Inside McKinnon's Cruisers with Billy - The Superior Podcast S01EP12

Tom Apps from Roam Lyfe joins us for a proper chat about everything 4WD, builds, engineering and life behind the camera. From starting Roam Lyfe on YouTube and the builds that got him to where he is today, to his Hilux build, future projects and some of the worst engineering decisions he's seen along the way. We also get into engine swaps, the 4WD community, the differences between Australian and US-style wheeling, Foam Lyfe Car Care and what life is really like as a full-time YouTuber. Whether you're into 4WD builds, fabrication, off-road adventures or creating content, there's plenty to get stuck into.

What actually goes into designing, developing and testing Australia's most premium hardcore 4WD parts, so you can just bolt onto your rig and hit the tracks? In this episode of The Superior Podcast, The boss man Mick joins the head of R&D Angus and Mitch from Superior Engineering for a proper chat about Research & Development, 4WD product development, engineering, Australian manufacturing and real-world testing.From deciding which 4WD platforms are worth developing products for, to dealing with customer feedback, revising products and putting new designs through their paces, we get an inside look at what happens behind the scenes at Superior Engineering.We talk about why not every idea makes it to production, why R&D has to balance engineering, customer demand and commercial reality, and how real-world abuse helps shape the next generation of 4WD products.The conversation also covers newer 4WD platforms like the BYD Shark, the challenges modern vehicles create for aftermarket manufacturers, the return of Stealth Sliders, vehicle technology, sensors and safety systems, Australian manufacturing and why getting products out into the real world is such an important part of the R&D process.And, because this is Superior Engineering, there is plenty of discussion about building products that are actually designed to be used. Towing bigger loads, driving into places you probably shouldn't, seeing what gets punished and learning from what breaks are all part of developing better 4WD gear.This is a look inside the R&D process at Superior Engineering and how an idea goes from a problem on the trail to a tested, manufactured and ready-to-use 4WD product.If you're into 4WDs, off-road driving, 4x4 accessories, suspension, vehicle engineering, Australian-made products, product development, fabrication, manufacturing or seeing what goes on behind the scenes of the 4WD industry, this one's for you.Whether you're driving a Patrol, LandCruiser, Hilux, Ranger, D-MAX, Triton, Prado, Jimny, BYD Shark or another 4WD, the aftermarket parts you use don't just appear overnight. There's a huge amount of engineering, testing, manufacturing and refinement that happens before a product ever reaches your vehicle.Superior Engineering is an Australian 4WD engineering and manufacturing company developing suspension, GVM upgrades, underbody protection, steering and drivetrain components, chassis products and other 4x4 accessories for Australian conditions.Built in Australia. Tested in the real world. Engineered for people who actually use their 4WDs.If you enjoy the podcast, hit subscribe, drop a comment and let us know what you want Mitch to ask the R&D team next.

This episode, we're joined by Dan from Carbon Offroad for a deep dive into the world of modern winch technology, recovery gear, and the future of off-road recovery.From the story behind Carbon Offroad and expanding into the US market, to the differences between the Australian and American off-road scenes, Dan shares what goes into designing a high-performance winch and where the industry is heading.We also unpack brushless technology, variable speed winches, OEM integration, recovery gear, competition winches, and why weight plays such a big role in modern 4WD builds. Plus, Dan explains some of the engineering behind features like full drum disconnect and reveals his favourite winch setup.Whether you're building a touring rig, chasing performance, or just want to learn more about the technology behind today's recovery gear, there's something in this episode for every 4WDer.https://carbonoffroad.com.auhttps://www.facebook.com/CarbonOffroadAUhttps://www.instagram.com/carbonoffroad_australiahttps://www.youtube.com/@carbonoffroad

Mitch sits down with the mad lads themselves, Lucas and Matt from Mad Mates. Buckle up for a massive chat covering everything from their first budget build to what's next for one of Australia's favourite 4WD YouTube channels.In this episode, we dive into how Mad Mates got started, the importance of communication both on and off camera, and why building a strong community has always been about more than just entertainment. The boys share stories from their biggest builds, discuss the realities of overloading 4WDs, Matt's Super Duty project and the Superior Engineering Hilux GR Sport Explorer. We also get into the age-old Nissan vs Toyota debate, the challenges of balancing family, adventure and content creation, and hear some unforgettable stories from the tracks, including a maiden voyage that didn't exactly go to plan.Whether you're into touring, custom builds, 4WD adventures, off-road fabrication, or simply enjoy a good yarn, this episode is packed with insights, laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from the Mad Mates boys.🔔 Subscribe for more podcasts, build features, technical discussions, customer builds and everything 4WD.🎙️Hosted by: Mitch 📍 Special Guest: Lucas Bree & Matt Gillan from Mad MatesYOUTUBE CHANNEL: @madmatesau FB/IG: madmatesauWeb: madmates.com.au👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more 4wd content! 💬 Let us know what guests you would like to see on our couch. To keep up to date on everything Superior Engineering, check out: https://www.facebook.com/superiorengineeringhttps://www.instagram.com/superior4x4/https://www.tiktok.com/@superior4x4https://open.spotify.com/show/4zG0FCCashdTbj8dDlcoK9#MadMates #SuperiorEngineering #4WD #Touring #FordSuperDuty #ToyotaHilux #LandCruiser #4x4Australia #Offroad #4WDLife #Australian4WD #Overlanding #4WDPodcast #BlindBudgetBuilds #Custom4WD

Back at it with Bri Voto to talk all things 4WD. From her early days getting into wheeling to building some seriously capable rigs and taking them across the country. We dive into her GU build, live builds, YouTube journey, and what really goes into making it in the scene.There’s plenty in here: SEMA, shock tuning, carrying load, upcoming trips, and even a few spicy takes along the way.https://www.drivengarage.com.au https://www.facebook.com/p/B-R-U-N-E-T-T-E-D-R-I-V-E-N-100063441235035/ https://www.instagram.com/brunette_driven/https://www.youtube.com/@UCfpUlsnBG4FNAps7_laZOQg