Two Guys Garage Podcast

There are three key components effecting engine oil performance: viscosity, cleanliness, and additives. As Kevin points out, “It's crazy how much science is going on in all these fluids that are in our vehicles and what those fluids are doing,” like dramatically increasing intervals between oil changes. Frequent guest Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot's Secret adds that technology's evolved over time, allowing oil to last longer before it falls out of grade. But that's not all. Enter the bypass filter, “a second oil filter added to the vehicle's oil system allowing you to keep it clean as the day you poured it in until the day you change it,” says Kyle, “and that is just priceless for the longevity of an engine over the long haul.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A professional full vehicle paint job can be very expensive, so it can be tempting to save cash by doing it yourself. However, there are a ton of pitfalls to beware of, not to mention a learning curve that can be quite steep. But with time, patience, and a clean working environment, you can achieve a shiny result to be proud of. “There is no better feeling in the car world than spitting out a great paint job,” Kevin tells Willie as they cover some tips and things to look out for when attempting a DIY paint job. Mobile Environmental Solutions' Tom Williams joins the conversation to offer his insights on the merits of mobile paint booths and advancements in the paintless dent repair (PDR) market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willie describes his buddy Brendan Schaub as “a mountain of all things: size, character, and energy,” not to mention an MMA fighter, standup comedian, podcaster, and crazy car/truck guy. His daily driver is a RAM TRX Sandblast Edition that packs a 700 hp Hellcat engine and supercharger, one of only a thousand made in 2022 and among the last to be delivered before Dodge shuts it all down in 2024. Today he joins the guys to wax ecstatic about the truck as all three bemoan the end of the ICE era and ponder a gasoline-free future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

REVan Evan Smith is back on the podcast to once again discuss all things horsepower with the guys. As a driver, builder, professional photographer, writer, and video host who covers everything automotive, "This guy is sheer chaos on wheels," muses Willie. Evan's got a lot on his mind today, including his ‘68 Mercury Cyclone build with a Godzilla engine, Paul Svinicki's famous 2000 Mustang Cobra R that resurfaced, was rebuilt, and once again ran on the track, and plenty of thoughts on industry trends both past and present.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

REVan Evan Smith is plugged into everything related to cool cars, cool projects, and wild builds. He's constantly up to something new in the exciting world of motorsports, from testing prototypes and creating machines and equipment most of us only ever dream about, to snapping exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the industry's latest and greatest. Kevin and Willie have a long history with Evan dating back 20+ years, and to this very day his MO remains unchanged: “I'm always just trying to have some fun and playing with cars!” Right now, that includes everything from a '68 Cyclone with Godzilla engine, to the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse with Gen 4 Coyote, and 2025 Mustang GTD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned race announcer, event correspondent, and car builder Tim Strange returns to the podcast to talk shop and catch the guys up on what's new in his world. As a fixture in the automotive industry, Tim is known for building “in your face hotrods”, and in this episode he discusses all things automotive, from trends in the industry to what he's currently working on in his shop.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pilot Transport performs a crucial behind-the-scenes function in the automotive world, moving 350,000 vehicles all around the country each year, with 110-120 trucks on the road at any given time, including 30-40 runs to Fairbanks, Alaska in the winter! Joe Parks is the GM overseeing this massive operation for a roster of major clients including the Detroit OEs, Hot Rod Power Tour, Roadkill Nights, and SEMA. “I bet this man has been responsible for more million-dollar rides than we've ever seen in our life!” exclaims Willie, uniquely positioning Joe as the man with the inside scoop on some of the biggest mistakes folks make when hauling their own vehicles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During a recent visit to the 2024 ISN Tool Dealer Expo, Willie discovered a group of products from a company called GripEdge Tools that positively blew his mind. He could hardly wait to get back and tell Kevin about their new Rounding Preventative Technology – RPT – that's quickly changing the stripped fastener game. With Kevin sufficiently intrigued, the guys welcome Dan Styer to share his tools with listeners… and test Kevin's skepticism.