Driven Radio Show #352: Kyle Smith and Chris Moyer at McPherson C.A.R.S. Show 2026

The Dodge Challenger is a classic-style American muscle car built for strong straight-line performance and a bold, retro look. It often comes up in conversations about modern muscle because it blends everyday drivability with big-engine options. In the podcast, the speaker is clearly excited to see a blue Challenger, suggesting it’s a standout car in the lineup.

ECU units are engine control units—computers that manage how the engine and other systems run. Modern cars use multiple ECUs to control things like fuel delivery, ignition timing, and emissions-related functions.

Body work is the set of repairs and refinishing tasks that address a vehicle’s sheet metal and exterior surfaces. It often includes dent repair, panel alignment, and preparing surfaces for paint—skills that matter in restoration and collision repair.

Upholstery work is the craft of repairing or replacing interior seat and trim coverings. In classic restoration, it’s often about matching materials, foam, and stitching patterns to restore the original look and feel.

An aftermarket speed shop is a business that modifies vehicles using parts and services not supplied by the original manufacturer. In this context, it’s part of the job ecosystem for people trained in classic vehicle restoration and related skills.

“Restores” here refers to restoration work—bringing older vehicles back to a desired condition, often focusing on correct parts, fabrication, and finishing. The segment frames restoration training as a broad foundation that can lead to specialized shops.

Honda XR refers to Honda’s XR line of off-road motorcycles, commonly used for trail riding and dirt-bike style riding. Here it’s mentioned as the host’s dirt-bike comparison point against another rider’s setup.

The McLaren 650S is a high-performance supercar known for its lightweight design and track-capable performance. It’s often discussed because it represents a modern era of McLaren’s engineering and is a frequent subject in enthusiast conversations. In the podcast, it’s referenced as part of a lineup question about “600, 650s,” indicating the speaker is talking about having or comparing specific supercar models.

Compression is the pressure the engine builds inside the cylinder before ignition. If an engine has “no compression,” it usually means the cylinder isn’t sealing correctly (often due to ring sealing issues, valve problems, or cylinder damage), so it can’t run once it cools.

Piston rings are metal bands on the piston that seal the combustion chamber so compression stays high. If the rings don’t seal well (from wear, poor machining, or oiling issues), you can lose compression and the engine may not run properly.

An oiling problem means the engine isn’t getting the right amount of lubrication to the moving parts. In this context, poor lubrication can contribute to abnormal wear or damage that affects piston rings and sealing, leading to low compression.

“Inline 300” likely refers to an inline engine displacement/engine family (commonly used shorthand for an engine size or model). In this segment, it’s tied to how the van performed when heavily loaded, not to a deep technical explanation.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup, and the 2008 model is known for being a common work truck platform. In this segment, the host talks about buying one new and then driving it hard, which highlights how real-world ownership can diverge from expectations.

The Chevrolet C10 is a classic 1960s–1970s-era pickup line, often associated with big-displacement V8s and a strong enthusiast following. Here it’s mentioned as the kind of Chevy truck the speaker’s dad owned, setting the context for why they wanted a Chevy truck in the first place.

A “six cylinder” engine has six cylinders, which is a common configuration in trucks and SUVs. In this discussion, it’s part of the host’s reasoning about durability—whether the smaller engine would be “bulletproof” compared with an eight-cylinder option.

“Treks” here appears to refer to decking material used for outdoor floors or surfaces, repurposed for an interior build. The speaker says they made a center console out of that decking material, emphasizing it was heavy and durable enough to fabricate with.

A center console is the built-in structure between the front seats that can hold controls, storage, and sometimes cupholders. Here it’s specifically mentioned as being fabricated from decking material, which is unusual enough to be worth clarifying for listeners.

Ice racing is motorcycle racing on frozen surfaces (like ice), where traction is created by studded tires. Because grip is limited and unpredictable, riders rely on techniques like countersteering and careful body positioning to keep the bike pointed where they want it to go.

In ice racing, studs are small metal spikes installed into the tire to bite into ice and create traction. The segment describes studding the tires with specific stud sizes (like quarter-inch) and how debris (“chaff”/chips) can reduce grip until you’re back on clean ice.

“AMA runs” refers to events sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association, which sets rules for equipment. Here, the host ties AMA rules to stud size (quarter-inch studs), meaning the tire setup must match the rulebook to compete.

Countersteering is the technique of steering opposite the direction you want to go to initiate a lean on a motorcycle. On ice, the host emphasizes that you can countersteer and the bike will slide in a predictable way, similar to flat-track riding.

Flat track refers to motorcycle racing on oval dirt or similar surfaces, where controlled sliding is part of the technique. The host uses flat-track behavior as a comparison for how an ice-racing bike slides when it has studded traction.

Glare ice is a very smooth, glassy layer of ice that forms after freezing rain or melt-freeze cycles. Because it’s slick and uniform, tires can lose grip suddenly, making it especially dangerous for driving or riding.

The 1985 C4 Corvette is a fourth-generation Corvette (C4) from Chevrolet, known for its modernized body and, in this case, a specific emissions/engine setup. This example is described as an L98 “tune port” car, which refers to Chevrolet’s Tuned Port Injection system used on certain V8 Corvettes.

“Tune port” refers to Chevrolet’s Tuned Port Injection (TPI) system, which uses individual intake runners and fuel injectors for more precise fuel delivery. In performance terms, it’s a key part of how certain late-1980s/1980s Corvettes made strong drivability and power despite emissions-era constraints.

“L98” is an engine designation used on certain 1980s Chevrolet Corvettes, identifying a specific V8 configuration. In this context, the host ties it directly to the “tune port” setup, meaning the car’s engine choice is part of why it’s being discussed.

“Turnkey” is a sales term meaning the item is ready to use with little to no work required. In used-car listings, it’s often used to imply the car starts and runs normally without major repairs.

“Bricked” is slang for something that’s effectively unusable because it won’t operate correctly. In automotive contexts, it often describes a car that won’t start or seems permanently “dead,” usually due to a serious electrical or mechanical issue.

The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s performance-oriented SUV, combining everyday practicality with sports-car-like driving dynamics. It’s often mentioned alongside sports cars because it can deliver strong performance while still being usable year-round. In the podcast, it’s referenced as “Rhonda’s Cayenne,” indicating it’s part of someone’s regular garage.

A digital readout is an electronic display (often on a gauge cluster) that shows numbers or status information instead of using only analog needles. In this context, it’s describing what the dash is showing while the car isn’t behaving normally.

“Tack” is shorthand for the tachometer, the gauge that measures engine RPM (revolutions per minute). Here, they’re noting the tach only reaches about 6,500, which suggests the instrument cluster or engine/ECU signals aren’t reading correctly.

A voltmeter measures electrical voltage, letting you confirm whether a battery or charging system is producing the expected voltage. Here, they used it to diagnose the battery as having very low voltage before charging.

A “dead cell” refers to a battery cell that has failed, reducing the battery’s ability to hold charge and deliver proper voltage. Even if the battery is new, a dead cell can cause low voltage symptoms and prevent modules from booting correctly.

The Dodge Charger is a full-size performance sedan (or “muscle car” style sedan) known for powerful engines and a long model history. It’s discussed in enthusiast circles because it’s a popular platform for tuning and upgrades. The podcast reference to “code” and “put it on a charger” suggests a practical, hands-on conversation around diagnostics or electronics.

A battery charger restores battery voltage by supplying controlled current over time. In automotive troubleshooting, charging a suspected weak battery can confirm whether the electronics issue is caused by low power rather than a deeper fault.

A burnout is when a driver spins the driven wheels while holding the car in place (or moving very slowly) to heat up the tires. People often do it for show or to improve traction for a launch, but it can also wear tires quickly.

A power antenna is an electrically driven mast that raises and lowers. On the Corvette C4, the plastic mast can break, and if the antenna motor keeps running after the car is shut off, it can drain the battery.

