Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – Tesla & Mark Rober Update; $$$ 1970 Chevelle Review; Cats; Q&A

Release Date: March 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Matt Farah and Zach Klapman delve into a variety of automotive topics, blending insightful discussions with humorous anecdotes. From dissecting Mark Rober's latest Tesla video to reviewing a high-end 1970 Chevelle and experimenting with Cat TV for their feline friends, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the world of cars and beyond. Below is a detailed summary capturing all the key points, discussions, and notable quotes from the episode.

1. Tesla & Mark Rober Update

The episode kicks off with Matt and Zach addressing a recent video by the popular YouTuber and engineer, Mark Rober, who conducted a test on Tesla’s Autopilot system. The hosts critically examine Rober's approach and the implications of labeling Tesla as a "self-driving" car.

Key Points:

• Misleading Terminology: Matt criticizes Rober’s use of the term "self-driving" for Tesla vehicles, emphasizing that the cars were operating on Autopilot, not Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. He argues that this misrepresentation can mislead the audience about the actual functionalities of Tesla’s systems.

  Matt Farah [21:05]: “Mark Rober... he called it a self-driving car. That’s my only real problem with what Mark did in the video.”

• Testing Methodology: The hosts discuss the testing scenarios employed by Rober, including placing a mannequin in the roadway and observing the car's response. They highlight discrepancies in how the Tesla Autopilot disengaged moments before potential collisions.

  Zach Klapman [24:23]: “He cut the shape so it looks like the fucking cartoon. To not understand that is ridiculous.”

• Forbes Article Critique: Matt and Zach critique a Forbes article that followed Rober’s video, pointing out its lack of acknowledgment of Tesla’s successes compared to other vehicles tested.

  Matt Farah [27:16]: “The Forbes article was kind of light on acknowledging the successes the other car had versus the Tesla car.”

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah [25:22]: “Well, I found the video to be made in good faith... Other than the title, which drives me insane.”

• Zach Klapman [29:10]: “I think that entire thing is 100% good faith from Mark.”

2. $$$ 1970 Chevelle Review

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reviewing a luxurious and highly customized 1970 Chevelle Resto Mod, built by Ironworks in Bakersfield, California. Zach shares his firsthand experience driving the vehicle, while Matt provides technical insights.

Key Points:

• Customization and Build Quality: The Chevelle, part of Ironworks' Legacy Series, showcases extensive modifications including a supercharged LT4 engine, JRI shocks, big Wilwoods, and bespoke interior elements like leather door cards and milled aluminum dashboards.

  Zach Klapman [31:09]: “It's got manual brakes. I would go power brakes... the owner wants manual brakes to have the connection to driving.”

• Performance and Handling: While the car boasts impressive horsepower and torque, Zach notes several issues that detract from its overall performance. These include stiff suspension leading to minimal body roll, an unconventional steering wheel tilt mechanism causing steering anomalies, and a problematic clutch system.

  Matt Farah [35:30]: “And the gearbox is like a tremec of some kind... But none of it felt confidence inspiring.”

• Ergonomics and User Experience: Despite the car’s power, Zach mentions the lack of sensory feedback during cornering and braking, making it challenging to gauge momentum and stopping power effectively.

  Zach Klapman [35:53]: “It drives very agile because of the stiff springs... but you don't get any of that communication because it's so sticky stiff.”

• Potential for Improvement: Both hosts express optimism that the issues identified can be addressed by the builders, emphasizing the high cost of the vehicle necessitates flawless performance and refinement.

  Matt Farah [43:19]: “That's not fair. It was a little disconcerting.”

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Klapman [34:23]: “It requires a lot of leg muscle... and it requires a lot of pressure.”

• Matt Farah [36:15]: “The ergonomics of it are really good.”

• Zach Klapman [44:14]: “I think it's like the R&D car or something... They need to smooth these things out before they send it out.”

3. Cats: Experiment with Cat TV

In a lighter segment, Matt shares his experiment with Cat TV—a YouTube live feed designed to entertain cats with moving images of birds and squirrels. The experiment aimed to enrich his four cats' environment while he was out of town.

Key Points:

• Initial Setup and Reaction: Upon turning on Cat TV in his living room, all four cats were immediately captivated, attempting to interact with the screen. Matt had to clear away toys to prevent his cats from knocking over the TV.

  Matt Farah [51:37]: “Within 30 seconds, all four cats are sitting there staring at the screen. Monty's trying to jump.”

• Problems Encountered: The high engagement led to one of the cats, Finn, pawing at the TV, resulting in the screen being damaged. This prompted Matt to relocate the Cat TV to a safer area, ensuring the cats remained entertained without risking further damage.

  Zach Klapman [55:02]: “They'll be disappointed you come home because they know you're going to turn it off.”

• Reflection and Concerns: Matt reflects on whether continuous stimulation from screens could adversely affect his cats, likening it to human addiction to digital devices. He expresses a cautious optimism about the benefits of such enrichment tools while acknowledging potential downsides.

  Matt Farah [54:32]: “It’s enriching for a cat... but can it turn these cats into fucking crackheads?”

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Farah [52:48]: “All four cats just... slow turn and stare at me like, what the fuck?”

• Zach Klapman [55:16]: “If they're truly dedicated to this addiction, coming in the door won't bother them.”

4. Q&A Segment

The final segment of the podcast is dedicated to answering listener questions, ranging from seeking car recommendations to practical advice on vehicle maintenance and modifications.

