When is it okay to modify a car? - The Carmudgeon Show - Ep. 32

This week, we ask the million-dollar question: when is it okay to modify your collector car? Or must you keep it stock at all costs?
Turns out, it depends - if your car is a “reference grade” collectible car, its value will be in its originality and correctness. But Derek and Jason discuss many times when it may be okay to modify: when it addresses a fundamental flaw in the car, when the mods are done well, and when the car still functions as designed.
Then there are the cases where someone has changed the fundamental way the car feels or drives, or if the changes aren’t easily reversible. Or if you ever put a turbo on your car (with one notable Hyphen-approved exception.)
The boys agree on one thing: the best modified cars are those that retain their original character, just turned up to 10. Or possibly even 14.
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The Carmudgeon Show is a comedic, information-filled conversation with Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott, two car enthusiasts who are curmudgeonly beyond their years. Proving you don’t have to be old to be grumpy, they spend each episode talking about what’s wrong with various parts of the automotive universe. Despite their best efforts to keep it negative, they usually wind up laughing, happy, and extolling their love for cars. Which just makes them angrier and more bitter.
ISSIMI is an enthusiast-owned, full-service specialist offering sales, consignment, collection management, service, and consulting to discerning enthusiasts and collectors. Specializing in complex transactions that include international services for exceptional cars, ISSIMI’s San Francisco Bay Area and Europe-based teams of experts pride themselves on transparency and knowledge. ISSIMI also produces enthusiast editorial media, including “Spotlight,” “Jason Cammisa on the Icons,” “The Carmudgeon Show,” and “Proper Care & Feeding of Cars.” Some of the vehicles featured in these editorial products, including the subjects in this Spotlight video, may be listed for sale through ISSIMI’s platform. Please check ISSIMI.com for more information.
Jason Cammisa is an automotive journalist, social-media figure, and TV host with over 250 million views on KZbin alone. Jason’s deeply technical understanding, made possible by a lifelong obsession with cars, allows him to fully digest what’s going on within an automobile - and then put it into simple terms for others to understand. Also, a Master’s Degree in Law trained him to be impossible to argue with.
Derek Tam-Scott still tries. He’s a young automotive expert with old-man taste in cars, and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering - which means he knows how to be civil to Jason. Or at least he tries. With a decade and a half’s experience buying, selling, driving and brokering classic and exotic cars, he’s experienced the world’s most iconic cars. And hated most of them.
Don't forget to visit: www.issimi.com/
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[@rs-flamingo]

Gonna listen to this while a drill a huge wing into my daily

[@rashedsasmr6648]

Jack Banh good shit

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

Wing on a daily? Please tell me you haven't installed those "I'm trying too hard bro Motorsportish tire decals" and has a license plate frame with a cheesy F&F quote............

[@ervin7178]

Need more downforce for the drivethru

[@thatcopenguy]

@@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo taking notes, will do this on my next daily 😂

[@firefighterps2]

Prius right?

[@RussellMezger]

I think the key here is the modifications need to be well considered and work together as a whole. The mods should either fix a key flaw, or enhance a key strength.

[@Dtamscott]

Amen

[@aspecreviews]

Agree 100%

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

And critically, should not affect the intended character of the vehicle. It should feel like factory-built and designed by engineers.

[@CJBarbour]

So in 53 minutes I’ve learned that modification is acceptable when it amuses Jason Cammisa and Derek 😂

[@Talynen]

OEM+ and period correct are good. Mods for the sake of mods are bad. LS swap the world as long as you aren't ruining an already good car. Did I miss anything?

[@michaellorenson2997]

Yes, clearly you understand that which is truly important when pondering mods to your vehicle. Simply gain Jason's or Derek's approval, and you are good to go.

[@robl7532]

As long as it is a car I will never own anyway (dreams), then I am good. I hate my dreams.

