3 Pedals Podcast

Al and Dan sit down with Mike Palumbo for a deep dive into his automotive life, dealership career, and the cars that shaped his passion. The episode opens with Dan and the wild story behind his 1973 Audi Fox, followed by early plans for its future build. From Volkswagen training to shifting market trends, the guys explore how the industry has changed for enthusiasts. Al shares hybrid‑car headaches, Dan's Michelin‑dinner memories, and Mike's childhood moments that sparked his obsession with cars. The conversation moves through his first ride—a 1999 Saab 9‑3—his long history of Saab ownership, and the OEM+ era of the Mk4 Jetta. They break down the evolution of his Platinum Grey Jetta project, the jump from CC to Golf R, and his current GLI, complete with wheel‑hunt stories and garage dreams. The crew digs into Mike’s decade in dealership sales, ethics in retail, memorable trades, and the transition into fleet management. Things wrap with discussions on balancing work and family, rekindling automotive enthusiasm, Mike’s picks for best and worst car brands, manual vs. auto, lease vs. finance, favorite car‑show memories, annoying customer behaviors, dream‑car budgets, and listener feedback for future episodes. www.3pedalspodcast.com www.karrehaus.com IG Socials - @jholso @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @send__it @jen_bensen @drive.werks

Al and Mike sit down with Jon Holso. The episode kicks off with current car projects and early memories before diving into the Ford Focus days—first mods, sneaking past dad, and the moment European styling and deep‑cut modifications took over, complete with the infamous sticker. They move into the Mazda 6 era with manual‑trans fun, air‑ride experiments, and the car’s eventual send‑off. From there, the conversation shifts into turbo power with the GTI, the jump to the Arteon, and the tuning addiction that followed. The guys explore the charm of Kei‑trucks, their utility, and the Home Depot adventures that come with owning one. Things get sentimental with the restoration of a beloved Ford Ranger, followed by stories of Subaru Loyale, Volvo 264s, and Detroit’s unique car scene. The episode wraps with reflections on sports, family, and how automotive passion evolves over a lifetime. IG Socials - @jholso @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @send__it @jen_bensen @drive.werks

Al and Mike welcome guest Dan Sawyer for a wild ride through car culture, personal chaos, and decades of automotive stories. The episode kicks off with softball championship drama and hybrid‑car headaches before shifting into AWE Touring exhaust impressions, and Mike’s escape from a brutal Honda Civic crash. Dan breaks down his journey through 26 different cars, from spray‑painted wheels and a roofied 21st birthday to Manchester nightlife and vintage audio setups. The crew dives into restoring a South Carolina E46, Dan’s JDM era with the 240SX and STI, and the 350Z, WRX, and Silverado gas‑job saga. They revisit Mk5 R32 memories, H2O chaos, and multiple accidents that shaped Dan’s automotive life. Things escalate with hockey‑puck fixes, reckless passenger stories, unforgettable street races, and New England car‑meet culture. The episode wraps with Dan’s arrest for reckless operation in a GTR, reflections on longevity in car culture, new business ventures, and a final look back at the massive car list that defined his journey. IG Socials - @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

Al, Dan, Mike and Ethan kick off the episode with fresh car updates and a warm welcome to guest Ethan McCammon. Things start with Al's attempted Mk3 import and the hard‑learned lessons in due diligence, followed by stories of learning mechanics the old‑school way with Mk2s and junkyard treasure hunting. Ethan walks through his career path, school experience, and time at EFI Motorsport before the crew dives into a chaotic diesel Rabbit drive to the Unity show. They get into the charm of “automatic 2‑liter” Mk3s, CIS systems, and the passion that keeps the Mk2 community alive. The conversation expands into engine swaps, Mk4 reliability, rare Golf models, and the thrill of driving a G60 Rally. Ethan shares his Capri Green Mk2 rallycross build, winter prep with ice‑racing setups, and Audi B3 adventures. Things wrap with Hot Wheels collecting, wheel restoration, and a laid‑back outro to close out the episode. IG Socials - @20_w_a_16v @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

