043 | RAM TRX Is Back With 777 HP — Are Street Trucks Making a Comeback?

043 | RAM TRX Is Back With 777 HP — Are Street Trucks Making a Comeback?

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage discuss the reported return of the RAM TRX with 777 horsepower and whether high-performance street trucks are making a major comeback. They revisit legendary models like the RAM SRT-10, the original supercharged Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner, while also exploring SRT, Scat Pack trucks, and the future of American V8 performance. The conversation covers the ultra-limited Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, rising gas prices, expensive truck fill-ups, fuel-pump maintenance, towing costs, Uber driving, electric vehicles, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Later, the guys dive into Cars and Coffee culture, Corvette-owner stereotypes, why enthusiasts should drive their sports cars, and the growing value of clean, unmodified Nissan 350Zs. They also compare the 350Z and 370Z, discuss high-mileage 370Z ownership, analog sports cars, BMW and Mercedes-Benz luxury appeal, and whether the Alfa Romeo Giulia delivers a more exciting enthusiast experience. In this episode * The reported 777-horsepower RAM TRX return * RAM SRT-10 and Viper-powered trucks * The original Ford F-150 Lightning * Are street trucks making a comeback? * Toyota Tacoma X-Runner and performance-truck concepts * Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing pricing and exclusivity * The disappearance of American V8 sedans * Gas prices and expensive truck fill-ups * The half-tank fuel-pump debate * Towing costs and track-day expenses * Uber driving, EVs and the Mustang Mach-E * Cars and Coffee culture * Why enthusiasts should drive their cars * Are clean Nissan 350Zs becoming collectible? * Nissan 350Z versus 370Z * High-mileage 370Z ownership * Performance cars versus luxury badges * Alfa Romeo Giulia versus BMW and Mercedes-Benz Follow for More Love cars, horsepower, road trips and real automotive conversations? Follow Cool Cars with Chris and Courage for new podcast episodes, YouTube videos, car reviews, event coverage and behind-the-scenes content. 🌐 Cool Cars with Chris Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] ▶️ Cool Cars with Chris on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 📸 Cool Cars with Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ▶️ Courage — The DriveN Dad on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 📸 Courage — The DriveN Dad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] 00:00 Welcome Back: Weather, San Diego and a Wild Dallas Trip 03:54 Dodge RAM or RAM? The Brand and Its Truck Innovations 06:49 What Is RAM Planning Next? 09:03 The RAM TRX Returns With 777 Horsepower 09:53 RAM SRT-10, the Original Ford Lightning and Viper Power 12:44 SRT, Scat Pack and the Return of the Street Truck 13:48 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner and Lowered Performance Trucks 17:58 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and American V8 Performance 23:44 Gas Prices, Fuel Pumps and the Half-Tank Rule 28:33 Trucking Costs, Uber Drivers and the Mustang Mach-E 32:10 Car Dealerships and Buying the Right Vehicle for the Job 36:54 Blackwings, Corvettes and Cars and Coffee Culture 39:24 Why Car People Love Sharing Their Stories 42:08 Track Days, Towing Costs and Driving the Cars You Own 48:24 Are Clean Nissan 350Zs Becoming Collectible? 50:40 Nissan 350Z vs. 370Z 53:29 Older Z Cars, Reliability and Analog Driving 55:07 Living With a High-Mileage 370Z and Its Quirks 1:00:04 Performance Cars vs. Luxury Badges 1:02:43 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. BMW and Mercedes-Benz 1:04:37 Driven Dad 22 Update and Closing #RAMTRX #RAMTRX777HP #PerformanceTrucks #StreetTrucks #RAMSRT10 #FordLightning #CadillacBlackwing #CT5VBlackwing #Nissan350Z #Nissan370Z #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarCulture #CoolCarsWithChris #TheDriveNDad

