Stop Calling These Restomods | Zack Klapman (The Smoking Tire)

A restomod is a car that starts life as an older model, but is restored and then modified with modern upgrades. In this episode, the host explains how the term entered the lexicon in the 2010s and was tied to the muscle-car “pro touring” crowd—improving handling, braking, and drivability while keeping the original look.

Pro touring is a style of build focused on making classic cars handle and brake like modern performance cars. The idea is to improve chassis rigidity and suspension/braking so the car can be driven hard on roads and at track events, not just look good.

Subframe connectors are structural braces that tie the front and rear subframes (or unibody areas) together to reduce chassis flex. By stiffening the platform, they can improve steering response and overall stability without changing the car’s exterior shape.

In automotive context, the chassis is the car’s underlying structure that supports the engine, suspension, and body. When the host talks about making the chassis more rigid, they mean reducing flex so the suspension can work consistently and the car handles more predictably.

Gunther Works is a Porsche-focused coachbuilder known for extreme restomods that go far beyond typical “restoration + upgrades.” The host describes builds where the bodywork is carbon fiber, much of the interior is carbon fiber, and the engine is heavily re-engineered from the original shell.

Carbon fiber is a lightweight composite material made from carbon strands woven into a resin matrix. In high-end restomods like the Gunther Works example, it’s used for body and interior components to reduce weight and allow complex shapes.

A hypercar is a top-tier, ultra-high-performance road car category—typically beyond “supercar” in terms of engineering, speed, and exclusivity. The hosts connect the idea of “reimagining” to the way once supercars became extremely fast, designers started asking how they’d reinterpret earlier concepts with today’s technology.

A restomod is a restyled and modernized classic car—usually keeping the original body or design cues while updating key systems for modern drivability. In this episode, the hosts argue that some modern Porsche rebuilds shouldn’t be called restomads because the changes go beyond “restyling,” including major weight reduction and structural modifications.

Gunther Works F26 is a boutique Porsche restomod based on the 911 platform, known for extreme styling and aggressive performance focus. In the segment, the hosts discuss its seven-figure pricing and how it’s built to feel like a true supercar rather than a subtle classic.

“Seven-figure” means the car’s price is in the millions of dollars (e.g., $1,000,000+). The episode uses it to frame Singer and Gunther Works as ultra-boutique builds rather than normal collector-car pricing.

“Horsepower” is a measure of engine power, and “1000 horsepower” implies a very high-output build. The speaker uses it to describe the kind of buyer Gunther Works targets—people who want extreme, intimidating performance.

“Air-cooled” describes an engine cooling system that relies on airflow over the engine rather than a liquid coolant circuit. In Porsche culture, air-cooled engines are a major part of the brand’s identity, and building or upgrading them to extreme outputs is typically very expensive.

The host is describing a “spectrum” of how far restomod builders take changes to a Porsche—ranging from subtle upgrades to extremely radical visual and performance transformations. This frames Singer and Gunther Works as different ends of the customization/engineering intensity scale.

The Lexus LFA is a halo supercar known for obsessive build quality and driver-focused feel. In the episode, it’s used as a comparison point for how a Singer restomod is “attended to” in terms of materials, controls, and overall uniqueness.

Singer Turbo refers to a Singer Vehicle Design restomod built around a Porsche 911 platform, tuned for modern performance while keeping the classic 911 look. In this segment, the host focuses on the steering wheel ergonomics and build quality, using the Singer Turbo as a benchmark for how well the cockpit is designed.

The Audi R8 is a supercar-style sports car known for its performance and exotic look. The podcast notes that it’s “amazing” and mentions Audi partnering with Lamborghini, which points to shared engineering influence in the R8’s design and performance approach. It’s discussed because the R8 is one of Audi’s most performance-focused and enthusiast-recognized models.

The Lamborghini Huracan is a modern Lamborghini supercar known for its sharp performance and distinctive design. The podcast suggests that the Huracan and another car are “basically the same,” implying shared underpinnings or close technical relationships. That kind of comparison matters because it helps listeners understand why certain cars feel similar in driving dynamics.

Residual value is the amount a car is expected to be worth later (often at lease-end, but also in general resale terms). The host argues that cars with more “exotic” branding tend to hold value better because buyers perceive them as rarer or more desirable.