A drivetrain swap means replacing major powertrain components—typically the engine, transmission, and related driveline parts—with another set. It’s a major project because it usually requires fitting parts, wiring/controls work, and sorting out mounts and driveshaft alignment.

The Chevrolet Corvair is an early rear-engine, air-cooled American compact that’s become a cult classic. In this segment, the hosts talk about a particularly clean Corvair and the owner’s recent plans and storage situation.

The hosts discuss sourcing a classic car by locating it in Texas and driving to pick it up. This is a common enthusiast topic because the search and retrieval story often matters as much as the car itself.

A valve seat is the hardened surface in the cylinder head that the engine’s intake or exhaust valve seals against when closed. If a valve seat drops or fails, it can cause poor sealing, loss of compression, and serious engine damage.

An air-cooled engine relies on airflow over the engine’s fins to remove heat instead of using liquid coolant. That design choice affects how the engine is packaged and how heat management works compared with water-cooled engines.

A cross member is a structural bar that connects the left and right sides of a vehicle’s frame or unibody. Mounting hardware like a fuel pump to a cross member can be convenient because it’s solid, but it also affects clearance and vibration/noise.

An electric fuel pump is the component that pressurizes and moves fuel from the tank to the engine. In many conversions or builds, its mounting location matters because it can be exposed to road debris or interfere with suspension/underbody parts.

The segment describes a scenario where the fuel pump was removed (“rip the fuel pump off”) after a breakdown while driving. This highlights how critical fuel delivery is—if the pump fails or is poorly mounted, the car can become stranded quickly.

The Jeep CJ is a classic line of off-road vehicles built for rugged, trail-capable driving. The CJ5 is one of the best-known versions, and it’s often referenced because it’s a common platform for restoration and off-road use. The podcast context about learning “with a CJ5” suggests the conversation is about driving or operating lessons from experience.

“Mitigate the weight problem in the front” refers to correcting an imbalance that makes the front end too heavy. That can hurt steering feel, traction, and braking balance, especially when the car is loaded.

Suspension is the system that connects the wheels to the car and controls ride height, wheel movement, and how the car grips the road. Rebuilding worn suspension parts can dramatically improve handling and stability, especially after a rough trip or when the car feels “off.”

The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van used for hauling people or cargo, and the 2015 model is part of the Express’s long-running generation. In a car-show context, it’s a practical “drive-in” vehicle rather than something built for performance.

The Toyota Supra is a sports car best known for its performance heritage and strong enthusiast following. It’s often brought up when discussing parts, builds, or classic project cars because many owners keep older models running with aftermarket support. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of having a “90” and “parts,” pointing to a parts or restoration situation.

A service manual is a detailed repair guide for a specific vehicle—often organized by system (engine, brakes, electrical) and including diagnostic steps, torque specs, and procedures. In this segment, the hosts judge the quality of a service manual collection and specifically criticize the usefulness of an “85 Corvette” manual.

“Part it out” means dismantling a non-running or unwanted car and selling usable components individually (engine, transmission, interior pieces, etc.). It’s often the fallback when a project car is too far gone to restore, or when the owner wants to recoup money before moving on to a swap or build.

An “LS swap” means replacing a car’s original engine with a GM LS-series V8 (like the 5.3L/6.0L/6.2L family). LS swaps are popular because the engines are compact, make strong power for the money, and have huge aftermarket and wiring support.

A “third gen Camaro” refers to the Chevrolet Camaro generation that debuted in the late 1960s and is known for its classic muscle-car styling. In the segment, the host says the engine was installed into that Camaro, which is a common swap target because the engine bay and aftermarket support make conversions easier.

A “vet kart” is a humorous, custom idea: turning a vehicle—here, a Corvette (“vet”)—into a go-kart-style build. The mention of “Roadkill” points to the TV/YouTube show’s DIY, chaotic fabrication vibe, where people chop and repurpose parts into wild one-off machines.

The Morgan Plus 4 is a classic British sports car known for its traditional design and driving feel. It’s often discussed among enthusiasts because it’s a niche, character-focused car rather than a mainstream performance machine. The podcast context about pulling parts from an “OQ4” and referencing “4 plus 3” suggests a conversation around specific Morgan models and their components.

