What is an easy way to learn more about cars and engines, etc?

IMO, the "dummies" book contains info that can already be found on the net. Lots of great websites - do a Google search. Most community colleges offer automotive technology classes. If you're serious, make friends with a gearhead or two. Offer to help them on a project, then watch and learn. Join a car club and go to the tech sessions. Buy the manual (Chilton, Bentley, etc) for your car, begin building a basic tool set and do routine maintainance on your own vehicle. Begin with simple things: fluid and filter changes, brake pads, etc to get used to working around a car and go from there. You'll be amazed at what you will learn just by seeing and doing over time. Electronics & special tools aside, if you can work competently on a Chevy a Ferrari is not a big leap mechanically, just more expensive parts.
There are great textbooks in the "Automotive Technology" section of the library or bookstore. Also there's a great guide to Bosch fuel injection systems. I'm away from home and don't remember the titles and authors of mine. I'm sure others have their favorites.

Most important: Be patient, well organized and always know your limits (when to stop and ask for help). Always work purposefully and safely. DO spend the money and buy the right (quality) tools and safety equipment (incl halotron extinguisher, gloves and goggles) and NEVER get under a car while at home alone. Good luck.

 

For starters, get yourself a Visible V8 model and build it.

 

www.howstuffworks.com

 

Just come on over angd hang out when I start tearing the 328 down. After being a professional machanic for 15+ years, I might have a little wisdom to impart!

Dave

 

Actually yes, there is a Car Repair for Dummies book I believe. My brother has it and I have thumbed through it.

 

www.howstuffworks.com

just watch out for some random popup ads. but well worth it.

 

I second howthingswork.com
It covers the basics of how things like an engine and car work, and even has some interesting pieces about how race cars work.

 

Trial by fire is best.

Get a 1993 Rx-7. You''ll learn how to keep it running or die trying and sell it in a huff.

 

When I was about 19 or so, I was in the same situation. I went to the local library and found an 800 page "text book" for technical school students on engine mechanics. Chapter one was the basics, the final chapter was about the finer points of PCM programming. Took me about a month to read in my off-time, but afterwards, I had a very firm understanding of how engines work.

Do the same. You'll be pleased with your new knowledge!

 

John, I also recommend this link. Most books go in way too much detail way too quickly. Howstuffworks explains all the basics and then from there it's a lot easier to understand the different variations of these parts.

BTW, Scatten, you still have popup ads?!?

 

Not really. Using firefox, some are blocked, some get by.

 

what exactly is that? how big? is it a model from a toy store?

 

Yea, buy a crappy car. Necessity is the mother of all invention. After screwing around under the hood on your own car you'll be able to look under any other make or model and say things like...

"Why'd they put that there?! That was stupid. They should have put it right over there, that way you wouldn't have to remove the _____ to get at it."

Be careful though. Knowing how it all goes together and works takes a lot of the aura, awe, and shine off a car.

 

Do you really want to learn?

Buy either a pre-1976 Triumph TR6 or a pre-1976 MGB. Buy a shop manual and a decent tool set. Totally disassemble the car, then reassemble restoring as you go.

When you are done, you will know all the basics.

This is exactly what I did. 1975 TR6, I tore that sucker totally apart.



Terry