---couple questions---

[pojih]

ok so i know nothing about cars but want to get involved, so i started reading posts. i saw something that reffered www.howstuffworks.com and i read everything involving the engine, brakes, etc.
ok so question #1) what about suspension.. what do different things do?
#2) also what order do u add mods to your car....like cold air intake first then exhuast, etc. what order?
thx in advance hope to not be too much of an invonvenience

[pojih]

come on now people help me out!

[Volvord 784VC]

You are asking a question that has a very comprehensive answer. I am a licensed Master Mechanic and been in the trade for 25 years, to achieve this I went to school and applied that knowledge for 4 years, then every year take a series of courses on new technology and changes in the industry. I good comparison I read about a few years back was that both an automotive mechanic and a brain surgeon need to know the equivalent of around 8-10 encyclopedia volumes to be competent. The difference is that as a brain surgeon learning the new procedures yearly involves adding about 1-2 more volumes, where as a mechanic technology will add 3-4 new volumes annually.

What all this is saying is here is a lot to learn and no one can provide an answer on an Internet forum. You are starting with the right sources, read lots, do ask lots of questions, take automotive courses in school or your local college, evening classes are often available.

Your first car can be an excellent learning experience, as can offering your help. When I was much younger I worked as a crewmember on several racing teams, this provided me with a wealth of information, great experiences, and exposure to car racing, which you will never get out of your blood.

Your local library has some great automotive textbooks that will give you the foundation of all the mechanical components.

Happy learning

[Carguy393]

That just makes it sound impossible to learn anything

[Volvord 784VC]

No, it just means that there is no magic formula or a quick web page to read and you become an expert. You acutally have to put forth some effort and work hard ... what a concept.

[tha_new_guy]

Originally Posted by pojih

ok so i know nothing about cars but want to get involved, so i started reading posts. i saw something that reffered www.howstuffworks.com and i read everything involving the engine, brakes, etc.
ok so question #1) what about suspension.. what do different things do?
#2) also what order do u add mods to your car....like cold air intake first then exhuast, etc. what order?
thx in advance hope to not be too much of an invonvenience

It depends on wat you want to do with your car. You want it to HANDLE, or you want straight line acceleration, or do you want a well rounded car that does both? As the others said,, there is no easy answer to your question. I say go with intake, headers, exhaust, and BRAKES (not many people remember this) for performance. Then you can get your fancy coilovers and lowering springs and antisway bars for handling. There's a well rounded car.

[XShadowZxX]

Learning about cars isnt easy. Buy a copy of Chilton or something.

[kingsleym]

Hello all,

Just browsing and came across this thread. My own thoughts would be to sort out the handling and braking of the car first and then go to power output. A number of reasons for this.

1. Its cheaper
2. A good handling car will will give you more fun than outright power(Unless your're into drag racing).
3. Learning to handle the car first will give you a great feel for the car and then go for engine mods.
4. Lighter, well sorted handling cars with good brakes give all the boys with big power outputs a good run for their money, particularly in the wet.

Anyway, just my thoughts.
If your'e into Ford Escort rally cars check out my site (motorsport section) at

http://www.kteamtrivia.co.uk

Regards

Kingsley

[MustangRoadRacer]

yes. lightweight is the key.
good brakes next.
tight suspension third.
power last.