Q3 is an Audi model line (a compact luxury SUV), brought up here to illustrate how Audi’s lineup includes many mainstream vehicles. The host argues that seeing the “four rings” badge and model numbers can make people think of everyday Audis rather than an exotic halo car.

Q5 is an Audi SUV model referenced as part of the “four rings” lineup that feels mainstream. The host’s point is that when a brand has lots of common models, it can dilute the halo impact of a supercar.

The Audi RS 3 is a high-performance compact car that sits above the regular A3 line. In the podcast, it’s referenced as an example of how Audi’s model naming can be confusing—people may see “four rings” and think of other models, but the RS3 is its own performance-focused variant. That’s why it comes up: it’s a quick way to talk about how performance trims are identified.

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan that’s often associated with buyers who want dependable daily transportation. In the podcast, it’s referenced as a “Camry people” type of customer—meaning a common, practical buyer segment. That’s why it comes up in broader car discussions about who buys what and why.

A single-clutch gearbox uses one clutch to connect the engine to the transmission, meaning power delivery is interrupted during shifts. The host contrasts this with more advanced dual-clutch designs, arguing that explaining a complex, niche setup to mainstream buyers is difficult.

A V10 is an engine with ten cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically used in high-performance cars because it can rev freely and produce strong power. The host uses the V10 as part of why the LFA was a hard sell to mainstream buyers.

The Lexus LC 500 is a luxury grand-touring coupe built around a V8 engine and a design that’s meant to look like a concept car. In this segment, the host highlights its styling, V8 sound, and how well it holds value compared with other used cars.

“Five liter” refers to engine displacement—how much volume the engine’s cylinders can move. A larger displacement like this often correlates with stronger low-end torque and a deeper, more muscular sound.

The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and recognizable sound. The podcast mentions a “five liter” Mustang and the idea that the engine “is gonna work forever,” which points to the appeal of a big-displacement V8 experience. It’s discussed as a car that delivers a satisfying feel and character for enthusiasts.

An automatic transmission shifts gears for you using a hydraulic/mechatronic control system, rather than requiring a driver to select gears manually. The speaker is clarifying the LC 500 they’re discussing is not a manual.

A “GT car” (grand tourer) is designed for comfortable, high-speed long-distance driving—often prioritizing smoothness, stability, and effortless cruising over sharp, stop-and-go responsiveness. The host contrasts that with how it feels in town.

The Aston Martin DB9 is a grand touring coupe known for its luxury styling and performance-oriented V12-era character. The podcast references it in the same breath as the DB12, framing them as part of the same family of cars. It’s discussed because the DB9 is a recognizable entry point into Aston Martin’s modern grand touring lineup.

The Aston Martin DB12 is a grand touring coupe in Aston Martin’s DB lineup, positioned as a newer evolution of the brand’s DB concept. The podcast references it alongside the DB9, treating them as part of the same family. It’s discussed because the DB12 represents the modern direction of that style of Aston Martin performance and luxury.

“Grand Tour” refers to long-distance driving where the car is expected to be comfortable, fast enough, and enjoyable over many hours—not just quick in short bursts. The host uses it to compare how different brands prioritize either road-trip usability or track-focused driving feel.

A “manual swap” is when someone converts a car that originally came with an automatic (or another transmission) to use a manual gearbox instead. In this segment, the host says a prior owner manual-swapped an Audi R8, which is a notable modification because it changes how the car drives and how it’s maintained.

Electric power assist (in steering) uses an electric motor to reduce the effort needed to turn the wheel. The host contrasts it with older steering feel, saying they notice steering more after driving newer cars that have refined electric-assisted systems.

A mid-engine layout places the engine near the center of the car, typically behind the front seats and ahead of the rear axle. The host mentions it because mid-engine cars often have a distinct steering feel and balance, which can make steering characteristics stand out more to the driver.

A supercharger is a forced-induction device that uses a belt-driven compressor to pressurize the intake air. That lets the engine burn more fuel and make more power than it would naturally aspirated.

Hydraulic steering uses a pump and pressurized fluid to provide steering assist, which can create a very direct “feedback” feel through the steering wheel. The host argues that electric steering can match or exceed that feel depending on tuning.

“E-Pass” here refers to Porsche’s electric power steering approach, where an electric motor assists steering rather than relying on hydraulic pressure. The discussion compares how electric steering feel stacks up against classic hydraulic steering.

