Ep 3. The Econorado Is Born

In Roadkill season 8 episode 3 titled "The Econorado Is Born," viewers follow car enthusiasts Mike Finnegan and David Freiburger as they take on their latest project, transforming a 1968 Ford Mustang into a performance vehicle unlike any other.

The episode begins with Finnegan and Freiburger explaining their plan to combine the body of the Mustang with a 1976 Chevrolet Laguna, a car that was known for its economical design. The result? A vehicle they dubbed the "Econorado."

As the two begin the work of fitting the Laguna's chassis onto the Mustang's body, viewers get a sense of just how much effort and expertise goes into building a custom car like this. They carefully measure, cut and weld the two cars together, all while discussing their strategy for maximizing the Econorado's performance.

One of the biggest challenges they face is fitting the Laguna's engine into the Mustang's engine bay. The Laguna's inline 6-cylinder engine isn't exactly known for its power. So, Freiburger and Finnegan opt to swap it out for a V8 engine from a 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. They have to modify the engine compartment to make it fit, and even have to cut a hole in the Mustang's hood to allow for the larger engine.

With the major components in place, Finnegan and Freiburger turn their attention to adding the finishing touches that will make the Econorado a true performance machine. They replace the car's suspension with parts from Total Control Products, install new wheels and tires, and add a custom exhaust system.

Once the Econorado is fully assembled, it's time for the real test: taking it out on the road. Finnegan and Freiburger head to Irwindale Speedway, where they have access to a quarter-mile drag strip. Here, they put the Econorado through its paces, testing its acceleration and top speed.

The results are impressive. The car is able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 145 miles per hour. Finnegan and Freiburger are thrilled with the performance of their creation, and viewers can see the pride they feel in having built such a unique and powerful machine.

Throughout the episode, Finnegan and Freiburger's passion for cars is on full display. They clearly have a deep knowledge of automotive engineering and relish the challenge of building a car from scratch. But their enthusiasm isn't limited to just the technical aspects of car building. They also enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of the car enthusiast community.

At one point, they take a break from working on the Econorado to attend a car show, where they chat with other builders and enthusiasts about their love for custom cars. It's clear that for Finnegan and Freiburger, building cars is as much about the relationships they forge with other enthusiasts as it is about the actual act of building.

Overall, "The Econorado Is Born" is a fascinating look into the world of custom car building. Viewers get to see firsthand the time, effort and expertise that goes into creating a vehicle like the Econorado, and they come away with a newfound respect for the art of car building.