Lets Talk Dubs Classic The Classic VW podcast

This week we put one more piece together with the bakersfield crew V-Dubs LTD. October 1987 was the month the "Chamange Notch" graced the cover of VW Trends Magazine. It was a really cool notchback sitting on some cookie cutters with a 1904cc engine. Dave showed that car for a while until the fatal run with California Highway Patrol changed the future for that car. Some say the car ended up in Japan some say the car is here who really knows but it's a wild story. We talk about starting from the bottom as an employee at Barth parts. Being overlooked in the succession plan and as fate would have it, he finally ends up as the owner of Barth. It's a crazy story that could only be tied to the Volkswagen world. Barth parts are still the number one foreign auto parts place in all of Bakersfield. And the last one left as the economy changes and so much is gone on around the automotive parts business. Barth parts is still the place to go in Baker and Dave has got stories for days. This one's a great one. www.letstalkdubs.com www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com ICON Pistons

Air-cooling a Volkswagen engine has always been as much science as it is art. For decades, enthusiasts have debated which fan shroud cools the best, what compression ratio is ideal, which cylinder heads run the coolest, and how today's fuels affect engine temperatures. This week on Let's Talk Dubs, we're joined by one of the most respected names in air-cooled Volkswagen engine development—Jake Raby. Jake shares the incredible story behind the extensive cooling research that changed the way many enthusiasts think about building reliable, high-performance air-cooled engines. Beginning in 2006, Jake embarked on an ambitious cross-country journey in his famous blue "BluebonicPlague" Beetle, outfitted with more than 20 sensors strategically placed throughout the engine. Every mile of the trip generated an enormous amount of real-world data, with over two gigabytes of information recorded to analyze everything from cylinder head temperatures and oil temperatures to airflow characteristics and cooling efficiency under actual driving conditions. Rather than relying on opinions or bench racing, Jake set out to answer the questions that Volkswagen enthusiasts have argued about for generations—with data. In this episode, we take a look into: The evolution of VW cooling system design. The strengths and weaknesses of the various fan shrouds and cooling kits available today. Why some cooling systems outperform others in real-world driving. The relationship between engine displacement, compression ratio, ignition timing, and operating temperatures. How cylinder head design dramatically affects engine longevity and cooling. The impact of modern ethanol-blended fuels on air-cooled engines. Common misconceptions about engine temperature and reliability. The testing methods Jake developed to remove guesswork from engine building. Whether you're assembling a mild street engine, building a powerful Type 4, or simply trying to keep your classic Volkswagen running cooler and more reliably, this episode is packed with decades of hard-earned knowledge backed by real-world testing and engineering. If you've ever wondered what really keeps an air-cooled Volkswagen alive—and what actually works versus what has simply become accepted folklore—this is an episode you won't want to miss. DTM Shrouds 912 Engine Teardown link Jake's Road Trip data www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use code LTD 10 To get 10% off yur purchase ICON Pistons Here

There's been a lot of noise lately about engine performance, dyno numbers, and expectations—and instead of adding to the speculation, I brought in someone who actually lives this stuff. This week, I sit down with Fred Simpson for a good conversation on cylinder head technology, porting and polishing, and how all of it really translates into horsepower. Fred breaks down engine combinations, airflow calculations, and what kind of power you can realistically expect from different motor setups—while also being honest about the limitations he's run into over the years. We also get into camshaft technology and ask the big question: has cam design kept pace with modern cylinder head development? To round it out, Fred shares his unfiltered take on exhaust systems—what works, what doesn't, and which designs he says flat-out choke an engine. If you're into engine theory, real-world results, and no-BS technical insight, this is one of those episodes you won't want to miss. www.vwtrendsmagazine.com www.rosswulf.com use LTD10 for a discount www.letstalkdubs.com

The baddest "Kat" in the Chevy truck world might surprise you—because it all started with Volkswagens. In this episode, we sit down with "Dino Battilana, the mastermind behind the world-famous Dino Git Down Chevy truck show in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the largest and most influential classic Chevy C10 events in the country. For more than 10 years, Dino Git Down has drawn Chevy pickup trucks from all over the United States and international visitors, growing into an absolute monster of a show. With over 13,000 trucks attending last year, it has become a must-attend event for classic truck enthusiasts, custom builders, and C10 fans worldwide. But before the C10 fame, Dino's automotive journey began in the Volkswagen world. In this episode, we dive deep into his VW roots, his passion for air-cooled Volkswagens, and how that foundation shaped his approach to building, design, and community. We also break down his latest personal build—a jaw-dropping 1960 Volkswagen that defies categories. While it looks like a convertible, the window channels have been permanently sealed, making it a true open-air cruiser with a unique custom twist. This VW features air suspension by Levi at Pan Draggers, traditional styling mixed with modern creativity, and even subtle Chevy-inspired interior details—a perfect crossover of two iconic automotive worlds. We talk shop on custom fabrication, air-ride setups, vintage Volkswagen styling, and how his love for VW culture helped influence the growth of one of the biggest classic truck shows in the country. If you're into classic Volkswagens, Chevy C10 trucks, custom car culture, air suspension builds, automotive event history, or the evolution of car shows, this episode is a must-listen. We cover Dino's full journey—from air-cooled VW beginnings to building an automotive empire—and how Dino Git Down became the global phenomenon it is today. Enjoy