Help me understand a few things.

[Vicr]

Check out Scotty on You Tube. I'm an old gearhead from the 70's and don't agree with everything he says but at least you'll get the gist of car lingo.

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[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Google and read about engine basics, including the following:

Internal combustion basics, 4 stroke engine. Wiki has an article with good info.

Google:
Engine displacement
Engine type: Dual overhead cam vs push rod/ cam in block
Compression ratio
Intake plenum and throttle body
Exhaust headers
Catback exhaust system
Direct fuel injection
Port fuel injection
Engine heads
Crankshaft
Pistons
Combustion chamber

That should keep you busy for a while learning about engine basics

Then learn about wheel sizes and tire dimensions/ratios

The learn about the basic suspension components.

If you want to get into something cool that most car guys don't know a lot about, learn about automotive aerodynamics.
Start here: https://www.autotrader.ca/newsfeatures/20150623/go-fast-aerodynamics-101/
Then read about what spoilers and wings do here: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/wings-spoilers-youre-probably-doing-it-wrong-1665312667

That oughta keep you busy for a few days. Glad to see you want to learn. I've known cars since I was a kid, since my dad was a car guy. There's no substitute for working on cars. I have spent countless hours working on cars including: changing entire engines, adding every imaginable bolt on and upgraded camshafts to multiple cars, pulling heads, etc. But starting with reading the basics is a good place to start.

 

[frank s]

No matter what you do, eventually you will reach a tipping point, with a slippery slope on both sides: Is this me, or is it not?

I hope you don't feel as if you've wasted your time and energy when it's time to decide.

 

[Draklia]

I’d say rule #1 is be careful of what advice you take. Half of the people on the internet are here because they like to feel important. Some go to the extent of suggesting products they have just to justify their purchase. Example would be someone who tells you you need to bolt 15 different brackets, bushings and braces on your car to improve performance. Then after going through your install you are mortified because you care shakes and vibrates more than you can tolerate. Nobody told you some guys think more vibration and shakes makes it more like a race car so in their mind it’s an improvement in performance. Also be careful of products, plenty don’t exactly do what you’d expect them to. People who work/sell in the aftermarket car parts industry can be true street outlaws, it’s the only profession that it’s expected/allowable for half truths to be the norm.

 

[Biggsy]

I feel you on this one. This is my first performance car and I’m the only one in my family including my friends that have a performance car so my resources was limited to the internet. First thing is I’m happy I found this forum first instead of the FB groups. Fortunately for me I am a electrical/computer engineer so when it comes to numbers and physics I can usually picture the explanation for any questions i have in my head and understand it that way.

I would like to point out the obvious and say don’t assume what you don’t know.

I’ve never learned so much about cars in general since I got mine. I think my increase in knowledge pertaining to that has been just about as rewarding as being able to drive my dream car.

One thing I have done is when I see certain mods in some users’ signature I research it’s purpose and how it affects the car. Then I broaden it to outside the mustang box to how it may affect other platforms. And the general functionality of it. Most popular one is FI and how different set ups work then how pulley sizes come into play. The list can go one but I see it as the domino effect because researching one thing will lead to a new question and you’ll look up whatever that is.

Members up here are really informative and very technical and take the time to explain things so I appreciate that the most because that’s what I feel the community/forum is about.

 

[Nomadic]

Get an "I'm Inadequate" t-shirt. People love honesty.

 

[subbz]

Do not be afraid to admit you don't know much. It's easy for car guys to sniff out people that are just kind of winging it, but many(non-assholes) are also very happy to help explain what they are talking about to a new guy.

And example I have is when I was heavy into the Ford ZX2/Focus/Contour scene there was a new guy, clearly didn't know about cars, but knew what he liked appearance wise. We ended up good friends because while I was not mechanically inclined I helped him learn about exhausts, intakes, cams, and if I could helped him(with printed out guides) install new parts. Others bagged on him for not being knowledgeable, but if no one explained it to him, he'd never learn. So we'd walk around car shows and he'd point to something and ask what it was, or how it worked, I'd explain it best I could, and if I didn't know I'd suggest he take a picture to post on the forum and ask or Google it. This story just really sticks out in my memory as I had helped him install a kit on his car and new intake, and after I off handed mentioned how I liked his shirt, it was the only shirt printed with a Ford ZX2 on the front and very few were made, and he literally just took it off and gave it to me as a thanks.

Not sure what hes doing now, or what hes driving, but he defiantly goes down as the only guy I've ever met that would literally give you the shirt off his back.

Definitely need more people like you in the car scene!

Thanks everyone for the advice.
Will be reading forums & watching YouTube videos today, any specific YouTuber I should subscribe to?
I really wish there was a bigger car scene in western NC, I missed Ponies in The Smokies this year which was a bummer.
Sadly. None of my family is into cars. "As long as it gets you from point A to B, you're fine" is what they say, but I disagree. I love seeing fixed up cars, how they look, sound, & the power they produce..
And I'm already thinking about doing some small mods here and there, CAI, C-B exhaust, different wheels, & 15% tint.

I suggest looking through instagram pages for clubs and meets around your area. You'd be surprised at how active the car scene is in your area through IG. Through there I'm sure you'd meet some people that would help you learn more about your car. But also as everyone suggests if you just want to learn on your own, you can use google as a primary source of knowledge. I learned a lot over the years just through looking at performance parts and researching what they do through google and also through reading through forums. Good luck and congratulations on your new car!

 

[Interceptor]

Around I40 corridor Asheville, Byson City, etc.. use to have quite a few Saturday afternoon cruise in. These events are really laid back and are in he cool of the evening. Perfect for your locality

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