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The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Learning more about mechanics


Supra Gaz

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I have been looking towards different career roles lately, my job is changing rapidly, its gone from something i believe in, into bureaucratic, politically correct stupidity in the space of the last few years.

So i want to learn more about mechanics, not the people (as charming as they are) but the knowledge behind it, does anyone know of anything decent to read, watch, a course etc that can get me on the right track, i am willing to put myself out and love getting my hands dirty. I didn't know diddly about cars when i bought my first supra, now i am pretty happy doing basics, changing brakes, bumpers, exhausts, sparks, oil etc.

 

Any help would be great, as usual the best answer gets haribo, type depends on whats in the cupboard.

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I have a great book somewhere, it's one they use at college for training mechanics. I'll dig it out next time I'm at theirs.

 

Otherwise, it's worth buying a cheap banger for a few hundred quid, as hands on experience is better than anything.

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I am looking to get a 2jzge and strip it, I have all the tools, just not enough knowledge, a bit like a Kwik fit mechanic. If you could let me know the name of the book that would be great. Cheers

 

No problem. I wouldn't start with a 2jz though, I'd look for for something cheap and (relatively) light.

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I'm picking on the 2jz because I fancy having a go at a na-t conversion anyway, I was going 1jz but jacked the idea in. I could pick on the misses golf but I may get in trouble..... If I jump in at the deep end with a double over head cam 24 valve straight six then I should be ok with most things?

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If your thinking of stripping a 2JZ-GE engine I would suggest you get hold of the Toyota workshop manual and have a good read through. If you take your time and don't rush then you should have no problems. If you do run into difficulty then I'm sure any help you need can be found on this site. Getting stuck in is the best way to learn to be honest unless you won't to a YTS course.

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I have all the tools, just not enough knowledge, a bit like a Kwik fit mechanic.

 

You're using the term mechanic loosely there, aren't you!?

 

Best thing to do if you're considering a career change mate is enroll in a college course. I know with your hours etc it might be difficult , but you'd be better off with the qualifications and it'll teach you the principles. As far as an engine goes, find a cheapo Zetec or something as most cars these days don't have push rods etc and 99% of the engines I see are 16v. If you can master a twin cam, single cams will be easy peasy!

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Good point Ben, the lads down at Kwik fit can't really be called mechanics. I would love to do a course, its just as you said, time, which equals money. I would be happy doing this over a long time period, learn enough to know my way about an engine etc then look towards qualifications. I ideally need to win the lottery.....

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It was the IMI books we used at college. Great books and very detailed, although I used the Body Repair/Painting versions at college so I'm not sure which one would suit you best!

 

It might be worth a look here bud: http://www.motor.org.uk/store/index.html?p=1

 

Im 17 and at college learning Level 2 diploma in motor vehicle and i use them IMI books - They are a great book a little on the pricey side at around £20-25.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Subscribed.

 

I want more mechanical knowledge just so I can do more stuff myself with more confidence. Not considering a career change just yet, but we'll see what other great ideas Ms May and Mr Winsor come up with. Anyway.. My biggest issue is lack of space. I'd love to buy an old Ford or something to learn on, but I just don't have the space to store another car that will never be driven.

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Im 17 and at college learning Level 2 diploma in motor vehicle and i use them IMI books - They are a great book a little on the pricey side at around £20-25.

 

You ought to try university, many of the books are £60-£100 and you need at least 6-9 of them every 3 months or so :(

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I have been looking towards different career roles lately, my job is changing rapidly, its gone from something i believe in, into bureaucratic, politically correct stupidity in the space of the last few years.

 

Sorry to hear this Gaz. It's 11 years since I jacked and it's the best thing I ever did. It's only when I see someone behaving like a total knob I wish I had my "super powers" back.

 

Good luck with the mechanical knowledge. If I had the time, I would go to college and do it properly.

 

H.

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