028 - Rod Emory

On this episode of the MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Rod Emory, founder of Emory Motorsports and one of the most influential names in the world of Porsche restoration and modification.Widely recognized for defining the modern "Outlaw" Porsche movement, Rod shares how a childhood spent around dirt bikes, racing, and his father's Porsche parts business eventually led to building some of the most sought after 356s in the world. What started with restoring his own first car as a teenager became the foundation for a business that has spent more than three decades reimagining classic Porsches.The conversation dives into the philosophy behind Emory Motorsports and why Rod has always focused on evolution rather than preservation for preservation's sake. From blending components across generations of Porsche platforms to developing proprietary engines, suspension, and braking systems, he explains how every part of the car has been refined in pursuit of balance, drivability, and performance.Rod also reflects on his family's long history in the automotive industry, the early days of building vintage race cars, and the engineering mindset that has driven the growth of Emory Motorsports. Along the way, he shares stories about discovering and restoring Porsche's first Le Mans winning race car, embracing emerging technologies, and preparing the next generation of the family business.Rich, Jerry, and Rod cover everything from air cooled engines and modern materials to racing influences and the enduring appeal of analog sports cars. Through it all, Rod's approach remains rooted in the same idea that has guided his work for decades: respect the heritage, but never stop improving the driving experience.This episode is a look inside the mind of a builder whose work has helped shape modern Porsche culture while remaining deeply connected to the history that inspired it.