Chris Slix on Why Expensive Mods Don’t Make Sense | EP50
About this episode
Chris Slicks shares insights on the pitfalls of expensive car modifications and the value of DIY repairs. He discusses his journey from detailing cars to rebuilding crash-damaged vehicles, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective upgrades. The conversation touches on the challenges of working with high-end brands like McLaren, which often come with unique problems. Slicks also reflects on his career path, the evolution of his skills, and the satisfaction of creating better versions of cars while maintaining a budget-friendly approach.
In this episode of the Talkin’ Shop Podcast, we sit down with Chris Slix, the YouTuber known for rebuilding crash-damaged cars and taking big risks on wild body kits. Chris shares his unconventional route into YouTube, from music college and sales to running a detailing business before going all-in on content creation, learning to work on cars by filming himself, making mistakes on camera, and figuring things out the hard (and expensive) way. We dive into his philosophy of getting “95% of the experience for 30% of the money”, why starting with crashed cars unlocks builds that wouldn’t otherwise make sense, and the reality of buying parts sight unseen — including kits that might not fit and sometimes cost more than the car. Chris also breaks down the truth of supercar ownership, why McLarens are incredible when they work (and a nightmare when they don’t), the dangers of over-complication, and the constant pressure of projects that can go wrong at any moment. Honest, funny, and unfiltered, this episode is a real look at building cars, building content, and finding your “thing” by accident.
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Chris Slix
https://www.youtube.com/@Chris_Slix
https://www.instagram.com/chris.slix
https://www.facebook.com/chris.slix
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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu0-oaOzyMk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lo4mywK2yQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u2K3J1Tq8Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41qbLwq8bGk
BMW X3M
"...card in there and I think start to finish was the X3M. And it was tight, really tight."
The BMW X3 is a luxury SUV that has a lot of room for passengers and cargo. It's designed to be fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that offers a combination of practicality and performance. It is designed for those who need more space than a sedan but still want the sporty handling that BMW is known for. The X3 is often discussed for its versatility and advanced technology features.
Volkswagen Golf R
"...I ended up going down to clean his Golf R, was the first one I did for him. I filmed a video on that, blah, blah, blah."
The Volkswagen Golf R is a fast version of the regular Golf car. It has a strong engine and can drive well in different weather conditions, making it a favorite for people who like sporty cars.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance variant of the standard Golf hatchback, known for its sporty handling and powerful turbocharged engine. It features all-wheel drive and is popular among enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and performance.
Mclaren 650S
"It reminds me of the 2015, the 650S, yeah. So that's basically the 12C with the facelift."
The McLaren 650S is a fast sports car made by McLaren, known for its lightweight design and powerful engine. It was released in 2015 and is considered a step up from an earlier model called the 12C.
The McLaren 650S is a high-performance sports car that was introduced in 2015 as a successor to the McLaren 12C. It features a lightweight carbon fiber structure and a powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making it a popular choice among supercar enthusiasts.
McLaren 650
"...like the 570 and the 650, very, very similar. Yeah. Same engine, same gearbox."
The McLaren 650 is a supercar that is even more powerful than the 570. It has a similar design but is built for even higher performance.
The McLaren 650 is another model in the McLaren lineup, known for its powerful performance and advanced technology. It is part of the Super Series and offers a more powerful engine compared to the 570.
McLaren 570
"...like the 570 and the 650, very, very similar. Yeah. Same engine, same gearbox."
The McLaren 570 is a high-performance sports car that is designed for speed and agility. It's built to be lightweight and powerful, making it very fun to drive.
The McLaren 570 is a supercar known for its lightweight construction and high performance. It features a mid-engine layout and is part of McLaren's Sports Series lineup.
Nissan 350Z
"...the first car we did was a 350Z, which I fitted, a fake Rocket Bunny kit to."
The Nissan 350Z is a sporty car that people like to modify because it has good performance and a fun driving experience.
The Nissan 350Z is a sports car that was produced from 2002 to 2009. It is known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and strong performance, making it popular among car enthusiasts and tuners.
Bmw E82135I
"...it was a BMW E82-135i,..."
The BMW E82 135i is a small luxury car that has a powerful engine and is known for being fun to drive.
The BMW E82 135i is a part of the 1 Series, produced from 2007 to 2013. It features a turbocharged inline-six engine, providing a balance of performance and luxury in a compact format.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
"...e did a 1M kit on. After that, V8 Vantage with a V12 Vantage kit, TTS into a TTRS."
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is an even faster version of the V8 Vantage, with a super powerful engine. It's a luxury sports car that many people dream of owning because of how beautiful and fast it is.
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a high-performance variant of the V8 Vantage, featuring a powerful V12 engine that delivers exhilarating speed and performance. It embodies the essence of luxury sports cars with its stunning design and advanced engineering. The V12 Vantage is often discussed for its exclusivity and driving experience.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
"which we did a 1M kit on. After that, V8 Vantage with a V12 Vantage kit, TTS into a TTRS."
