The Ideal SEMA Build, An Impossible Debate, Confidently Buying Sight Unseen | Episode 1,020
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts recap their recent trip to SEMA, sharing insights on the wild builds and innovative concepts they encountered. They debate the future of electric trucks like the Ford Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV, highlighting their sales struggles. The episode also features a fun segment where the hosts imagine their ideal SEMA builds, showcasing their creativity and automotive passion. With a mix of humor and technical analysis, this episode offers a unique perspective on the current automotive landscape and the excitement of custom builds.
SEMA
"Welcome back to the podcast everybody happy Tuesday, and we have to debrief because we went to SEMA. And and and I want to set the stage here. We go to SEMA every single year"
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies show off new parts and custom cars. It's important for people who love cars and want to see the latest trends.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing aftermarket automotive products and custom vehicles. It's a major event for automotive enthusiasts and manufacturers to display innovations and trends in the industry.
Ford F150 Lightning
"Lightning the F-150 lightning because only about 23,000 examples have been sold as of September 2025 Ford may be considering abandoning this it is the worst selling Ford..."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a fully electric truck that is part of Ford's F-150 lineup. It's designed to be environmentally friendly while still offering the utility of a traditional pickup.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup truck. It represents Ford's commitment to electric vehicles (EVs) and aims to compete in the growing EV market.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"...anytime we talk about manufacturers moving away from EVs we get emails. We I'm sure we'll get one now..."
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Lincoln Nautilus
"...this has sold worse than the Lincoln Nautilus..."
The Lincoln Nautilus is a fancy SUV made by Lincoln, which is a luxury brand. It's designed to be comfortable and has many nice features.
The Lincoln Nautilus is a luxury midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a range of high-end features. It is designed to compete with other luxury SUVs in the market.
Ford Mustang
"...The Mustang at 32,000 so far this year, which has never been a big seller..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and cool design. It's been around for a long time and is a symbol of American cars.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American sports car known for its performance and iconic design. It has a strong following and is often celebrated for its powerful engines and sporty handling.
Ford F-150
"...I think regular F-150s sell about 23,000 in a few days..."
The Ford F-150 is a large truck that many people use for work and personal use. It's known for being strong and able to carry heavy loads.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States for decades. Known for its versatility and capability, it is popular among both commercial users and everyday consumers.
Ford Mustang GTD
"...hey going what is Ford doing? I mean besides the Mustang GTD What's the the newest coolest latest Ford produc..."
GMC Sierra EV
"...vy sold less than 10,000 Selber auto EVs and The Sierra EV is about 6,000. So I mean, that's not good number..."
GM
"...that's all these trucks do. Yeah, GM is reconsidering things..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars and trucks. They are looking into how to make more electric vehicles in the future.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac. The company is currently exploring the future of electric vehicles and their production strategies.
Volkswagen
"Of course Volkswagen still doesn't really know who they are."
Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars, like the famous Beetle.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf.
recall
"they're doing a recall causing problems causing engines to not start..."
A recall is when a car company tells people to bring their cars back to fix a problem that could be dangerous or cause issues.
A recall is when a manufacturer asks owners to return a vehicle to fix a safety or performance issue, often due to defects found in the vehicle.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"I mean we've had Piero's in space...the Land Cruiser you can put more people in..."
The Land Cruiser is a big SUV made by Toyota that can drive off-road and is very tough and reliable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability, often used in rugged environments.
twin turbo V6
"...anything with that twin turbo v6..."
A twin turbo V6 engine has two small turbines that help the engine produce more power while using less fuel.
A twin turbo V6 engine uses two turbochargers to increase power output and efficiency by forcing more air into the engine's cylinders.
Lexus Gx
"...that's Lexus LX Lexus GX anything with that twin turbo v6..."
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV that is built for both comfort and off-road driving, making it a versatile choice for many drivers.
The Lexus GX is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner.
FCP Euro
"For nearly 40 years FCP Euro has been an industry-leading supplier of genuine original equipment and OEM parts and performance upgrades for European cars. That means BMW Audi Volkswagen Mini Mercedes Volvo Porsche and even sob."
FCP Euro is a company that sells parts for European cars. They offer both original parts and upgrades to improve performance.
FCP Euro is a well-known supplier specializing in genuine original equipment and aftermarket parts for European vehicles. They provide a wide range of parts and performance upgrades for various brands.
Audi
"That means BMW Audi Volkswagen Mini Mercedes Volvo Porsche and even sob."
Audi is another German car brand that makes high-quality luxury cars with lots of technology and performance features.
Audi is a premium automotive brand from Germany, recognized for its advanced technology, luxury features, and performance vehicles.
oil filters
"They offer a lifetime replacement guarantee on everything including consumables like brake pads, wiper blades and even oil filters buy a replacement send back the old one and receive a credit for the full amount for your sob."
Oil filters are parts that clean the engine oil so that the engine can work properly without dirt and debris.
