TMCP #654: Chris Smith – Smitty Built Custom Auto – If You Want To Go Fast, Smitty Can Build It!

Suspension companies rely on real-world testing to validate how springs, shocks/struts, and geometry changes behave under load. Using a skilled driver to push the car and then diagnose failures is a common development approach for performance suspension parts.

ABS (anti-lock braking system) helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. By modulating brake pressure, it lets you keep steering control while braking, which is especially useful when entering corners fast.

Autocross is a timed motorsport event run on a closed course with tight cones and frequent direction changes. Because braking and turning happen repeatedly at lower speeds than road racing, it’s a great place to test suspension, tires, and braking upgrades like ABS behavior.

A road course is a circuit designed for higher-speed cornering and sustained driving, typically at tracks. Compared with autocross, it places more emphasis on braking stability and tire/suspension consistency over longer corners and repeated laps.

The Ford Edge is a mainstream crossover SUV designed for everyday driving, with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than pure muscle-car performance. It’s mentioned in the episode in the context of competitive or “cutting edge” work, suggesting discussion about capability, development, or performance-related aspects. That makes it a relevant example when talking about how modern vehicles are engineered for real-world use.

DCT stands for dual-clutch transmission, a gearbox that uses two clutches to pre-select the next gear. Swapping or using DCT setups (like the ones mentioned from BMW) is often done to improve shift speed and drivability compared with older automatic or manual setups.

"Bolt-on" refers to aftermarket parts that install with basic tools and don’t require major fabrication or engine/transmission removal. In performance circles, it’s often used to describe easy upgrades like intakes, exhausts, or suspension components—though results vary by application.

UMI is an aftermarket performance parts brand commonly associated with suspension and chassis components for classic muscle cars. When a builder lists it alongside other brands, it usually signals a focus on handling and fitment improvements rather than just engine power.

Hotchkiss is an aftermarket suspension brand known for components like control arms, sway bars, and other chassis parts. In a performance build context, it typically points to upgrades aimed at reducing body roll and improving grip.

Art Morrison is an aftermarket chassis and suspension builder/brand, especially known for custom frames and high-quality suspension setups. Mentioning it in a “total cost involved” list suggests the build may include major structural or handling upgrades.

Brembo is a performance brake brand known for calipers and brake systems used on many track-focused cars. In this context, listing Brembo alongside ABS and other brake-related brands implies a braking upgrade aimed at stronger fade resistance and better pedal feel.

Barrett-Jackson is a well-known collector-car auction company and event. Mentioning it in the context of what parts add value suggests the interview will cover how performance upgrades affect resale or auction pricing.

Transmission tuning means adjusting how the gearbox shifts and responds under different throttle and load conditions. On many performance builds, this is done to improve shift timing, reduce unwanted shift behavior, and make the car feel smoother or quicker.

EFI stands for electronic fuel injection, where sensors and a computer control how much fuel gets sprayed into the engine. Compared with older carburetors, EFI can improve throttle response and help the engine run more consistently across different temperatures and driving conditions.

Transmission control refers to the electronic management of how the automatic transmission shifts—when it changes gears and how hard it applies. In modern swaps, the engine computer or a dedicated controller can also coordinate shift behavior with engine load and throttle position.

The Dodge Charger is a long-running muscle car, and “68 and 69 charger” refers to the 1968 and 1969 body styles. In this segment, the speaker is discussing brand-new replacement charger bodies being offered to customers, which is a big deal for restorations and custom builds.

US Car Tool is referenced as the company releasing brand-new 1968 and 1969 Charger bodies “built to order.” The key point is that they’re positioned as a supplier of new sheet-metal body components rather than used parts.

New sheet metal refers to freshly manufactured body panels and metal components, as opposed to salvaged or reproduction parts from older tooling. For classic cars, having “new sheet metal” can reduce fitment headaches and corrosion issues that come with aged panels.

Auto Metal Direct is mentioned as a source for the “catalog of new sheet metal” used to build the new Charger bodies. In classic-car circles, companies like this are known for supplying panel sets and restoration-grade metalwork.

AMD is referenced as a company that “didn’t” offer the same new 1968/1969 Charger body solution. In this context, AMD is being compared to US Car Tool on who supplies new body components.

Licensing here refers to the legal permission required to produce and sell body components that replicate a specific car’s design. The host ties it to “a whole lot of lawyers and exorbitant legal fees,” implying licensing costs can block smaller suppliers.

"Body and white" refers to the car body stage before paint—typically after panels are assembled and aligned, but before the final color coats. In custom builds, it’s the checkpoint where fitment (panel gaps) and structural assembly quality are verified.