Al, Dan, Mike Richie and Dylan kick off the episode with recent car sales and the realities of flipping, followed by a mechanic’s guide to selling used cars the right way. The crew dives into the hunt for a rust‑free ’84 GTI, dream builds from the Allroad to the B5 RS4, and the frustrations of FedEx delays and work‑life balance. They explore Dylan’s journey from dirt bikes to Audis, the addiction of flipping cars, and the harsh truths of owning a used B5 S4. The conversation shifts into why Audi never turbocharged the VR6, how modern cars became disposable after 2018, and the daily grind of flat rate, HR headaches, and dealership life. Richie shares his path from gas station work to HVAC while the guys recap a Vegas trip full of questionable driving habits. They talk about how kids slow down projects, workplace drama, highway horror stories, and a cross‑country adventure in a gated‑manual R8. Things wrap with Caddy pickups, Transporters, new RS5 styling, luxury‑home work, the future of Tesla FSD and car subscriptions, hidden ownership costs, healthcare frustrations, and unforgettable car deals at Krispy Kreme meets IG Socials - @DBeeerggg @Dylan_autoengineering @TheEuroStop @RMorrissette @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

Al , Dan, Mike and Marc kick off a packed episode with early‑week repair chaos, unexpected visitors in customer cars, and a look at Taycan performance tuning. The conversation quickly shifts into Marc Swanson’s journey toward owning EFI Motorsport, touching on warranty battles, European market trends, and the realities of keeping modern performance cars alive. The guys dig into sourcing rare parts for older Audis, Mark’s deep Audi history, and Volkswagen’s shifting market direction. From unattainable dream Audis to the mechanic jobs everyone hates, the episode moves into legendary builds like the Coupe Quattro V8 and the wild speed stories that came with it. They break down post‑COVID manufacturing changes, cost‑cutting impacts, and how affordability has shifted across icons like the Porsche 911 and Corvette C8. The crew also explores high‑performance V8 swaps, the future of manuals, emissions challenges, and the culture behind ice racing. Things wrap with Lemons racing stories, hillclimb and drag‑racing records, shop culture, tuning solutions, and the growing popularity of E85. www.EFI-Motorsport.com IG Socials - @marc.swanson.3 @EFI_motorsport @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off with listener appreciation before diving straight into a week packed with Marketplace madness, new‑car hunts, and unexpected adventures. Ben’s new bullnose Ford sets the tone, followed by the search for a reliable daily driver that leads to picking up a Honda CR‑V. From there, things escalate quickly: Dan’s wild Marketplace trade involving a skid steer, the infamous washer/dryer saga, and a string of deals that prove buying and selling online is never boring. The guys shift gears with stories from the Italian Alps, exploring low‑power manuals, European roads, wagons, and the differences in car culture abroad. The conversation expands into the future of cars, personal automotive dreams, and a deep dive into underrated imports and VW models. They break down Volkswagen’s evolution from the Mark 3 and Mark 4 era to the TT, then pivot into American manufacturers — their hits, misses, and the factors behind their decline. The episode wraps with a look at EV market challenges, regulatory pressure, and final thoughts before closing out with listener engagement and community updates. A fun, story‑driven episode blending Marketplace chaos, European driving adventures, industry insight, and pure enthusiast passion. IG Socials - @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off welcoming guests and talking through Mike’s first missed episode before diving into a mix of pop‑culture car talk — from Joe Rogan and Blink‑182 to Matt Farah and Jason Camisa’s legendary V8 manual comparisons. The conversation shifts into the realities of modern car ownership and service: lifetime fluids, valve adjustments, hidden costs, Haldex maintenance, transmission intervals, and the lessons learned from air‑cooled engines. The guys break down alternator failures, brake jobs, ABS module headaches, and the constant tug‑of‑war between customer expectations and technician integrity inside dealership life. Things take a turn as the crew explores Venice, unexpectedly falls in love with a Kia Picanto, and compares small‑car fun across cultures. They revisit mountain‑road driving, speed‑camera culture, and the journey from high‑school intern to confident Volkswagen tech. The episode ramps up with RWD A4 conversions, A7 suspension mods, stance culture, motorsports influence, and the essential qualities young technicians need to thrive. The guys close with EV training, oscilloscope fundamentals, engine‑building knowledge, dealership challenges, tool‑truck debates, and a look at passion projects — including a Mk2 GTI and future builds on the horizon. A packed, high‑energy episode full of shop wisdom, cultural stories, technical insight, and pure enthusiast passion. www.slamvagen.com IG Socials - @sir.tylerwallace @slamvagen @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off with Corvette debates and Marketplace finds before diving into Adam’s origin story — from early MMI days to joining Golen Engine and helping shape some of the most respected LS, V8, and Jeep 4.0 stroker builds in the industry. The conversation explores Golen’s role in powering Formula Drift, the trust and precision behind high‑performance engine building, and the hard lessons learned from lifter failures, and the realities of pushing engines to their limits. The guys highlight Eli Lucier’s