[xNUM1KILLAx]

Hey guys I’m a complete NOOB to this whole car thing. I’m 17 looking to get into cars not just modding but fixing and understanding them. I really don’t think I know much about them so please bear with me.

I assume the first few things I should know is what are the major parts that you have to keep an eye on so your car runs at its best. I should also probably know terminology I don’t really know what half of these things you all say mean. If these things are already answered or this thread should go some other place plz let me know.

Basically if somebody could help me understand these terms and parts of a car and what those parts do that would be great. Thanks in advance to all who help me.

[ReverendDexter]

This page is your friend: Howstuffworks "Auto"

[xNUM1KILLAx]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter This page is your friend: Howstuffworks "Auto"

Thanks ill check that out sounds like a how its made sort of thing. Good show btw if you like seeing how things are made.

[6er_w/a_Vengance]

you'd probly get more answers in the Clubhouse section for a list of terminology...or just read the forum and pick it up that way....that's the best way to learn...

[xNUM1KILLAx]

Originally Posted by 6er_w/a_Vengance you'd probly get more answers in the Clubhouse section for a list of terminology...or just read the forum and pick it up that way....that's the best way to learn...

I tried to learn as i go but people keep bringing more things i dont know about up and i dont understand what they are talking about so i dont understand what they are doing to there cars and such. So its kinda hard to just pick up on things as i go.

[03_StangGuy]

Seriously watch the auto shows saturday and sunday mornings. All cars have the same components for the most part. Some are a lil different than other but youll know what to look for and where to look. Thats where a majority of my education on cars came from.

[BostonPerformance]

Read, read, read.
Start basic. Three things a car needs to run. Air, Fuel, Spark. If a car doesn't start or has trouble starting, it's almost always associated with one of these things. Just take a look under your hood and identify the things that provide each of these components and how they work together. Take small things off, like valve covers, to get a better look. Take every chance you can to get your hands dirty. Knowledge will come on it's own.

[ReverendDexter]

Originally Posted by xNUM1KILLAx I tried to learn as i go but people keep bringing more things i dont know about up and i dont understand what they are talking about so i dont understand what they are doing to there cars and such. So its kinda hard to just pick up on things as i go.

You just have to take things one at a time.

Find something that you don't know about, and then research that one thing 'til you understand it.

If you just can't figure it out, just post up a, "Hey, wtf are you talking about when you say..." thread in the applicable area (if you're unsure of the right area to post, default to the clubhouse).

The more you know, the more you know you don't know, so don't stress on not knowing

[xNUM1KILLAx]

Howstuffworks "Auto"

is the best answer so far sorry but saying take a car apart wont help. first off i dont have a car of my own as i said i am 17 looking for a car. I understand were you are coming from but i just dont have the resources to do that (need a car got the tools.)

03_StangGuy I tryed to start watching that but i have to much stuff going on to do that im getting ready for the army reserves and my weekends are taken up with doing things and during the week im at work 8 to 6 or 7 so i have no time to watch shows then eather.

I did pretty good with the site the one guy posted i looked up engines and they told me how it worked what to look for to know whats wrong. most of the stuff i already knew but also helped with some terms.

There is one thing im dying to know and cant find a strait forward answer. When they refer to a 5.0 litter v8. I know the v8 means it has 8 cylinders but what is the liter thing.

[ReverendDexter]

That's the displacement (volume) of all the cylinders. The larger the displacement, the more air/fuel mixture combusts at each firing event. The more air/fuel you can burn, the more power you make.

[xNUM1KILLAx]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter The larger the displacement, the more air/fuel mixture combusts at each firing event. The more air/fuel you can burn, the more power you make.

Thank you altho i knew this part from the site you gave me its a good site and really help if you know specific parts.

[zinc02GT]

You found the right site to figure stuff out man. I've learned a shit ton on here. Like they said though. Read, read, read. Then go do it yourself. DOing it with your hands is going to be the best way though.

[04stang123456789]

Are there any specific terms that you don't understand, that we could answer for you?