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Much like anything else, it is true that not all oils are created equal. And with engines and metallurgy changing, producing higher pressures and temperatures in smaller engine compartments, there is a growing need for so-called miracle oils. This mixing of metal and lubrication is known as tribology, and it's something that Darren Lesinski, Technical Director at Total Energies, understands better than most. Driven largely by major advances in chemistry and processing, these oils are getting much thinner and can last much longer, with many more exciting developments now in the pipeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been nearly 5 years since the inception of the podcast, and Kevin and Willie can hardly believe it. Yet, here they are, celebrating episode #300. “It's been a fun little journey, but I don't see it ending anytime soon,” observes Kevin, adding that “there's so many things out there that are still evolving and still ready to dive deep into.” It's the perfect launchpad for revisiting some of the major changes that have impacted the auto industry – and the guys' personal lives during this period. “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately,” says Willie. “What an epic time to be alive, to be able to drive, and just enjoy all the offerings that are on the table!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Intellitronix is an employee-owned Ohio company best-known for its sleek and sexy LED gauges. The wide range of available colors and color selectable tech offers a state-of-the-art way to bring extra pop to many classic vehicles. And by using original bezels, Shawn Slenski and Mel Schneider can keep prices surprisingly affordable. “We've always been the bigger and brighter type guys; everything we build, it's always more bold, more bright,” Shawn tells Willie and Kevin. “That's kind of our niche down the digital dash lane.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Designer Murray Pfaff is renowned for his creative and wild projects, weird stuff you can trip out on that makes your jaw drop. Murray makes his third appearance on the podcast fresh off a pair of amazing back-to-back events: the 1,000-mile Hot Rod Power Tour – which saw him field both an Explorer ST with Petty's Garage and a Meyers Manx SR kit car – followed a mere two days later by EyesOn Design, where unlike any other show in the country, one of the judging teams is legally blind, reviewing the cars purely by touch with white gloves on. It's a fun and fascinating conversation you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not to be outdone by Kevin's Mustang project, Willie brought his 1978 Firebird onto the TV show. Distinct from its “Smokey and the Bandit” counterpart, this Trans Am is white with a silver bird, has no T-tops, and is incapable of replicating anything from the movie. And while it hasn't been fired up in 25+ years, it's about to get a ton of go-power and a whole lot of handling. We're talking LS swap making 600-700 hp, major suspension upgrade, dry sump setup, belt drive, fuel injection, C5 brake package, and 18”-19” wheels. “For smiles per miles,” coos Willie, “that is the formula for a happy driver on a daily basis.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Much like the host city of Las Vegas, the annual automotive aftermarket celebration known as the SEMA Show continues to get bigger and better every year, and this year promises to be no exception. From its first-ever live stream of all 31 hours of the show, to music acts and industry events, SEMA is THE place to be the first week of November. “This is where the future of automotive is being dictated,” Tom Gattuso, VP, Events, SEMA, tells the guys, themselves veterans of more SEMA Shows than they can count. “As a car guy, it is heaven,” Willie exclaims. “For four or five days, it is like nothing else!” Listen in and get the scoop on all that's in store for this year's event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Diesels are the bomb,” raves Kevin, “but there's some things that go along with owning a diesel that you've got to be aware of, and some days you can get bit.” To illustrate this point, Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot's Secret joins the guys to drop some science and offer some solutions for avoiding common pitfalls such as fuel gelling. “Diesel fuel in America sucks,” opines Fischer, adding that “we look at the problems that are caused by the fuel and how to protect these fuel systems.” Chief ingredients among these: lubricity additive, cetane booster, injector cleaner, water dispersant, rust and corrosion inhibitor, and fuel stabilizer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan Fuller and Mark Prosser are back on the podcast discussing the science and art of welding and fabrication. Mark muses, "At the end of the day, every weld is the same thing, you're welding two pieces of metal together man”, the difference is “it's all in the prep”. From Inconel welding to an advanced metal shaping project in the works for 2025, today we're talking metallurgy. Listen in and learn, with this continued conversation with two legends of the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To say that not everyone enjoys wiring a vehicle is an epic understatement. Fortunately, Chris