Learning about and building engines

[QuinnMcHugh]

Hi guys,
I'm an incoming engineering student at Ohio State and am really fascinated with what goes on under the hood of my car. I've done about 20 minutes of fruitless light searching on how engines work and wanted to know if there are any classic textbooks or resources on this topic. Also, I'd like my book learning to culminate in constructing something tangible of my own. Any advice?

 

[Averagesupernova]

Start with the small stuff. Get some junk lawn mowers and things of this nature and start digging.

 

[QuinnMcHugh]

I'll be sure to get my hands on some examples to emulate, but what I'm more interested in is automotive theory and engine blueprints, preferably from an applied physics point of view. Are there any industry standard texts or mechanics guides that assume beginner level knowledge, and take you through building your own motor?

 

[pantaz]

The wiki page has several external references under "References" and "Further reading"

Plenty more from Google
https://www.google.com/search?q=internal+combustion+engine+theory&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=bks

 

[Ranger Mike]

welcome! you are the future. I went to BGSU because the prof there had a Formula car and raced SCCA. His car was raced at Indy about 5 years prior. They also had an engine dyno that I rebuilt for the University. You missed a golden opportunity last night. Start going to Columbus Motor Speedway. You can get a pit pass and find a crew located in Columbus. You have several good engine builders in Columbus. May even get a part timer job learning the tricks of the trade. Racing is alive and well in the Capitol! Jegs started in Columbus. Jack Roush was based out of Columbus in the late 1960s. National Trail Dragway is a national drag strip just south of Columbus. You would be surprised at the young kids racing entry level cars at these events.

 

[QuinnMcHugh]

Wow, pantaz, those links were great! I think I'm going to buy Internal Combustion Engine in Theory and Practice, Volumes 1 & 2 as they look perfect for my interests. And Mike, I had no clue that Columbus was a mini-hub of racing and auto development. I'll be sure to check it out soon. Thanks guys.

 

[jack action]

http://hpwizard.com/

 

[QuinnMcHugh]

Hmmm, seems like a good resource for engine and auto analysis. I'll keep it in mind once I build something of my own. Thanks, Jack.