[@trewebster5884]

Modify your car as you see fit..I see it as an extension of your personality

[@future62]

This is how I see it. Trying to please everyone else is a great way to end up miserable

[@salimshafie5614]

but how do u know if what ure doing is adding up to be what u meant or even what u mean to get is what u truly want? I think if u want sth different u should probably look for it in other cars or don't , it's ur car at the end of the day

[@trewebster5884]

@@salimshafie5614 idk bout you but imma make the best out of what I can afford in my eyes. That's why there's an aftermarket. Make it your own...stock cars are only a certain way till it's not "your own" and definitely if you can't afford it. Some of these companies make cars a certain just so you can have all the options you want to modify

[@trewebster5884]

@@future62 big facts

[@anon5500]

Tre Webster most companies will sell you any amount of crap you want as they are purely making money by selling you said crap (the majority of the time, aftermarket products are junk, if you’re going to modify a car to OEM+ levels it takes a LOT of money to do correctly and not ruin your car, and frankly your money is better spent on a better car to start with.... I’ve worked in the motor trade for well over 20 years nearly 25 just to be around what i love, my daily is the Porsche in my picture because it just works no matter what, in any weather and when things do go wrong it’s actually not as expensive to fix as people think and I only use genuine from the dealer parts, as they made it, and I’ve seen and worked on cars long enough to know cheap parts are cheap for a reason... to me that’s a false economic view, if it’s a genuinely uprated quality part that’s different that’s a bit different but always costs more, but I’d never use some cheap crap “OEM quality” part, only main dealers sell parts designed for the car and often cheaper than “OEM quality” parts... they make one part for the manufacturer and one they sell cheaper as it’s not as good as doesn’t have to go through the same quality checks (I’ve spent a lot of my working life in this field, so I’m not just an internet bellend!🤷‍♂️😂) , I’ve seen the tests personally and that’s why I stick with manufacturer parts only or top level quality aftermarket , my toy that lives in a garage that never sees rain as it’ll fall apart🙈😂 is a 1980’s Ford that is highly modified and I’ve spent 3 times what I actually paid for the car in the beginning, , one thing I’ve tried to always tell customers is just because you throw money at a car, it doesn’t mean you’re actually improving it unless you do it right, and if if it’s not better, change it back, true car people spend a lot on their chosen vehicle and if you get it wrong, change it back, it’s not rocket science, it’s just a car😉

[@ervin7178]

Let’s get an episode on “is reliability overrated”

[@jesselee4405]

Ha! I think the importance reliability of a car is directly related to the age of the enthusiast.

[@puddud4]

Rip

[@puddud4]

This would have been a perfect episode. It's such a common gray area among car enthusiast

[@bilaltariq7819]

If you can work on your own car properly and aren’t doing dangerous shit to it, mod to your hearts desire. I have an r56 mini JCW as one of my toys. Probably one of the least reliable engines in existence but fixing the car when it inevitably breaks is half the fun. Lots of people cant or don’t want to work on their own cars and pay their way through enjoying cars, then reliability becomes an important factor and the generic consumer advice applies.

[@wesleyrice2138]

yes

[@diegoaponte8512]

I still think that the new Alfa Gulia with a 2015 Ferrari California T engine swap would be the king of serious upgrades. That’s the engine it should have had, Ferrari didn’t let it happen. Also, loved the spotlight of the lancia!

[@jasonyoung6420]

I still think the Giulia with a helllcat engine & 6mt would be a freaking hoot - let's FCA the heck out of it!

[@joblodders8947]

@@jasonyoung6420 the hellcat engine is crazy heavy so weight distribution would be ruined, and it doesn't have the character of an alfa

[@dragospahontu]

@@joblodders8947 exactly

[@shiftinggears9842]

Screaming high revs , and small ferrari v8 instead of turbos and chopped off engine, damn ferrari

[@THESLlCK]

@@joblodders8947 but if it dropped and went on sale you would buy it anyway, and no, the hellcat powerplant is not significantly heavier than a twin turbo DOHC V6. Please, do your research

[@blueridgegarage]

Looks like Jason is in love with his Mercedes. When you love something, you'll improve it if it's not perfect. But when you're in love with something, you don't change a thing, even if it's not perfect.

