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The Best Episodes of Hot Rod Garage

Every episode of Hot Rod Garage ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Hot Rod Garage!

HOT ROD Garage is the ultimate, hands-on car aficionado's workshop show. From paint and body repair to engine swaps, HOT ROD Garage is full of the tips, tricks and know-how that you've come to expect

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 1 - Draguar Engine Swap, El Camino 4L60-E Trans Install & More!
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    #1 - Draguar Engine Swap, El Camino 4L60-E Trans Install & More!

    S1:E1

    We have fun showing you how to install a 4L60-E overdrive transmission into a 1969 Chevy El Camino, drop a 700hp blown small-block into a 1974 Jaguar XJ12, get TIG welding lessons from the guys at ToxicFab, and do smoky burnouts at every opportunity.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 2 - Supercharging a 5th Gen Camaro the Hemi Chevy Gasser Gets a Fuel System
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    #2 - Supercharging a 5th Gen Camaro the Hemi Chevy Gasser Gets a Fuel System

    S1:E2

    In this episode of HOT ROD Garage presented by Lincoln Tech, Finnegan blows up the stock clutch in a borrowed 2010 Camaro SS at the drag strip after installing an SLP supercharger kit and a pair of drag radials. The blower pushed the power output from 420 to 575 horsepower and except for a couple extra holes in the valance, bolted-right onto the stock LS2. During the Roadkill Project Car Update presented by Dickies, Freiburger and Finnegan prepare for the ultimate cross-country road trip in Finnegan's Hemi-powered Bel Air Gasser with the installation of an Aeromotive Stealth fuel tank and fuel system. The install offers tips on assembling soft and hard fuel lines, relay wiring, and gives a closer look at this righteous street/strip car. Finally, the guys answer viewer questions about the cars, the show, and their personal lives before getting an in-depth look at custom piston design from Bryan Moreland, Engineering Manager at CP-Carrillo.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 3 - Easy Big-Block Chevy Power Upgrades Plus Sheet Metal Beadrolling Tips
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    #3 - Easy Big-Block Chevy Power Upgrades Plus Sheet Metal Beadrolling Tips

    S1:E3

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage Presented by Lincoln Tech Mike Finnegan gets tips for strengthening sheet metal using a bead roller from world-famous fabricator, Jamey Jordan, owner of Handmade Seat Company. Then he and David Freiburger eliminate a few electrical gremlins in the Roadkill '73 Chevy C30 ramp truck and pick up more power on the dyno by replacing the old quadrajet carburetor with a new Holley Ultra Street Avenger and the stock HEI distributor with a new part from MSD. Finally, Freiburger tests Duplicolor's Vinyl and Fabric Coating, a spray-on dye for restoring interior parts. If you aren't sick of their faces by the end of this episode, stick around to watch the duo answer questions from the Hot Rod Garage Facebook page and insult a good portion of the Motor Trend staff.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 4 - Wilwood Brakes for the Roadkill El Camino and Sand Casting Hot Rod Parts!
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    #4 - Wilwood Brakes for the Roadkill El Camino and Sand Casting Hot Rod Parts!

    S1:E4

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage Presented by Lincoln Tech, Kirk Brown stops by the shop to school us on the art of sand casting traditional hot rod parts. From flip-top gas caps to old-school friction shocks, Kirk creates parts that turn vintage iron into period-correct hot rods under his Crafty-B moniker. Finnegan also drives the infamous Roadkill '69 El Camino to Camarillo airfield to find out how badly the factory brakes perform and then Wilwood Brakes gives the Elco a serious binder upgrade. The Elco is fitted with 11-inch disc brakes at all four-corners and tested to see how much the stopping distance is affected. Next a monster set of 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers are swapped onto the car for the ultimate brake upgrade. How well do the new parts work? Stay tuned and find out! Oh yeah, Finnegan and Freiburger also take a break from wrenchin' to answer viewer questions posed on the Hot Rod Garage Facebook page.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 5 - Muscle Truck Revamp on a 1974 Chevrolet C10!
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    #5 - Muscle Truck Revamp on a 1974 Chevrolet C10!

