Philosophy

I teach full rebuilding, with a focus on maintenance. My reasoning is this:

It sets a controlled and structured environment to provide a foundation of “mechanical skill” and “experience” and that “there is a way things are done.”

It builds the student’s confidence that they CAN, in fact, do this.

Rebuilding the part helps the student to fully understand what is going on; this helps significantly in the ability to diagnose problems.

I do not strive to train apprentices; I purpose to help students take care of their vehicle, or at least know enough to make informed decisions when taking their car for servicing.

Graduated licensing means few students actually have a driver’s license.

My school/student demographics are generally middle-class and low-income, and few students even own a vehicle. Being able to fix their old car is a significant benefit to them.

Level 1
This course is an introduction to the automobile and its systems. Students will rebuild an automotive engine in this course. Engine support systems such as cooling, lubrication, ignition, and fuel systems will also be studied, along with system testing and maintenance procedures.	Intro The Engine Cylinder Heads Engine Blocks Fuel System Ignition System Cooling System
Level 2
Topics include electrical systems, drivetrain, steering, suspension, brakes and emission controls. A heavy emphasis is placed on diagnosis and troubleshooting using diagnostic equipment.	Intro Drivetrain Brakes Suspension Steering Electrical Emission Controls
Level 3
Students wishing to take this course must be self-motivated, have a mature attitude, and have a definite aptitude in the field of Mechanics. Students will rebuild an automatic transmission as well as a differential. Topics include engine performance, balancing and blueprinting, forced induction, nitrous oxide, automatic transmissions, lifting and lowering, and other custom modifications.	Intro Engine Performance Blueprinting Boost & N2O …. and Selecting a Turbo Automatics Differentials Lifting & Lowering
Level 4
Currently in development, and is consisting of (but subject to change) students researching on their own, and convincing me that they fully understand. This will be a comparable amount of work to the L1,2,3 booklets, not just reading what a quick Google brings you. Your “average” student cannot adequately do this.	Autobody Air Conditioning DIY 4-Wheel Alignments EFI Programming Suspension Frequency & Spring Rates Importing Vehicles Self-Driving Vehicles Converting an engine to Alternate Fuels ~~Converting a Vehicle to Electric~~ ________________ (?????)