Would you put a TEMU performance part on your car? | REAL vs. FAKE

Would you put a TEMU performance part on your car? | REAL vs. FAKE

Posted on by Konig Gfx

Is using “KNOCKOFF” parts off TEMU or AliBaba acceptable for your build in 2026? Let’s dive in.

Knockoff aftermarket parts are everywhere in 2026. A quick search on TEMU or Alibaba can uncover products that look almost identical to parts from respected brands like Acuity, Skunk2, Spoon, HKS, and more—often for a fraction of the price.

So what’s the catch?

In this episode, we compare genuine aftermarket performance parts against the cheap copies flooding the market. We break down where the money goes, what separates a reputable manufacturer from a copycat, and whether the savings are actually worth the risk.

Because while many of these parts are manufactured in Asia, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re made in the same factory, with the same materials, tolerances, testing standards, or engineering behind them.

The results might surprise you. Would you run a knockoff part on your build?

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

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Why Modern Cars Lack “Soul” (Analog vs. Digital)

Posted on by Konig Gfx

Are modern cars actually better, or have we traded driver soul for digital convenience? 🚗💨

In this episode of Konig Wheels’ Behind the Wheel Podcast, we are diving deep into the massive shift from Analog to Digital in the automotive world. We break down the technical transitions that changed how cars feel—including the loss of throttle-by-cable systems for drive-by-wire, and how electric power steering (EPS) has completely altered our connection to the road. Which is easier to work on and to live with? Analog or Digital… that is the question.

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

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Old School vs. New School: Why We Still Crave the Legends

Posted on by Konig Gfx

In this episode of Behind the Wheel, we’re stepping back from the spec sheets to ask the big question: can modern technology ever truly replace the raw, mechanical soul of a classic?

From the lightweight legends of the 90s to the 600hp+ digital monsters of 2026, we explore a variety of platforms to see where manufacturers got it right—and where they lost the plot. It’s a deep dive into the passion, the engineering, and the “X-factor” that makes us fall in love with a car in the first place.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage iron, JDM icons, or the latest performance EVs, this is a conversation about the heart of car culture.

So the question arises… old school or new school? EK9 Type R or FL5 Type R? Both very different, but share the same name.

If you could only have one car for the rest of your life, would it be a 1-of-1 classic or a brand-new factory-warrantied beast?

2026 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
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Does California have it the WORST for enthusiasts?

Posted on by Konig Gfx

Thinking about tuning your ride or doing an engine swap? Not all states are created equal when it comes to car mods. In this episode of the Behind the Wheel Podcast, we dive into the best—and worst—states in the U.S. for modifying your car.

From California’s strict CARB regulations and smog checks to New York’s laws on tinted windows, and even those wild states that don’t require any vehicle inspections, we cover it all. Whether you’re into performance upgrades, custom exhausts, or just want darker tints, this episode will help you figure out where gearheads have the most freedom—and where the laws might just kill your build.

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a comment and subscribe! We’d really appreciate it!

2025 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for tuning in, and if you enjoy our podcast, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and iHeartRadio, and we always upload our full video interviews on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels (we’d love for you to subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
podcast.konigwheels.com

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Barn Find H22A Swapped EK Civic || BTW

Posted on by Matt Rodriguez

On today’s podcast, Luis and Rich are joined by special guest Johnathon Noll aka Boosted John. John makes amazing content on YouTube, you can check out his channel below. The guys talk about his most recent project of a EK Civic that he picked up in the back roads of Arkansas. This car has a Euro R H22A with a B series transmission. This car is sitting nicely on Konig Heliograms 15×8 +36 4×100 in Titanium Metallic.

Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

For more on Boosted John:
John’s Instagram: ► @boosted_john
John’s YouTube: ► https://www.youtube.com/johnhonda

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

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NEW 2023 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R! | Behind The Wheel Podcast

Posted on by Matt Rodriguez

On today’s podcast, Scott and newcomer Rich speak about the upcoming reveal of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R!

Tune in to hear Scott and Rich talk about predictions of what to expect with the new model, comparisons to the previous Type R, and more that you may not know about this highly awaited vehicle! Do you agree with what they said? What do you think they missed? Comment and let us know!

Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

Scott’s Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

Behind The Wheel Podcast: Great First Cars To Buy In 2022!

Posted on by Matt Rodriguez

On today’s podcast, Jared & Daut sit down for a quick chat about what they think are the best first cars to get for a first-time “Modder” in 2022. Their choices are all over the spectrum and the two don’t necessarily agree on much, except that “Miata is always the answer.”

Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

Daut’s Instagram: @diggitydaut
https://www.instagram.com/diggitydaut/

Jared’s Instagram: @wheelandtorque
https://www.instagram.com/wheelandtorque/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

Behind The Wheel Podcast: Great First Cars To Buy In 2022!

Posted on by Matt Rodriguez

On today’s podcast, Jared & Daut sit down for a quick chat about what they think are the best first cars to get for a first-time “Modder” in 2022. Their choices are all over the spectrum and the two don’t necessarily agree on much, except that “Miata is always the answer.”

Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

Daut’s Instagram: @diggitydaut
https://www.instagram.com/diggitydaut/

Jared’s Instagram: @wheelandtorque
https://www.instagram.com/wheelandtorque/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

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Behind The Wheel Podcast: Brian Gillespie of Hasport Performance!

Posted on by Konig Gfx

On today’s podcast, we are joined by the legend himself Brian Gillespie of Hasport Performance and VTEC Academy. Brian is the co-owner of Hasport Performance, the leader in engine mounting kits and motor swap components for Honda & Acura engine swaps. He is also the co-host of VTEC Academy a YouTube channel made for Honda fans who want accurate information about Honda’s and much more! Needless to say, but you don’t want to miss this one!

Go check out Brian Gillespie:
VTEC Academy’s Youtube: ► VTEC Academy channel
Hasport Performance’s Instagram: ► @hasport_performance
VTEC Academy’s Instagram: ► @vtec.academy
Hasport Performance’s website: ► https://hasportperformance.com/
Hasport Performance’s website: ► http://vtec.academy/

Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

Scott’s Instagram: @scott_konig
https://www.instagram.com/scott_konig/

Jared’s Instagram: @wheelandtorque
https://www.instagram.com/wheelandtorque/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download