TMCP #653: Ask Rick – Leno’s Law, The Future of the Collector Car Hobby, and Rick’s Summer Car Challenge

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American performance coupe/convertible known for its V8 heritage and wide aftermarket support. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a “new American performance car” whose sales volumes are being discussed.

This refers to the legal and regulatory ability for owners to change or “modify” their vehicles—such as swapping parts or tuning—without losing legal protection. The segment frames it as a potential policy risk that could limit the collector and enthusiast aftermarket.

“Government regulations” here means rules set by regulators that automakers and repair/parts ecosystems must follow. The host suggests these rules—not automakers’ desire—are what drive constraints on repair and parts availability.

A muscle car is typically a U.S. performance car from the 1960s–early 1970s known for a big engine and strong acceleration. The host contrasts it with a hot rod, implying the giveaway car is more about custom classic-car culture than the classic muscle-car formula.

A hot rod is a modified older car—often from the 1920s through the 1950s—built for style and performance. The key idea is that it’s not meant to be stock; it’s typically customized with upgrades to make it drive and look better than it did when new.

“Pre-1964 era cars” refers to vehicles built before the mid-1960s, which often includes early postwar designs and classic U.S. styling. Collector preferences can vary a lot by era because the driving feel, parts availability, and restoration/customization culture differ.

The 1940 Ford is a classic-era Ford coupe that’s being discussed here specifically as a hot rod build. In collector culture, a “hot rod” usually means a pre-1960 car modified for modern performance and style rather than kept stock.

Moonshine runners were bootleggers who transported illegal alcohol, often using modified cars designed for speed and evasion. In car culture, the term is used as inspiration for stealthy, rugged builds that look period-correct but are engineered to perform.

Blackwall tires have a plain black sidewall (as opposed to whitewalls or raised-letter styling). They’re often chosen for a more period-correct, subtle look on classic-inspired builds.

Pinion steering is a steering system where a small gear (the pinion) meshes with a larger gear to convert steering wheel rotation into steering movement. It’s often used in performance and custom builds because it can feel more direct than older steering designs.

Coilovers are adjustable suspension units that combine a coil spring and shock absorber in one package. In this context, “ride deck coilovers” are part of a custom suspension setup used to control ride height and handling balance with the rest of the chassis geometry.

A four-link setup is a rear suspension arrangement that uses four control arms to locate the rear axle. It helps control axle movement under acceleration, braking, and cornering, improving traction and stability compared with simpler linkages.

“Disc brakes at all four corners” means each wheel has a disc brake, rather than using drums on some wheels. This typically improves braking consistency and heat management, especially for performance driving.

TCI is an aftermarket manufacturer known for chassis and suspension components for hot rods and restomods. A “TCI chassis” typically means the car uses a purpose-built frame designed to accept modern suspension and driveline setups.

“L.S.” here is shorthand for an LS-series V8 engine family (commonly the GM LS platform). In the hot-rod world, LS swaps are popular because they’re compact, powerful, and have huge aftermarket support.

The Cadillac V8 mentioned is an early-1950s GM V8 design that became a favorite for hot rodders because it offered strong power potential for its era. The speaker specifically points to the 331 overhead valve V8 introduced for 1949, which is a key performance foundation for the build they describe.

The “331 overhead valve V8” is a specific Cadillac V8 displacement (331 cubic inches) using an overhead valve (OHV) layout. OHV engines place the valves in the cylinder head and use a cam-in-block with pushrods, which was a common design for strong low-to-midrange power in that era.

Ross Racing Engines is a performance engine builder referenced as the shop that helped create the upgraded Cadillac V8. The name matters because it signals this wasn’t a stock rebuild—specific internal parts and machining were sourced/installed for performance.

Tony Lombardi is identified as the veteran engine builder (at Ross Racing Engines) who worked on the Cadillac V8 build. In enthusiast circles, the builder’s reputation and specific parts choices are often as important as the engine’s base model.

A forged crankshaft is made by forging metal under pressure, which typically improves strength and durability compared with many cast cranks. In high-power builds, a forged crank helps handle higher cylinder pressures and stresses.

Forged aluminum pistons are pistons made from forged (pressure-formed) aluminum, which generally provides better strength and heat tolerance than many cast pistons. They’re commonly used when building engines for higher boost or higher rpm.

A camshaft controls valve timing and lift, which strongly affects how an engine makes power. A “custom ground cam” means the cam profile was specifically tailored (ground) for the engine’s intended airflow and powerband.

Valve covers are the housings that protect the top of the engine and cover the valvetrain area. “Custom machine” valve covers indicate they were fabricated to fit the specific build and likely match the look of original stamped covers while accommodating upgraded components.