[@leokal457]

Sorry i am from germany and even though im not that bad in english i dont understand the difference between „to love“ and „being in love“. Can you explain it?

[@blueridgegarage]

LeoKal being ‘in love’ is a more profound feeling. When one person is ‘in love’, then it wishes to change nothing about that something or someone.

[@mchristr]

@@leokal457 "In love" is an emotion-based byproduct of a whimsical Western culture. Love is a true commitment to the benefit of another.

[@sarowanes2928]

I remember watching a video about singer (I think it was the Chris Harris piece he did for /Drive) Where Rob says that one of the goals for Singer was to take old 964's that were higher mileage, with an "uncertain future" and bring them back. . .

[@shanavlakaram4919]

Only time to modify your car is when you feel the need to make some changes to suit your ideal vision of what you want the car to be

[@OpenBarGarage]

I like that you said this. This is exactly how I feel about my project. I have an image in my head that I want to bring to life!

[@RaMpArT02]

I'll be listing to the audio version, just came here to like and say thank you 👍

[@RickOAA]

My main focus is handling. Most cars are fast enough going down the road.

[@emmanuelmorales4121]

Derek's back! Yaaaaaas. I love Jason buck Derek really comments his character and both represent the 2 side of every car guys mentality

[@Talynen]

I love that so much of Jason's love of cars comes from the engine. It's a very different experience for me. I'm primarily drawn by looks and suspension/handling characteristics. The one caveat to that is sound. I can't see myself buying a car that I couldn't make sound good.

[@CarToneHK]

I remember seeing Harry's Garage adding electric power steering to cars with no power steering so he could park them easier, now that's a good reason to mod a car. His Espada rebuild engine is also tastefully improved

[@alexmartinez280]

Agreed. The Ferrari Daytona would benefit greatly from this mod. Ironically the prior model the Daytona replaced had power steering so maybe factory parts can be used if aftermarket leaves a bad taste in the owners mouth.

[@nikhildrao227]

My dudes please do an episode on how the world wars led to the creation of basically the best car marquees

[@alexmartinez280]

And best car technologies

[@curtislovrak5390]

I modified my brother’s 2.5rs with a jdm turbo motor. Those cars are becoming increasingly rare in good preserved condition, but the whole persona of a vintage Impreza is to make rumbly Choo choo sounds like mcrae so to me it’s justified.

[@Talynen]

Yeah, that falls under their 'the factory did it so it's okay' clause. The early 2 door STIs had turbo engines in them, for example. I don't think many people aspire to own a stock 2.5 RS, but instead buy them because they look like the more powerful versions.

[@Carreraboy911]

I just love...LOVE engine noises that Jason makes lol 😆 and it's funny cause I went thru all the cars he owns.. Ps I've did s50, s52, euro s50b30 and euro s50b32 swaps into e30s but I don't agree that turbocharging m20s is no Bueno, I have 325ix awd that is turbocharged and it's so much fun!

[@bogosian.]

Thanks for not ending the episode 51 minutes earlier.

[@StefanoMaggio]

you should do a full Alfa episode, i would like to know what you guys think of Alfaholic's GT. i think ( not that ive driven one) those retain the visceral experience they deserve

[@Kalepsis]

I'm actually pretty libertarian on this issue; it's ok for anyone who owns a car to modify it, as long as it doesn't endanger other drivers. You want to paint your Honda Civic rose gold, make it sound like a broken lawnmower and make it ride like it has Fred Flintstone's stone wheels? Go for it. But no one will buy it from you.

[@eldolarescaro676]

Based

[@francoisg3500]

Do love this podcast! Look forward to watching it later!

[@nickallain]

I was talking with a friend about Jason's VW's. What I told him was that as much as I love his cars, they set the bar so high that it would be depressing to buy a scirocco in pursuit of having something on the level of what Jason had been dedicated to thinking through for decades.

[@BilalMalek]

Jason, you mentioned LS Swap Miatas, what are your thoughts on the LS Powered ND, by Flyin’ Miata.