Steering ratio is how much the steering wheel must turn to produce a given amount of front-wheel (tire) angle. If the ratio is too slow, the car can feel lazy and require extra hand movement; if it’s too quick, it can feel twitchy or over-assisted.

In the context of steering feel, “front tire” refers to how the front tires generate the lateral grip and steering response that the driver senses. The host links steering ratio and effort to how the front tires actually turn and load.

An “E-Pass system” in this discussion is shorthand for electric power steering assistance. The host argues that you can’t blanket-claim electric steering is always worse than hydraulic—feel depends on calibration and hardware/software choices.

The Nissan Skyline is a performance-focused car line that’s often associated with enthusiast culture and multiple generations of sports models. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside other cars when discussing early “E-Pass” cars and the R32 era, tying it to a specific timeframe of performance and technology. That makes it relevant as a reference point for how certain features and performance trends appeared across that period.

The Volkswagen R32 is used as an example of an early electric power steering application the host drove. The point is that early electric steering can feel too light and disconnected compared with better-tuned later systems.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car line that’s known for being versatile and widely used. In the podcast, it’s specifically tied to the R32 and the era when certain electronic “E-Pass” features were present in a few cars. That makes it relevant to discussions about how technology and performance trims evolved within the Golf family.

PDK is Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission, designed to shift quickly by pre-selecting the next gear. It’s a major part of why many modern Porsches feel so responsive, which is why the host contrasts it with preferring a manual gearbox.

Water-cooled engines use liquid coolant circulated through passages and a radiator to manage engine temperature. The speaker’s point is cultural and subjective—moving from air-cooled to water-cooled changes the character people expect from Porsche, even if the newer setup can be “pretty good.”

Turbocharged engines use a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, improving power potential and responsiveness. The speaker frames the debate as a recurring “new vs old” argument—naturally aspirated versus turbocharged.

Naturally aspirated engines draw air into the cylinders using atmospheric pressure, without a turbocharger or supercharger. The speaker is contrasting this with turbocharged engines as another “preference ladder” in Porsche culture.

Direct injection is a fuel system where gasoline is sprayed straight into the combustion chamber instead of into the intake port. Because the fuel no longer washes the back of the intake valves, some engines can develop carbon buildup on valve surfaces. It’s one reason modern engines can be both more efficient and more powerful, but it can introduce new maintenance/operating trade-offs.

The Toyota Tundra is Toyota’s full-size pickup, mentioned here as an example of a long-lasting engine family. The host is contrasting Toyota’s reputation for durability with the reality that modern engines are getting more complex due to emissions and efficiency requirements. It’s a reminder that even “proven” platforms can be affected by new technology like direct injection and turbocharging.

The Lexus LS 400 is used here as an example of an older, simpler powertrain that the host considers “bulletproof.” The point is that early designs with fewer sensors and less complexity were easier to keep running reliably than modern, sensor-heavy engines.

Forced induction systems use a device (like a turbocharger or supercharger) to push more air into the engine than atmospheric pressure alone would allow. That extra air typically requires additional cooling and careful control, which adds complexity compared with older naturally aspirated setups.

QC stands for quality control, the processes used to ensure parts and vehicles are built to the required specifications. The host suggests that quality control problems or manufacturing tolerances could contribute to reliability issues in modern, more complex cars.

The BMW 535 is a 5 Series sedan that, in this story, is used to illustrate early direct-injection behavior. The host specifically connects it to the first generation of direct-injected engines in a sedan and describes a drivability issue right away after buying it used.

A direct-injected motor uses direct injection to deliver fuel into the combustion chamber. In this segment, the host is framing it as an early-generation design that later became known for a specific wear pattern on the valves.

Bucking is a drivability symptom where the car jerks or stutters under acceleration rather than pulling smoothly. In this context, the host links it to early direct-injection valve wear and airflow/combustion behavior.

“Coped up” here refers to a machining/contour issue on the valves—specifically the host’s claim that early direct-injection engines were known for valve surfaces getting “coped up” on the backside. That kind of valve wear or surface change can disrupt airflow and combustion, leading to rough running.

In an engine, the intake is the path and components that deliver air (and sometimes fuel) into the cylinders. This segment describes removing the intake and cleaning it as part of a BMW dealership repair approach.

