where should i go to learn about car engines, and building engines and whats good and not? and nos?

Question

i really want to learn about building car engines, and whats good or not good, and what car needs what. i also want to learn about nos. any sites or places i should go to learn more? i want to basically start buying crap cars and fixing them and hopefully get enough money to buy some cool crappy cars and fix them and keep them myself

Answer 1

The best way I think is to buy an undervalued car with potential (not needing anything major), get a specific repair manual, then start by fixing the minor problems you can handle yourself. Some jobs may require the assistance of a machine shop (for example you need them to turn rotors for a brake job).

Also, start looking for used mechanics tools at yard sales, if you don't already have a well stocked tool chest. I picked up a Snap-On torque wrench last summer for $10.00! (about $200 list price).

I started learning auto repair on a '66 Pontiac Tempest I found for $300 (before I even got home, I was offered $1000 for the car by a young airman). Point being, look far and wide for good deals on mechanically sound rigs to start with. Oh, and don't start a bunch of repairs at once. It is much more overwhelming than if you start one repair and finish it before moving onto the next.

Answer 2

The best place to learn is in your driveway. Start tearing into an old car with a good book that explains how things work. It will teach a lot better than any classroom.

Answer 3

engine building is an artform that is slowly fading. you have to be a real techy to understand the engine extremities today. when i was 13, complete kit was around 115-145 sometimes less for a small chevy. these days, kits are more, aluminum heads, etc. the only way to justify engine building is to cream in your ummmm kalummpa-kulummpa kulummpa. its gotta be a love. you wont save these days. i dont have machining access and have to pay. all told,"92 it was right around $280-300 difference to do it right yourself versues pro. by all means learn, keep it alive. drags,sprints,roadraces etc. magazines and get into the pits and dont wear out your welcome.

Answer 4

The best bet is to get a car, and a manual, and dive right in.

NOS is pretty straightforward, it is just a system that injects nitrous oxide into your engine for a quick boost of power (though it will eventually wear out mechanical parts in your engine).

Answer 5

Try your local community colleges and local technical colleges. A lot of them have on line classes. And if you hit a snag you can go to the campus and talk to the teacher in person to get help.

Answer 6

i started playing with hot rods when i was a kid and gradually got to where i am now. you have to have a big heart for cars cuz it can get very disappointing at times. and you will break alot of stuff. anybody that says they don't mess up doing mechanic work is lying.