    S1:E5

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage Presented by Lincoln Tech we revamp the Muscle Truck, our 1974 Chevrolet C10. In episode 28 of Roadkill we ripped the stepside fenders off the bed and cut the front sheet metal to make room for aggressive off-road rubber so that we could roost through the Imperial Sand Dunes. The fenderless version of the Muscle Truck was fun but it’s high time we restore the truck to her former glory. We’ll replace the rapidly deteriorating particle board bed floor with new oak slats and bolt-on a new pair of aftermarket front fenders. We’ll also add a bit of functionality to the truck by covering the massive step notch in the rear frame rails with sheet metal, which will keep stuff from falling out of the bed.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 6 - Budget-Minded Muscle Car Suspension Upgrades!
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    #6 - Budget-Minded Muscle Car Suspension Upgrades!

    S1:E6

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage Presented by Lincoln Tech, we turn a lowridin’ 1965 Pontiac LeMans into a corner-carving muscle car with a budget-minded suspension system, a quick-ratio steering box, and disc brakes. Classic Performance Products supply the parts, which bolt in place and result in dramatic improvements to the handling of Hot Rod Magazine staffer Brandan Gilllogly’s car. Once the LeMans is sorted we work on our 1973 Chevy Ramp Truck during a Dickies Roadkill Project Car Update. The electrical system has seen better days and so we play detective to trace a battery drain and replace both batteries with new units from AC Delco. We wrap up this episode with a question and answer session with Mike Finnegan and David Freiburger as they ponder the mysteries of the universe and cars in general.

    Director:Unknown
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Hot Rod Garage

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  7. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 7 - Bolt-On Overdrive for the Hemi-Powered Super Bee!
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    #7 - Bolt-On Overdrive for the Hemi-Powered Super Bee!

    S1:E7

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, we catch up with David Freiburger’s Hemi-powered Dodge Super Bee project car as it gains a much needed fourth gear and a few more in between in its three-speed 727 trans. During the Dickies Roadkill Project Car Update we bolt-on a Gear Vendors Underdrive/Overdrive unit onto the Torqueflite, which results in lower cruising RPM, better fuel economy, and gear-splitting capability. Plus, we’ve got another Q-and-A session with Finnegan and Freiburger as they discuss road trips, muscle cars and of course, Carlos Lago’s ability to drive a car.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 8 - Nitrous Fogger Install on the Crusher Camaro!
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    #8 - Nitrous Fogger Install on the Crusher Camaro!

    S1:E8

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage, Presented by Lincoln Tech, we’ve got a brand-new Dickies Roadkill Project Car Update on the Crusher Camaro. Freiburger installs a single stage nitrous oxide system from NOS onto the Mast Motorsports LS7 to break the car into 9-second territory at the dragstrip. He also re-geared the 9-inch rear end, changed the transmission from a 4L65E to a 4L80E, and swapped converters. Off the bottle, the car slowed down from its previous best pass of 10.03 seconds, but with the go-button in play the car ran a respectable 9.94 ET. Finnegan also dropped by the garage for a new Q –and-A session and we’ve got a brand new quick tip from the staff of Lincoln Tech.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 9 - Blasphemi, Burnouts, and FAST XFI 2.0 EFI Tuning!
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    #9 - Blasphemi, Burnouts, and FAST XFI 2.0 EFI Tuning!

