Redefining Horsepower

The founders of American Metal Customs reveal how their passion-driven culture for Americana, art, and speed, combined with 100+ years of collective experience, fuels their award-winning and eye-popping custom builds. The team – led by Josh Allison and Chris Bishop along with Ralph Baldwin – discusses how their commitment to the "raw" and "authentic" led them to revolutionize not just vehicles, but whiskey, too, sonically infusing it with genuine horsepower to create a blended taste all its own. 

The guys sit down with Edelbrock’s Mark Honsowetz to break down the rapid evolution of EFI technology - from early laptop tuning and hex code headaches to seamless Bluetooth phone apps and affordable throttle body systems. They explore how Edelbrock is making high-tech EFI accessible, self-learning, and budget-friendly.

Ross Berlanga from TMI Products joins Kevin and Willie to discuss bridging the gap between high-end custom interiors and affordability, detailing how their new CAD and 3D printing techniques are bringing bespoke seats and door panels to classics. Ross also spills some of the details on their most ambitious SEMA build yet: a special interior that made the company “stretch our wings” for an all-carbon fiber 1969 Mustang Fastback. 

From a pandemic "think week" breakthrough to game-changing cylinder head designs, engine visionary Brian Tooley joins the podcast once again and breaks down the data-driven R&D driving BTR's latest products - and he gives an exclusive sneak peek at a new modification to the Eaton supercharger rotors set to shake up the aftermarket.

Brandon Arpin of Valvetronic Designs joins the guys to detail the technical science behind achieving the perfect, non-raspy sound for modern hot rods and luxury cars. He shares how the company moved from a simple BMW exhaust fix to a powerhouse now expanding its titanium and stainless-steel valved systems into the Jeep, Raptor, Mopar and diesel markets to satisfy both the track racer and the sound-conscious enthusiast. Listen in as Kevin and Willie discover the secrets to engineering the ultimate exhaust note and building a successful automotive performance brand. 

Drag racing icons Clay Millican and Jeff Lutz join Willie B at Discovery Trailers to showcase the custom-built CRC mobile training center, designed to support the next generation of trade professionals and display CRC’s products in action. Plus, the crew talks about the trades, high-speed drag strip mishaps, and CRC’s Build for the Future Scholarship program. This year, a blown square-body truck will be auctioned, with proceeds from the sale awarding at least 10 scholarships for students pursuing an education in technical/trade schools.

The pocket knife is the "universal tool" in just about every car guy's life. Michael Janich discusses the three design innovations that established Spyderco as the industry leader, and delves into how they prioritize the mechanical properties of their blades. Find out why the predictable composition of a leaf spring is the bladesmith's favorite automotive-based raw material, and hear Mike's answer to the challenge, "If somebody gave you a leaf spring, how fast could you make a knife out of it?" 

SEMA extends far beyond its iconic Las Vegas trade show by delivering year-round advocacy, discounts, and business resources. In this episode, VP of OEM and Product Development Jim Moore joins the podcast to break down how the SEMA Garage operates as a high-tech engineering hub—featuring dedicated labs for OEM and aftermarket technology, ADAS testing, EV development, vehicle measuring sessions, and EPA-recognized emissions certification to take products from concept to compliant market reality.

Tired of leaving horsepower on the table? Brian Tooley of BTR returns to the podcast to explain how his company consistently outperforms the competition. He breaks down some of his proprietary engineering — from using GT Power to harness wave dynamics and air inertia — to designing his new multi-million dollar, canted-valve cylinder head built to withstand and maximize power from the highest levels of boost.

From rare Meyers Manx kit cars to an all-wheel-drive electric ’68 Firebird, legendary designer Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs joins the podcast once again to break down how AI is reshaping ideation, where EV hot-rodding is headed, and whether tech can ever replace true human creativity. Tune in to hear what the future holds for automotive design’s next tech leap.