Oil filters are components that remove contaminants from engine oil to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
brake pads
"They offer a lifetime replacement guarantee on everything including consumables like brake pads, wiper blades and even oil filters buy a replacement send back the old one and receive a credit for the full amount for your sob."
Brake pads are parts of a car that help it stop by pressing against the wheels when you brake.
Brake pads are essential components of a vehicle's braking system that apply pressure to the brake rotors to slow down or stop the vehicle.
wiper blades
"They offer a lifetime replacement guarantee on everything including consumables like brake pads, wiper blades and even oil filters buy a replacement send back the old one and receive a credit for the full amount for your sob."
Wiper blades are the parts of a car that wipe rain and snow off the windshield so you can see better when driving.
Wiper blades are components of a vehicle's windshield wiper system that help clear rain, snow, and debris from the windshield for better visibility.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"Be free with the photo taking at SEMA because you never know what you're going to see and from 2002 2003 the Mercedes e-class you remember that car just a nice Button-down business sedan is now a safari off-roader. Everything needs to be a safari off-roader. Yes, it does"
GMC Safari
"... just a nice Button-down business sedan is now a safari off-roader. Everything needs to be a safari off-r..."
Toyota Prius
"... years And that is I wanted Toyota to build a GR Prius. Yes They didn't they still haven't instead. The..."
ECU
"Reprogram the ECU because at the time attack car it needs bursts of all of the energy for a lap"
The ECU is like the brain of the car's engine, helping it run smoothly by controlling how much fuel and air go in.
The ECU, or Engine Control Unit, is the computer that manages engine performance by controlling various parameters such as fuel injection and ignition timing.
Subaru BRZ
"...able. So GR Prius, but instead they did it to the BRZ or the BZ which Okay, this just feels like okay ..."
Toyota Camry
"and then moving on to the Camry GTS we drove the first or the new Camry the furth..."
horsepower
"So the power hasn't changed still 232 horsepower"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, affecting a vehicle's performance.
piston front brakes
"But what they have done is add eight piston front brakes and it's about suspension and chassis tuning. So breaking power suspension chassis tuning, but GTS from Porsche, you know being the best balance between street and track use"
Piston front brakes are a type of brake system that uses several small pistons to squeeze the brake pads against the wheel. This helps the car stop more effectively, especially in sports cars.
Piston front brakes refer to a braking system where multiple pistons are used to apply pressure to the brake pads, improving braking performance and heat dissipation. This setup is often found in high-performance vehicles to enhance stopping power.
Porsche GTS
"So breaking power suspension chassis tuning, but GTS from Porsche, you know being the best balance between street and track use. That's what they've done to a Camry."
The Porsche GTS is a sportier version of Porsche cars that is designed to perform well both on the road and on the racetrack. It usually has more power and better handling than regular models.
The Porsche GTS is a high-performance variant of the Porsche lineup, offering a balance between everyday usability and track capabilities. It typically features enhanced power, handling, and braking systems compared to standard models.
all-wheel drive
"Well on the now all-wheel-drive too. So the yeah, that's an option. So anyway, yeah, then let's get into some crazy stuff"
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather or off-road.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability in various driving conditions. This is particularly beneficial for off-road or inclement weather driving.
lifted EV
"...I wanted to see a Something an EV that has been dune buggyed modified off-road..."
A lifted EV is an electric vehicle that has been raised higher off the ground. This makes it better for driving on rough terrain or gives it a more aggressive look.
A lifted EV refers to an electric vehicle that has been modified to have a higher ride height, often for off-road capability or aesthetic purposes. This modification can enhance ground clearance and approach angles for off-road driving.
Tesla Model Y
"...it and and shortly after saying that We saw this Model Y up on a lift on huge suspension and actually jack..."
Jeep Comanche
"...was it the Comanche but they made like an even after that they made like an X..."
The Jeep Comanche is a small pickup truck made by Jeep in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The Jeep Comanche is a compact pickup truck produced by Jeep from 1986 to 1992, based on the Cherokee SUV platform. It is known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
straight piped exhaust
"I noticed the exhaust is straight piped and it exits... So as cool as this looks the exhaust exiting"
A straight piped exhaust means there are no mufflers to quiet the sound, making the car much louder. It can also help the car perform better by letting exhaust gases escape more easily.
A straight piped exhaust system eliminates the muffler and other components, allowing exhaust gases to flow freely. This typically results in a louder exhaust note and can improve performance by reducing back pressure.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
"The best El Camino the best Monte Carlo SS El Camino that has ever been seen ever existed slammed body work..."
The Monte Carlo SS is a sportier version of the Monte Carlo, which is a car known for its stylish look and good performance. It's popular among fans of classic American cars.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is a high-performance version of the Monte Carlo, known for its sporty design and powerful engine options. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often associated with American muscle cars.
slammed
"I hope it's on airbags so they can actually get it up off the floor and drive it somewhere because it's pretty much slammed to the floor..."
