Boofers

The local college is offering an engine rebuild course. All my friends tell me it is probably a waste of time and money, that I should just buy some books and learn on my own. What do you guys think?

77Dream

Nothin' beats hands on learning. You should go for it. :yesnod:

:cheers:

CWUin82

Take the course and get the books too if $$ isn't an issue. After the hands on part, reading something in a book will be easier to understand.

mapman

:thumbs:

garagedweller2

I'd take it, if they let me

Dwayne 76

Taking the course sounds like a sweet deal. I wonder if any of the colleges around here offer such a course :confused:

vettfixr

It's very reassuring to have someone looking over your shoulder when you do your first rebuild. I wish I had someone experienced when I did my engine. It would have alleviated a lot of anxiety. Get some books and read them and go to the class. You'll never regret it and you might just know a thing or two more than the guys telling you to learn it yourself. JMHO.


[Modified by vettfixr, 8:39 PM 7/2/2003]

Corey_68

Engine building isn't something you can just learn by reading. You must have some "Hands On" training. :yesnod:

isosceles

I've been thinking of doing the same. The college where I work does not offer anything like that, but there are some tech schools in the local school district that might.

LFZ

i wish there was a college around here that offered it, and i'd take it....sure my dad knows how to do all that stuff, but i'd think the hands on and experience would definitely be worth while and fun....never know, might learn something. :cheers:

lyonsh

Those books don't come with the special tools you need, either. Most good schools do. Check the school out and see what they've got, and talk to a couple of the students about how good the instructor is.

Even though I had built engines before, I took the courses at the local community college, for two reasons:

1. The school had a good machine-shop setup, with over $100,000 worth of special tools that came in REAL handy.

2. The instructor was a drag racer who was an absolute goldmine of knowledge, tips, and tricks. And who also would help you do things, and check your work.

It was WELL worth it. :cheers:

Rogue Wave

Take the class. You'll be glad you did.

I'm taking one now on auto refinishing... or maybe I should say I took the fall and spring class and we are out for the summer and I'll sign up for the upcoming fall class.

I want to refinish the C3 myself. So far I got the old paint off and the car sanded and primed. Next class I'll start putting the finish coats on 'er.

Yes I could have gotten some books and done it all in my garage... but having a place to work on the car without goobering up my garage is nice, not to mention the school has a really nice paint booth, plus there is a professional there to answer all my questions and make sure I do it the right way.

Have fun :cheers:

Buffalo Dude

I'd do it! If time and money aren't a real problem, then I'd go for it. I'm taking welding at CC and it's great; it's being taught by a welder that's been in the business for 30+ years.

CrossedFlags77

One of the high schools (of course the one I dont go to)offers an automotive class. I dont know the details but I wish I could take it. And by the time I got my school to even think about offering a class like that I will have graduated. :boxing

Paul L

I went to a technical high school (a "few" years ago) in preparation for university studies in mechanical engineering. I took one full course in auto mechanics that included tearing down and rebuilding a Chevrolet V8 engine. What I learned has never left me despite the passage of time. Go for it!

Twin_Turbo

You can read all the books in the world but making screw ups when actually doing it teaches you the most.

I say, read all the books first to give you an edge. Then you can ask important questions doing the course, skipping the basic stuff.

Marck

Tominator

Think it's a great idea, the cc about 50 miles from is offering body work classes and am thinking of doing it.

Boofers

Wow thanks for all the input guys. I think maybe my friends don't want me to take the course because they are afraid I will end up knowing more than them about engines!!! :cheers: