The Incredible Mazda-Swapped Vauxhall Viva -TST in NZ
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- Опубліковано 3 гру 2024
- The Smoking Tire went to New Zealand in search of car culture. Alex, Hannah, their Home, Workshop, and daily-driven Vauxhall Viva exemplify everything we love about their country.
We wouldn't have been able to go to New Zealand without Automation so check them out! automationgame.com
Here's a video of Matt Playing Automation!
• Matt Farah Plays Autom...
Glad to see you have enjoyed your time there. I really enjoyed this, and I hope to film there one day. It seems completely worth it for car people to visit.
ThatDudeinBlue hey david! you really gotta get down there. Other than the flight, the country is quite affordable. The real move is that there are all these old JDM cars for sale for like, dirty cheap at any given time. You can literally buy an evo 4 or 5 on the side of the road for $5k all day long. Just pick one of those up, drive around for a month, have a blast, make videos, and then sell it net zero when you're done. Free JDM rental car!
TheSmokingTire Awesome! Thanks for the advice. Film on!
ThatDudeinBlue feel free to come down whenever mate, will happily put you up and show ya round NZ, PM me
ThatDudeinBlue If you came to NZ you would have to come to Auckland and take a drive in my 99' WRX Wagon. Would love to show you around as well (as I am sure many people would be). Don't hesitate to give me a message if you ever do decide to. :)
we love cars and car people here dude...you should def visit...:) I am also subscribed to you and love your channel.
Dear Smoking Tire,
I really appreciate this piece, and is by far my favorite of all of your videos. I am so happy that you found these wonderful people and showed us their ethos (going even beyond the quality build). These people achieve quality, using their craft, knowledge, and resourcefulness in all facets of their lives. And they do it with such an enthusiasm that that would make many a automotive 'enthusiast' re-examine their own definitions of quality, high standards, and the pursuit of finding(or creating) the perfect car.
Matt, If you could please treat this video like a benchmark I would be a very happy viewer! The writing, editing, and chronology were top notch!
Thanks
Albert K thanks for the kind words! the real key is just finding the people, and that's totally a random crapshoot. you meet them via an email or two, and have no idea what they will be like until you show up. Sometimes you get normal enthusiasts, and sometimes you get a real winner like Alex and Hannah. Unfortunately, "vauxhall viva" isn't a popular search term, so I don't know if the views of this video will justify how much we enjoyed making it, but the product was worth the effort, even if it doesn't do huge numbers.
TheSmokingTire Should have billed it as "R34 Vauxhall Viva GTR" clearly :P
TheSmokingTire
Ehhhhh screw the numbers, this is quality Shit! :)
Just as you said the regular super sport cars have become so common that they're not as exciting as they once we're, however these rare and unique cars are the real deal!
TheSmokingTire it'll go over well enough, a huge enough chunk of your viewers get here because they're subscribed or because your videos show up in recommended
TheSmokingTire I'd say 50% of kiwis are pretty much like these guys, it's all about projects not necessarily just cars though. It's a shame you didn't get to see or meet up with PPRE or RIPS, if you haven't heard of RIPS they build 1200hp+ RB30 7 second GTR's. You wouldn't believe some of the cars locked away in peoples garages here, even those guys who built Ken Blocks new mustang are kiwis. Being different is fun, putting silly motors is light Japanese cars is also fun.
Once again an amazing film by the guys at The Smoking Tire. It's been too long since you've put out one of these... It would be my ultimate dream to film cars over there and I think part of what makes it so appealing is the effort it takes for North Americans to get to NZ. Keep up the great work, Matt!!
Sadly these films are quite expensive to make. I'd encourage anyone who wants to sponsor these guys to do so, they've been nothing but excellent to work with (and hang out with)
I know this video is old now but the mazda kl is a very underrated engine, I'm so glad this vid exists
Love this video…I swear I watch it once a year lol
Same here!
Matt and all those at the smoking tire, you have no idea how much joy this video brings me. I live in canada where classic cars don't last long if not cared for, that makes me owning a unrestored 1968 Vauxhall Viva HB quite a rarity, every where I go I am constantly asked what the hell am I driving?!?! Its truly warms my heart to see another one in as nice (trutfhully nicer) condition as mine. Keep up the good vids and thanks so much
JLeary45acp You have an Envoy Epic HB? Cool!!! I like the four headlights on them. I can imagine they are rare now! Does anyone know if they sold them over the border in the States?
yoeddynz It's Alex!
I actually have a link to a blog post about your car saved in my favorites bar. It isnt an Envoy actually, it is a legit Vauxhall. Vauxhall's were distributed in Canada by Oldsmobile I think where Envoy's were by Pontiac. As to U.S. distribution I can say they did indeed sell them there, this past July I had a fella leave a note on my wind shield while at the Syracuse Nationals in New York State asking if I knew where to get parts. :P What is parts availability like in New Zealand?
JLeary45acp Pretty good actually. They sold heaps of them here and cars dont rust out so readily here unlike say the UK or even Canada I guess. Lack of road salt used in winter helps heaps. So yeah- quite a few Vauxhall fans who have hoarded parts away.
yoeddynz Lucky! I would love to get a set of spindles that are disc brake compatible here, sadly most of these cars were crushed and we didn't get a lot of the other models mentioned so parts swapping is diffucult, any suggestions on where I could get a set of spindles on line?
One of the best TST videos I've seen. I love watching and learning about relatively unknown cars, especially when they have a unique back story. That high-revving Mazda 2.5L V6 reminds me of a mini NSX engine!
Notice the Triumph 2000 estate in the background, lovely car!
Its a MK1 Estate too :-) Its Hannah's project that she is starting to restore. Will end up with either a Bmw straight six or a Toyota 1jz (if she can get one cheap...) Yeah they are very cool cars!
Without doubt, one of your best yet… Alex and Hannah, big big respect and best wishes and thanks for sharing ! : )
I'd have to say that this is my favorite episode of the smoking tire so far. I mean, the fan interaction in the comment section is awesome. Just the story of this car and everything to do with it is fantastic and the effort and time Alex and Hannah have put into it all is insanely awesome. Cars like these make you realise that it's not just about the power or the features. It's about something more. And the part at the end, about restoring cars and that being the dream, sounded amazing. Hopefully I can get my old 40 series on the road in the same fashion :) I already love the car! Rock on smoking tire crew, Alex and Hannah!
See people, this is why you shouldn't have kids. Alex and Hannah are living the dream.
Horses for courses I guess. Kids aren't for everyone but neither is the bohemian life style these two have - enjoy your life however you choose to live it, that's the important thing - these two clearly worked it out. They are very young too, they might have kids yet.
You're right of course. No one on the planet should ever have another child. What could possibly go wrong?
justinh512tx
Search "Doug Stanhope Abortion is Green" : )
SpaceManDawn this made me smile. people think this secretly but dont want to say it out loud.
SpaceManDawn I gave you a thumbs up 👍🏻 because I know how much my life changed for me after four kids. Especially when the first one came when I was 40. Nowadays,whenever I look at cars, the main criteria is that it seats at least six.
Amazing piece. The Smoking Tire keeps getting better and better! You guys really captured the passion this guy has for the car world and old cars. The filming is spot on as well, loved the emphasis on the bumper sticker on the rear window. It's the little details that make it that much more enjoyable.
Back-yard hero! Good to see such a professional job done without tons of cash or farmed out to big business. Respect for working out the ECU yourselves. Love the car.
Seems like a super chill dude, nice balance between the technical car review and the story of the people behind the car.
I really love how the car has been modified and used as a daily driver. Also the passion of the couple to complete a really nice project
YAAAAAAAAAY! Finally the New Zealand stuff! I've been hearing about this stuff on the podcast for weeks!
