dshag

iTrader: (1)

Alright guys i have recently graduated college and started a job and i would love to learn to work on cars. I wouldnt mind going to a automotive school unless you know any better ways to learn. What are your recommendations. I know how to do alot of work on cars and my dad is a electrical engineer and knows a bit. I would really like to learn how to do work on the engine and wire, bolt on stuff is pretty simple.

txh0tb0i972

iTrader: (63)

Im learning how to change my own heads this week ... well see how it turns out!

dshag

iTrader: (1)

lol ya the only way is exp but i dont really want to just crack open my engine and figure things out. I will probably get a book and read it or something. I have friends that do car work but they are always busy. Hope the heads work out for you

newton

iTrader: (4)

No, the best way is to go hands-on rather than just read. Go hands-on with someone who does know how to work on cars.

bmxer8699

iTrader: (16)

so your car might be ready by mid summer then

jk jk

dshag

iTrader: (1)

Ya thats what i figured but as sad as it sounds i dont know if i really trust the way my friends do things. I just started working at jps in the pcu/icu/er so im considering taking some night automotive classes just to learn the right way. Unless anybody has better idea?

Modsquad

iTrader: (6)

Reading & hands on. It's good to familiarize yourself with stuff before you start tearing into. I wonder how many people that were new to LS1's messed up the front cover because of the little bolts that are thru the bottom? I wouldn't have seen them & may have tried to pry the cover off (maybe) but I read a cam install article & it told me where the bolts where so I was aware of a potential problem before starting.

The best thing to do is volunteer to help people & just ask questions, when you get more comfortable, pick up some tools & get under the hood yourself.

If you have common sense & are mechanically inclined, you should be wrenching in no time.

waterbug1999

iTrader: (3)

I did all the work on my car... Never done it before. Just read up on it the best you can and just buy the right tools along the way.

Super28Sport

hands on is the best way to learn anything.

Texas 02 Z28

iTrader: (14)

Find out where the DFW'ers meet and go check it out. Ask a bunch of questions about their cars. You'll learn stuff, and they get to talk about their car (it's a win/win).

Buy what you want and ask them to help you install it, I bet most of the people there would love to share their knowledge and get more time wrenching on a LS1.

A lot of it's easier than you would think. Most of it's just knowing the terms, basic understanding of physics, and common sense.

Gun5

iTrader: (37)

yep aint that hard its just actually doing it.. i goto for school for auto mechanics (fun fun)

dshag

iTrader: (1)

Thats a good idea ill try that i guess im really more worried about the programming and wiring parts then just opening and closing. thanks Im pretty close to closing a dealon an o1 z28 m6 46,000 miles, ttops with pacesetter coated lt's, flomaster cat back and a lid on it hopefully i can pick it up in a couple weeks its out of state, unless i find a better one around her for 11.5k that is

jlrz28

iTrader: (7)

Grab a junk motor some where and tear into it.

txh0tb0i972

iTrader: (63)

Im working on my heads Saturday morning if anyone wants to help! just pm me!

mukyluk

iTrader: (11)

read on up on the installs. try it yorself. dont give up till it breaks or you get it right.

Greed4Speed

iTrader: (7)

I learned from wrenching with my Dad, his dad and yes even his mom. Thats right, my Grandma helped me with my first cam change in my 70 SS.

Other than that, I did a lot of reading how to articles in car mags. Chilton/Haynes manuals help too, although my 4th gen one sucks.

I'd advise hanging out at a shop if they'll let you or hooking up with a group like LS/M (Lone Star Muscle). Thats why we set the club up like we have. We want to learn and for those of us who do know are willing to teach. Plus we have 2 shops right there so we can pick their brains.

ckyconan2003

iTrader: (2)

i learned from my dad. PUlled my first motor when i was 16. Now i've done three motors since and love it. The best thing to do is just find a buddy who needs help and let them know you're an ameteur. Or atleast go and watch.


P.S: Taking the car apart is the easy part. It's putting it back together properly! Lol, keep track of all your bolts, and keep your working area clean!

-Chris

built408

iTrader: (10)

If your looking to go to a school, I would say Brookhaven college.. They have a General Motors sponsored program.. All you work on is GM and you go to the GM training center alot.. And its CHEAP!! I paid just under $3,000 for a 2 year program......

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

just go out and get a manual, and start replacing small things and doing a tune up on your car etc. DONT WASTE money on a technical school, its a big rip and they only teach you basics that you can learn by reading a damn book if you have too. The best experience is hands on, doing it yourself and also doing the research needed for specific things. For instance, when my T-56 went out, I rebuilt it myself, was told not too and to take it to someone else but Id rather save the money and get the experience with rebuilding a transmission. I did it pretty quickly and trouble free and it came out good. I had prior mechanical experience but never with a transmission. I just research what needed to be done and grabbed a couple of diagrams and went at it.

A-Dub

iTrader: (6)

If you want to learn to work on cars, its easiest to practice when you have a second vehicle to drive. If the car is your only form of transportation, start small with repairs.