[@Turshin]

I likey

[@OaksCU1]

I wanna see someone LS swap a Tesla.

[@chompeyboy]

12 mins in and i'm really enjoying this Jason, might have to tune in more often now.

[@OpiceSF]

The Vitaloni mirrors on my Alfa could be tightened up with a hidden screw if you took it apart (so long as the plastic hadn't cracked).

[@karacop78]

I'd say an Alfaholics GTV, without carbon stuff and fuel injection. Just strengthened and widened chassis, modern brakes and suspension, and a carburetted engine with around 200 hp, probably a 2.3 lt. And thank you guys for one more great video..

[@Hbrady22]

Love the podcast!

[@39PSIOnTheDaily]

It’s okay to modify a car one of three ways: • Modify with rare, OEM parts. • Modify with rare, subtle, period correct, rare and high end parts • Modify with new, subtle, high end parts Anything else won’t age well, probably won’t perform well, and will only decrease the value.

[@luiscouto6543]

A subject very near and dear to me,., my 2 decades of collecting my cars and some small to big mods but mostly keeping them stock I have alot of appreciation for this topic

[@mrkkiani]

Next time you need a odd plastic or rubber part let me know and I'll model it and print it for you in Berkeley. I'm the guy with the blue e46 Alpina styled wagon.

[@DucDucSTFU]

Do you have a built thread somewhere? We all could use more wagon pics.

[@jameswhitehead6758]

LS > BMW V8. The biggest benefit IMO (outside of it just works vs. the BMW that's always broken) is that you can fit the LS into a 6 cylinder car so you get the rack & pinion steering. Recirculating ball steering gears are GARBAGE in a sporting car.

[@Emily1963eh]

This, as soon as the guides go in my 540, they ain't getting fixed, but the E39 platform is sublime.

[@alexmartinez280]

The S65 is on another level to a LS. How it works in a swap is not a factor in how good an engine is. Bespoke engines are awesome now and even more so in the future.

[@jwhite7621]

Had a Solstice with the 2.5 liter that I put an Eaton supercharger on. Long tubes and custom exhaust finished it out. Loved that car.

[@TheLambo123254]

great episode

[@SuperBad850]

The taillights on my old 1979 Lancia Beta were also used on early 80's Ferrari's. The 90's Ducati SS Motorcycles used the Vitaloni mirrors too.

[@zishansyed8905]

I feel like I'm already going to agree with all of your views on mods, so I liked the vid even before watching! -Edit- Now that I've finished watching, I can confirm that I more or less agree with everything you guys said. I will note that I have never driven a 964, Singer or otherwise, so until i have the experience that you guys do- I'll continue to lust after Singer 964s! Oh, and I'm not a fan of LS swaps at all.

[@nbmaheswara]

THIS CAME EARLIER THAN USUAL! Yesss

[@stantaur3]

Spot-on & supported by restomod movement in past couple of years' auctions. Reversible updates "fix deficiencies without ruining the ethos" for cars that just needed a little optimization. Applies to our orig owner matching-numbers '69 Z/28 with Tremec 5 speed, Hotchkis springs/shocks/swaybars, re-valved steering (Cayman S weighting/effort, 12.7:1 ratio), Del-A-Lum bushings, 245/275 17" CCWs, and visually identical 530 HP pump-gas small block (stored orig DZ engine in a crate). Perfect for Sat AM drives through the twisties. Same approach on our '07 S2000 w/2-way adj Motons, 700/550 springs (20mm lower than stock), 255 RE-71Rs F/R, 218 RWHP w/ECU tuned to bring VTEC in at 3800 (instead of 6000) making the powerband perfectly linear and boosting midrange torque of the 2.2L. Both cars are visceral, engaging and "the best version of themselves" to drive. We never nibbled any metal & kept all orig parts in a crate which next owner gets for $1... but the cars are so fun to drive I don't see a need to sell anytime soon. Thus, these kinds of edits even benefit the environment by letting you enjoy the car (rather than just looking at an ill-handling perfect auction car) without needing to buy something more modern to drive. Keep up the great work guys.

[@NoahBB]

Jason, not sure if you have seen it but "Auto Quest Motorsports" has a shorter final drive offering for the 981 Cayman GT4 and all the other cars using the same transmission. It moves the shift points lower by 10, 16, 22, 27, 33 mph (all the figures on their website). The piece itself is only $2600 but there would probably be a few thousand in labour as well. If you could get your hands on it we'd love to hear if fixing the GT4 gearing truly makes it the perfect Posrche sports car.

[@darksideemt]

Totally agree with you guys on this point. I get when people say well it's their money and their car so they can do it if they want, that is correct, but just because you "can" definitely doesn't mean they "should."

[@NewbombTurk.]

I had a 1990 325i 4 door that had been modified by Dinan. One of the mods was a flashed ECU with their specific tune. That ECU had the rev limiter eliminated and I can verify that the 2.5 would continue to pull past 6400 (up to 7k). As far as I know, none of the internal parts had been changed out (cams). I always thought that the 6400 redline was a bit conservative on BMW's part.

[@thema635900]

Great episode, thanks a lot as usual. I find very interesting your shared opinion about Singers, I guess the certain 'disappointment' has to do with the mismatch between what the wild and retro style promises and the much more 'modern' experience. I wonder how other restomods feel, such as what Brabus do with old Mercedes or Eagle with E-Type and MkII Jags (I think these modifications are much less extensive than Singers though). One topic I missed in today's discussion was the automatic to manual conversions. I don't like automatics so it's kind of a deal breaker for some models only available as automatics, especially the automated manuals from 15-20 years ago which seem to have aged badly without providing a pleasant 'vintage' experience innreturn. It's interesting that Aston Martin created a manual conversion kit for the Vanquish for a healthy 50k (if Intemember correctly),which is kind of admitting they were wrong; and a couple of weeks ago I saw some guys doing the same with BMW e46 M3 CSLs. I think that the increasing lack of new manual sport cars is creating a niche for enthusiasts cars some manufacturers are trying to cover (the 911R and GT3 Touring would also fill this category)

[@Beanpapac15]

I’m listening to this while chopping out my Datsun’s strut tops

[@b0kb0k]

FIAT X1/9 with a K20A2 swap (including a 6-speed trans). X was an amazing car with no power and a weak trans. Only better swap is an Alfa Busso V6

[@udp1073]

lol.. as an Italian and having worked for like 15 years in the Automotive indistry, I find the part about the mirror so funny AND so appropriately describing how italian did (and still do) cars..

[@MrQsaud]

I read somewhere that Singer actually doesn't modify or cut up 964s that are really nice. They have allegedly asked customers to take back cars they deemed too clean or too rare and offered to source them other cars. But yes hopefully they work with triptronics instead

[@AnomNOM]

You guys should really consider getting guests on your podcast!!!!!!, especially now when its done remotely. Would love to see a podcast with Brian from RCR or Matt Farah

[@Talynen]

With regards to the gearing vs traction conversation around 6:00 Why not have shorter gears and... less power? You'd end up with a car that feels just as accelerative, but you shift more often and probably get better mpg/emissions if you reduce power by downsizing the engine.

[@varaksin]

Jason, do you have m3 front bushings and m3 sway-bar links in your e30? Easiest and best mods ever for e30.

[@MTBkid42]

Curious to get your take on ECU tuning on something like a golf R that was detuned for USDM or a rear sway bar in a miata to fix it's cornering.

[@jimf5160]

there is a GT3 Touring around here that is Oslo Blue...looks amazing. on a Porsche 356, unless it is a particularly rare example, disc brakes do not appear to hurt the value...of course 356C brakes are an easy update...collectible is defined at various levels. A disc brake converted 356...is by your words, OEM+. I have factory sport seats, a 930 steering wheel and 15x7 wheels in the rear (of my longhood 69S...) OEM+

[@abalakrishnan4152]

The people who disliked did a misclick. They actually meant to like the video.

[@cayman9873]

Jason... congrats on the mirror and spacer.

