Cold Start

We have all played the game "Would You Rather?", so the guys decided to play the automotive equivalent: pitting automotive icons against one another to see which would reign supreme in their dream garages. See what cars they can agree upon -- easy choices -- and where some more questionable choices have to be justified. 

Cold Start Hint: It has a V8 with an accent

Answer to Episode 45 Cold Start: Straight Piped 2000 Honda Civic

You took a perfectly good car and did what to it?!? Modifying your car is almost a must as a car enthusiast but there is most certainly the right way and the wrong way in changing things on your car. Todd and Sylas go through a list of the automotive "no no's" when it comes to modifying your car. If Dante Alighieri was a car enthusiast, he would categorize levels of hell based on these horrid modifications. So if you're an offender of bad modifications, just leave them in 2025 and remember that sometimes the better mod is no mod at all... keep it classy.

Cold Start Hint: The rev bomb king

Answer to Episode 44 Cold Start: Dodge Charger with Notifications turned on

The new age of technology is upon us, and you might be scared to find out how much your car knows about you. Privacy and cyber security are not the first things you think about when you think about cars, but it may be time to start paying more attention to those Terms & Conditions agreements when setting up your new car's infotainment system. Now that modern cars are connected to the internet, it changes the way we engage with our cars and most importantly how the manufacturers are engaging with their consumers. In this episode, dive into the world of the technologically advanced automobiles and learn how modern cars are becoming more computer than machine, and how this affects us as car enthusiasts.

Cold Start Hint:  Your Stellantis car has an update

Answer to Episode 43 Cold Start: Cadillac V-Series.R LMDh

Todd and Sylas get into a heated debate on whether downforce makes for better or worse racing. There has been a long pursuit of making racecars more efficient through the air and utilizing more downforce to making them faster around a track – but does that make for better racing? There are two forms of philosophy when it comes to what makes racing exciting: the first is that the technology and engineering of the cars is the forefront of the entertainment and seeing what is possible; the second is taking the variable of the car out of the equation and putting the drivers at the forefront. Both have their benefits and downsides, you decide if you are team aero or not.

Cold Start Hint:  World Standard LMDh

Answer to Episode 42 Cold Start: 2019 Scuderia Toro Rosso STR14 F1 car

A lifelong motorsports fan, Sylas finally made a personal breakthrough in 2025 and became a dedicated Formula 1 racing fan. His connection to F1 started back at the US Grand Prix at COTA in Austin, and his passion for the sport has only increased ever since. Todd couldn't be happier about influencing Sylas into becoming passionate about the premiere league of formula car racing. During this recap of an exciting F1 season, hear the guys' reflections on what was exceptional about 2025 in terms of drivers, teams, and racing -- and their insights about the evolution of this top tier of open wheel formula motorsports. 

Cold Start Hint:  From Minardi the team to Lindblad the driver

Answer to Episode 41 Cold Start: BMW 8 series Gran Coupe

Have you ever wondered what type of car enthusiast puts their fun car online for strangers to borrow? Todd and Sylas look to answer that question as they explore the online world of Turo rentals. What they found was way more than they bargained for, as the descriptions for fun enthusiast cars all seemed to be weirdly grandiose and heavy-handed. Come along for the journey as we survey the odd landscape of how "car enthusiasts" describe their cars to potential renters. Listener warning: some of these are hard to listen to; you have been warned.

Cold Start Hint:  A G16, or an 8GC

Answer to Episode 40: Jim Russell F3 Racecar

"Track Days Are the Best Days"® is the official trademark and slogan of Flying Husky Racing, a group we assembled for the first time back in 2020, when going to drive at the racetrack was one of only the activities we were able to do under the heavy restrictions imposed by COVID. This group of track drivers and car nerds evolved into a club of automotive enthusiasts, bringing together elements from racing, track days, car meets, and totally unrelated events to share epic experiences together. This is the story about how we brought world-class driving coaches, programmed themed days on track, a fleet of open wheel racecars to share and spread capability, and a great group of people committed to doing good while having fun, all to make the recipe that make "FHR" events unlike any other track days around. Enjoy this discussion where Sylas and Todd get into the details of how it worked and what makes it all so special. 

Cold Start Hint: FHR's not-a-rental-car rental car

Answer to Episode 39:  1985 Chevy Cavalier

There are two different kinds of "first cars" for the car enthusiast: there is the car that was legitimately the first one you had when you freshly turned 16, and then there's the first car that shapes your journey in the automotive community. Todd and Sylas tell the stories of their first cars, and relive what it was like being young car enthusiasts -- and how their early choices may have shaped their taste in cars. Who doesn't love a good story time?

Cold Start Hint: It'll get you point A to point B, maybe...

Answer to Episode 38:  Hans Zimmer's BMW M IconicSounds Electric Vehicle

With the growing popularity of cars in pop culture, is the car community going too mainstream? Are cars and motorsports becoming over-popularized? If you ask us, it is quite apparent that car culture and interest in all things automotive has changed dramatically over the last 5-10 years -- and many people are just connecting with that culture as part of the latest fashion trends. However, just like any trend, things becomes more popular... until they don't, and then what's left for the true hardcore fans? The guys discuss and debate some of the warning signs that signal we may be starting to experience the downfall of car culture and the car community as we know it. What does the correction look like where millions of current followers decide to shift their attention elsewhere? While we think there is reason to be optimistic about the future of our hobby and passion, it's a reserved and cautious optimism. Learn more from Sylas and Todd about the nuances of what's happening with cars on a macro level, and how we as fans can remain dedicated to an area that's changing all around us.

Cold Start Hint: A film composer's design for the future of cars

Answer to Episode 37:  Porsche 997.1 GT3

Some may think that going on a drive is a fairly simple task that we do every day to get from point A to point B – but there is a fine art to a successful spirited drive, especially when it includes a handful of your buddies. The guys cover some of the basics of how to put on a successful group drive, and what details are often overlooked. With just a little extra attention to detail, you can turn your next fun drive from a good time to a memorable experience.

Cold Start Hint: An analog choice for a spirited drive

Answer to Episode 36 Cold Start: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14