A unibody is a vehicle construction where the body and frame are integrated into one structure. That makes the car lighter and stiffer than a traditional separate frame, which matters for how well it handles and how easily it can be built into different configurations.

"Body gapped" means the body panels are set with consistent spacing (panel gaps) between doors, fenders, quarters, and other sheet metal. Tight, even gaps are a key quality indicator for fitment and final appearance.

Chassis stiffening kits add structural bracing to reduce flex in the frame/body. Less flex can improve steering response and stability, especially on cars that will see suspension upgrades or higher power.

Aftermarket suspension refers to suspension components made by companies other than the original manufacturer. Enthusiasts swap these parts to change ride height, handling balance, and adjustability compared with the factory setup.

QA1 is a performance parts brand known for suspension components like shocks, struts, and related hardware used in custom and classic builds. In this context, it’s being referenced as an option for upgrading the car’s suspension.

A "roller" is a car shell or chassis without the powertrain installed—often without an engine and transmission—so it can be built up from scratch. The phrase "semi-decent roller" suggests buying a partially complete project that still needs significant disassembly and metalwork before paint.

A lead additive is a substance added to fuel to improve how an engine runs. In older “legacy” engines, it can help prevent problems caused by modern fuel formulations that don’t include lead.

Leaded gas is gasoline formulated with added lead compounds. Some older engines—especially certain aircraft engines—were built to tolerate or rely on leaded fuel for proper operation.

A turbine engine is a type of powerplant that uses a hot gas flow to produce thrust or shaft power, rather than pistons. In this discussion, it’s contrasted with spark-ignition piston engines for fuel compatibility (like kerosene).

A turbo prop is a turbine engine that drives a propeller, combining jet-like power generation with propeller thrust. The host uses it to explain a potential path for efficient small aircraft power without melting issues.

AOPA News refers to reporting from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. It’s cited here as the source for the turbo-prop development and the Oshkosh-related update.

Oshkosh refers to the EAA AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a major aircraft show where new aviation tech is often demonstrated. The host is looking forward to seeing the regenerative turbo prop there.

Turbo Tech is the company credited with developing the regenerative turbo prop for light airplanes. The host attributes the efficiency improvement to its turbine technology and heat-recovery approach.

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from one fluid or gas stream to another. In this turbine context, it uses exhaust temperature to preheat or reintroduce energy into the combustion process to cut fuel consumption.

A light sport aircraft is a regulatory class of small aircraft designed for simpler operation and lower costs than full-size general aviation. The host uses this category to frame where the new fuel-efficient turbine tech could fit.

The Volkswagen Crafter is a commercial van built for work use, typically used for transporting goods or equipment. It’s mentioned in the episode in a context that sounds related to the kind of vehicles a shop might work on or use, including talk about “carbon” components. That makes it relevant as an example of a practical vehicle that can still be involved in performance or customization discussions.

The checkered flag is the signal that a race has finished. In NASCAR, how it’s displayed (for example, under caution) can affect how laps are counted and how drivers are scored.

In NASCAR-style racing, a “yellow checker” finish means the race is effectively decided using the last completed lap before the caution/incident. That’s why drivers can be scored based on where they were when the field was last officially organized.

The start/finish line is the track line used to mark the official beginning and end of each lap. When a race is interrupted and the field is reset, officials may use the last start/finish line position to determine where the cars line up for scoring and restarting.

The “no mercy rule” is a harsh NASCAR-style penalty policy for drivers who cause wrecks. If you’re responsible for a crash, you can be sent to the back of the field, even if the incident wasn’t intentional.

Qualifying is the session where drivers set their starting positions based on lap times. Even if a driver has strong race speed, poor qualifying can force them to start deeper in the field and face more traffic.

The “pole” is the front starting position for a race, awarded based on qualifying results. Starting from the pole is advantageous because you’re first into the first turn and can control early pace.

NASCAR Cup refers to NASCAR’s top national stock-car series (the premier level of NASCAR competition). Drivers’ career stats like wins and starts are often tracked specifically within the NASCAR Cup series.

A 1956 Chevrolet wagon is a classic small-block-era GM platform that’s commonly hot-rodded and raced. The host notes it ran “12 o’s” (about 12-second quarter-mile times) on Kelly-Springfield tires, highlighting how fast the car was and why it shaped Chris’s gearhead upbringing.

“Small block” usually refers to a compact V8 engine family (most commonly Chevrolet’s small-block V8) known for being lighter and easier to modify than larger engines. In this context, it explains what powered the 1956 Chevy wagon’s fast performance.

Kelly-Springfield is a tire brand. The mention matters because tire choice can strongly affect traction and elapsed time in drag-style performance testing.

