I know this is a basic useless post and it makes me sound like a total tool but I would really start to learn more about Honda engines then what I know now. I know the basics about it and can install and replace bolt on crap like I/H/E, radiator, FI system etc but I want to get into performance where knowledge about engines is more important then how to install the parts you have.

I have an 88 CRX DX auto and currently got a new job that pay half decent and it looks like in about 4 months of saving I will have enought for a full JDM front clip which would be nice to have for learning and swapping purposes.

Where should I go from there? Like I dont just want to get a turbo kit and figure out how to install it. I want to be able to learn and retain information about how thigns work etc. What suggestions would you guys have to go in this direction? Im more of a hands on learning type of guy. If I can see it and do it I find it a lot easier to retain that information than just read it out of a book or online.

Thanks for the input and ideas.

CRX Forum

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crxforum &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Where should I go from there? Like I dont just want to get a turbo kit and figure out how to install it. I want to be able to learn and retain information about how thigns work etc. What suggestions would you guys have to go in this direction? Im more of a hands on learning type of guy. If I can see it and do it I find it a lot easier to retain that information than just read it out of a book or online.

Thanks for the input and ideas.

CRX Forum</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm in the same boat. First, you should learn the parts and how they function. Basically how they all work togehter. When I do something i'm not familiar with i read the manual and try to plan it out in my head. Then I think of every tool i would need to complete the job and buy it. You're on the right track. I just keep my manual next to me and go at it. If i'm unsure of something I will refer to the book. Just go do it, if you have common sense you'll know when something isn't right. Take your time and pay attention to the little details. Browsing the forums has taught me alot too. I study others people problems, so when they happen to me i know what to check.

My biggest obstacle is that I live in a condo. I'm not supposed to work on my car in the parking lot, but I gotta do what i gotta do. Once I get a garage it's on.

Just pick up the wrench and get busy.

Invest in a digital camera. This will be helpful.


Modified by eda6 at 10:48 PM 11/18/2004

 

If you have a more knowledgable friend, that is a great help. Make sure they are actually more knowledgable, and not full of ****. But like he said, get the manual, and get started. You learn to swim IN the pool.

 

I guess it comes down to what do you want to learn specifically. Are you talking about tearing down a motor and completely rebuilding it or are you talking about theory? Things like turbo size and compression, being able to calculate approximate spool times and flow in terms of CFM?

 

CRXforum;

I looked at your "profile" and have to say that an individual that is 104 years old should already know all this stuff, or just give up. At that age, you will not be able to remember any of it (don't ask me why I know, just trust me, don't look at my profile).

That said;

Go by Barnes and Noble and look through all the books they have on building engines. Buy two or three and read them from front to back. However, don't trust everything you read. If something doesn't seem right, see if you can find another source that says the same thing.

Buy an engine that you can take apart and put back together. I'm talking about a junk engine for a couple bucks or free (you should be able to get a worn out D motor for dirt). Take it apart slowly and notice what shows wear or is broken. Figure out what each item does as you remove it (EVERY item on an engine has a purpose). Then put it back together. Don't bother with gaskets or anything, all you are after is to see if you can do it and not have "extra" bolts or such. Once that's all done, you have learned a lot and can just throw the dang thing away.

Think about doing the same thing with a transmission. Most people are afraid to tear into one, but if you first play around with a trashed one, you can get over that fear and move on.

Wes

 

I couldn't agree more with the previous post.

 

I was the same type of guy you were at one point. Personally I can't have people just explain to me how to do stuff, I actually have to experience it myself. Although it sure doesn't hurt to have some friends who do engine swaps.buildups and install turbos and SCs.

With that said, if I were you I'd buy a cheap little D-series or maybe even a B-seires if you can find a cheap one. Just take the enigine apart piece by piece, but make sure you understand ow every component works, and what could possibly be wrong, or right with that component. Read some books, shop manuals, etc.

I did this personally on old discarded D-series (and the odd B18B) with my friend at his brothers shop. He and I did this for awhile until we could afford to do it on our own. Now we help other people who don't quite know their way around engines.

There's alot to be said about hands on experience, personally I love working with my hands...Maybe that's why I could never sit still in class, well other than shop/automotive that is.