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Earlier this year host Mike Musto made a post about how he wanted to put 10,000-miles on his 1968 Charger in 2024. There were comments and questions, but not so much about the miles, but more so about the engine and drivetrain combination. The specs on the engine are mild. A 440 cubic inch big block with iron 906 heads that were bored .30 over, a 470 lift cam, with an 800 double-pumper on top. The transmission is a 727 with a reverse valve body mated to a gear vendor through an 8 3/4 rear with a 3.55 gear – as for power though, Musto really had no idea what the old lump made.   Enter Hemmings own Evan Perkins, our resident engine guru. He suggested that Musto throw it on the dynamometer at Westech in Southern, California, a mere 450-miles from Musto’s home. Not only would that tell him the power output, but as Perkins explains, using a dynamometer is one the best ways to tune your vehicle and possibly even get some extra power.

Aside from being a gem a human being, Hemmings Creative Director, Dan Stoner is also a bit of archeologist when it comes to uncovering some of the greatest automotive stories never told. In the upcoming second season Hemmings YouTube series, the Motor Underground, hosted by Mr. Stoner himself, Dan dives into the hidden hot rod culture that flourished in San Francisco’s China Town during the 1950, 60’s and into the 1970’s. These are the stories you’ve never heard; told in a way you’ve never expected and it’s coming in early March 2024 to the Hemmings YouTube Channel. Today on the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto sits down with Dan Stoner as he gives us a taste of what to expect in the second season of Hemmings, The Motor Underground.

On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast, it’s time to talk about wheeling in the winter so you can be prepared for all things related to safe and enjoyable winter driving! Today, host Mike Musto sits down with Ryan Douthit from Driving Sports TV, and dives into essential precautions and tips to navigate the challenges of winter roads. As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the streets, it's crucial to arm yourself with knowledge on how to stay safe behind the wheel. Whether you're a seasoned winter driver or a novice facing your first frosty commute, we've got you covered with expert insights and practical advice. So, buckle up and join us as we explore the icy terrain and unravel the secrets to mastering winter driving as we talk about everything from different types of snow tires to the emergency kits you should have in your vehicle.

In this edition of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast, host Mike Musto is joined by industry veteran Vinny Russo to explore the future of the automotive industry in 2024. The conversation delves into the repercussions of a major global OEM's decision to withdraw from auto shows for the upcoming year.   The discussion extends to the significance of traditional auto shows in the automotive community and examines whether social media has rendered them obsolete. Additionally, the episode covers the dealership experience and provides insights into essential considerations when it comes time to make a new vehicle purchase.

Engaging in automotive media is an exhilarating adventure, made even more thrilling when shared among friends. Collaborating with fellow enthusiasts who share your vehicular passion elevates the excitement of exploring the industry's stories, and diverse vehicles. Cultivating professional relationships within this circle brings a distinct synergy, blending work and passion seamlessly. Today's Hot Rod BBQ Podcast features special guests—wheel designer Ron Baugh and car builder Suppy Wejpanich. We're embarking on an exciting Hemmings project: reengineering a 1987 Buick Grand National for Grammy-nominated rap artist Michael Render, aka Killer Mike. Our journey will be documented in a video series on the Hemmings YouTube channel in the coming months as we capture the challenge of completing the car in less than a month!

Welcome to the final episode of the 2023 Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast! This time, it's a crew show featuring Ryan Douthit from Driving Sports TV (also the show's producer) and myself, Mike Musto. We're recapping 2023, peeking into 2024, and beyond, making predictions about trends—what stays and what goes.   We then delve into the perceived decline of the American muscle car due to the rise of electrification, explore Tesla’s new Cyber Truck, and compare today's vehicle lifespans with those from a decade ago. Amid Hemmings' rapid evolution, we also emphasize preserving the essence that has kept this remarkable company thriving for 70 years.   So, kick back, settle in, and enjoy our final show of 2023. Thank you for being part of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast and we’ll see you in 2024!