A 1967 GMC pickup is a classic, full-size American truck era known for easy customization and a big aftermarket. In the episode it’s used as Chris’s early “first car”/daily-driver while he learned bodywork and car skills.

An “81 Malibu” refers to the Chevrolet Malibu from the early 1980s, and the speaker calls it a “square body,” which is a styling/era nickname for GM trucks and related platforms. Here it’s mentioned as the other car Chris drove to high school, tying his background to classic GM cars.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a flagship luxury sedan known for high-end comfort, quiet refinement, and a very premium ownership experience. It’s significant in a muscle-car-focused podcast because it highlights the variety of cars that can show up in shops and collections, including rare or notable examples. In this episode, it’s mentioned alongside other cars in the context of what was in the shop before work began.

A Chevrolet Camaro from the 1969 model year—one of the most iconic first-gen muscle cars. In this episode, it’s described as a customer build in “phantom green,” which signals a specific factory-style color choice and a classic restoration/customization project.

The “street challenge” is a motorsport-style event format where a car is tested against real-world driving expectations rather than only track-only setups. Here it’s used as the turning point for moving from show-focused builds toward race/track credibility.

Air suspension uses air-filled bags instead of traditional steel coil springs to control ride height. In the episode, it’s brought up as a debated setup for track-style driving—specifically the claim that an air-suspension car “can’t handle it.”

“Air ride” refers to an air-suspension system that uses compressed air instead of traditional springs. It lets the driver raise or lower the car/truck for stance changes, comfort, or clearance, but it can be less ideal for hard track use unless set up carefully.

This is a 1967 GMC truck, and the speaker is using it as an example of how a classic truck can still be driven hard. They mention it had a track-unfriendly setup, but still handled decently thanks to suspension components.

“18s and 20s” refers to wheel diameter sizes (18-inch and 20-inch wheels). Wheel size affects ride comfort, steering feel, and tire sidewall height, which can change how a truck feels on rough roads or during aggressive driving.

A sway bar (anti-roll bar) helps reduce body roll when cornering by linking the left and right suspension. More sway bar stiffness generally improves stability and turn-in, especially on a vehicle that isn’t originally set up for track driving.

A burnout is when the driver spins the tires while the car is held in place (or moving slowly) to heat the rubber and improve traction. It’s common in drag racing and shows, and the speaker describes doing an unusually long one.

Control arms are suspension links that locate the wheels and control how they move through bumps and turns. Upgrading control arms can change ride/handling geometry and improve consistency compared with basic “bolt-on” setups.

Torque arms are suspension links used to control axle movement and manage forces under acceleration and braking. In performance builds, they help keep the rear suspension geometry stable so the car hooks up more consistently.

Traction control is an electronic system that reduces wheel spin when the tires lose grip. It typically does this by cutting engine power and/or applying brakes to individual wheels, helping the car accelerate and stay stable.

The “streetcar pro touring” scene is about building cars that handle like modern performance cars but are still driven on the street. It emphasizes suspension, brakes, and chassis tuning so the car feels composed at speed, not just fast in a straight line.

An “LS engine” refers to General Motors’ LS-family V8s, known for compact size, strong aftermarket support, and easy swapability. In muscle-car and pro-touring builds, they’re popular because they make good power and are relatively straightforward to build and tune.

Yaw is the car’s rotation around its vertical (up-and-down) axis, like the nose swinging left or right. In performance driving, controlling yaw is crucial for staying on the intended line through corners while braking and turning.

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer—parts made by the company that built the car. “OEM stuff” usually refers to stock components, which can be replaced or upgraded with aftermarket alternatives for better performance or fitment.

Bosch Motorsport refers to Bosch’s racing-focused engineering and components used in motorsport applications. In the context of the conversation, it’s used as an example of a high-profile performance brand or system.

Willwood is an aftermarket brake manufacturer known for performance calipers, rotors, and brake kits. The host specifically endorses Willwood for value and fitment across different setups, including larger multi-piston front kits and matching rear kits.

StopTech is an aftermarket brake brand often associated with performance street and track brake systems. It’s mentioned as one of the possible manufacturers someone might ask for when choosing a brake kit.

A “14 inch kit” refers to a brake package sized around a 14-inch wheel/rotor setup, which determines rotor diameter and caliper clearance. Larger rotor and wheel-compatible kits can improve heat capacity and braking consistency for faster driving.

A “six piston” front caliper uses multiple hydraulic pistons to clamp the brake pads more evenly and with higher clamping force. In practice, multi-piston calipers help improve pedal feel and pad contact uniformity, especially under repeated hard braking.