turbo LS setups, Renegade Porsche swaps, and the global impact of Golen’s craftsmanship as knowledge gets passed from one generation of builders to the next. Things get personal as Adam shares project‑car aspirations, balancing engine work with creative side hustles, and the unexpected harmony between horsepower and houseplants. The episode wraps with a look at why a C4 Corvette is the next big project, a deeper dive into Formula Drift and the racing world, and final thoughts to close out the conversation. A packed, high‑energy episode full of engine wisdom, racing insight, personal stories, and pure enthusiast passion. IG Socials - @AdamWGolen @GolenEngines @pourdNH @theSundaywild @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew digs into one of the most dramatic chapters in automotive history: Dieselgate. From corporate deception to the long-term fallout, they unpack how the scandal reshaped Volkswagen and the entire industry. The conversation then shifts into the darker side of chemical giants with a look at the blood‑stained legacy behind DuPont. Timmy’s Jazz Blue Mk3 takes center stage next, kicking off a repair saga that leads straight into a nine‑hour roadside disaster at Waterfest. The guys revisit axle swaps, police encounters, and the quirks of driving Mk3s and Mk2s through a full year of New England chaos. They break down the Passat GT as a parts‑bin special with surprising potential, explore VW’s decline and loss of its enthusiast base, and celebrate the unique, underrated Northeast VW scene that kept the culture alive. The episode closes with a discussion on how Volkswagen can reconnect with enthusiasts, the dealership struggle of servicing older VWs, and a final wrap‑up to close out Part 2. A deep, story‑driven episode packed with VW history, community insight, and the kind of real‑world experiences only lifelong enthusiasts can tell. IG Socials - @Timmy4names @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew takes a deep dive into the heart of Volkswagen culture — from legendary forums to unforgettable shows and the people who shaped an entire generation of enthusiasts. The conversation kicks off with the rise and fall of VW Vortex, the online home that defined early‑2000s car communities, before moving into cup kits, BBS wheels, and the New England VW show scene that brought everyone together. The guys revisit Wolfsgart memories, the evolution of H2O, and how the shift from forums to social media changed the way enthusiasts connect, build, and share their projects. They highlight the art of invisible car modifications, the revival of old‑school culture through Dan’s BBQ, and the Cars & Coffee philosophy that Joe Booth helped cement. From Timmy’s iconic Mk 2 to the sacrifices made for the for the perfect grill setup, the episode blends nostalgia with real‑world stories — wild cruises, state trooper encounters at Dust Off, and the legacy of VW mentors who shaped the community. The crew also explores how Bring a Trailer reshaped car culture, the VW ethos in a disposable world, and driving styles from desert repairs to Italian roads. Things wrap with the Brockton Corrado saga, quirky Corrado traits, the VW Up dune buggy concept, and a heartfelt outro that ties the entire journey together. It’s a rich, story‑driven celebration of Volkswagen’s soul and the people who keep the culture alive. IG Socials - @Timmy4names @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/30oveFNMf97xiKMRU6lOcL?si=quwT_w2pR3ajm5ORp2mOSQ&utm_source=copy-link&pt=749c8ce8fcfe988d73a959e413aaf12fπ=BJNYhDQGRVmMA In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off with host updates before diving straight into a week full of car hunting, shop stories, and enthusiast chaos. From chasing deals on air compressors and parts to tracking down VW components and even a Puch moped, the guys share the wins, misses, and madness of bargain hunting in the automotive world. The conversation shifts into career paths — from art to dealerships — and an unforgettable experience at Pikes Peak that sets the tone for the deeper shop‑life discussions ahead. They break down the challenges of customer surveys, dealership demands, and the tricky repairs that make tech life both rewarding and exhausting. Things ramp up with forklift work, George’s 25‑year Rabbit truck project, custom headlights, unique hood‑release setups, and the saga of titles, VINs, and custom stickers. The episode wraps with talk of roots, 40s in a bag, the evolving podcast playlist, and a celebration of old VWs that brings everything full circle. A packed, story‑driven episode full of shop wisdom, nostalgia, and pure enthusiast energy. IG Socials - @GSandyiii @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew dives into the world of modern car remakes and why manufacturers keep missing the magic that made the originals iconic. From dream remakes to performance SUVs, the conversation blends nostalgia with real‑world automotive insight. The guys break down the current landscape of supercars and SUVs, smart used‑car buys, and how Volkswagen’s presence in the U.S. has shifted over the years — especially when it comes to modding culture, past versus present. Things get personal as they explore the challenges of adulting, the realities of modifying cars today, and the memories tied to the builds that shaped their early automotive lives. The episode rounds out with a deep dive into legendary movie cars — from Eleanor to Bond’s best — before wrapping with a look at Ford’s recent wins, market shifts, and final thoughts on where the industry is heading. A tight, nostalgic, enthusiast‑driven episode that blends car culture, market insight, and pure passion. IG Socials - @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