042 | I Took Dad’s Fox Body 5.0! Double-Decker Cars & Mexican GTRs

This week on Cool Cars with Chris, Chris and Courage are talking Fox Body Mustangs, demolition derby madness, double-decker cars, E85 fuel, oil-burning engines, Datsun finds, and the legendary “Mexican GTR.” Chris kicks things off with a story from back in the day: the time he secretly took his dad’s Fox Body 5.0 Mustang for a weekend joyride. Beach runs, friends in the car, racing a Z31 Nissan 300ZX, and trying to cover his tracks before dad checked the mileage — what could possibly go wrong? Then Courage recaps a packed car weekend, including a big Temecula car show with everything from classics and rat rods to JDM cars, supercars, and an Arizona iced tea-themed Subaru STI. After that, things get wild with a trip to a Perris demolition derby, featuring dirt track racing, trailer races, and the unforgettable double-decker derby cars — one driver on the gas, another on the steering wheel, and a whole lot of trust involved. The conversation also dives into classic car myths and garage talk, including whether sugar in the gas tank really kills an engine, old-school YouTube car torture experiments, running E85 fuel, Ford 5.0 Coyote oil consumption, VQ engines that burn oil, cylinder deactivation, and what happens when cars are pushed way past their limits. To wrap it up, Chris and Courage talk about hidden Datsun 240Z finds, engine swap ideas for old Datsun pickups, EcoBoost swaps, Coyote swaps, and the ultimate sleeper truck: the Coyote-powered F-150, also known as the Mexican GTR. If you love car stories, Mustang talk, sleeper builds, JDM cars, demolition derby chaos, and real car-guy conversations, this episode is for you. Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] Courage’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] Courage’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] 00:00 🏁 Intro: Fox Body 5.0, double-decker cars & Mexican GTRs 01:10 🎙️ Welcome to Cool Cars with Chris 01:49 🔑 Chris takes dad’s Fox Body 5.0 Mustang 04:41 🚗 Temecula car fest and the Arizona STI 07:34 💥 Perris demolition derby night 09:32 🤯 Double-decker derby cars explained 13:27 🛻 Trailer races and dirt track chaos 20:55 ⛽ Sugar in the gas tank and car myths 22:32 🔥 Car torture experiments and engine abuse 25:19 🌽 E85 fuel, flex fuel trucks and gas prices 29:03 🛢️ Ford 5.0 Coyote and VQ oil-burning problems 32:24 ⚙️ Cylinder deactivation and V6 Camaro stories 38:12 👀 Datsun pickups, a hidden 240Z and swap ideas 43:11 🇲🇽 What is a Mexican GTR? 49:16 🙌 Wrap-up with Courage from Driven Dad 22 Chris and Courage talk Fox Body 5.0 Mustang memories, Ford Mustang joyrides, a Z31 Nissan 300ZX street-race story, Temecula car show highlights, a wild Perris demolition derby with double-decker derby cars, trailer racing, E85 fuel, Ford 5.0 Coyote oil consumption, VQ engine problems, Datsun 240Z spotting, engine swap ideas, Coyote F-150 sleeper trucks, and the legendary Mexican GTR in this fun car podcast episode of Cool Cars with Chris. #CoolCarsWithChris #FoxBodyMustang #FoxBody #FivePointOh #FordMustang #MustangGT #CoyoteF150 #MexicanGTR #SleeperTruck #FordF150 #CoyoteEngine #DemolitionDerby #DoubleDeckerCars #PerrisDemolitionDerby #TrailerRacing #TemeculaCarShow #Datsun240Z #Nissan300ZX #E85Fuel #CarPodcast