Thanks for bring us this little window into another world, Matt.
I want Matt Farah and crew to become the Anthony Bourdain for car culture. Travel worldwide and really delve into the car culture of a nation/ region. I know you've mentioned the idea before, Matt, and it's fucking perfect. Just like Anthony Bourdain, but instead of a focus on food, focus on cars. If only big networks were at all interested in cars. UA-cam just doesn't allow for that type of budget.
Agreed! If we could fund them to keep doing trips like this we would, I hope someone else offers to do the same :)
The TST guys are secretly massive foodies too. We ate at some nice places :)
Big Call. I like Farah, but I really like Bourdain. I like food, but I really like cars. Let Matt be his own person with his own style. I don't know when he started but I remember Garage 419, then on to Motor Trend, So let him do he own thing, I like the way his style is developing. As he indicated people are loosing interest in hyper cars, (as Amazing as they are) because they are 1. becoming more common. 2. Out of touch of the true enthusiast. Yes I'm a Kiwi
+heyzuess1 hyper cars have always bored the hell out of me.
Probably one of the best vids/stories yet
Such a cool couple. Thanks for capturing this and sharing it with your audience. I've really enjoyed these.
As a Brit with a KL in an mx5 currently living in NZ I highly approve of this video.
There's a couple of rwd KL builds taking place on oldschool.co.nz -check it out!
You've hit a marvelous balance between creator(s) and creation here. Absolutely love the insight into Kiwi motoring culture. Bravo.
Matt it is so great to see that you don't only care about HP and top speed. This is evident in all your videos but especially this one. This car is superb. I like simple old cars with all the character and simplicity. But the story of a car like this is what makes it great.
They did an engine swap, cool. They built their gauges and the intake manifold and the fuel injection ecu? Wow.
These are the type of videos that make us dream and make us want to be better on this world.
By far the best video I've seen on this page! More like this please!
I have a feeling that this entire series of New Zealand films will show how easily it is to find weed in New Zealand
Apparently not as easy as it is in the US...
www.leafscience.com/2014/06/26/10-countries-smoke-marijuana/
Chris Limbright much harder than you think! especially compared to california, where we buy it in a store on a credit card
Yeah there's almost a drought(in Auckland) at the moment. But yep there's always some Maori somewhere just walking around selling buds. But it's still illegal so it's not as easy as some places!
We have one of the worst drinking cultures in the OECD, alcohol is a big contributor to so many of our social & health problems... but it's illegal to smoke a bit of comparatively harmless weed. Talk about fucked up priorities.
GordonWG1 nah, I mostly agree with you, anything like that is open to abuse, and will damage your health if you abuse it. Marijuana particularly affects development of the brain so is very harmful to teens.
Wonderful story, can't wait to see more from NZ
I totally overlooked this video, then I heard y'all talking about it on the podcast and gave it a chance. It was fantastic!
Good stuff Matt, those guy typify the NZ attitude and "loving to modify shit" is how so many of us get things done when so far removed from the rest of the world by distance and when cost is a factor. Fantastic, glad you enjoyed the roads down here too, they are after all some of the best anywhere :)
Keep up the good work Matt! Your videos are awesome and interesting.
This one is one of my favourites and the one take format is refreshing seeing what everyone else is doing.
Thumbs up for innovation and good work sir!
I loved my MX6. The kl motors are really nice mills.
Keep em coming Matt, this is pure gold!
"I didn't know much about ecu systems, so I read a book and studied on the internet. Then ordered a kit online." - Sounds pretty genius to me, I demand his autograph on my lunchbox.
This car is AWESOME! So much personality! Great piece, Matt.
Beautiful video, guys! Not the kind of car I would personally enjoy driving daily, but the work that Alex and Hannah put into that little cutie really shows.
man I miss my old home sometimes. Love living where I do now but its vids like this that reminds me how beautiful NZ can be.
