new found interest in opening up engines!

[torqueofthedevil]

Hi everyone,

right this will probably sound pretty stupid, but ive always been into cars but recently im really interested in how they work, how they can be tuned and how tuning actually affects the motor. Its quite hard to visualise some things as ive never really seen all the parts of an engine. A mate has an old vauxhall engine that he'll give me - im thinking of taking it apart and stuff and put it back together - do you think that'd help?!?! ive been reading peoples blogs and i reckon i could port and polish a few manifolds! the only thing that might be rubbish is if i cant fire it up after ive put it back together - i won't know if ive done it right!

Has anyone else got any tips? or any good books to read? websites etc.

I have a new bmw so its not really the type of engine im gonna start tinkering with. Im thinking of getting a cheap track car soon so i wouldnt mind having a go with that!

Cheers.

[Holst]

You will learn alot if you strip the engine down and rebuild it.

It might help to take some photos as it comes apart so you can remember how it goes back together.

[taz turbo]

Would take up the engine offer, you have nothing to loose.

Would also recommend reading some technical publications, I was reading Haynes type manuals every night from the age of ten, and playing with engines / transmissions from about twelve, great fun ...... you can only learn.

Regards,

Chris.

[DaveL485]

It helps, sooooo much. Do it, for sure.

[LeightonBuzzard]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v2dBiPtEqQ

interesting vid. if you're thinking about running the engine after rebuild then everything will need to be to torqued down with assmebly lube.