    S1:E9

    After a last-minute thrash to assemble Mike Finnegan’s ’55 Chevy Bel Air, it famously cruised from Los Angeles to Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend the start of Hot Rod Power Tour 2014. The summertime road trip revealed the good and bad traits of the street-legal gasser and now it’s time to exorcize some of its demons. On this episode of Hot Rod Garage Presented by Lincoln Tech, the crew tunes the FAST XFI 2.0 electronic fuel injection system for wide-open throttle performance, lowers the front suspension, adds a pair of Viking adjustable dampers, and installs a Hurst Roll Control line lock for better burnouts. Then Finnegan takes to the drag strip to find out how well the car performs on the same wore-out pair of Firestone Cheater Slicks that he drove cross-country on. In the Q & A session, Freiburger and Finnegan discuss vintage Mustang Sportroofs, old Roadkill project cars, the F-Bomb Camaro, and of course, the staff of Motor Trend.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 10 - GM A-Body Suspension Upgrades on a 1969 El Camino!
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    #10 - GM A-Body Suspension Upgrades on a 1969 El Camino!

    S1:E10

    On this episode Hot Rod Garage Presented by Lincoln Tech we revamp the suspension on our 1969 Chevy El Camino to turn this lowly hauler into a real corner-carver. The crew from Ridetech not only helped swap out the old mismatched suspension and steering components, but gave us a couple of shock-tuning tricks. The Elco received new triple-adjustable dampers, front and rear sway bars, adjustable control arms, and coilover shocks at all four-corners. We’ve also got new tech tips from Lincoln Tech and AC Delco and a brand-new question and answer session with Freiburger and Finnegan.

    Director:Unknown
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  11. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 11 - The Ultimate Bolt-In Chevy LS3 Engine Swap
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    #11 - The Ultimate Bolt-In Chevy LS3 Engine Swap

    S1:E11

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage, Presented by Lincoln Tech, we round out a season of El Camino upgrades with a big heart transplant. Gone is our old 383ci Small-Block and in its place is Chevrolet Performance' LS376/525 an all-aluminum, fuel-injected, crate engine that is probably underrated at 525hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. Using parts from Hooker, Aeromotive, Holley, Gearstar, Flex-A-Lite, and Chevrolet Performance, the swap only requires a few holes drilled and a bit of exhaust pipe fitting to make happen. In the end, our 1969 El Camino lost some weight and reset the track record on our autocross course. In this episode we also have a new Lincoln Tech Quick Tip and another Q & A session with Finnegan and Freiburger.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Hot Rod Garage Season 1 Episode 12 - 1,225 Horsepower Engine 711 ci Sonny Leonard Chevy Hemi!
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    #12 - 1,225 Horsepower Engine 711 ci Sonny Leonard Chevy Hemi!

    S1:E12

    On this episode of Hot Rod Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, Mike Finnegan journeys to Sonny Leonard Racing Engines in Lynchburg, Virginia to help assemble his new engine, a 771ci Big-Block Chevy topped with Hemi heads, which is primed to produce ridiculous pump-gas horsepower and torque. This all-aluminum, rule-injected beast is built with parts from Brodix, CP-Carillo, ARP, Sonny Bryant, Trend, Holley, and Accufab and weighs just 595 pounds. Once assembled, Sonny dyno-test the engine to verify the power output on 92 octane gasoline before shipping it home to Mike so he can fab a turbo kit for even more power. We've also got a brand new Lincoln Tech Quick Tip and the last Q&A session of Season 1 with Finnegan and Freiburger.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 1 - 2005-2009 Mustang Lowering and Braking on a Budget
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    #13 - 2005-2009 Mustang Lowering and Braking on a Budget

    S2:E1

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech we're kicking off 2015 with a new project car, the EBC Brakes 2005 Mustang GT. Our plan for this car is simple: build an S197 Mustang with easy bolt-on parts to answer all the basic questions we read on every Mustang forum on the Internet. Our goal is to have an affordable daily driver that can also handle a weekend autocross or open-track day. Here in the first installment, we're lowering the car as affordably as possible with Ford Racing K springs, telling you the exact wheel and tire specs for a perfect fit, and making it stop more reliably with EBC Brakes stock-replacement rotors and Yellowstuff pads. Best of all, we test the performance once we're done. Come back to HOT ROD Garage in coming episodes to see more on the EBC Brakes Mustang.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 2 - Ford Racing Cold Air Test for 2005-2009 Mustang GTs
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    #14 - Ford Racing Cold Air Test for 2005-2009 Mustang GTs