Great video. I really like how SmokingTire is not just for the high dollar modified scene, but appreciates all the others as well
That cat in the end deserves his own video.
I was looking for this comment haha
One of the best films you ever made!
That game looks so awesome! Hopefully these guys hit it big and the game develops more and gets onto the major systems
One of the best videos I've seen in ages that guy is super talented
This video has sold me on New Zealand...well done TST crew! I remember hearing about this being a hidden TST gem in the podcast...and I have to say it is indeed true
Brilliant combo, Viva + v6, and what a lifestyle - great vid really enjoyed it.
As an Aussie with Kiwi mates I have always loves their sense of fun. This car is a fantastic example of fun on wheels. And the Tiny House...absolute gold. great vid Matt :)
That was great! What a build. My Nana had one of these back in the 80's... I love how it still has the original licence plates.
Awesome video guys! I cannot wait for more of these New Zealander vids!
Man! this was quality...sitting down and enjoying a meal with them would've made it even better.
We did, and they're utterly lovely people :)
That Kiwi created a Masterpiece with knowledge heritage the way you told the story about the steering wheel good Job Mat
One of your coolest videos/cars yet!
That's an awesome daily! Looking forward to more NZ videos
That is a thing of beauty! I love to see these finished instead of sitting around half-done and rusting away. :)
When I saw the beautiful beautiful shots I knew Tom must have been there, happy to see he's back, he's the the best.
The cat shot gives it away too. Dude loves shooting wildlife.
Brilliant, everything about this video was cool. Good job Matt
I'm glad Matt talked about this video on the podcast....great video
one of the best smokingtire productions..thnx team o/
Really like the story behind this video. Great work guys!
I love the sheer subtlety of this car, it is understatement in steel.
Hey Matt, thanks for that fantastic story.. Alex and Hannah seem wonderful !! Nothing like stories that warm the heart. I love good old cars too and one of my all time favorites is the Ford Escort Mk1 RS, with the bulged eyelids. It was an awesome rally car in the '60s and '70s and quite similar in size, shape and spirit of the Vauxhall Viva. Thanks buddy, keep the stories coming.. ;-)
George Keith In New Zealand, Mk 1 Escorts are really expensive cars now.
I used to drive my dads HB viva LOVED IT!....Would love to have a drive of yours, well done!
Awesome video, thought I recognised the scenery immediately. Didn't expect you were coming to Nelson!
The want is strong with this one! Btw, the whole video is fantastic, very well done.
Fantastic video! I loved everything about this. The NZ countryside is spectacular. This couple is the epitome of a "can do" attitude that is sadly lacking the majority of us (I throw myself under that bus at times...) and I genuinely loved their spirit and passion.
That Viva is clean. Looking forward to more NZ vids!
I love those vintage cycling stickers on the tool box. I still ride a 2002 team issue Cannondale CAAD6 Si to work regularly.
My first decent mtb was a 1990 Cannondale m700. Bikes have certainly come a long way though since then!
One of my Favorite Videos. Great Car I really hope Alex can get that garage up and running. All the best to him and his wife!
Same KL can be found in the Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626, Ford Probe, and Ford Telstar. Wonderful episode. It's absolutely perfect. Enjoyed every millisecond.
Great vid. Great build. Great story.
Amazing. This video blows my mind every time I watch it.
I'm hear because Matt brought it up in the podcast. Amazing work.
Great video! Every time I see videos about New Zealand weather it be car enthusiast based or not it makes me want to move there.
Now this is what I am talking about TheSmokingTire Awesome video! I love these weird quirky cars!
fuuny hearing "confidence and inspire" when driving a viva, great little car.
So humble about one skills,I feel sickly inadequate after watching this.