A “blower” is a supercharger that forces more air into the engine to increase power. A “craggler blower” refers to a specific blower type/brand style used in vintage hot rodding, and it’s being modified here to work with the rest of the forced-induction setup.

A supercharger is a forced-induction device driven by the engine (typically via belts/gears) that compresses intake air. Compressing air allows more oxygen into the cylinders, enabling higher power when paired with the right fuel and engine calibration.

Stromberg carbs refers to carburetors made by Stromberg, a well-known name in classic performance. The speaker says the EFI throttle bodies are modeled after Stromberg carb shapes/behavior, which is a common way to blend vintage look and drivability with modern fuel control.

Auto Trend EFI is referenced as the source for throttle bodies used in the engine’s fuel/air system. EFI (electronic fuel injection) setups often require compatible throttle bodies and calibration to work correctly with forced induction.

Throttle bodies are air-control valves (one per bank or per cylinder group) that regulate how much air enters the intake. In EFI systems, throttle bodies work with the ECU to meter airflow precisely, which is especially important on forced-induction engines.

An ECU (engine control unit) is the computer that manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters. A “Holley ECU” indicates the build uses Holley’s aftermarket engine management, which is common in custom forced-induction engines because it supports tuning.

An MSD distributor is an ignition component that distributes high-voltage spark to the correct cylinder at the right time. MSD is known for performance ignition parts, and pairing an MSD distributor with an ECU is common in custom builds to improve spark control under boost.

An alternator is the charging system component that generates electrical power to run the car’s electronics and recharge the battery. High-output alternators are often used on custom builds with modern EFI, ignition, and additional accessories.

The firewall is the bulkhead between the engine bay and the cabin. “Firewall alternations” means the builder modified that panel—often to route wiring, fit components, or accommodate a different transmission/engine setup.

A transmission tunnel is the raised channel in the floor that houses the driveshaft and transmission components. A “custom trans tunnel” indicates the builder reshaped the floor to fit a different transmission/driveline than the original car used.

Block sanding is a body-shop process where sandpaper is used with a flat block to level and smooth filler and primer surfaces. “Bodywork block sanding” is part of preparing the surface so the final paint finish is straight, uniform, and free of waves.

“LS” refers to the GM LS-series V8 engine family, a popular modern swap in older cars because it’s compact, powerful, and has lots of aftermarket support. The host specifically notes “It doesn't have an LS under the hood,” meaning this build avoids the common LS-swap recipe and keeps the engine bay looking more period.

Tall sidewall tires have more rubber height between the wheel and tread, which can improve ride comfort and give a more classic, “period-correct” look. The host is using this visual detail to explain why the car reads as a 1944 at a glance.

The Alfa Romeo GTV is a classic Italian grand touring coupe known for its stylish design and enthusiast appeal. It’s often brought up in “pro touring” and street-performance conversations because owners like to keep them usable while improving performance and drivability. In the podcast context, it’s being previewed for fans who love the GTV nameplate and the idea of an ultimate streetcar.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a performance sports car built by Chevrolet, famous for its distinctive design and track-capable reputation. It’s frequently mentioned in conversations about “real” sports cars because it’s engineered as a purpose-built performance vehicle rather than a modified-looking body on something else. That makes it a common reference point in muscle-car and performance discussions.

Alignment is the setup of suspension angles—commonly camber, toe, and caster—so the tires track correctly. Proper alignment improves tire wear and steering feel, while poor alignment can cause rapid tire “eating” and instability.

Camber is the tilt angle of a wheel relative to vertical. Negative camber (top of the tire tilted inward) can help grip in corners, but too much can make the tire wear faster and feel worse on the road.

DCTs are dual-clutch transmissions that use two clutches to pre-select the next gear for faster shifts than a traditional automatic. When the host says they were “messing around with DCTs from BMWs,” they’re talking about swapping or adapting that transmission tech to a different project car.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is a major racing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for stock-car events and frequent motorsport testing. It’s a common venue for teams to run development sessions and track learning.

A “bottom groove track” is a racing surface where the fastest and most consistent line is near the bottom (closer to the inside of the turns). Drivers often need to manage tire grip and car balance so they can stay low without losing speed.

In oval racing, “outside” refers to the lane/starting spot farther from the inside line (closer to the outer edge of the track). Depending on track grip and setup, starting or running outside can be harder to keep fast, especially on tracks where the “bottom groove” is preferred.

Hickory Motor Speedway is a short-track oval in Hickory, North Carolina, known for close racing and learning the groove (where the tires grip best). “Historic” here suggests the track has a long-standing reputation in grassroots and late-model racing.

“P1 in practice” means the driver was fastest in the practice session (P1 = first place). Practice is used to learn the track, test setup, and gauge pace before qualifying and the race.