    S2:E2

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, we look at the EBC Brakes 2005 Mustang GT project car. This is based on the premise that the '05-'10 Mustangs with the 4.6L three-valve V8s have gotten affordable to drive, and they can be hopped up inexpensively and easily, and they make make a fun daily drivers and occasional auto-crossers or open-track cars. In this episode, we're looking for a little more power.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 3 - Struts, Sway Bars & More! 2005-2009 Mustang Handling Upgrades
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    #15 - Struts, Sway Bars & More! 2005-2009 Mustang Handling Upgrades

    S2:E3

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, we jump back into the suspension of our EBC Brakes 2005 Mustang GT, with a complete handling package from Ford Performance Racing including full front strut assemblies, sway bars and more.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 4 - 2005-2009 Mustang Dress-Ups
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    #16 - 2005-2009 Mustang Dress-Ups

    S2:E4

    On this episode it's the final installment of the EBC Brakes 2005 Mustang project car, we get it ready to stand out in traffic and throw in a Dana Performance one-piece aluminum driveshaft. Eagle 1 comes in to show us a really cool new clay mitt.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 5 - 1970 SS Chevelle Undercover HT502 Build
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    #17 - 1970 SS Chevelle Undercover HT502 Build

    S2:E5

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, we’re welcoming a new project car to the show, a 1970 Chevelle that we’re building for the owner of OPG. Original Parts Group sells just about everything you’d need to restore one of these to factory specifications but we are gonna put our own spin on things and hide a fuel-injected HT502 in the engine bay disguised as a 454 LS6. When we’re finished we’ll have a car that has all the classic looks of a 1970’s muscle car with the power and reliability that you could have only dreamed of 45 years ago. Watch our new host pro-drifter and stunt driver Tony Angelo work with OPG’s own Jorge Lopez to transform this modern crate engine into a lookalike original big-block. Come back to HOT ROD Garage in coming episodes to see more on the OPG Chevelle.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 6 - 630 Horsepower Chevy Van LS Swap!
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    #18 - 630 Horsepower Chevy Van LS Swap!

    S2:E6

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech we take our well-used 1974 Chevrolet delivery van and start the process of stuffing it full of Lingenfelter Performance LS7 goodness! We are going to turn this rusty T-shirt delivery van into an MSD Atomic Surf van that will now deliver 650 HP! David will explain the process of shoehorning a modern dry-sump LS7 into the place of the original carb’d 6 cylinder Once we get this van running and ripping, David and Mike will be driving it across the US for HOT ROD Power Tour 2015. For Q and A, new host Tony Angelo and David Freiburger discuss Tony’s Hot Rod roots, professional drifting, and wild times growing up in PA.

    Director:Unknown
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  19. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 7 - 1974 Chevy Van: Body Repair and Quick Paint!
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    #19 - 1974 Chevy Van: Body Repair and Quick Paint!

    S2:E7

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage presented by Lincoln Tech David Freiburger and Tony Angelo will show you how to get the most out of an affordable paint job. Our hosts will run through what to expect from a Maaco paint job, and what you can do before and after paint to really maximize your finished product. We’ve taken our rusty, banged up 1974 Chevy Panel Van and turned it into a sleek, less banged up Red Rocket! The MSD Atomic Surf Van looks ready to roll on Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour 2015!

    Director:Unknown
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  20. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 8 - 1970 OPG HT502 Chevelle, First Fire then Smoke! (Tire Smoke)
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    #20 - 1970 OPG HT502 Chevelle, First Fire then Smoke! (Tire Smoke)

    S2:E8

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, Tony Angelo installs a cleverly disguised HT502 into the Original Parts Group 1970 Chevelle and gets it running for the first time! Then it's off to the drag strip to see what this thing can do. This big block powered beast does not disappoint and Tony has a blast trying to keep this thing from spinning tires everywhere!