Squier of Hotwire Auto does, and he's made it his mission to remove as much of the pain from the process as possible. Kevin and Willie chat with Chris about their recent experience using his simplified engine harness on Kevin's 1970 Fastback project. “The end product Willie said looks factory, but I think it looks better than factory, the way you guys shroud the wires and protect everything” says Kevin. “It's durable, it's tough, it looks good, and it's clean.” Adds Willie, “Talk about stealthy, it's really amazing the job you guys have done to be able to hide it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since the 1960s, there's a new automotive aftermarket industry trade show on the horizon. Under the auspices of the North Carolina Motorsports Association in consultation with former PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer, preparations are deep underway for the High Performance Expo's June 2025 debut in Charlotte. "There's still spots or pockets in the industry where there's opportunities for growth, and there's opportunities to bring people together," Jamie tells the guys, as they discuss the framework and aspirations for HPX in anticipation of next summer's inaugural event.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a professional Formula Drift driver, Matt Field rides on rails with controlled chaos underneath them. Essentially flying on pavement while going sideways at top speed, this occupation requires mad skills, intense concentration, and a warrior mentality. “These are full-blown race cars… it's just a different form of race cars,” he tells the guys in a recent sit-down. “We want the stickiest tires with the lowest pressure with the grippiest suspension and we're trying to go as fast as possible with our bumper on the wall.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Fair of Vorshlag Motorsports returns to the podcast with an update on some of his current builds – most notably his “Trigger” Mustang – as well as the pros and cons that come with reengineering vehicles to racing levels. As a leading manufacturer and fabricator of high-end suspension and track components for track-oriented cars, "This man has got enough seat time in every racing aspect in every arena to probably give you some solid advice,” notes Willie. So, grab a pencil and get ready for some knowledge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin and Willie take listeners behind the scenes of the TV show as they discuss their respective paths to “Two Guys Garage” coming from two different directions, landing in one spot, and bonding as partners in crime. Trained as an engineer, Kevin reveals how stints working with the legendary Carroll Shelby on “Rides” and Chip Foose on “Overhaulin'” led to his 14-season stint (and counting) on “Two Guys”. Willie details how his passion for cars and career in radio led to a spot on “PINKS”, and how he was “a little bit like a deer in the headlight” during his first season with Kevin. “I'm a little squarish in a round hole somedays but it works,” notes Kevin, “but together we're gonna do it better!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diesel technology is having a moment, and Clint Cannon knows it. As President of ATS Diesel Performance, he can attest firsthand to why now is not the time for anyone in the industry to be resting on its laurels. ATS has been at the forefront of cutting-edge transmission and engine upgrades for diesel trucks for over 30 years. And with its new VNT Turbo and recently unveiled long-in-development offering for the (gasp!) gas engine market, Clint fully intends to remain so. About the latter he tells the guys, "It was kind of odd how this whole thing came together.” Listen and learn just how odd, indeed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to thermal management, you've got to protect everything under the hood (not to mention the driver and passengers!) from extreme heat. The guys at Heatshield Products have been designing innovative items that make vehicles perform better, last longer, be more durable, safer, and more comfortable since 1985. Bruce Heye and Chris Schwartz are a couple of car guys committed to creating highly affordable products anyone can use. “You have these crazy space age materials,” Kevin points out, “but you've put them in form factors that make it easy to install.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some time now, Kevin's been steadily transforming a '69 Fastback Mustang from a former track car into a mean street-and-pro-touring beast. “The big question,” Willie asks, “is how do you get something that old to perform like something that's new?” In this episode, Kevin provides an update on the current status of the project, including what parts, pieces, modifications, and new performance components he's added to bring his modern vision for this classic closer to fruition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There is nothing like nitro methane power, the kind that makes 11,000 HP and flames coming out of the pipes,” NHRA Funny Car Driver Alexis DeJoria tells the guys in a candid pre-race sit-down. “We accelerate quicker than a fighter pilot does.” High adrenaline and outsized levels of risk run hand in glove, putting tremendous pressure on the crew chief, the DC Motorsports team, and herself. The ability to maintain laser focus while piloting a 300 mile per hour rocket can mean not just the difference between winning and losing, but between life and death. It's a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride at maximum speed. “You have the highest highs with this kind of racing and the lowest lows.