[@WhiteMouse77]

I installed reeling wind-resistant sunshade made of thick netting underneath of pull-up sunroof so I can feel the breeze w/o getting roasted over summer… such a small modification making huge difference!

[@redeyerob2176]

If you guys like the 240z you should look into the OS Giken twin cam head for the L series motor, it does away with belts, the cams and accessories are all driven with gears and it sounds glorious on full chat, that engine with the zg nose and covered lights in the maroon color and some period correct ssr wheels is a dream build of mine

[@Krauser1226]

Agreed, modifications are ok when they work AND when they enhance the car to be a better or more focused version of what it already is. My own Mk7 GTI follows this philosophy. It's modified, but it has wheels BBS wheels and PS4S tires (lower unsprung weight and better grip/feel), APR ECU (more power), APR TCU tune (better smoother shifting and more usable/less luggy shift maps in normal and sport modes), and some OBDeleven tweaks for convenience features to improve the livability. What I HAVEN'T done is useless mods. Aftermarket intakes that don't do anything for the platform but make noise. Catback exhausts that add nothing to power for what they cost. At the end of the day, to each their own, but I've driven a few "modded" cars that are way worse than they were stock and it always throws me off why you'd spend the time, energy, and many times money, to have a poorer experience with your car.

[@sltillim]

Becker Mexico radio Jason!!!!! There are many but they’re expensive and some have been modified (unnoticeable) to Bluetooth

[@JETZcorp]

I know (in passing) one person who owns a Singer. Dude dailys whatever the newest Turbo S is, and has a 918 and a Carrera GT in the garage. I think he had a 911R right when that came out, but I'm sure he sold it on. Not wanting for money, Singer owners.

[@mrkkiani]

Jay Leno always does the brake update

[@pashablack]

at 1:30 of the video, and before i hear what you have to say; it is okay to modify a car when you are not going to destroy something great for adding something shitty to it. or when the performance upgrades are actual upgrades, and are higher in quality, or equal. Will in fact improve the performance of the vehicle. then there is reliability to that, it a factor, but everyone got different goals. In my case: i bought a 92 Lexus sc300 on a junkyard as a shell, but turned out, it had an engine in it. It was one with a blown head gasket in it and other issues. it was okay for me to modify the car cuz it was DEAD on a graveyard. this car (Red Zombie is the name) is now it is running and driving, it is my daily :) it is also getting a w58 manual transmission and will get the 1jzgte from japan. I am so proud of a car that looks like total POS for most people)))

[@atreyac5384]

Please make one on Ferdinand Piech please.

[@alexorer]

Jason's German accent is the best.

[@fazanofazano7683]

Great show guys! Jason, I got a MK1 1977 All original 2 door rabbit, 4spd manual with optional sunroof and 44000 orig miles on it. All books, manuals as well. Wanting to find a good home for it. Thoughts???

[@subarnosinha8042]

When is your 512BB/TR Spotlight video coming? I'm impatiently waiting for that.

[@DirtDude117]

My S2000 I ended up swapping in the AP2 gearbox into the AP1 for the better gearing and sent the diff out to be modified to not be glass, have more fluid for cooling, and different gearing. The LS7 in my Z28 has also had the heads replaced due to the valve drop issue with Kaltech heads and it has a cam too which funny enough is the same specs as GM's NEW LS7 crate engine cam.

[@KostadinDelizhanski]

well for the 325i ... port the head, give it headers, supersprint exhaust and a schrick camshaft :)

[@alexmartinez280]

Yes, Alpina has built their entire brand on modifying the base engine properly rather than swapping in different engines. Most stroker BMWs can be made with factory parts off other BMW engines so all OEM parts.

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Jason Cammisa-Scirocco is an official VW hero in Germany! There are tons of Scirocco clubs here - the seem to share your passion, they are not going anywhere. Will there be a new Scirocco before VW goes full electric? I would only really modify my if that is my passion doing - we call it "Schrauber" here, not really to improve my car - beside the obvious with the best tires, breaks etc.