This week on the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off with some classic car chat before diving head‑first into the wild world of Facebook Marketplace. From hunting down rare finds to navigating sketchy deals and unpredictable buyers, the guys break down the highs, lows, and hilarious moments that come with chasing unique cars online. The conversation shifts into the journey from VW enthusiast to hot‑rod builder, including the story of turning a barn‑find into a full‑blown race car. Dyno tuning, RX‑7 racing, and the future of 3D‑scanned race‑car projects all take center stage as the episode ramps up. Things get personal as everyone reflects on balancing daily drivers with passion projects, looking back at beloved cars they miss, and debating dream builds — all while acknowledging the unique challenges of being a car enthusiast in New England. The episode wraps with essential workshop tools, shop frustrations, and final thoughts before closing out with social shoutouts. It’s a packed, story‑driven episode full of Marketplace madness, racing inspiration, and pure enthusiast energy. IG Socials - @GillyBuilt @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

This week on the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off with the Disney trip, home‑project updates, and a laid‑back episode warm‑up before diving straight into the heart of New England car culture. From Cape Cod car shows to the behind‑the‑scenes reality of organizing events, the guys share stories that blend nostalgia, chaos, and genuine automotive passion. The conversation shifts into invite‑only shows, Fenway concert memories, and Mike debating whether he should buy back his old Saab Viggen — a dilemma every enthusiast understands. Dan brings the heat with a deep dive into a Porsche Cayman engine swap, followed by a look back at first builds, parts‑department days, and the early projects that shaped everyone’s automotive journey. Things ramp up with Paul’s 3.6 VR6 Jetta build, custom interiors, overbuilt suspension setups, and a debate on starlight headliners, body kits, and custom headlights. The guys also tackle DIY window tinting, customer‑supplied parts headaches, wheel‑bearing mishaps, and a surprising appreciation for the B5 Passat. The episode wraps with Honda parts talk, polished wheel maintenance, Taos wheel upgrade debates, and a final send‑off that ties the whole conversation together. It’s a packed, story‑driven episode full of shop wisdom, build inspiration, and classic 3 Pedals energy. IG Socials - @p33zy_vw @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