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Schafer got a 1975 Chevy K20 from his grandfather that was in need of an engine swap, so he picked up a used LS engine on Facebook Marketplace and started the rebuild… in his dorm room. His first Instagram post topped a million views, and within two months he had amassed over 500,000 followers waiting to see what was next. “The first time you build an engine is the craziest experience,” observes Willie, “let alone doing it in a setting that makes that experience ten times crazier!” Listen in as he and Kevin meet the social media sensation known as the “Dorm Room Mechanic”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Godzilla is Ford's latest monster engine, their supersized response to the wildly successful LS platform. Kevin likens it to an LS on steroids with more cubic inches, while today's guest Doug DeLong of Well Sorted offers it up as further proof of the adage, “there's no replacement for displacement.” Recently relocated from Denver to Atlanta, Well Sorted is on the forefront of installations and different applications for this powerful beast, “the culmination of a lot of lessons learned” along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welding and fabrication legends Bryan Fuller and Mark Prosser join the podcast to catch everyone up on what's going on in their worlds. Speaking on projects, Mark muses, “Everybody is into a cool project until there's a bunch of work to be done. They love seeing the parts come in, the shiny chrome and the polished aluminum but now we gotta work guys…“. Enjoy this first of a two part podcast journey as they discuss past, present, and future projects and everything in-between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding a powerful powertrain for an old hot rod or truck is no longer the difficult challenge it once was. Nowadays it's finding the right rear end that's the real challenge. Have no fear though, Jon Henson of Currie Enterprises has a plan. “We want to take the voodoo out of a rear end and basically make it an easy purchase, an educated purchase, and something that now you can spec out based on your build and how you're gonna use the vehicle,” he tells Willie and Kevin. “The ultimate goal is to make sure that at the end of the day when the customer gets in his car and he's driving and he just wants that freedom, that he's gonna get that feeling.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Factory Five Racing President and CEO Dave Smith has made an indelible mark in the component car, kit car, and hot rod industries. Once again leaping headfirst into automotive design, FFR's latest is a remarkable prerunner truck kit that can double as your daily driver. As Dave explains it to the guys, “The idea was to use our chassis engineering and manufacturing skills in chassis and suspension, which we're good at, and leverage it into a build-it-yourself Raptor on steroids with rabies.” And best of all, it comes at a very affordable price.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Vasquez, Chris Atkinson, and Joseph Torres of KW Suspensions check in with the guys for a Master Class in making old cars new again. “Nothing wakes a car up like putting new suspension components, parts, and pieces under it,” notes Willie at the outset, enabling them to drive like they were meant to be driven. “You would not believe the difference in the right spring and damper combination,” adds Kevin, “and the technology is through the roof.” Learn why friends don't let friends cut springs or bump stocks; why shock speed is specific to how fast the shock is being either collapsed or extended; and why making too many changes at once can cause all manner of unforced errors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aerosol paints have evolved considerably since Ed Seymour first invented them 75 years ago, and the company that bears his name remains at the forefront of the aftermarket, turning DIYers into artists. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the guys welcome Rodion Galperin for a conversation about all things aerosol, including the latest breakthroughs in the tech and some helpful tips for mastering your own technique.