SameerP

so i want to get more involved with my car, beyond ****-ant stuff like doing shift-kit or intake, but how to start?

I noticed that my local community college has auto classes, in particular this one caught my attention:

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY 110
Engine Design and Operation
4 credit hours
A lecture/lab course designed to provide understanding in the design, operation and troubleshooting procedures of the gasoline engine. Students participate in the disassembly, identification and inspection of parts, and use of service manuals. Safety and shop procedures are also covered. (3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

Is something like this a good place to start? Im thinking that my Miata can become my test bed to start learning to really dig into my car(s). For instance, i am due for a timing belt/water pump on the Miata (105k on her)...and doing it might be a good first step...im just worried about messing up the Audi :/

Cheers,
Sameer

Stratocaster1422

its good to have somebody around that has done what you are trying to do.

WYSIWYG

ID'ing car parts is a game we have our girlfriends compete in during college, no kidding

like strato said, just do it, start small
oil change, tuneups, tire swaps, brakes and work your way up. if you need familiarity of parts, get a manual specific for the car youre working on or grab a text book for a more general/broader point of view.

Mat Indukts Lambos

Before I got out of the military, I had a free semester of college to use, for my second re-enlistment bonus. I took a total of 4 automotive classes at NoVA. Got A's in everything except "shop safety, tools, & practices", which is the class that's mandatory to take in order to take any other shop classes(got a C). Teacher didn't like me very much ;-P

Bottom line, you'll learn more in 6 days working at a real shop than you will in 6 months in a classroom. Use your money to buy beer for someone who knows how to work on the cars, etc, etc, etc....

Žob

and had to fix my busted car and didnt have money to pay someone else. I got a lot of practice back then... In college I worked at an Audi/VW repair place and gained more hands on experience. Just takes time. Read a lot about problems, and resolutions on the net will help in being able to diagnose issues. Having a good understanding of different automotive systems doesnt help as well. I know a lot, but there is always more to learn...

Toaster29

instructions for what you are trying to do online. Use common sense and realize all, for the most part, that you are doing is turning a few bolts here and there.

Dead

your mistakes,learn from them,and learn how the item/system functions before you work on it.