Selected Questions and Answers:

1. Finding a GT Car for His 60s Father:

   • Listener's Query: Help finding a reliable, sub-$30K GT car with an automatic transmission suitable for his father.

   • Hosts' Recommendation:

     • Matt Farah: Suggests a C6 Corvette as an obvious choice but acknowledges alternatives like a 996 Porsche automatic, BMW 6 Series, BMW 8 Series, Audi A5 Convertible, or an Audi TT Roadster with a DSG transmission.
     • Zach Klapman: Recommends considering vehicles like the BMW X3M with a manual transmission or opting for a sedan like the M3 for better performance and reliability.

   Matt Farah [56:50]: “I hate to say it, but Corvettes are where you're at.”

   Zach Klapman [57:54]: “But like, I don't think it's as big a deal as a lot of people make it out to be.”

2. Upgrading Older Cars with CarPlay:

   • Listener's Query: Can older cars be easily upgraded to support Apple CarPlay?

   • Hosts' Insight:

     • Matt Farah: Emphasizes that while older cars may lack built-in infotainment systems, there are numerous aftermarket solutions available that allow integration of CarPlay functionalities with manageable costs.
     • Zach Klapman: Mentions successful upgrades in vintage vehicles, highlighting instances like a low-mileage 1980s Mercedes S-Class with a Porsche CarPlay head unit.

   Matt Farah [70:25]: “If you don’t need all-wheel drive for winter weather, then the rear drive car is better.”

   Zach Klapman [75:01]: “But like the strut, it's not... Did the 991.2 not handle well?”

3. Best Crossovers for Manual Gearboxes:

   • Listener's Query: Which crossover would be best suited for a manual gearbox?

   • Hosts' Recommendation:

     • Zach Klapman: Suggests the X1 for its wagon-like feel, although he personally prefers traditional sedans for manual transmissions.
     • Matt Farah: Posits that manual transmissions are less common in crossovers, recommending a shift towards performance sedans like the M3 for enthusiasts seeking manual gearboxes.

4. Registering a 1980s Mazda B2000 in California:

   • Listener's Query: How to legally register an old Mazda B2000 (Ford Ranger) in California without immediate smog certification.

   • Hosts' Advice:

     • Matt Farah: Recommends transferring registration responsibilities to the new owner, suggesting the vehicle remains registered under the father’s name until a smog test is necessary.
     • Zach Klapman: Agrees, emphasizing the importance of adhering to California’s smog regulations and ensuring proper insurance coverage.

   Matt Farah [73:52]: “But like, I mean, what I would do is ask him if he would keep it registered in his own name and just let you have it...”

5. Additional Discussions and Anecdotes

Beyond the primary segments, Matt and Zach engage in various light-hearted conversations and share personal anecdotes, adding a relatable and entertaining layer to the episode.

• Jim Farley’s Podcast: Matt promotes another automotive podcast hosted by Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, highlighting its insightful interviews with automotive personalities.

  Matt Farah [30:33]: “He's a boss. And you gotta check out this show.”

• Golfing and Hobby Insights: The hosts briefly discuss their personal hobbies, such as Matt’s new set of golf clubs and Zach’s interest in snowboarding bindings, showcasing their multifaceted personalities beyond automotive expertise.

  Matt Farah [80:09]: “I've got my new clubs. First new golf clubs in 20 years.”

• Humorous Takes on Car Accessories: They humorously critique Ferrari's latest merchandise, specifically a controversial "jizz hat," blending automotive discussion with pop culture references.

  Matt Farah [58:25]: “For those who want to fellate Lewis Hamilton, just get ahead of the game.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Smoking Tire effectively balances in-depth automotive analysis with personal stories and listener engagement. By critically evaluating current automotive technologies, providing honest reviews of high-end custom vehicles, and addressing listener queries with thoughtful recommendations, Matt Farah and Zach Klapman deliver a comprehensive and entertaining experience for car enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Useful Links:

• Watch Car Reviews: The Smoking Tire YouTube Channel
• Rent or Buy Their Movies: Vimeo – The Smoking Tire
• Follow on Twitter: @thesmokingtire | @zackklapman
• Follow on Instagram: @thesmokingtire | @fakezackklapman

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Matt Farah [21:05]: “Mark Rober... he called it a self-driving car. That’s my only real problem with what Mark did in the video.”

• Zach Klapman [24:23]: “He cut the shape so it looks like the fucking cartoon. To not understand that is ridiculous.”

• Matt Farah [27:16]: “The Forbes article was kind of light on acknowledging the successes the other car had versus the Tesla car.”

• Matt Farah [35:30]: “And the gearbox is like a tremec of some kind... But none of it felt confidence inspiring.”

• Zach Klapman [34:23]: “It requires a lot of leg muscle... and it requires a lot of pressure.”

• Matt Farah [36:15]: “The ergonomics of it are really good.”

• Zach Klapman [44:14]: “I think it's like the R&D car or something... They need to smooth these things out before they send it out.”

• Matt Farah [51:37]: “Within 30 seconds, all four cats are sitting there staring at the screen. Monty's trying to jump.”

• Zach Klapman [55:02]: “They'll be disappointed you come home because they know you're going to turn it off.”

• Matt Farah [56:50]: “I hate to say it, but Corvettes are where you're at.”

• Matt Farah [73:52]: “But like, I mean, what I would do is ask him if he would keep it registered in his own name and just let you have it...”

This episode stands out as a testament to The Smoking Tire's commitment to delivering rich, engaging, and informative content to their automotive-savvy audience.