This week on the 3 Pedals Podcast, the crew kicks things off with Mike’s new‑house adventures before diving into Al’s upcoming Disney and Dominican Republic plans — plus a clutch softball victory that sets the tone for the episode. Dan jumps in with Touareg repairs, side‑work chaos, and a few concert stories that keep things moving. From there, the conversation shifts into the balancing act of garage projects, side work, and planning for the future. The guys explore the rising value of classic cars, the premium attached to manual transmissions, and why the joy of rowing your own gears still beats DSG and modern automatics. The episode rounds out with a look at Porsche’s Taycan e‑shift system, speculation on the future of VW wagons, and a celebration of hatchbacks, old‑car charm, and the expanding vision for the podcast. It’s a laid‑back, story‑driven, enthusiast‑focused episode that blends life updates with real automotive insight. IG Socials - @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @jen_bensen @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, we sit down for a conversation that spans flat‑rate shop life, custom audio builds, and some of the wildest Volkswagen projects you’ll ever hear about. Things kick off with a look at warranties, labor structures, and the realities of running a modern custom car audio shop — the stuff nobody talks about but every tech feels. From there, the guys dive into a nostalgic ride through Chevy Berettas, supercharged GLX builds, and the evolution of VR6 turbo setups. The conversation ramps up with AWD 3.6 Jetta swap, daily‑driving an Audi S5, and the hunt for unicorns like the Passat R36 wagon. Fabrication fans get a treat with the Mk5 Jetta truck project, rust‑repair strategies, and the balancing act of shop work versus side projects. The episode also breaks down audio system selection, music preferences, and the true cost — ethically and financially — of custom builds. Things wrap with advanced audio installs, Phaeton infotainment nightmares, rising values of classic VW generations, and a deep passion for cars, sound systems, and live music that ties everything together. If you love VR6 lore, custom fabrication, audio engineering, and honest shop talk, this episode delivers from start to finish. IG Socials - @RyanGLX79 @BoomerNashua @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @drive.werks @send__it

In this episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast, we sit down for a deep dive into the world of car audio, custom fabrication, and the realities of modern shop life. Things kick off with a candid look at communication challenges between customers and service writers — the daily friction that every tech, tuner, and shop owner knows too well. From there, the conversation moves into the early days of Boomers, the evolution of shop culture, and how 3D design has transformed custom builds. The guys break down the art and science of audio system tuning, highlight a wild M5 wagon audio build, and share insights from years of hands‑on experience. The episode also explores the complexities of new‑car audio systems, the real cost behind installation labor, and the eternal debate of factory upgrades versus fully custom setups. Along the way, they troubleshoot a Beetle’s electrical mystery, talk Volkswagen history, and dig into motorcycle audio, sound deadening, and JL‑focused tuning philosophy. If you love the intersection of craftsmanship, engineering, and automotive culture, this one hits every note. IG Socials - @RyanGLX79 @BoomerNashua @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @drive.werks @send__it

This episode of the 3 Pedals Podcast kicks off with a long‑week energy that every car enthusiast and overworked human can relate to. Al and Mike dive straight into a wild mix of personal chaos, automotive headaches, and the kind of stories that only happen when you spend too much time around cars and not enough time resting. From being stranded on the side of the road to surviving a brutal heatwave while packing for a big move, the guys swap stories that hit way too close to home. They debate the charm of different cities, revisit childhood memories, and talk about what it means to stay active as life speeds up. Things get even more unhinged when the conversation shifts to modern car tech frustrations, a nightmare 4,000‑mile Volvo ownership experience, and a celebration of legendary 5‑cylinder engines. The episode rounds out with custom builds, a Coolerworxs shifter install, the growing debate around car shows, and a deep dive into racing culture — from parking‑lot fights to Le Mans legends. It’s personal, it’s chaotic, it’s automotive therapy. In other words: a classic 3 Pedals episode IG Socials - @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @drive.werks @send__it

This week on the 3 Pedals Podcast, Al and Mike dive into a fast‑moving mix of personal chaos, car culture, and the latest automotive news. Al kicks things off with the story behind buying his new BMW X3, while Mike shares his dream VW, moving headaches, and some truly unhinged vanity plates spotted along the way. From a surprisingly electric Monaco Grand Prix to Volkswagen shifting Golf production , the guys break down the headlines shaping the car world right now. They dig into today’s unpredictable market, trim‑level strategies, and Nissan’s decision to bring the Skyline name back to the U.S. The episode rounds out with a look at the disappearing sedan, the ongoing saga of fixing the LS400 climate control, rising battery costs, and listener feedback on the new “Shorts” format. It’s a tight, high‑energy mix of stories, laughs, and real automotive insight. IG Socials - @3pedalspodcast @karrehaus @kap0ne @danjpendleton @drive.werks @send__it