Mention the Ring Brothers to any enthusiast that cherishes and adores modified, and coach build muscle cars, and odds are the reactions you’ll get will be quite good. For almost two decades brothers Mike and Jim Ring have redefined what muscle cars could be in ways few could have imagined. They’re first build happened in 2005. It was a 1967 Ford Mustang known as REACTOR and when the public got wind of it, they knew then and there, that the Ring Brothers where here to stay.   Since then, the brothers have created some of the most memorable and stunning muscle cars the world has ever seen. Case in point, this year’s 2023 SEMA show, where the brother’s debuted two new creations. The first was TUSK, a stunning 1969 Dodge Charger complete with a 1,000 horsepower Hellephant crate engine under the hood, and the second was Paramount, a 1961 Classic Rolls Royce with a 640bhp supercharged LT4.   On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast Mike Ring joins host Mike Musto to talk about how the Ring Brothers got started, and how, after almost two decades in business, they’ve got no plans of slowing down.

Why aren't young people as into cars as they once were? Is it the rise of ride-share services, the shift in priorities towards sustainability, or the favoring of eco-friendly transportation. Or perhaps the allure of technology and gadgets has surpassed the appeal of traditional car culture. Then there’s the cost of ownership that stretches from purchasing and maintenance, to of course, insurance. Whatever the reason, there seems to be a movement away from the once iconic symbol of freedom and independence. Now I’d like you to forget everything you’ve just read, and meet 18-year-old Riley Trask, and her father, Dane. For the last four years, under her dad’s mentorship, Riley has not only created her own YouTube Channel, Riley’s REBUILDs, where she’s become an old pro at rebuilding carburetors, but in that time, she’s also set up a small automotive own business with some of her friends. So, if you want some reassurances that young people are indeed still diggin’ our beloved collectibles and classics, just hit play and have Riley Trask change your mind.

There are few people in this industry more enthusiastic about their job than artist and Senior Design Manager at Stellantis, Dan Zimmermann. For many of us, our love of the automotive hobby came from family, and for Dan it was no different. Now of course, growing up in his grandfather’s body shop didn’t hurt, but it was more the guidance of both his father and grandfather that really left an impression. From there it was art school and befriending those like-minded in the way of design, until ultimately his craft was honed into the excellence it is today. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto sits down with Dan to talk design philosophy, where inspiration comes from, aesthetics, and more importantly, what’s gained by sometimes drawing outside the lines and not following convention.

With the 2023 SEMA show finally in the rear-view mirror, host Mike Musto and Hemmings own Terry McGean sit down to reflect on some of their favorite rides, current trends, and how this year’s 2023 SEMA show felt with the absence of the big OEMs. They also talk about how the show has changed in the last 20-years, what the future holds for big trade shows like SEMA and PRI (Performance Racing Industry) and pontificate on if the show had the same impact as it did in years past! They then touch on Hemmings new look and feel and talk about why Hemmings is the best place to go when it comes to finding your first classic or collector vehicle.

When it comes to the car hobby, host Mike Musto has one goal. Own and experience as many vehicles as you can before you die. It’s a lofty one we know, but on the surface it kind of makes sense if you do it correctly. If you’re of this mindset, then are a few rules you need to follow. First, be financially responsible. Don’t go into hock for something you can’t afford, regardless of how bad you want it. Second, when you find a vehicle you want, try, and take emotion out of it (this one is tough). Lastly, and the most important step, back into what the cost of ownership will truly be. On this episode of the Hemming Hot Rod BBQ podcast, host Mike Musto and Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV sit down and talk about how Mike was recently talked back from the ledge of a financial mistake by a very good friend.

We all have our stories about how we got into the car hobby. For some of us it was through friends, others through family, and others still, it was simply forcing their way in because they simply loved the idea of it. Courtney Leonard grew up in the San Francisco Bay area surrounded by everything from flat bottom drag boats and 60’s muscle cars to traditional open-bay hot rods. Her Father is a lifelong hot-rodder, and for as long as she can remember, she was tied to his hip whenever his aquatic or automotive exploits took place.  On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast host Mike Musto sits down with Courtney to see just how deep her love of hot rods is and talks about just how important the car hobby has been in her life.