[@Almedarj]

I want to know what you guys think about putting a nissan vh45de in a 300zx that was a factory twin turbo 5 speed.

[@Rsv4rr-r]

What about period Oettinger parts for your VW's?

[@romankilun1527]

that Cosworth is so perfect, no change to it would make it look better.

[@TheRSAngle]

I havent watched this yet, but the answer is allways

[@Rsv4rr-r]

What about the Automobile Amos Delta Integrale, is that an acceptable heavy modification?

[@erenoid123]

would you change your gear ratios on elise as they are kinda long as my knowledge ?

[@B0SS330]

This is what I love about my 10R80 Mustang... just over 100mph at the top of 4th gear !

[@ValentinNadolu]

You can put most BMW engines in an E30, even a V12 like the M70.

[@prettynormalme27]

I wish manufacturers and more car journalists and people who buy them recognized it more often too that some of the memorable experiences of a car are its flaws. Cars have been updated to gloss over those. People modify it too much to smooth-en those rough edges. Thats what a good mod is, no matter the cost: does it retain its character that were born out of its roughness.

[@michaeln.7083]

For the exception of Miata's... if changing the balance and weight bias, and adding a ton of extra power, you have to modify the rest of the car suspension, spring rates, chassis, ect... most of the time people ruin the car like slamming it on the concrete and running -5.0° of camber.. then wonder why it slings you into a curb at 15mph.. like driving on pennies..😂🤣

[@christopherbenson5160]

Have you guys talked about the mx-5 at all? Wouldn't mind hearing your guys opinion on each iteration

[@ervin7178]

I think one of the first episodes they did was on miatas

[@verdict1163]

The older I get the less I care for modifications. My cars are all street cars, and usually the stock configuration they came with is the best for street driving.

[@leokal457]

That extremly depends on the parts and the car you are modifying. Today so many manufacturers cars are set up extremely harsh. Most cars get more comfortable if you install a set of KW coilovers and get them set up by a professional. And its still faster because the damper reacts much quicker to bumps so you can use a stiffer spring. I see it more that way: Cars are set up for the majority. So they look at what the most people could put up with and put it in the car. And in my experience 85% of the people think hard=sporty and because its much cheaper many cars are set up that way today🤷🏼‍♂️

[@nathanchildress5596]

That’s an ok approach, but many stock cars have compromised parts to let non car people have quiet and comfort. Take Z’s and G35s which have soft rubber differential mounts which flex too much and are prone to failure, all so gentle drivers can be comfy.

[@joeconway1765]

You guys talked about Porsches but didn't mention the guys Subaru swapping 912s. Thoughts?

[@alexmartinez280]

Swapping engines from other manufacturers IMO is the bottom of the totem pole. Especially from a sub tier manufacturer like Subaru vs Porsche.

[@qtrfoil]

Usually accepted - OEM parts from later (and often better) models of the same car, such as suspension parts. With care, parts that went on European/Rest of World models that didn't come to the US, such as lighting. LED lighting? I think the jury's out, but you can't argue with better drivability, especially on older looms. But whatever, you do you. Right up until you want to sell it and recoup all your money.

[@DIglas1981]

Just when o thought about singer, Derek bring that up... And just when im translating from Portuguese to english in my mind, and i tought about "bring that up", Jason says it... I can only came to a conclusion: this quarantine is fucking my mind.

[@leokal457]

I see it that way: Mass produced cars are always set up to serve most of the people. I certainly do not like everything most people like. Furthermore Im willing to spend more money than most people on well set up suspension. And a well set up set of high quality KW-Coilovers is almost always better that the standard suspension.

[@James_Sovereign]

I would have a Singer over literally anything else. Dream car.

[@avbailon]

What do they mean when they say the ideal is to modify the car until its proximity to fourteen (Or something like that)?

[@sr420det]

Civic that's been turbod and dailyed for the past 10 years..enters chat. Low 12s and 40mpg with Honda reliability!