[dannyboy281]

this site will help you learn some basic stuff about the mustang GT 99-04, like changing the oil, where to lift you vehicle with a jack and jack stands and the guy offers a how to video on how to do a basic tune up on your mustang, for like $20 i dont have it because i already know how to do what he does..... but i have seen some of his videos for fun and hes pretty good and informative and they are not really long so even you can watch them with your limited time....

Mustang | AutoHow.TV

this will definitely help you learn especially if you want a mustang i would also suggest you get a chillton or haynes manual on what ever car you get im assuming your interested in a mustang thats why your here, also a 3/8 inch socket set along with some wrenches standard or metric if you can get both better for you what ever brand you prefer is up to you..... but i suggest you invest in a decent brand like craftsman tools if you can afford high end ones like snap on, mac, or matco seeing that your 17 yrs old plus craftsman are lifetime so if they break you can get a replacement for free.

the engine size in the videos is a 281 cubic inch 2V meaning 2 valves per cylinder one valve being an exhaust and the other an intake valve the engine is a V8 4.6 liter rated at 260 hp at the crankshaft but around 235-240 hp at the rear wheels aka rwhp, this is just a little bit of info for you but feel free to post any terms you dont understand

[xNUM1KILLAx]

Thanks for the help guys.

dannyboy281 altho i dont have my own set of tools yet i am not worried about that i know 2 mechanics and my step dad does construction and has hella wrenches, pliers, socket wrenches, and some power tools so till i move out or get enough money to buy my own i can just use theres. Very good point to a new person tho most people dont think of that stuff.

Ok so i have pretty much gotten the engine stuff down thanks to ReverendDexter and his suggested site. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SITE FOR ALL NOOBS LIKE ME. What parts in order from most important to least important should i learn about next.

I am going to try and stay away from most mods. Im probably getting a V6 and want to put one duel exhaust because both the site and everyone i know says it helps the engine last longer. I personally also like the look of duel exhaust. Good idea or no and how much would it cost.

[ReverendDexter]

Originally Posted by xNUM1KILLAx I am going to try and stay away from most mods. Im probably getting a V6 and want to put one duel exhaust because both the site and everyone i know says it helps the engine last longer.

I'd love to hear the logic on why dual exhaust makes the engine last longer.

Based on your sig, it looks like your budget is $6k and you're looking for a V6 for insurance cost reasons.



I would suggest checking the insurance price on an older GT before committing to that. If you're gonna get a Mustang, I think you'll be happier in the long run if you get a V8. I would suggest a '94-95 GT, that will get you into the better SN95 chassis, but still have the pushrod 5.0. Assuming it's a stock motor, it won't have all that much more hp than the '99+ V6 cars, but it's a lot more torque, it'll already have dual exhaust and the stronger drivetrain, and it'll be a LOT cheaper to mod when you decide to do so.

[xNUM1KILLAx]

Originally Posted by ReverendDexter I'd love to hear the logic on why dual exhaust makes the engine last longer. Based on your sig, it looks like your budget is $6k and you're looking for a V6 for insurance cost reasons. I would suggest checking the insurance price on an older GT before committing to that. If you're gonna get a Mustang, I think you'll be happier in the long run if you get a V8. I would suggest a '94-95 GT, that will get you into the better SN95 chassis, but still have the pushrod 5.0. Assuming it's a stock motor, it won't have all that much more hp than the '99+ V6 cars, but it's a lot more torque, it'll already have dual exhaust and the stronger drivetrain, and it'll be a LOT cheaper to mod when you decide to do so.

This is going to be my first car no mods. They say because it is easyer for the exhaust to exit the car and stuff idk if its better that is what i hear tho. Even my 2 mechanics say so IDK tho.


I wanna stick to a 99-04 because i like the look a lot better. Unless i find a rely rely good deal on a 94-98 then imma try and get a 99-04. My goal is to try and get a 50th aniversary addition in 2014 when they come out so putting a hell of a lot of money into this one is out of the question that would give me 4 more years of driving and by then i should have a better job so i can afford it. If i cant afford it then i will prob get a 2010 then and mod that.