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Vasquez, Chris Atkinson, and Joseph Torres of KW Suspensions check in with the guys for a Master Class in making old cars new again. “Nothing wakes a car up like putting new suspension components, parts, and pieces under it,” notes Willie at the outset, enabling them to drive like they were meant to be driven. “You would not believe the difference in the right spring and damper combination,” adds Kevin, “and the technology is through the roof.” Learn why friends don't let friends cut springs or bump stocks; why shock speed is specific to how fast the shock is being either collapsed or extended; and why making too many changes at once can cause all manner of unforced errors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a recent episode of the TV show, the guys were intending to rebuild a '66 Charger's 440 block as well as a 4-speed 833 overdrive transmission, but what they found was something neither had expected. “The first warning signs of an engine that is not a runner," notes Willie, "is when you see (paint) overspray on push-rods, internals, and on the valley pan." It became pretty obvious pretty quickly that the supposed drop-in runner of an engine was not at all what it was supposed to be. What happened next is the focus of today's podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the day, steering columns offered only rudimentary functions like three-on-the-tree. Nowadays, you can retrofit just about any vehicle with state-of-the-art tech featuring spectacular upgrades. IDIDIT President/GM Trever Cornwell joins the guys for a discussion about the evolution and ergonomics of steering columns. “We tell people, ‘If you can dream it, we can build it,'” notes Trever, citing everything from aluminum to 24k gold-plated columns for very specific steering applications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guys welcome Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot's Secret back to the podcast to talk not about diesel, but gasoline additives. Gasoline is a more highly refined product than diesel, so are additives really necessary, and are they effective? With so many available options on the market, Kevin asks, "Is that really a secret sauce or is it just a sauce? What is in there and what is it doing for me anyway, do I need it?" You may find the answers surprising.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of his retirement from Hot Shot's Secret, Chris Gabrelcik joins the guys for one final conversation, touching on how best to prep and store the toys of summer, and busting some longstanding myths on the longevity of engine oil that's been left sitting for months on end. “There's no reason to not use a fuel additive always… not only do they clean out the system and lubricate it, they also make the storage much better because they have fuel stabilizers that keep it fresh for two years.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With summer upon us, Kevin and Willie share personal stories of overheating and give listeners tips, tricks, knowledge, and know-how to help stay cool! From OE cooling systems to your weekend hot rod's system, the guys talk common mistakes and ways to maintain a proper cooling system. Kevin states, “What we end up doing as hot rodders, we obviously increase horsepower, but we build our own cooling systems, we chose a radiator,and we chose a fan, and you know what? There's a lot of little details that sometimes we miss”.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a lift in your shop or garage was once something people could only dream about. Today they are not only readily available but also quite affordable, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations for a host of applications. Mark Israel of Atlas Automotive Equipment joins the guys for an in-depth tutorial on the features and benefits of 2-post, 4-post, scissor, and motorcycle lifts. “One of the biggest, baddest, coolest tools you could have is a lift,” raves Kevin, “and at a really attainable number.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guys have learned a thing or two about blasting over the years, dating back to the days before PPE was commonplace and the effects of prolonged exposure to various media was of little concern. Now with dozens of “Blasting with Byrd” TV segments under his belt, Kevin has become something of an expert on the subject, and today he and Willie welcome Dustless Blasting Marketing Director Kaylyn Starr to the podcast. The company was first to market with a mobile blasting platform that provides environmentally friendly solutions for a plethora of applications and occupations, leading Kevin to attest, “It's mind-blowing to compare it to anything else.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's paint jobs – both factory and aftermarket – are expensive. Exposure to the elements and improper care can wreak havoc and leave your ride looking sad. Adam Pitale has made it his life's mission to perfect automotive protection with a fleet of easy-to-use products bearing his name. “So many people want an easier mousetrap,” the creator of Adam's Polishes tells the guys. The secret is “a simpler process they can drive a clean car all the time and don't have to spend all their free time cleaning it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The guys discuss buying and selling at Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and local automotive auctions with Rick Fragnoli the owner of Cleveland Power and Performance. They also trade stories as well as tips and tricks for getting what you want at swap meets. Kevin asks, “So what is your top piece of advice for scoring big at a swap meet?” Rick states, “Cash in hand, you gotta have cash”.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices