Online Automotive Classes?

[dirtaddict]

I have no interest in wrenching as a career. I have a DD and a project car and would prefer to do the work myself (beyond regular oil changes, tire rotations, etc.). Would an online class like this be beneficial or a waste of money? My full time job has crazy hours that do not allow me to apprentice or shadow at any local shops, much less attend a vocational school 5 days a week. Recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

[shorod]

The biggest benefit I would see to an online course would be to get the theory down of how a 4-stroke engine works, what effect ignition timing has, and how electronics can vary fuel delivery and timing to make more power or increase fuel economy. Beyond that, the specifics to your DD and project car will come primarily from applying what you could learn through an online course (or book from the library, surfing the Internet such as "howstuffworks.com", or forums).

-Rod

[Stealthee]

Nothing other than getting your hands dirty will really be of any benefit in my opinion. You can read all the books you want, but unless you actually put your hands on the automobile/part at hand you will end up being lost. Sure you can learn things in research, but unless you actually have an idea of what it really takes to change it I can't see classes being of much, if any, benefit.