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a beautiful sports car that looks really cool and goes very fast. It's made in Britain and is loved by people who enjoy driving and want a car that stands out.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a luxury sports car known for its stunning design and powerful V8 engine. It combines British craftsmanship with high performance, making it a desirable choice for enthusiasts who appreciate both style and speed. The V8 Vantage is often discussed for its driving experience and aesthetic appeal.
Audi TTS
"After that, V8 Vantage with a V12 Vantage kit, TTS into a TTRS. So I've kind of already always done..."
The Audi TTS is a stylish sports car that looks great and drives really well. It has a powerful engine and is designed for people who want a fun and exciting driving experience.
The Audi TTS is a sporty coupe that combines sleek design with impressive performance, featuring a turbocharged engine and Quattro all-wheel drive. It is positioned as a more powerful version of the Audi TT, appealing to those who seek a balance of style and driving excitement. The TTS is often discussed for its engaging driving dynamics and modern technology.
TTRS
"TTS into a TTRS."
The TTRS is a fast sports car made by Audi, known for its powerful engine and great handling. It's a fun car for driving enthusiasts.
The Audi TTRS is a high-performance version of the Audi TT, featuring a turbocharged five-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts for its sporty handling and power.
Audi Rs3
"Bit of both. The RS3 I thought was one of the most underwhelming cars...."
The Audi RS 3 is a small, super-fast car that is really fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and can handle well, making it a great choice for people who love speed and agility.
The Audi RS 3 is a high-performance version of the A3, featuring a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It is celebrated for its compact size and impressive power, making it a fun car to drive on both the road and the track. Discussions about the RS 3 often focus on its performance capabilities and how it compares to other hot hatches.
understeering
"I thought it would just be understeering everywhere,"
Understeering happens when a car doesn't turn as much as you want it to. It's like when you're trying to steer but the front wheels slide instead of gripping the road, making it harder to control the car.
Understeering is a handling characteristic where the front wheels lose grip before the rear wheels, causing the car to turn less than intended. This can make the car feel less responsive and can be particularly challenging in slippery conditions.
Hyundai i30 N
"...you went with Mickey Toki's... Was it the I-30N? I-30N, yeah."
The Hyundai i30 N is a sporty version of a regular Hyundai hatchback, made to be faster and more fun to drive.
The Hyundai i30 N is a high-performance version of the standard i30 hatchback, designed for enthusiasts with features like a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension.
BMW M3
"And then Ethan went in his M3. Yes, of course he did."
The M3 is a special version of the BMW 3 Series that is designed for performance. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it fun to drive.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It's a popular choice among car enthusiasts for both track and street use.
Pagani
"...more mental projects, like the Pagani project and the Bentley's, etc,..."
Pagani is a company that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They are famous for their unique looks and powerful engines.
Pagani is an Italian manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, known for their unique designs and engineering excellence.
Bentley
"...more mental projects, like the Pagani project and the Bentley's, etc,..."
Bentley is a brand that makes luxury cars. They are known for being very comfortable and stylish, often used by wealthy people.
Bentley is a British luxury automobile manufacturer, known for producing high-end cars that combine performance with opulence.
suspension
"So the Bentley, for example, suspension-wise is just an Audi."
The suspension is the part of a car that helps it ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It connects the car to its wheels and helps keep it stable.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in ride quality and handling performance.
Audi SQ7
"So the Bentley, for example, suspension-wise is just an Audi. So it's just like an SQ7."
The Audi SQ7 is a sportier version of the Audi Q7, which is a large SUV. It has a more powerful engine and is designed to be more fun to drive than the regular Q7.
The Audi SQ7 is a performance-oriented version of the Q7 SUV, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier handling compared to the standard model. It combines luxury with enhanced performance capabilities.
VVT system
"...get rid of all of the annoying bits, like the VVT system, like the adjustable cam system..."
VVT stands for Variable Valve Timing. It's a system in engines that helps them run better by changing when the valves open and close, depending on how fast the engine is going.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is a technology used in internal combustion engines to optimize performance and efficiency by adjusting the timing of the valve openings and closings. This allows for better power delivery across different engine speeds.
adjustable cam system
"...get rid of all of the annoying bits, like the VVT system, like the adjustable cam system..."
An adjustable cam system is a part of an engine that can change how it works to make the car faster or more efficient. It helps control how the engine breathes.
An adjustable cam system allows for the timing and lift of the engine's camshaft to be modified, which can enhance performance and efficiency. This system enables better control over the engine's power delivery and responsiveness.
BMW E92
"Oh, I saw it, yeah. It was better than the E92 M3, it was better than the McLaren,"
The BMW 3 Series is a popular car known for being fun to drive and comfortable. It's a small luxury car that many people like because it combines good looks with a sporty feel.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a cornerstone of the BMW lineup since its introduction in 1975. Known for its balance of performance, luxury, and practicality, it has evolved through several generations, often setting benchmarks in its class. Discussions about the 3 Series often highlight its driving dynamics and how it compares to performance-oriented models like the M3.
hoses
"all your breather systems, all your hoses that leak and all this pointless stuff which does things that you don't care about."
