Hot Rod Garage Season 9 Episode 11 Turbocharged, Fuel Injected, Five-Speed...Minivan?!

In season 9 episode 11 of Hot Rod Garage, titled "Turbocharged, Fuel Injected, Five-Speed...Minivan?!", the team takes on a unique and unexpected project: transforming a Dodge Caravan into a high-performance hot rod.

The episode begins with Tony Angelo and Lucky Costa introducing the unlikely candidate for their latest build, a 1994 Dodge Caravan that they picked up for just $1,000. The van is far from in pristine condition, with peeling paint, rust spots, and a generally run-down appearance. However, the team is undaunted and excited to see what they can do to turn this humble family minivan into a powerful performance machine.

Their first step is to gut the interior of the Caravan, removing the rear seats, carpeting, and other unnecessary components. The goal is to reduce weight and create space for the engine and performance upgrades that they have planned. They also strip off the old red and white paint, revealing the van's original silver body underneath.

Next, the team turns their attention to the engine. They opt for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine from a 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4, which they plan to transplant into the Caravan. This engine is known for its power potential and reliability, making it an ideal choice for this build. However, fitting the engine into the van is no easy feat, and the team must customize the engine mounts, transmission tunnel, and other components to make it all work.

Once the engine is in place, the team moves on to other performance upgrades. They install a larger intercooler, fuel injectors, and a standalone engine management system to control all the new components. They also replace the old automatic transmission with a manual five-speed transmission for improved performance and driver engagement.

Throughout the episode, Tony and Lucky take viewers along for the ride as they encounter various challenges and setbacks. For example, they discover that the Caravan's stock brakes are insufficient for the added power and weight, so they must upgrade to larger brakes and calipers. They also run into issues with the cooling system, which they solve by installing a custom radiator and electric fans.

The team works tirelessly to complete the build, hoping to have it ready for a local drag racing event. In the final scenes of the episode, viewers get to see the completed van in action as it takes on the competition at the track. The Caravan may not be the most glamorous or expected hot rod build, but it proves to be a powerful and unique performance machine thanks to the skill and dedication of the Hot Rod Garage team.

Overall, "Turbocharged, Fuel Injected, Five-Speed...Minivan?!" is a fun and creative episode that showcases the ingenuity and know-how of the Hot Rod Garage crew. Viewers are sure to be entertained and inspired by the transformation of the unassuming Dodge Caravan into a high-performance hot rod.