on the REO Trucks concept: a Dallas-backed, American-manufacturing plan for a small pickup starting around $21,500, with a 6-speed manual and 4x4. They debate the risks of hype pricing and delayed visuals, comparing it to past disappointments from other brands.

Leclerc’s British GP win is framed as a full narrative turnaround, with Ferrari finally converting strong qualifying into race control at Silverstone. The panel highlights how Lewis Hamilton’s post-race reaction suggested the “jab” was answered—Ferrari looks back on top, and Leclerc’s consistency returned. Behind the scenes, Mercedes drama looms: Kimmi Antonelli suffered another reliability/steering-related failure, turning what looked like a points haul into a major swing, while George Russell benefited. The discussion also weighs whether Ferrari’s sprint-to-race pace is real or a temporary shift.

Reputation is framed as the independent dealer’s most valuable asset—built over years, but damaged in minutes. The hosts argue against racing to the bottom on price, saying low margins leave no room for goodwill repairs, customer venting, or proactive problem-solving when issues inevitably happen. They emphasize review management: respond to every Google review, thank positives, address complaints professionally, and ensure one person owns post-sale issues. Homework includes auditing recent reviews for trends and tightening the resolution process so problems don’t turn into viral stories.

Rick Schaefer joins the show to discuss his book “An Incredible Decade of Speed at Indy: 62–72,” covering the rapid transformation of Indianapolis Motor Speedway racing. The conversation highlights record-breaking runs, the shift from front-engine to rear-engine, turbocharging, rising horsepower, and the arrival of slick tires and aerodynamics. Schaefer also reflects on Indy’s safety evolution—ground effects, better materials, and safer barriers—plus stories from his Indy journalism and interviews, including A.J. Foyt. They wrap with updates on modern Speedway changes under Penske.

Dan and Nick kick things off with off-topic banter, then pivot to Avants events and the enthusiast market. They shout out Michael Smith for his birthday and highlight Avants Classics on the Green (presale sold out; Ferrari Seattle as a sponsor). The conversation turns to niche supercars: a BAC Mono listing on Bring a Trailer, why 2016–2019 models are the sweet spot, and what a fully optioned Mono R could fetch. They also debate sharing cars with others. The episode closes with a clear explainer on bias-ply vs radial tires and where each still makes sense.

BMW’s new X5 takes center stage, showcasing the brand’s “Neuer Klasse” design shift: a smaller, more classic kidney grille, polarizing-but-cleaner styling, and efficiency-focused details like optional X-shaped DRLs and pop-out wing-style door handles. The hosts discuss how the X5 is BMW’s high-margin “kitchen sink” SUV and how it stacks against the Mercedes GLE and Audi Q7. They also compare interior luxury and material quality versus rivals, then briefly pivot to the Genesis GV60 Magma’s performance/tech angle.

Ian Elliott, co-founder of rugged watch brand Elliott Brown, joins NineWorks Radio to connect his love of precision timepieces with a lifelong obsession with Porsches. The chat starts with Le Mans Classic plans and Porsche memories, then shifts to Ian’s path from unreliable Alpine V6 turbo to his first 996 in 1997, track-day learning, and the joy of driving technique. Elliott Brown’s “blow up watches” ethos—built for adventure, not display—comes through alongside talk of product naming and hidden meanings.

Bob and Dips trade stories from the machine shop, including the chaos of working on locked-in keys, blown metal repairs, and the reality behind “impossible” jobs. They compare how their skill sets differ—Bob shaping/structural work while Dips handles electronics/diagnostics—then get into the people behind the scenes, including who’s hardest to work with. Dips shares rapid YouTube growth and his messy Ferrari chassis project, while Bob talks about shifting tastes, long work hours, and plans to expand into bigger facilities and even a mobile media-style setup.