Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire
Episode: Manual Swaps (and Drama); How Mustangs Get Expensive; Q&A
Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah
Release Date: May 20, 2025

1. Weekend Recap

The episode kicks off with Matt Farah sharing his somewhat hectic yet fulfilling weekend. Despite attending two car shows, Matt balanced his time between automotive events and managing work stress, especially on Friday afternoons.

Matt Farah [00:00]: "It's a pretty slow-moving weekend... I have to get emails and all kind of work shit done before, like 1:32pm on Friday because otherwise east coast hours, it's lost into the fucking ether."

Zack Klapman chimes in, highlighting Matt's attendance at the "Good Vibes" car show and their subsequent activities, including a creative project with Lego cat and sticker counting antics.

2. Wagon Fest at Peterson Museum

Matt and Zack discuss their experience at Wagon Fest held at the Peterson Museum, emphasizing the dominance of Audi wagons and the impressive array of modified vehicles on display.

Matt Farah [07:33]: "There was probably like, I don't know, dozens of RS6s and many other Audi AVANTS as well, including a B5 RS4... Always a treat to see one of those Chevy nomads, Ferrari Lusso, Lexus Sport Cross."

They reminisce about specific models and the unique modifications, such as drop links on Porsche Taycan rims, debating the comfort and practicality of these alterations.

3. Manual Transmission Swaps and Texas Drama

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the controversy surrounding a manual transmission swap shop in Texas. Matt recounts the allegations of scamming by the shop owner, Art, who was reportedly forced out due to delays and mismanagement.

Matt Farah [22:18]: "Someone got mad because they thought that what this collector said to me is a mischaracterization of the pricing of the car."

However, recent Instagram activity suggests Art might still be involved with the company, leading to confusion and uncertainty about the current state of affairs.

4. Mustang GTD Pricing Breakdown

The hosts delve deep into the pricing complexities of the Mustang GTD, exploring how customization and option selections can drive the cost upwards.

Matt Farah [34:47]: "So he said it is possible to get a car that starts with a six... you have to check all of it."

They break down various options, from paint stages to performance packs, illustrating how each addition incrementally increases the total price, sometimes reaching six figures with exhaustive customization.

5. AI and Car Purchasing Concerns

Matt expresses apprehensions about the rising influence of AI in the automotive industry, particularly how AI chatbots might manipulate consumers into making purchases under the guise of friendship.

Matt Farah [49:51]: "What he's not saying is that those AI friends will seem like real people... AI chatbot to a lonely person is even easier."

Zack agrees, highlighting potential ethical dilemmas and the risk of AI subtly steering purchases to benefit companies financially.

6. Gross Vehicle Weight Calculation

An insightful segment features Matt sharing an email from their friend David Tuig, explaining the intricacies of gross vehicle weight (GVW) calculations across different regions.

Matt Farah [54:32]: "Each OEM figures out their own gross vehicle weight. It's basically the maximum weight the car's structure can stand."

David outlines how GVW is determined based on factors like occupant mass, cargo, and regional standards (EU vs. Japan vs. US), providing listeners with a clearer understanding of vehicle design constraints.

7. Listener Q&A Highlights

The Q&A section addresses a variety of listener-submitted questions:

• Car Choices for Teenagers: Recommendations include front-wheel-drive models like GTIs, Fiesta STs, or Focus STs for their balance of performance and safety.

  Zach Klapman [69:19]: "I would say front wheel drive cars. GTIs, maybe Fiesta ST..."

• Ceramic Coating Over PPF: Matt shares his positive experiences with applying ceramic coatings atop Paint Protection Film (PPF), noting ease of cleaning and enhanced protection.

  Matt Farah [68:13]: "We put ceramic or what we call what we use ammo reflex, which is a ceramic like coating. It's not exactly the same as ceramic, but it does the same thing."

• Supercar Gimmicks: The hosts critique various automotive features they consider gimmicky, such as Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) and extravagant activation mechanisms in supercars.

  Matt Farah [95:34]: "Those are done by Tesla... they're promising a future version that doesn't exist yet."

8. Additional Discussions

Beyond the main topics, Matt and Zack touch on:

• Their Past Trip to Panama: Recounting their adventurous episode involving school bus racing and discovering the transformation of an abandoned drug lord's racetrack into a sanctioned motorsport facility.

  Matt Farah [46:20]: "It was scary as hell. But earlier in the video, we look for this drug lord's race track that was abandoned in the woods..."

• Car Enthusiast Lifestyle: Conversations about personal car projects, modifications, and the balance between passion and practicality in automotive pursuits.

9. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Matt and Zack emphasize their commitment to providing in-depth automotive discussions while engaging with their audience through platforms like Patreon.

Matt Farah [84:15]: "I'm cleaning coffee... Our friend ACP has a really nice four speed car that's like an 83 maybe. It's a euro spec car that was brought here legally in the 80s."

They sign off by thanking their patrons and encouraging listeners to support the podcast for exclusive content and early access to shows.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah [34:47]: "But the GT3RS. It's the same thing. Like you can make a GT3RS start with a six."

• Zach Klapman [51:31]: "There’s so like to your point, they’re spending a lot of money on AI. It might not be working for their company or whatever."

• Matt Farah [54:32]: "Here's where it gets fun. In Europe, European law defines that a human is 75 kg and that a person will have 25 kg of luggage with them."

This episode of The Smoking Tire offers a comprehensive exploration of manual transmission swaps, the escalating costs of customizing Mustangs, the potential pitfalls of AI in automotive sales, and various listener queries, all delivered with the hosts' characteristic candor and expertise.