I've followed the build of this car on the Vauxhall Viva owner's club forum, it's fantastic to see it in action, get Matt Farah's perspective on it, and learn a little more about the owners Alex and Hannah. I have a later HC Viva I'm building and it's also inspiring me to crack on and make some more progress with my own project!
bikingnutcase0 Whats your name on Viva forum? would love to see it! More Vivas all round please :-)
yoeddynz bikingnutcase0, and you have already seen it, I believe you asked to see more lol! www.vauxhallviva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=21254&start=20 it's the maroon HC estate I'm fitting the modified 1.7 Isuzu TD motor into. I posted several pages about the cylinder head porting I did ect. ect. I really must pull my finger out and update the thread, I've done a bit more since my last post on there.
bikingnutcase0 Ahhh yeah- I remember now. Yes please more updates!
Might be a long shot but could you post a link to the forum of this viva, would love to give it a look
bikingnutcase0 cheers mate
Love it and great work. Being a Kiwi living in California I can say I can relate to everything about this series of Video's!!
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of that.
I hear that turbo charging those Mazda engines actually increase the economy of the car A LOT.
Even if it turns out not to be true, it's a great excuse!
YESSSS ITS HERE I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR MONTHS
one of the best stories in a long time.
Such an awesome video guys! You are so right that it's the people that make it! My first car was a Viva, loved them ever since and thought I was the only one.
Really makes me want to get my '74 HC back out of the shed :-)
Got to love the Blenheim weather.
Looking like a very sweet little package.
If you can source some Metalking sintered brake pads I'd recommend them - i found them to work well from cold (0C) to (at least) blood-red hot. I assume you're still running the 4" PCD all round, you may be able to swap out the stubs for something bettger braked, like the Piazza vented setup (the smaller discs that fit under 13" wheels and that use a 100mm PCD like the Mazda MX5 diff' assembly uses. It would mean using the late HC, Chevette or similar wheel (widened from 5"?), though.
The other thing might be a quick rack - I found the mild increase in steering effort was well worth the reduction in steering movement required in the twistier stuff - I would expect the rack may be the same as the early Chevette one, may be worth checking what is available?
Been looking forward to the New Zealand videos since you mentioned them on the podcast! Great stuff! I'll even check out the game.
What a great swap and the owners have great attitude.
Amazing couple, great clip. Thanks guys.
Nice sleeper! That sound! And then there's the roads in this film: a dream.
lovely car. nice people. awesome roads. perfect combo.
Mazda bongo van has 2.5 v6 in the uk and possibly the xedos 6 but there rare and I think that's the later 2litre v6 that was In that Mazda 323 video Matt uploaded.
Epic Sideburns Are Epic! Really nice ride as well..
My first car way back in the 70`s UK. Viva HB, rust bucket. I had two of them and a HC . Love to go back in time and store one from new to drive around now.
What an excellent choice, that gem-of-an-engine, guys. Great job! :-)
Nice Vauxhall, I like it, especially the stock look to it!
I wonder if they still have this car. Love this build
Hey Andrew. I sold it a couple of years ago. I was going to do a similar swap into my Viva wagon but I have now just sold that. I'm now in the middle of building a very interesting little engine for the Hillman Imp I recently restored. I'll be popping up photos of it soon on Instagram - search for yellowhammerworkshop Cheers. Alex
That's a cool ass build, nice and subtle yet a complete reform from what it was drive wise...
What a chill dude :)
Their home is awesome, I'd love to have something lie that one day. NZ just seems like a wicked place to live.
What a great couple... love the story .... love the car....
It's a nice thing to know artists or even 'car romantics' are still around !
I love the family story behind this car. Nice couple :)
Very nice! This is a build I'd love to do. I had an HB Viva as my first car (1159cc, and very worn out) and numerous derivatives since, including an HPF. But the Mazda V6 seems like a match made in heaven.
This is the stuff I like to see! I wanna build a 1970 Nissan Skyline with all R34 bits underneath! What a beast that would be! Great video Matt.