The T10 is a specific manual transmission model (commonly associated with GM-era drivetrains) that’s built as a 4-speed gearbox. In this context, it’s being discussed as part of a more complex setup that also includes an overdrive unit.

Overdrive is a gearing mode that lets the engine run at lower RPM for a given road speed, improving cruising efficiency. The hosts specifically describe an “electric 3-speed overdrive” paired with a 4-speed, and note a common failure: the overdrive not working due to unique, hard-to-service parts.

Transmission filters are service parts that help trap debris and contaminants in the transmission fluid. The hosts claim that these filters become unavailable after a certain model year, implying maintenance and repair become harder as the transmission ages.

A clutch is the mechanical connection between the engine and the transmission in a manual (or manual-style) drivetrain. When the clutch wears out, the car can slip or be hard to shift, which is why clutch replacement can be a labor-heavy job on performance cars.

“ZF6” refers to a ZF-supplied 6-speed manual transmission used in some performance applications. In the segment, they’re comparing it to another transmission setup and arguing it still isn’t “that much better,” implying the service difficulty and packaging remain challenging.

Brake fluid should be clear/amber, not cloudy or opaque. When it looks opaque, it often indicates moisture contamination or breakdown of the fluid, which can reduce braking performance and cause corrosion inside the hydraulic system.

“Milkshake” is a common enthusiast description for a creamy, emulsified fluid caused by water mixing with a fluid that should not contain much water. In automotive contexts like this, it usually points to contamination in a hydraulic system (here, brake fluid).

A slave cylinder is the hydraulic actuator that pushes the clutch mechanism (or releases it) in a hydraulic clutch system. If it’s failing or not moving fluid correctly, you can get delayed pedal return, inconsistent clutch engagement, or a pedal that feels “slow” compared to your foot movement.

Autocross is a motorsport where cars run timed laps on a closed course marked with cones, emphasizing handling and driver skill over straight-line speed. It’s a common way to stress-test brakes, clutch hydraulics, and drivetrain components in a short time.

A “Dana 44 diff” refers to a Dana 44 differential assembly, which is the gear unit that splits torque to the left and right wheels. Differentials are key to traction and driveline behavior, and enthusiasts often swap or upgrade them for durability and gearing options.

T56 refers to the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, commonly swapped into many performance cars. It’s known for handling higher torque than many stock gearboxes and for having a large aftermarket ecosystem for shifters, clutches, and gear ratios.

The Dodge Viper is a hardcore American sports car known for its big V10 engine and raw, analog driving feel. In this segment, the hosts talk about wanting a first-generation Viper and then discuss later early-’90s RT/10 variants as an affordable alternative.

In car talk, “nannies” is slang for electronic driver-assist systems that intervene to prevent mistakes—like traction control and stability control. The speaker is saying the Viper feels closer to an older, less electronically managed car because there’s less of that intervention.

ABS (anti-lock braking system) prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. That helps you keep steering control and reduces the chance of skidding.

Traction control limits wheel spin when accelerating by reducing engine torque and/or applying brakes to the slipping wheel. It helps maintain grip on low-traction surfaces.

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is an electronic stability system that detects loss of traction and helps correct the car’s direction. It typically uses sensors plus selective braking and engine torque reduction to keep the vehicle from spinning or sliding out.

“Swaps ends” describes a spin or oversteer event where the rear of the car breaks loose and the car rotates so the front points the other way. In cars without stability/traction aids, mistakes can more easily lead to this kind of loss of control.

The hosts are highlighting 1986 as a “magical year” because multiple factory technologies/features (including VATS and the “ANF stuff”) are associated with that year. In enthusiast circles, certain model years can be desirable because they combine specific equipment, wiring, or security/ECU behavior that affects ownership and modification.

VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) is an anti-theft feature that prevents starting unless the correct key/ignition resistor value is detected. In practice, it’s part of the car’s security/immobilizer logic, so “all of the VATS technology” being tied to a specific model year matters for how easily the car can be started or modified.