Hoses are tubes in a car that carry liquids like coolant and oil. They help different parts of the car work together.
Hoses in a vehicle are flexible tubes that transport fluids such as coolant, oil, and fuel throughout the engine and other systems. They are vital for the proper functioning of the vehicle.
active engine mounts
"Active engine mounts on that, ridiculous money, like three grand for a pair, just for two engine mounts, and why don't you just have one that's not active?"
Active engine mounts help make the ride smoother by changing how stiff they are based on the car's vibrations. This means you feel less shaking while driving.
Active engine mounts are designed to adjust their stiffness in real-time to reduce vibrations and improve ride comfort. They use sensors and actuators to respond to engine vibrations, providing a smoother driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 63
"...there was one on the GLE 63 which I'm driving around in at the moment, which at first I hated it."
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 is a luxury SUV known for its powerful engine and comfortable ride. It's designed for people who want both style and performance in their vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 is a high-performance SUV that combines luxury with powerful performance. It features a robust engine and advanced technology, making it suitable for both everyday driving and spirited performance.
fog light
"I always tell people, you're not actually supposed to use your fog light when it's a little bit foggy. You're supposed to use it when visibility is lower than 100 meters, which is actually"
Fog lights are special lights on cars that help you see better when it's foggy. They shine low to the ground to avoid bouncing light back at you, which can happen with regular headlights.
Fog lights are specialized lights designed to illuminate the road directly in front of a vehicle during foggy conditions. They are positioned lower than standard headlights to reduce the amount of light that reflects off the fog, rain, or snow back into the driver's eyes.
Ferrari
"Then it was Ferrari."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes very fast and luxurious cars. They are well-known for their success in car racing, especially in Formula 1.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and rich history in motorsport, especially in Formula 1. The brand is synonymous with speed, style, and exclusivity.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"So it's got to be either gaardo wise, really like the rarer gaardos, like the superligueras or something like that."
The Gallardo is a model of Lamborghini that was made for about ten years. It's known for being fast and having a cool look, making it a favorite among sports car fans.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a sports car that was produced from 2003 to 2013. It is known for its sharp handling, powerful V10 engine, and aggressive styling, making it one of Lamborghini's most popular models.
Lamborghini Huracán
"You know, the Huracan range didn't..."
The Huracán is a newer model from Lamborghini that replaced the Gallardo. It's known for being very fast and having a lot of advanced features.
The Lamborghini Huracán is a successor to the Gallardo, introduced in 2014. It features a V10 engine, advanced aerodynamics, and modern technology, making it a popular choice among supercar enthusiasts.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...erligueras or something like that. You know, the Huracan range didn't... It sort of missed the mark."
The Lamborghini Huracan is a super fancy sports car that looks amazing and goes really fast. It's made in Italy and is known for being one of the best cars for speed and style.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a high-performance supercar known for its striking design and powerful V10 engine. It represents the pinnacle of Italian automotive engineering, combining speed, luxury, and advanced technology. Discussions about the Huracan often revolve around its performance capabilities and its place in the supercar market.
Volkswagen Golf
"Got a little bit of Golf Ari for me. Aventador is still very cool."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's a popular choice for families and young drivers.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been popular for decades, known for its practicality, performance, and versatility. It comes in various trims and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
"Sort of, a little bit. The GLE is the perfect replacement for it because it's a..."
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a fancy SUV that has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's known for being comfortable and packed with cool technology, making it a great choice for families.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. It is designed to cater to families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle that can handle both urban and off-road environments. The GLE is often discussed for its spacious interior and advanced safety features.
BMW New Bmw
"everyone hates on them at first, like the new BMW is now, the G chassis, everyone hated it."
The BMW New Class was a group of cars that changed how BMW made their vehicles in the 1960s. These cars were important because they helped make BMW known for being sporty and fun to drive.
The BMW New Class refers to a series of models introduced in the 1960s that marked a significant shift in BMW's design and engineering philosophy. These cars laid the foundation for the modern BMW lineup, emphasizing performance and handling. The New Class is often discussed for its historical importance in shaping the brand's identity.
BMW M5
"...and the other, you've got to look at the current M5 to see kind of what the M3 is."
The BMW M5 is a super-fast version of a regular BMW sedan that feels luxurious inside. It's designed for people who want a comfortable car that can also go really fast and handle well on the road.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the 5 Series, renowned for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It has a legacy of blending luxury with extreme performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate both comfort and speed. The M5 is often discussed in the context of its ability to compete with other high-performance sedans.
Ford Taurus
"do a six quarter mile wing back on looks like a Taurus again. I think that's how he'll build it"
The Ford Taurus is a big car that used to be very popular for families because it has lots of room and a smooth ride. Even though they don't make it anymore, many people remember it as a reliable car.
The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan that was popular in the U.S. for many years, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. Although it has been discontinued, it played a significant role in shaping the American automotive landscape in the 1980s and 1990s. Discussions about the Taurus often reflect on its impact on family cars and its legacy in the Ford lineup.
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