“P3 in qualifying” means the driver qualified third fastest (P3 = third place). Qualifying determines the starting position for the race, though some series use redraws or other rules that can change the final grid.

A “top four qualifiers redraw” is a format where the best qualifiers (here, the top four) are assigned starting positions by random draw rather than by their qualifying times. This can increase variability and makes qualifying performance only part of the starting outcome.

“Leno’s law” is a nickname for California legislation aimed at making it easier for older cars to stay on the road. In this segment, it’s specifically about exemptions from California smog checks for qualifying collector cars.

Smog checks are emissions inspections required in some places to verify a vehicle meets pollution-control standards. California requires them more broadly than many other states, which is why legislation like “Leno’s law” focuses on exemptions for older cars.

Smog check exemptions are legal allowances that let certain vehicles avoid emissions testing under specified conditions. In this segment, the exemption is described as applying to older vehicles, starting with model years beginning at 1981 and eventually extending to 1986.

A “daily driver” is a vehicle used regularly for everyday commuting and errands. The segment notes that the proposed exemption would not apply if the car is treated as a daily driver, implying limited-use eligibility.

A mileage restriction is a limit on how many miles a vehicle can be driven to remain eligible for certain rules or benefits. Here, the host suggests the exemption would include a mileage limit as part of the limited-use requirements.

“Electric cars” are vehicles powered primarily by an electric motor and rechargeable battery instead of a gasoline engine. In the collector-car hobby context, their rise can reduce the number of older gasoline cars being used as everyday transportation.

A “fuel efficient car” is one that goes farther on the same amount of fuel (or, in modern terms, uses less energy per mile). The speaker is tying this to California’s higher costs and taxes, which can push buyers away from older, less efficient classics.

Smog tests are emissions inspections used to measure how much pollution a vehicle produces. In places like California, failing a smog test typically means the owner must repair the car to reduce emissions before it can be legally driven.

“Leno Law” refers to a California policy that exempts certain older vehicles from stricter emissions rules, typically based on age and/or how the car is used. The idea is that older cars contribute relatively little to overall pollution compared with newer vehicles used daily.

Onboard computers are the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs) that manage engine and emissions systems, monitor sensors, and coordinate functions like fuel delivery and diagnostic readiness. For 1990s–2000s cars, these systems can be critical for passing emissions requirements because they control how the car runs and how it reports faults.

“Emissions products” refers to parts used to control a car’s exhaust pollutants, such as catalytic converters and related hardware. In restoration discussions, it usually means keeping or re-installing the emissions equipment so the car can be driven or displayed with the correct emissions setup.

“Concor” appears to refer to concours judging—show standards where cars are evaluated for correctness and authenticity. The segment connects concours expectations to emissions equipment decisions, since visible or original-looking emissions hardware can affect judging.

The 1985 CJ7 Jeep is a classic Jeep model known for its simple, rugged design and enthusiast restoration scene. This segment highlights a very specific restoration challenge: getting the exhaust system “exactly right,” which matters for both authenticity and emissions equipment fitment.

In this context, “exhaust” refers to the specific exhaust system components and routing (manifold/downpipe/muffler/catalyst) rather than just the general idea of exhaust gases. The host emphasizes that getting the exhaust “exactly right” can be a major restoration hurdle.

An “aftermarket market” is the industry of parts sold outside the original manufacturer—often to replace worn components or to fit specific restoration goals. Here, it’s specifically about replacement emissions-related parts that restorers can buy instead of hunting for original equipment.

A catalytic converter is an emissions-control device in the exhaust that reduces harmful pollutants by using catalysts to convert them into less harmful gases. For restorations, the exact type and fitment can matter for both authenticity and whether the emissions system works as intended.

A “lift” is a shop hoist used to raise a car so the underside can be inspected. The host mentions it because emissions hardware may be hard to see unless the car is elevated during a show or inspection.

The 1972 Chevrolet Camaro is a classic first-generation “muscle car” that’s become a common restoration target. In collector circles, it’s often chosen because many parts are still available or easier to source than for newer cars with complex electronics.

CAN bus (Controller Area Network) is the in-car communication network that lets modules like the instrument cluster and other electronics talk to each other. When the speaker says the gauges were “can bus,” they’re emphasizing that the cluster is integrated with the car’s computer systems rather than being purely mechanical.

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG is a performance-focused luxury roadster built around a supercharged 5.5-liter V8. It’s notable to enthusiasts because it combines high-output forced induction with Mercedes’ electronics-heavy era—exactly the kind of car that raises questions about long-term repairability of modern systems.

A retractable roof is a convertible-style top that can move between open-air and closed positions. On cars like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, it’s a major mechanical/electrical system, so problems can quickly turn into complex repairs.