041 | How Jesse Jackson Is Redefining Auto Repair with Mango Automotive

In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris [https://coolcarswithchris.com/], Chris sits down with Jesse Jackson, co-founder of Mango Automotive, to discuss how she's redefining auto repair through customer experience, innovative business practices, and a fresh approach to an industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades. Jesse shares her journey from the software industry into automotive repair, the story behind the Mango Automotive brand, and how the company grew from a single repair shop in 2021 to eight locations across New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. The conversation explores the unique "Pink Wall Effect," why customer trust matters in auto repair, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all drivers, and how women are helping shape the future of the automotive industry. Chris and Jesse also discuss technician training, ASE certifications, shop acquisitions, employee development, vehicle maintenance, extended warranties, customer service, and the realities of operating a growing multi-location automotive business. Whether you're a car enthusiast, automotive professional, entrepreneur, repair shop owner, or simply someone looking to better understand vehicle maintenance and the auto repair industry, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important businesses keeping drivers on the road. Topics Covered: • How Jesse Jackson founded Mango Automotive • Growing from one repair shop to eight locations • The story behind the Mango Automotive name • The Pink Wall Effect and customer experience • Women in automotive repair • Hiring and training automotive technicians • ASE certifications and technician development • Auto repair shop acquisitions and business growth • Building company culture and employee retention • The economics of running an automotive repair business • Vehicle maintenance and preventative service • Extended warranties and common misconceptions • The most expensive automotive repairs • Customer trust and transparency in auto repair • Managing multiple locations and scaling operations • The future of the automotive repair industry Guest: Jesse Jackson Co-Founder, Mango Automotive Connect with Mango Automotive: https://www.mangoautomotive.com/ [https://www.mangoautomotive.com/] #AutoRepair #AutomotiveRepair #CarMaintenance #VehicleMaintenance #AutomotiveIndustry #MangoAutomotive #JesseJackson #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #WomenInAutomotive 00:00 Introduction 00:26 What Is Mango Automotive? 00:55 Starting Mango Automotive in 2021 01:09 Why the Name "Mango Automotive"? 02:09 Redefining the Auto Repair Experience 03:04 The Pink Wall Effect 04:14 Women in the Auto Repair Industry 05:59 What Vehicles Does Mango Automotive Service? 07:10 From Software Executive to Auto Repair Entrepreneur 08:41 Hiring and Training Automotive Technicians 10:17 Learning to Drive a Manual Transmission 12:25 What Happens to Abandoned Vehicles? 14:24 Growing Mango Automotive to Eight Locations 15:16 How Auto Repair Shop Acquisitions Work 16:42 Same-Day Service and Shop Capacity 17:42 Customer Transportation and Lyft Services 18:46 The Most Expensive Automotive Repairs 19:48 Extended Warranties and Repair Challenges 23:25 Rising Vehicle Ownership and Repair Costs 25:02 The Economics of Running an Auto Repair Business 27:01 Mango Automotive's Most Successful Shop 28:59 Growing a Newly Acquired Repair Shop 31:09 Keeping Employees During Ownership Changes 33:03 Helping Auto Shop Owners Retire 35:35 Alternatives to Selling a Repair Shop 37:51 Competition in the Auto Repair Industry 39:09 Friendly Sign Wars Between Repair Shops 43:12 Managing Eight Shops and Seven Kids 45:47 Leadership, Hiring, and Company Culture 47:46 Mango University and Employee Development 48:42 Expansion Plans and California Growth 50:42 Vehicle Safety Inspections and Customer Trust 54:20 Car Maintenance Advice for Every Driver 55:22 Where to Find Mango Automotive 56:29 Episode Wrap-Up

040 | Built to Race: Jeffrey Willerth's Datsun 240Z & 260Z Journey | Z Club of America

On this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, we're joined by Jeffrey Willerth of the Z Club of America [https://zclubofamerica.com/] at the legendary Willow Springs Raceway for a conversation about Datsun heritage, vintage racing, and the passion that keeps classic Z cars alive. Jeffrey shares the story of his beloved Datsun 260Z that was stolen and recovered, how it sat in storage for nearly 30 years before finally returning to the track, and what it takes to build and maintain race-ready classic Japanese sports cars. We also dive into the origins of the Z Club of America, the growth of the All Japan Showdown, track days at Willow Springs, and why the Datsun Z remains one of the most beloved enthusiast cars ever built. Whether you're a Nissan Z owner, Datsun enthusiast, racer, collector, or simply a fan of automotive history, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and motorsports passion. Topics discussed in this episode: • The history of Z Club of America [https://zclubofamerica.com/] • Racing at Willow Springs Raceway • Datsun 240Z and 260Z ownership • Vintage racing and track days • Restoring classic Japanese sports cars • The All Japan Showdown event • Building a dedicated race car • The Nissan Z community • Motorsport culture and driver education • Jeffrey's journey through seven different Z cars Links & Resources 🌐 Cool Cars With Chris https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] 📺 Cool Cars With Chris YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] 📸 Cool Cars With Chris Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] 🏁 Z Club of America https://zclubofamerica.com/ [https://zclubofamerica.com/] 📺 Courage YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] 📸 Courage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with enthusiasts, racers, builders, collectors, and automotive personalities from across the automotive world. 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Meet Jeffrey Willerth of Z Club of America 01:25 First Impressions of Willow Springs Raceway 02:10 Driving Willow Springs During Parade Laps 03:54 The Origins of Z Club of America 05:04 How the Z Community Evolved 06:28 The Story Behind All Japan Showdown 08:35 Building Southern California's Z Community 09:38 Jeffrey's Datsun Collection 10:23 The Stolen and Recovered 260Z 11:22 A Z Car Stored for Nearly 30 Years 12:02 First Track Day After Restoration 12:56 Building a Full Race 240Z 14:04 Life With a Dedicated Race Car 14:47 Owning Seven Different Nissan Z Cars 15:25 Favorite Cars at Willow Springs 16:31 Race Cars vs Street Cars 17:36 Dream Cars to Drive on Track 17:58 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up #CoolCarsWithChris #Datsun240Z #Datsun260Z #ZClubOfAmerica #WillowSprings

