The Smoking Tire Podcast: Episode Summary – Top 5 OEM Engine Swaps

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah
Podcast Description: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman engage with automotive icons, pro drivers, comedians, and friends to delve into automotive industry news, racing, projects, and more.

Introduction

In this episode of The Smoking Tire, hosts Zack Klapman and Matt Farah explore the intriguing world of OEM engine swaps. Inspired by the Lotus Emira's use of a Mercedes engine, they compile a list of their top five sports cars that incorporate engines from other manufacturers, discussing the benefits, challenges, and unique characteristics of each swap.

Personal Car Updates

Bentley Turbo R Listing on Cars and Bids

Matt shares exciting news about his Bentley turbocharged R being listed on Cars and Bids with no reserve, highlighting its pristine condition and comprehensive documentation.

Matt Farah [07:40]: "The car looks great... there's a lot of photos, there's video and there's service records. Everything is as documented as it can be."

He emphasizes the vehicle's luxurious interior, mentioning meticulous detailing and high-quality materials that have held up exceptionally well despite regular use.

Acura NSX Maintenance Update

Matt provides an update on his Acura NSX, which recently underwent service at Evasive. The car received a clean bill of health, allowing Matt to continue enjoying its smooth performance.

Matt Farah [09:27]: "Clean bill of health. He was like, this car is still so mint."

Top 5 OEM Engine Swaps

The core of the episode revolves around the top five OEM engine swaps, where each selected car features an engine sourced from a different manufacturer, enhancing its performance and reliability.

1. Lotus Emira (Mercedes Engine)

Discussion Points:

• The Emira utilizes a Mercedes-sourced engine, specifically the powertrain from the GLA and CLA models.
• Matt expresses dissatisfaction with the transmission's performance in urban settings, citing vibrations and aggressive shifting.

Matt Farah [10:58]: "This car is so far not great for urban driving so far."

He critiques the dual-clutch transmission's behavior in traffic, noting that it causes noticeable vibrations and jerky movements, making everyday driving less enjoyable.

2. Maserati Gran Turismo / F430 (Ferrari F136 Engine)

Discussion Points:

• The Maserati Gran Turismo and Ferrari F430 share the Ferrari F136 engine, renowned for its sound and performance.
• Despite the engine's impressive capabilities, Matt mentions that the Gran Turismo's driving dynamics leave something to be desired.

Zach Klapman [35:22]: "What do you have next?"

Matt highlights the versatility of the F136 engine, noting its use across various high-performance vehicles, and appreciates its integration into Maserati models.

3. Koenigsegg CC8S (Ford Modular 4.6 Engine)

Discussion Points:

• The Koenigsegg CC8S incorporates a heavily modified Ford Modular 4.6-liter engine, originally shared with the Ford Crown Victoria.
• Koenigsegg's modifications include dual overhead cams and turbocharging, transforming the engine into a high-performance powerhouse.

Zach Klapman [37:56]: "But it's a bit of a stretch maybe compared to some of the others."

Matt acknowledges that while this swap might seem unconventional, Koenigsegg's expertise ensures the engine performs exceptionally within their supercar framework.

4. Pagani (Mercedes V12 Engine)

Discussion Points:

• Pagani vehicles, such as those in the Utopia line, utilize Mercedes-sourced V12 engines.
• Matt praises the engine's power and sound, emphasizing its reliability despite being sourced externally.

Matt Farah [38:44]: "Pagani's use of the Camry engine in general is pretty epic."

He underscores that despite not manufacturing their own engines, Pagani's integration maintains the brand's reputation for exclusivity and performance.

5. Aston Martin Vantage (Mercedes Twin-Turbo V8 Engine)

Discussion Points:

• The latest Aston Martin Vantage models are powered by a Mercedes twin-turbo V8, delivering impressive horsepower and modern performance.
• Matt appreciates how Aston Martin leverages Mercedes' engineering prowess while focusing on design and interior enhancements.

Matt Farah [41:36]: "Leave Aston to do things Aston does well... leave the power plant to Mercedes and they gave them a good one."

He notes that this collaboration results in a balanced vehicle that excels in both performance and luxury, benefiting from Mercedes' advanced engine technology.

Insights on OEM Engine Swaps

Reliability and Performance Balance

Both hosts emphasize the importance of balancing reliability with performance when opting for OEM engine swaps. Matt highlights that sourcing engines from manufacturers with proven track records ensures longevity and minimizes maintenance headaches.

Matt Farah [35:30]: "Let the power plant do its own thing."

Zack concurs, stressing that a well-integrated engine can maintain the car's intended driving experience without introducing unforeseen issues.

Audience Interaction and Technical Discussions

Listener Questions and Modifications

The episode features interactions with listeners, addressing technical aspects of engine swaps and car modifications. Topics include:

• Characteristics of Italian V12s: Matt and Zack differentiate between Ferrari and Lamborghini V12s, noting Ferrari engines offer a more relaxed feel, while Lamborghini engines are perpetually aggressive.

  Matt Farah [80:22]: "The Ferrari engine feels more relaxed when you're not on it... The Lamborghini engines almost never feel like relaxed."

• Easiest Cars to Drift Under $100K: Recommendations include BMW M2 and M3 for their balance and ease of handling, as well as the Toyota 86 for entry-level drifting.

  Zach Klapman [82:19]: "BMWs, I think M2, M3. They're so easy."

• Cars with Largest Non-Enthusiast Followings: Tesla tops the list, thanks to its paradigm-shifting electric vehicles attracting a broad audience.

  Matt Farah [83:28]: "The answer is absolutely. Tesla."

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Matt and Zack discuss upcoming projects and events, including live shows and special episodes celebrating milestones. They encourage listeners to support the podcast through Patreon, offering exclusive content and early access to new releases.

Matt Farah [91:19]: "It's going to be an eight-hour podcasting extravaganza and we're going to put it on live for the public too."

They also tease future discussions on performance modifications and share personal anecdotes, maintaining an engaging and personable tone throughout.

Key Takeaways:

• OEM Engine Swaps Enhance Performance: Leveraging engines from reputable manufacturers can significantly boost a car's performance and reliability.

• Balanced Integration is Crucial: Successful engine swaps require meticulous integration to maintain the vehicle's original character and driving experience.

• Community Engagement: Listener interactions enrich the discussion, providing diverse perspectives and technical insights.

For more detailed discussions and to engage with Zack and Matt, visit their YouTube channel or follow them on Twitter (@thesmokingtire) and Instagram (@thesmokingtire).