“SL 55” refers to the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class with a 5.5-liter V8 (the SL 55 is known for its performance-focused grand-touring character). In this segment, Rick is talking about a specific example with very low mileage and a retractable roof, and how electrical issues can become expensive when key modules are scarce.

“Electrical gremlins” is enthusiast slang for intermittent or hard-to-diagnose electrical problems—often caused by wiring issues, failing modules, or poor connections. These can be especially frustrating on older cars because symptoms may appear unrelated (like cluster problems caused by another installed system).

A radar detector is an aftermarket device that listens for police radar signals and alerts the driver. In this case, Rick says the car had a radar detector plus other electronics installed, and that the installer’s wiring caused major downstream electrical issues.

A laser jamming system is an aftermarket setup intended to interfere with police laser (LIDAR) speed measurement. These systems often require tapping into vehicle wiring, and Rick’s point is that the installation “whacked out the wiring,” leading to later failures like a shorted instrument cluster.

The instrument cluster is the dashboard module that houses the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges/displays. Rick says the car’s electrical problems eventually shorted the instrument cluster, and that replacements are extremely limited—making the car non-driving until a rare part is found.

“New old stock” (NOS) means parts that were manufactured long ago but never sold or installed, so they’re still “new” in packaging. Rick emphasizes that only a handful of NOS instrument clusters exist, which is why the repair becomes a parts-hunt rather than a normal fix.

“Fox body” refers to the Ford Mustang’s 1979–1993 generation, named after the platform code used internally. “Fox body mode” here means the digital instrument cluster can display a classic-style gauge layout to mimic that era’s look and feel.

The Mustang is a long-running American pony car known for its sporty look and wide range of performance and configuration options. In the podcast context, the speaker references “Fox body mode,” which points to a specific driving/visual setup tied to the Mustang’s classic-era styling. It’s discussed because Mustang fans often enjoy recreating or referencing those classic generations in modern driving experiences.

ECM stands for Engine Control Module, the car’s main computer that manages engine and drivetrain functions. The host is arguing that if you try to restore or modify a modern car’s electronics, the new parts must still communicate correctly with the ECM or the car may not run.

In modern cars, “anti theft” refers to electronic immobilization systems that prevent the engine from running unless the correct security authorization is present. The host connects this to the ECM, implying that swapping in “alien” electronics can break the security handshake and stop the car from starting.

“Security issues” in the automotive context usually means vulnerabilities or access-control problems in the car’s electronic systems (including authentication between modules). The host’s point is that modern cars are more locked down, which complicates restoration or aftermarket integration.

Park sensors are ultrasonic (or sometimes radar) sensors mounted on the car’s bumpers that detect nearby objects at low speeds. When you change wiring, modules, or software, the sensors can stop working or behave incorrectly.

Independent repair shops are non-dealer service businesses that diagnose and repair vehicles without being part of the automaker’s dealership network. The debate here is about whether modern software locks and access restrictions make it harder for these shops to service cars.

Collector car insurance is a specialized policy for hobby vehicles that are typically driven less and kept in better condition than daily drivers. It often uses agreed value (or similar valuation methods), may include mileage limits, and can have restrictions on how and where the car is used—so the policy wording matters.

A collector car policy is an insurance policy designed for hobbyist vehicles that are driven far less than normal daily cars. It often includes mileage limits and other rules that reduce the insurer’s risk, which can lower premiums compared with standard auto insurance.

This refers to a 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass, a mid-1970s American muscle/pony-car from GM’s Oldsmobile brand. The Cutlass nameplate is known for its classic styling and for being a common platform for “survivor” cars that still show original condition rather than being fully restored.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a higher-trim version of the Cutlass line, and the 1973 model is part of the early-to-mid 1970s GM “personal luxury/road car” era. The speaker highlights it as an unrestored low-mile survivor—meaning it’s kept original components and condition rather than being rebuilt or cosmetically restored.

An “unrestored low mile survivor” is a collector-car description meaning the car remains largely in its original condition (not professionally restored) and has relatively low mileage for its age. In the collector market, survivors often command attention because they preserve original wear patterns, parts, and authenticity.

Chassis engineering refers to how the car’s structure and suspension systems are designed to control ride, handling, and stability. When enthusiasts praise “chassis engineering” on a specific brand (here, GM), they’re usually pointing to how well the platform handles real-world driving and how balanced it feels.

Air conditioning in a mid-1970s GM car is a comfort feature that many buyers consider a desirable option, especially for cars they plan to drive regularly. In collector terms, original A/C (when present and working) can add to usability and sometimes value.

Power windows are electrically operated window regulators, as opposed to manual crank windows. In older cars, original power-window functionality is often treated as a “nice-to-have” because it reflects higher trim/option content and improves daily drivability.