Directed ejection is a technology concept where exhaust gases are routed and expelled in a controlled way to achieve a specific effect—often related to emissions control or thermal management. In this discussion, it’s framed as a major technological step, but the speaker is wary because of their own negative experience with BMW engine-related fixes.

The BMW E39 M5 is a late-1990s/early-2000s high-performance version of the 5 Series, known for its V8 and enthusiast reputation. In this segment, it’s mentioned as having a similar issue to another BMW-related topic, but attributed to a different cause.

The Jaguar XK is a grand touring sports car known for its classic styling and comfortable performance. The podcast mentions writing a “really good review” of a Jaguar XK, describing it positively. That suggests it’s being discussed as a notable, enthusiast-friendly Jaguar model worth paying attention to.

The Mazda MX-5, commonly known as the Miata, is a lightweight, driver-focused roadster designed to be fun and easy to enjoy. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a “shitty Miata” that still made the speaker think anything seemed cool at the time. That highlights how the MX-5/Miata’s simple, accessible driving experience often stands out to enthusiasts.

The Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance 911 variant built around forced induction (a turbocharged engine) and a strong factory power output. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how easy it is for owners to add more power with aftermarket tuning.

“Chip it” is slang for ECU remapping (a software change) that alters engine parameters to increase power and responsiveness. It’s commonly done by tuning shops after the car is purchased, often as a first step before more involved hardware changes.

The Nissan GT-R is a twin-turbo sports car known for strong factory performance and a huge aftermarket tuning ecosystem. Here it’s referenced in the context of extreme horsepower builds (around 900 hp) and how quickly owners can get “bored” of the novelty.

The Lucid Sapphire is Lucid’s performance-focused electric vehicle variant, notable for very high power and rapid acceleration. In this segment it’s used as an example of how launch sensations can become repetitive when you can’t repeatedly access full power safely.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a top-tier 911 variant that pairs turbocharged performance with higher output and track-oriented tuning compared with the standard Turbo. The host uses it to illustrate how owners can end up with huge horsepower they can’t fully exploit in everyday driving.

In performance driving, “throttle” refers to how much you press the accelerator pedal, which directly controls engine torque delivery. The host contrasts using only a small throttle percentage versus going to 100% briefly, showing how power availability changes how long you can stay in the fun zone.

“Up shifts” are gear changes to a higher gear during acceleration, typically to keep the engine in its best power/efficiency range. The host is arguing that with more usable power, you can experience more of the drivetrain’s behavior across multiple gear changes.

The Toyota GR 86 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe designed to deliver “driver feel” more than outright power. Here it’s praised for steering feedback, quick responsiveness, and a satisfying shifter—traits that make it easy to enjoy and learn from at everyday-to-spirited speeds.

The Toyota GR Corolla is a performance hatchback built for enthusiasts who want rally-inspired driving traits. The podcast mentions it as part of a lineup at a big Toyota event, with multiple hot Toyotas parked together. That context makes it relevant because it’s often discussed as a modern, track-capable alternative within Toyota’s performance lineup.

The Toyota Supra is a performance sports car that’s typically stronger on straight-line pace than lighter, more “feel-first” cars. Here it’s contrasted with the GR 86: the Supra is described as faster but heavier and softer, which changes how it feels to drive.

“Torque hold up” refers to a drivability issue where the engine’s torque delivery doesn’t come in as smoothly or promptly as expected. In this context, the speaker says the GR 86 “version two” addressed that problem, implying improved throttle/torque behavior.

A “power band” is the range of engine RPM where the engine makes its strongest, most usable power. The host is saying the newer engine has a smoother, stronger power band than the old one, so it feels more consistent when driving.

The Porsche Cayman GT4 is a track-focused Cayman variant, typically with more aggressive tuning and a stronger emphasis on handling feel. The host says they like the GT4, but admits they don’t personally take their own cars to the track, which pushes them toward the more well-rounded GTS.

The Porsche Boxster is Porsche’s mid-engine roadster sibling to the Cayman, built around the same core layout idea. Here, the host recalls driving a “25th anniversary edition” Boxster and describes how it felt great around town while still being a compelling performance car.

The Porsche Cayman is Porsche’s mid-engine sports coupe, known for balanced handling and a more approachable size than the 911. In this segment, it’s framed as the more realistic “garage” choice because it’s attainable compared to a much more expensive 911 variant.