The Smoking Tire Podcast - Episode Summary: "Lambo Update; M5 Wagon vs Weight; When TCS is Good"
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah

1. Lamborghini Engine Rebuild Update

Matt Farah shares exciting progress on rebuilding his Lamborghini engine with Top Motors in Italy. The collaboration has been seamless, with Top Motors delivering exceptional service and maintaining clear communication.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [23:21]: “Have you ever seen a fucking call like that?”

This enthusiastic update highlights Matt's satisfaction with Top Motors' efficiency and expertise, contrasting favorably with typical delays experienced in the industry.

2. Repairing the Trash Can Mac

Matt recounts the ordeal of his beloved Mac Pro, affectionately dubbed the "Trash Can Mac," which survived an unexpected glass desk explosion. Using a high-powered compressor, he managed to clean out the debris, restoring the computer's functionality.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [06:11]: “It's still fucking working. Works just fine.”

Despite its age and the extensive damage, the Mac Pro's resilience impressed Matt, although he's now considering an upgrade for continued reliability.

3. Office Overhaul: Desk Replacement

The hosts discuss the surprising frequency of tempered glass desk failures, attributing them to poor manufacturing quality. This leads to the decision to replace their office desks with more robust wooden models featuring built-in cable management.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [04:18]: “We also put a button in there and don't ask what it does.”

This humorous remark underscores their commitment to improving the workspace's functionality while maintaining an element of secrecy around their new desk features.

4. Myers Manx Build in Costa Mesa

Matt provides an update on the Myers Manx project, detailing the arrival of the car body in Costa Mesa. The assembly process is underway, with the build team aiming to complete it by the end of July, just in time for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [31:15]: “It's gonna be like one of those build shows that I've been saying is really unrealistic.”

The anticipation is palpable as Matt and Zack look forward to showcasing the finished Myers Manx, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship involved.

5. Audience Engagement: Patreon Questions

Listeners submit a variety of questions through Patreon, ranging from watch strap recommendations for weddings to preferences between older hoopties with manual transmissions versus newer models with automatics.

• Example Question & Response:
  User Question: “Watch Strap Question - Getting married in a few weeks and wants a grand Seiko with a suit.”
  Matt Farah: “Maybe if you could have to move the rails far back and go all the way forward, like so.”

Matt provides detailed advice on matching watch straps to attire, reflecting his thoughtful approach to listener queries.

6. King of the Hammers Video Performance

The hosts reflect on their recent King of the Hammers off-roading video, which underperformed on YouTube. They explore possible reasons, including audience preferences and algorithm dynamics, concluding that content alignment with their core audience is crucial.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah: “Motorsports coverage does poorly in general.”

This candid discussion offers insight into the challenges of diversifying content while maintaining viewer engagement.

7. Mustang Generations Ranking

When asked to rank the generations of Mustang, Zack and Matt dive into the evolution of this iconic vehicle, discussing performance, design changes, and personal experiences with various models.

• Matt Farah: “There's like eight generations Mustang or nine. There's a lot.”

Their comprehensive analysis provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on what makes each Mustang generation unique.

8. Press Car Specifications

A debate ensues about the ideal specifications for a press car, weighing factors like color choices, functionality, and brand consistency. They critique past models, such as the 1991 Lamborghini Diablo's intrusive airbag design, emphasizing the importance of both aesthetics and practicality.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [67:33]: “Any of those really give you a good look, see a good look, see at the original Diablo gauge cluster.”

Their discussion underscores how design decisions can impact both functionality and brand perception in automotive marketing.

9. Technical Discussions: TCS and Driving Techniques

Matt and Zack delve into the intricacies of Traction Control System (TCS) and its relevance during track days. They offer guidance on recognizing when to disable TCS and understanding the limits of tire grip through auditory cues.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [75:44]: “If traction control didn't kick in throughout the day, then you did your first track day properly.”

This segment serves as a valuable resource for enthusiasts looking to refine their driving skills and vehicle handling on the track.

10. Upcoming Events and Personal Plans

The episode wraps up with a look ahead to upcoming activities. Zack prepares to race lemons at Thunderhill with Team Glucker, while Matt plans a family trip to Italy, ensuring listeners throughput the podcast remains consistent despite their absences.

• Quote:
  Matt Farah [100:56]: “They're gonna leave us with us for a week. It's a right hand drive car.”

Their excitement for future projects adds a personal touch, inviting listeners to stay tuned for more engaging content.

Conclusion

In this episode, Zack and Matt navigate a blend of personal updates, technical discussions, and listener interactions with their characteristic humor and depth. From the meticulous rebuild of a Lamborghini engine to practical advice on car maintenance and design critiques, the duo delivers a comprehensive and engaging listen for automotive enthusiasts.

For more detailed insights and discussions, visit The Smoking Tire YouTube Channel or follow them on Twitter @thesmokingtire and @zackklapman.