    Director:Unknown
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  21. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 9 - 630 Horsepower LS7 Swap: Our Chevy Van Runs!
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    #21 - 630 Horsepower LS7 Swap: Our Chevy Van Runs!

    S2:E9

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage presented by Lincoln Tech, We've been working on installing a 630-horsepower Lingenfelter LS7 in our 1973 Chevy Van, and in this episode we finally fire it up! We will show you some of the final details of the installation, including the Gearstar 4L80e transmission and MSD Atomic EFI and trans controller.

    Director:Unknown
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  22. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 10 - Atomic LS7 Van Rear-Axle How-To and Drag Test!
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    #22 - Atomic LS7 Van Rear-Axle How-To and Drag Test!

    S2:E10

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage presented by Lincoln Tech, we've been working on installing a 630-horsepower Lingenfelter LS7 in our 1973 Chevy Van, and in this episode we install the Moser 12 Bolt Chevy Rear End and show you how to order your own custom rear axle. We cover EVERY detail of the install so get ready for some serious tech in this episode.After the install, we take the MSD Atomic Surf Van to the drag strip and make a bunch of tire smoke and several passes down the track… so stay tuned to the end to find out the E.T’s.

    Director:Unknown
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  23. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 11 - 1970 Chevelle HT502 Limited Slip Differential Upgrade and Dragstrip Runs!
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    #23 - 1970 Chevelle HT502 Limited Slip Differential Upgrade and Dragstrip Runs!

    S2:E11

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage presented by Lincoln Tech, we try to get all the power from our HT502 Chevelle to the ground! Watch Tony Angelo take you step by step detailing a complete rear end overhaul and upgrade. Watch as we take our old, beat up 2.73 open-diff rear and install all new everything including 3.73 ring and pinion gears, Auburn Cone-type LSD, new axles, bearings and seals, turning it into a proper high performance rear. Once it’s all together, we head back to the dragstrip at California Speedway to see just how much faster this Chevelle can go!

    Director:Unknown
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  24. Hot Rod Garage Season 2 Episode 12 - 1970 Chevelle HT502 Suspension and Brake Upgrades Plus Autocross Run!
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    #24 - 1970 Chevelle HT502 Suspension and Brake Upgrades Plus Autocross Run!

    S2:E12

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage, presented by Lincoln Tech, we finish up the build on the OPG Chevelle. Starting with interior upgrades, we install a brand new Supersport dash upgrade, and add a Vintage Air conditioning system to keep things cool. Next we head underneath the car, and revamp the entire braking and suspension systems with the best that Hotchikis and Wilwood have to offer! Once it’s all done, watch Tony Angelo push this Chevelle hard around our Autocross course, and compare it to stock form! Stay tuned for a Q and A with the Roadkill guys!

    Director:Unknown
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  25. Hot Rod Garage Season 3 Episode 1 - 1973 Dodge D200 Diesel 12V Cummins Swap! Meet RollSmokey!
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    #25 - 1973 Dodge D200 Diesel 12V Cummins Swap! Meet RollSmokey!

    S3:E1

    On this episode of HOT ROD Garage presented by Lincoln Tech, we try something new, our first Diesel Swap! Watch us take our 1973 D200 with a badly shaking 400 BB, yank it out and cram a 1995 Ram 2500 Dodge Diesel Turbo drivetrain into it! We cover the teardown of both trucks, and bring in guest fabricator Colin Jones to handle making beautiful custom mounts. We don’t stop until we see some smoke! We call our creation #Roll Smokey!

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Best Episodes Summary

"Draguar Engine Swap, El Camino 4L60-E Trans Install & More!" is the best rated episode of "Hot Rod Garage". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 5/22/2014. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Supercharging a 5th Gen Camaro the Hemi Chevy Gasser Gets a Fuel System".