Full floating rotors are designed with a rotor “hat” that can move slightly relative to the rotor friction surface. That floating action helps the rotor manage heat expansion and reduces stress, which can improve durability and reduce brake noise or uneven wear.

IRS (independent rear suspension) cars use a rear suspension design where each rear wheel can move somewhat independently. The host notes that IRS cars may need more rear brake bias (more rear braking) to help the car “dive” and “dig into the track” under braking for better traction and stability.

“Rear brake” here is shorthand for brake bias—how much braking force is sent to the rear axle versus the front. Adjusting rear brake contribution can change how the car transfers weight under braking and how stable it feels while slowing down.

A pro touring car is a streetable performance build that blends modern handling with classic muscle-car style. The goal is usually improved suspension geometry, brakes, and tires so the car can corner and stop like a sports car, not just accelerate in a straight line.

Detroit Speed is an aftermarket performance brand known for suspension and chassis components, especially for classic American cars. In this discussion, it’s presented as the choice when you want a larger wheel size without going to wide-fender modifications.

Speed Tech is an aftermarket suspension/chassis brand commonly associated with upgraded handling setups for classic cars. In this segment, it’s recommended as the route for sharper turning with an 11-inch wheel while avoiding wide fenders.

RideTech is an aftermarket suspension and chassis brand that’s known for complete upgrade systems, including frames and suspension packages. The host compares RideTech chassis builds to other brands and notes that having a full chassis/subframe approach tends to preserve value better than partial upgrades.

A subframe is a structural frame section that mounts to the main body and carries key components like suspension pick-up points. Changing the subframe (or doing a full chassis conversion) can be a major part of a pro touring build because it changes geometry and stiffness more than simple bolt-on parts.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car, and a 1964 Chevelle is especially popular for restomods and custom builds. In this segment, the host describes a 1964 Chevelle that was built with a hacked-together GM chassis and then later made compatible with modern bolt-on performance chassis parts.

“Boxed and narrowed” describes chassis fabrication where the frame rails are boxed (made more rigid by enclosing them) and narrowed to fit the intended wheel/tire and suspension geometry. It’s a common approach in custom builds when adapting a chassis to a specific car or target stance/handling.

A “full chassis” typically means a complete aftermarket chassis system (frame and major suspension mounting points) rather than piecemeal upgrades. The host contrasts full-chassis options across price tiers and mentions different independent-suspension setups within that category.

A front cross member is a structural bar that connects the left and right sides of the chassis/frame at the front. It helps support the front suspension and improves rigidity, which can affect handling consistency.

“No Limit Rob” refers to a specific aftermarket supplier/builder the host credits for chassis components. The host says they used No Limit Rob’s parts on a red truck and calls the result “fantastic,” implying strong real-world performance.

An “IRS chassis” means the truck/chassis is built around an independent rear suspension (IRS) setup, where each rear wheel can move somewhat independently. The host argues IRS improves ride quality and handling, especially compared with simpler rear suspension designs.

“Forward bite” is a traction/handling description meaning how effectively the tires grip and propel the vehicle forward during acceleration. The host ties it to suspension geometry and traction behavior, arguing that some setups provide more usable grip than others.

A four-link is a rear suspension layout that uses four control arms (links) to locate the axle and manage its movement. It’s popular in performance builds because it can be tuned for traction, ride height control, and predictable handling.

The speaker is referring to the Ford Mustang II, a late-1970s Mustang generation known for its compact, more modern-for-the-era suspension compared with earlier Mustangs. In custom builds, the Mustang II front suspension is often swapped or reworked, and the quality of the control arms and geometry matters a lot.

Suspension geometry is the set of angles and mounting relationships that determine how the wheels sit and move—like caster, camber, and toe. Tuning geometry is how builders shape handling and tire contact as the car turns and accelerates/brakes.

Ball joints are pivot joints that allow suspension arms to move through their range while maintaining steering and alignment. In many front suspensions, changing geometry requires repositioning ball joints or their mounting points to keep the suspension working correctly.

Caster is the fore-aft tilt angle of the steering axis, measured from the side of the car. More positive caster generally improves straight-line stability and steering feel, but it can also affect how the car responds in turns.

Center of gravity (CoG) is the point where the car’s weight effectively acts. Where the CoG sits—height and fore/aft position—strongly affects handling balance, how the car transfers weight in turns, and how it feels under acceleration and braking.

The Lucid Gravity is an electric SUV from Lucid, designed to combine EV performance with a more family-friendly, higher-riding body style. It’s relevant to the conversation because the episode discusses how vehicle weight distribution and center of gravity affect handling. That’s especially important when comparing how different cars feel on the road or track.