“ANF” is referenced alongside VATS as part of the car’s systems that show up in the 1986 model year. Without the full spelled-out term in the transcript, it’s best treated as a specific factory system/feature code that enthusiasts recognize for that year.

The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV that’s known for comfort, space, and a high-end feel. It often comes up in discussions because it’s a flagship-style vehicle in its brand lineup. The podcast mentions it alongside “Ford or Cadillac,” suggesting a comparison of big, mainstream luxury options.

Limited production means only a relatively small number of vehicles were built. When a car is limited-production—like the first-generation Viper discussed here—it usually means fewer cars exist today, which can make parts sourcing and availability more difficult.

“Door gank” is enthusiast slang for getting your car’s door damaged by someone opening their door into yours (often called a “door ding”). The speaker is describing the kind of parking anxiety that comes with owning a car you care about.

Wheel diameter (like 16-inch) strongly limits the tire sizes you can buy. If a wheel size is uncommon, it can be hard to find good replacement tires, which is what the speaker is complaining about.

“14s” and “13s” refer to quarter-mile elapsed times in seconds (e.g., 14.0s or 13.0s). The speaker is using it to talk about how certain tire sizes and availability tend to be tied to what people run in that performance range.

“Engine and trans” is shorthand for the powertrain: the engine plus the transmission that sends power to the wheels. In performance discussions, it often implies the car’s drivetrain durability and how much abuse it can take.

The 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS is known for its strong factory manual-transmission setup, and in this segment it’s specifically praised for its gearing. The hosts talk about how its T56 gearbox ratios create very tall overdrive gears, which can drop engine RPM at highway speeds.

Gear ratios describe how many times the engine turns for each rotation of the wheels (via the transmission and final drive). Different gear ratios can make a car feel stronger in some gears while also changing cruising RPM and how quickly it reaches higher speeds.

Final drive ratio (often discussed as the ring-and-pinion ratio) is the gearing in the differential that multiplies torque to the wheels. The segment references “four 10 rears,” meaning a rear axle ratio around 4.10:1, which strongly affects RPM in every gear.

First gear ratio determines how much mechanical advantage the car has when starting from a stop. Here, the hosts mention a “266 first gear,” implying a relatively tall/short ratio choice that still lets the car move out strongly through the lower gears.

“Building a combination” here means matching drivetrain and transmission features to achieve a specific balance—like shift feel, efficiency, and drivability. The hosts are discussing how different transmission/overdrive approaches were compromises rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

“Load sensing” is a transmission control strategy where the gearbox uses engine load (how hard the engine is working) to decide when to shift or when to allow overdrive. That’s why the host mentions it alongside the shift feel—load sensing can make engagement smoother and more context-aware.

The phrase “does this one run?” is a shorthand for a basic but crucial question in car buying and event prep: whether the vehicle is operational and can start and drive as expected. It highlights that, beyond looks or promises, the real test is whether the car actually runs reliably.

A transmission is the gearbox system that changes engine speed and torque so the car can accelerate smoothly and drive efficiently. In the context of this episode, they’re discussing transmission work as a common “worst project” category.

The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine American sports car from Pontiac that’s known for being a relatively small, DIY-friendly platform. In this segment, the hosts mention a Pontiac Fiero transmission project, which highlights how sourcing parts can be difficult when a specific drivetrain component is hard to find.

A transaxle is a combined gearbox and differential unit used in some front-wheel-drive and mid-engine layouts. Because it packages the transmission with the final drive, it affects how power is routed and what parts are interchangeable across similar drivetrains.

Transverse describes an engine/transmission layout where the powertrain sits sideways in the engine bay. It’s often paired with front-wheel drive packaging, which is why the hosts compare it to transaxle setups and part compatibility.

Synchronizers (in a manual transmission) help match gear speeds so you can shift smoothly without grinding. When people rebuild or swap transmissions, synchronizers are key wear/fitment parts that may or may not be compatible between different transmissions.