Cars

[War Against Betaism]

Recently I ditched one of my larger group of friends for an older and more mature group. It was something I had to do because one, my old group of friends were still in high school, two, most of them couldn't drive, three, four and five to make it short, this new group can all drive, most of them are close to 20 or are 21, plus they're closer to where I live. The thing is they're all carheads. All this terminology like twin turbos, integ, etc. have me confused as if I were taking physics all over again. Is there any sites that can really expand my knowledge on cars so I can keep up in the conversations?

It's not only me wanting to fit in with my new friends, but I think I'll be able to finally drive as soon as next month and my mom said she'll buy me a new car. She's gonna be making bank once she gets her greencard so she said don't hold off on a car just because of pricing, unless it was a Dodge Viper or any other exotic car. I really want to know what I'm doing when it comes to selecting a car. My friends recommended me a Mazda RX8 because they have connects to used car dealerships that have them in good condition, the latest years too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wolf116]

Start buying technical car magazines for the type of car you're interested in.

Then get some basic automotive mechanic text books.

Choose a car that has a good following and sign up to a forum about that car.

Start buying tools and get your hands dirty.

 

[BlakeW5]

Welcome to a brand new world my friend. I absoletely LOVE cars. Just research everything you can find. Preferably research cars you like. They all work on the same principles, but different cars: domestics, muscle cars, exotics, imports all have their unique characteristics and quirks. From the words you're dropping I'm guessing your friends are into imports (four-bangers LOL). Not my thing, but to each his own. It's their money right?

If I remember correctly, www.howstuffworks.com details the actual workings of engines and other car related things. If you understand the basics, the other things shouldn't be that complicated. I'm guessing you're hanging with import lovers because they recommended an RX8 and talk about turbos, so research turbos, overhead cams, and things of that nature. Get some parts catalogs from companies (should be free, just sign up on their website) and browse the parts. Get to know what they look like and then try to find them on actual engines and figure out what purpose the part serves. Really, there's a lot of things to learn, but it's all really easy once you understand the basics. All an engine really is is a giant air-pump.

What kind of cars are YOU into? I can give several good recommendations. I wouldn't go for an RX8 personally, but thats me. They were really hyped up before they came out, but Mazda dropped the ball. The actual horsepower they put out fell well below the advertised amount. There was such a fuss about it that Mazda actually offered to buy them all back. I've never really been that impressed with them anyway, and honestly find them quite ugly. If you want a riceburner, look into getting an older Nissan 240sx. My buddy had one and swapped an SR20DET engine (turbo-charged jap motor, came out of a Nissan Silvia if I remember correctly) into it. I think he only had 6-7 thousand in it after it was all said and done (cost of motor, car, and motor swap). After a bit of tuning and replacing a worn-out turbo that thing would SCREAM. Not to mention people into that scene (import) would respect it. I also think you can drop a domestic V8 into them too if that's your thing. Basically, lightweight car + powerful engine = :rockon:

Getting good with cars is a lot like the seduction game. You have to have a passion for it along with a willingness to learn and try things to really understand it. You just have to immerse youself in that world.

I hope it works out for you though. Some of the best times (and most frustrating LOL) I've had were spent out in the garage wrenching on my car.

But if there's anything specific you need just ask and I'll help you out.

EDIT: here's a better link to their site, takes you right to the basics http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automobile.htm

DOUBLE EDIT: There's actually an overview of rotary engines (RX8's) under "How car engines work" in the above link. Sorry I'm just REALLY passionate about cars

 

[Aragon034]

my brother is a gearhead. He's got an old '95 mustang GT and i swear it's his wife.

he's knowledgeable as **** though! within 2 years he went from being a complete computer geek to actually rebuilding his engine! :|

he did exactly as you guys say, read tech manuals, join a forum, research every little detail.

 

[BlakeW5]

my brother is a gearhead. He's got an old '95 mustang GT and i swear it's his wife.

he's knowledgeable as **** though! within 2 years he went from being a complete computer geek to actually rebuilding his engine! :|

he did exactly as you guys say, read tech manuals, join a forum, research every little detail.

Same here. For me it all started with a V6 camaro. While it wasn't a REAL performance ride, it lit the fire. In a few years I knew just about everything I could know about cars. I devoured knowledge with a newfound passion I hadn't had in years. I went through the camaro to an Eclipse GS to an Eclipse GST (turbo car). Now I've got a Z28 (V8 camaro) and am quite proud to say I've done every bit of work to it myself. Maybe one day I'll get the funds to rebuild the engine too (it doesn't need it, I just want more POWWWAAAA)

People who've never learned about it think it's hard, but it isn't really. I know I could build an engine with little difficulty, I actually finished the motor install on my buddies car (the guy he payed did a crap job). You just have to understand the basics and get a little "hands-on" time, once you do everything else will just click.

 

[War Against Betaism]

Thanks a lot guys. I've always had a passion for the Ford Mustang Fastback actually, the old school 1960 ones. I don't know why it looks so cool to me.