039 | Can a Hyundai Elantra N Break 5 Seconds? Track Day Results, Bugatti Costs & Creator Life

What's happening everybody! On this episode of Cool Cars With Chris, Courage is back from another track day with his Hyundai Elantra N, and he's getting closer than ever to reaching his goal of breaking into the 5-second club. We talk about his latest runs, the difference 95-octane fuel makes, Hyundai's unique octane learning system, and whether his new drag tires are helping him get the results he's after. We also get into rising gas prices, diesel fuel costs, and even the world of red-dye diesel. If you've ever wondered why some diesel fuel is dyed red or why using it on the street can get you in trouble, we've got you covered. Later in the episode, we dive into the crazy world of Bugatti ownership. Imagine spending $20,000 to $30,000 on a simple oil change. We talk about the Bugatti Veyron, the realities of hypercar ownership, maintenance costs, and how modern manufacturers are making some vehicles harder than ever to work on yourself. We also spend some time talking about content creation, YouTube, podcasting, social media algorithms, drones, cameras, and what it's really like trying to grow an audience online in today's world. Whether you're making videos, running a podcast, or posting car content online, you'll probably relate to this conversation. Thanks for hanging out with us and being part of the Cool Cars With Chris community. If you're enjoying the show, be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the podcast with a fellow car enthusiast. In this episode: • Hyundai Elantra N track day results • Chasing a 5-second pass • 95-octane fuel and octane learning • New drag tires and performance upgrades • Gas prices and diesel fuel costs • Red-dye diesel explained • Bugatti Veyron maintenance costs • $20,000-$30,000 oil changes • Modern cars and repair challenges • YouTube growth and content creation • Drones, cameras, and social media • Automotive passion and car culture Thanks for listening to Cool Cars With Chris! 🔗 Connect With Us 🌐 Website: https://coolcarswithchris.com/ [https://coolcarswithchris.com/] 📸 Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/ [https://www.instagram.com/cool_cars_with_chris619/] 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619 [https://www.youtube.com/@CoolCarswithChris619] 🔥 Follow Courage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrivendad22/] 🏁 Subscribe to Courage's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22 [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDriveNDad22] ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 🚗 Can the Elantra N Break 5 Seconds? 01:13 🐴 Life Without Cars & Amish Hot Rods 03:14 ⛽ Gas Prices Are Out of Control 05:06 🔴 Red Dye Diesel Explained 09:47 🏁 Hyundai Elantra N Track Day Recap 12:05 ⛽ Full Tank vs Half Tank at the Track 12:55 🔥 95-Octane Fuel & Performance Gains 14:21 📈 Hyundai's Octane Learning Mystery 16:16 🛞 New Drag Tires & Best Time Yet 18:07 🏎️ Bracket Racing & Track Day Delays 21:08 🔥 Wildfires Near the Raceway 22:55 🎯 The Goal: Joining the 5-Second Club 24:05 🎥 Filming Every Run With 3 Cameras 25:15 🚁 Drones, FAA Rules & Car Content 29:07 📸 GoPro vs iPhone vs Cinema Cameras 30:58 🎬 Building a Car YouTube Channel 38:45 📊 Are Social Media Algorithms Broken? 40:28 🎙️ Video Podcasts vs YouTube 45:52 💰 The Truth About Bugatti Ownership 47:20 😳 $30,000 Bugatti Oil Changes 49:15 🔧 Why Modern Cars Are Harder to Fix 51:52 🏆 Bugatti's Rise Under Volkswagen 57:08 📉 The Future of Bugatti & Rimac 01:02:00 🚗 Dream Cars, Specs & Ownership 01:08:45 🎤 Final Car Talk & Wrap Up 01:12:27 👋 Thanks for Listening If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Share it with a fellow car enthusiast and help us grow the Cool Cars With Chris community. New episodes every week featuring car culture, performance vehicles, industry news, automotive technology, track days, project cars, and conversations with enthusiasts from all walks of life. #HyundaiElantraN #Bugatti #CarPodcast #AutomotivePodcast #CarCulture #PerformanceCars #Motorsports #YouTubeCreator #ContentCreation #RaceFuel #DragRacing #CarEnthusiast #HyundaiN #BugattiVeyron #CarTalk #TrackLife #CarCommunity