When a car is 'slammed', it means it has been lowered close to the ground. This makes the car look cool but can make it harder to drive over bumps.
'Slammed' refers to a vehicle that has been lowered significantly, often for aesthetic purposes or to improve handling. This modification can enhance the car's appearance but may affect ride quality and practicality.
Delorean DMC-12
"... wise This is like you cross an El Camino with a DeLorean and then painted it purple. It has DeLorean style..."
Chevrolet El Camino
"...there. They're listed a bunch of ways behind this El Camino Was peak SEMA for me"
Aston Martin Dbs
"...ken by Larry Chen and starting off with the 1971 Aston Martin DBS by ring brothers The engine is a Wegener Motorsp..."
Ferrari Ff
"... because this is crazy to say you think about the Ferrari FF Was their shooting brake thing that was all-whee..."
Porsche 911
"300 300 400 grand probably for you actually get one maybe a little less at this point Yeah, and then the Dakar 9-11 was every bit of a half mil Yeah, those are making less now you're spending you're spending less than that for your v12 Ferrari off-road"
Nissan 300
"...u and That is I'm going to start with my beloved Nissan 300 ZX Oh, I got a picture up right now of one from ..."
Nissan Juke
"...ke they did remember when they did the the Nissan juke with the GTR motor and Half of the motor was und..."
Mazda Miatas
"Every car I've seen that wheel on I like the car better To a to a car any hatchback miata's the FRS every time I've seen that wheel It looked better. So what's the custom version of that wheel to fit this Nissan Z car?"
Chevrolet C8
"...ooth touring I'm thinking about how awesome that C8 we had was Okay. Yeah, when you put that thing i..."
Acura Nsx Acura
"...ere's a great waterfall. It's very similar to the NSX Acura the original first in a sex There's a great wate..."
Subaru Brats
"...is Pastrana's new Jim Cona car. I've talked about brats for years I wanted to do some sort of brat cooln..."
Toyota Celica
"...ear's the 2024 SEMA show when they introduced the Celica concept So here's Toyota already doing this"
Porsche Cayman
"...hought well what I want is a safari eyes or rally Cayman as it turns out Our friends at FCP euro have don..."
Honda Prelude
"...Which includes a lot of Hondas like an 84 CRX 87 prelude si 92 civic hatch Oh cool, 1990 Toyota Celica GT"
Honda Civic
"... a lot of Hondas like an 84 CRX 87 prelude si 92 civic hatch Oh cool, 1990 Toyota Celica GT"
Chevrolet Camaro
"...o with you. It was just fun. Yeah, oh three 350 z Camaro SS His only V8 actually as he mentioned in spite..."
Nissan 350 Z
"...g to do with you. It was just fun. Yeah, oh three 350 z Camaro SS His only V8 actually as he mentioned i..."
Porsche Boxster
"...t 2010 SS. What else 20 2007 Z4 M He's had an 04 Boxster S Fiat 500 turbo and now an 07 Pontiac solstice ..."
Fiat S Fiat
"...S. What else 20 2007 Z4 M He's had an 04 Boxster S Fiat 500 turbo and now an 07 Pontiac solstice GXP whi..."
Pontiac Solstice
"...04 Boxster S Fiat 500 turbo and now an 07 Pontiac solstice GXP which is very interesting because he's kind ..."
Shelby Cobra
"Tribute 427 Cobra, so he's going to build the kit that is the car t..."
Buick Grand Sport
"... you could because that has a removable top panel grand sport. That's a grand sport I showed a grand sport bec..."
Dodge Viper
"...Okay, super wild card. That just made me think of viper for $60,000. It's the that is the modern cobra mo..."
Honda Civic Type-R
"...ooked at e 92 m3s He's looked extensively at the civic type r multiple generations of the caiman c5 and c6 gene..."
Porsche Panamera
"... first glanced at this photo. I thought is that a panamera? So it just yeah, they've gotten big"
Toyota Supras
"Go for it. You could certainly go there The supras is being overlooked here The supras if you're lo..."
Jaguar F Type
"...go there agreed one of my wild cards is this The jaguar f type that's pretty taken photos of it's pretty get any..."
Hyundai Accent
"... good driving cars You're wanting a fun commuter accent on commuter You're not out tracking. Mm-hmm. Thi..."
Ford Fiesta ST
"He owned A fiesta st that he loved until it was gone due to a drunk dr..."
Chrysler PT Cruiser
"...pretty much anything from that area, you know the pt cruiser era the chevy hhr Actually is the same designer ..."
Bugatti Veyron
"...seshoe shape. Yes Well, look over on the begatti veyron and the begatti shiron That also has a horseshoe..."
Alpine 110S
"...t's not lean too far into the retro thing whereas alpine 110s it harkens back. Yeah, but it's not full retro I..."
Lucid Gravity
"...because the reality is you get a higher center of gravity The cars just get far worse to drive, but you ca..."
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
"...t's back with original rod bearings Aston martin v8 vantage after the warranty ends ims bearing still on your..."
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