[@ChasingDifferentAdventures]

Naturally Aspirated, or Super Charged engines are more reliable. Turbos are connected to the Down Pipe, which is connected to the exhaust system for back flow pressure to spool the turbines. Back flow coming from exhaust leads to Carbon Build Up Thus, locking Turbo Blades and internal veins, restricting air and boost. From my experience I learned the hard way, it was great for 3.5 years (after factory warranty ended) fuel mileage average was 32 mpg and dropped significantly to 8 mpg to 12 mpg.

[@SpartanDara]

Does the NA Miata not get a turbo pass? I think it's similar to the M30 where it had a factory turbocharged variant as well. Totally not asking this because I want to do this to my car lol

[@JohnDoe-kh3ti]

Pretty sure you're thinking of the NB mazdaspeed miata, that was afaik the only time the mx5 was offered with a factory turbo

[@SpartanDara]

I’m not actually! the B family of engines in the Miata had a turbocharged variant, but it didn’t appear in the NA Miatas. The one in the NA is called the BP, and then the BPT variant could be found in the AWD versions mazda 323

[@BlueRidgePhantom]

Modify tastefully!

[@_-_911]

THANK THE LORD IT'S WEDNESDAY

[@veefource]

Never add a turbo? I agree with all things said on carmudgeon but my mk3 1ZZ'd MR2 is sooo much better with a turbo. It even keeps giving right up till the red! ..though whether it gives up doing this some day is another matter.

[@anon5500]

You two make by far the best car show available anywhere as you both actually have a passion for cars! I’ve worked in the motor trade in the U.K. for nearly 25yrs to be close to what I enjoy, and it’s nice to see a top show by people that actually love cars, not just lining their pockets like Top Gear or that bunch of dicks on amazon that are just in it for the money but have zero clue about cars in detail.... PS ffs Jason you haven’t had one decent rant recently... have you had coronablah and you’ve mellowed out?!?🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀😉

[@shaneconta249]

Does anyone have any info on that 4 cam in the beetle?

[@allenstephens5944]

Great podcast? Suggestion for future topics: Mercedes-Benz W124 cars: E500E, coupe, wagon, etc.

[@ekscalybur]

The argument of not changing the fundamental experience of the car when it was new falls completely apart when you look at one of the most important factors of ALL performance of the car. Tires. If you have a classic car, you can't put tires on it that come close to mimicking the sorry performance of vintage tires. Any tire with the same rubber compounds and built in the same manner is so old that the tire is unsafe to use. Even garbage brand tires of today vastly outperform tires of 25 plus years ago. They grip, wear, resist heat, resist rolling resistance, light years better. Maintaining the fundamental experience of the car when it was produced is simply an impossibility once you can no longer source safe rubber that is identical to what it came with from the factory.

[@pussygalore5947]

See Jason!...you're making headway! - if you don't sing to Hyphen, he misses it! Re: Modifying on classic/special interest cars, safety considerations almost mandate discs over drums, dual master brake cylinders, modern headlight bulbs, radial tires and better exhaust systems. Options available from the factory that can be added after-the-fact also desirable. Beyond that - No!

[@dschingy]

What is it with your Cologne numberplate? Is there a story behind it?

[@michaellorenson2997]

Seems like you forgot to cover 'in-period' or 'period correct' modifications that collectors often find acceptable or even desirable. For example, a Schnitzer, Alpina, or Dinan BMW that was done when new. There are many others, of course, like Callaway Corvettes, Ruf Porsches, etc. A friend of mine built an exact replica of an Alpina BMW e28 5-series car, which I believe was a called "B9" by Alpina (I could be wrong). That car will never be as valuable as a real Alpina-built example, but it is more interesting than a standard 535i.

[@TYAC_TPE_SF-Bay]

What's the possibility of manufacturer putting Hi-Low gear (like in off-road cars) on these sports cars that can do top speed?

[@aaaaachew]

The entire episode should have been devoted to the DLS. Jason, I don’t know if you are on a diet but the weight loss looks 👍

[@guysinclair7588]

MZR Roadsports UK. 240Z heaven mod builds with taste.