Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Episode with Steve Dinan

Episode Details:

• Title: The Smoking Tire
• Hosts: Zack Klapman, Matt Farah
• Guest: Steve Dinan
• Release Date: October 29, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zack Klapman welcome automotive legend Steve Dinan, founder of the renowned BMW tuning company Dinan and the innovative tuning firm Carbon. Steve shares his extensive 44-year journey in car racing, engineering, and tuning, offering listeners a deep dive into the complexities of modern automotive performance in an era shifting towards hybridization.

Racing Insights

Steve Dinan discusses his rich history in endurance sports car racing, emphasizing his commitment to GT and prototype classes over open-wheel racing. He reflects on the evolution of competition, noting:

Steve Dinan [05:11]: "I’m back to Michelin Pilot GS again and we’re back in a BMW M4 now. So I haven’t raced a BMW for a while."

He highlights the heightened competition and technical demands in higher-tier racing classes:

Steve Dinan [06:14]: "The engineering is so high and the driver quality is so high and the execution is so high that you just have to be on your game almost perfectly all the time."

Suspension and Handling

A significant portion of the discussion centers on suspension setups and tire dynamics in racing versus street cars. Steve explains the importance of optimizing spring rates and damping to enhance tire longevity and vehicle handling:

Steve Dinan [10:06]: "The softer you can set it up and still have it be drivable, the longer the tires are going to last because that energy from the spring rate or the dampers gets transmitted into the sidewall of the tire and makes the tire warm and makes the tire die."

He contrasts this with street car setups, which prioritize ride quality over performance:

Steve Dinan [11:09]: "Street cars are always so much softer because of the ride quality concern that they always have good tire dig."

Engine Tuning and Modifications

Steve delves into the intricacies of engine tuning, discussing methods like tune stacking and the challenges associated with increasing horsepower without compromising engine integrity. He warns against unreliable aftermarket modifications:

Steve Dinan [59:38]: "Tune stacking is a really great way to break your car."

He advocates for robust engine builds over precarious tuning practices, sharing his experiences with high-performance engines:

Steve Dinan [63:00]: "It's a complete usable motor. Just like the S65."

Impact of Hybridization

The conversation shifts to the automotive industry's pivot towards hybrid and electric vehicles. Steve expresses mixed feelings about this transition, emphasizing the challenges it poses for performance tuning:

Steve Dinan [37:56]: "It makes the whole tuning process a lot more complicated and a lot more expensive."

While acknowledging the environmental benefits of hybrid and electric cars, he voices concerns over their suitability for high-performance applications due to increased weight and complexity.

Testing Regulations and Technological Approaches

Steve critiques the current testing regulations in racing, arguing that they inadvertently favor well-funded teams with access to advanced technologies like shaker rigs and wind tunnels. He explains how these limitations restrict smaller teams and amateur racers:

Steve Dinan [25:44]: "I think allowing that and not allowing testing is a silly rule."

He also touches upon the evolving nature of testing, including the use of inerters and mass dampers in high-tier racing, illustrating the technological arms race within the sport.

Future Projects and Developments

Looking ahead, Steve outlines Carbon's expansion into tuning Audis and Mercedes, aiming to integrate the best technologies across different brands. He shares exciting projects, including:

• High-Performance RS5: Enhancing suspension and engine performance with stroker motors and advanced dampers.
• Custom Classic Builds: Combining modern engineering with classic car aesthetics, such as retro-modern hot rods with V10 engines.

Steve emphasizes the meticulous engineering and substantial investment required for these projects:

Steve Dinan [67:42]: "We're making a stroker motor, a 3.2-liter V6 turbo to make it make 700 horsepower like the M4."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the state of modern automotive performance, the balance between technological advancements and driver engagement, and the enduring passion that fuels the tuning and racing communities. Steve Dinan's insights offer a nuanced perspective on maintaining performance excellence in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Dinan [05:11]: "I’m back to Michelin Pilot GS again and we’re back in a BMW M4 now. So I haven’t raced a BMW for a while."
• Steve Dinan [06:14]: "The engineering is so high and the driver quality is so high and the execution is so high that you just have to be on your game almost perfectly all the time."
• Steve Dinan [10:06]: "The softer you can set it up and still have it be drivable, the longer the tires are going to last..."
• Steve Dinan [37:56]: "It makes the whole tuning process a lot more complicated and a lot more expensive."
• Steve Dinan [59:38]: "Tune stacking is a really great way to break your car."
• Steve Dinan [25:44]: "I think allowing that and not allowing testing is a silly rule."
• Steve Dinan [67:42]: "We're making a stroker motor, a 3.2-liter V6 turbo to make it make 700 horsepower like the M4."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between traditional automotive performance and modern technological trends, guided by Steve Dinan's expert perspective. Whether you're a racing enthusiast, a performance tuner, or a general car lover, the insights shared provide valuable understanding of the challenges and innovations shaping today's automotive landscape.