I need to begin learning about tuning...where should I start?

[Cloudy Wolf]

I guess a short introductory is in order. Well, I'm 20, a full-time employee and I live in Houston, Texas. I am completely new to the world of cars in general and I just recently became intrigued with Cobras after deciding that my current hobbies of action figures and video games aren't keeping me too busy anymore and are leaving me with too much extra spending money burning a hole in my pocket. JK. So after two weeks of extensive researching online I came up with the following conclusions:

American muscle is the only way to go
Imports don't really interest me
Tuning domestics is common and offers a wide variety of ways to do so
Cobras have the most potential from my viewpoint
I plan on buying a new Shelby Mustang for a number of reasons (stock horsepower is nuts; warranty would stop me from doing ANYTHING before I'm ready within 1st year; might be able to buy one for sticker)

So, I guess the only question left is what is my best option for learning how to properly tune and take care of a performance car? Should I sign up for an automechanic class at the local Junior College and start from scratch? Should I just pick up a few books on the subject? Where should I start?

What would some of the seasoned veterans recommend and I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Cloudy Wolf

PS: I know it kind of sounds like I'm biting off more than I can chew, but like I said, I just want to learn right now and I don't plan on doing anything for quite a while until I feel I'm ready.

[beerkat]

First off Welcome to the boards. Spend $15 and become a member. Most people who tune thier cars have it done by a shop since a dyno is needed for the best tune. Your tune will depend on the mods that you have done to your car. But since you do not have your car yet you have lots of time to learn and this is a great place to do that.:thumbsup:

[Ram77mus]

I guess a short introductory is in order. Well, I'm 20, a full-time employee and I live in Houston, Texas. I am completely new to the world of cars in general and I just recently became intrigued with Cobras after deciding that my current hobbies of action figures and video games aren't keeping me too busy anymore and are leaving me with too much extra spending money burning a hole in my pocket. JK. So after two weeks of extensive researching online I came up with the following conclusions:

American muscle is the only way to go
Imports don't really interest me
Tuning domestics is common and offers a wide variety of ways to do so
Cobras have the most potential from my viewpoint
I plan on buying a new Shelby Mustang for a number of reasons (stock horsepower is nuts; warranty would stop me from doing ANYTHING before I'm ready within 1st year; might be able to buy one for sticker)

So, I guess the only question left is what is my best option for learning how to properly tune and take care of a performance car? Should I sign up for an automechanic class at the local Junior College and start from scratch? Should I just pick up a few books on the subject? Where should I start?

What would some of the seasoned veterans recommend and I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Cloudy Wolf

PS: I know it kind of sounds like I'm biting off more than I can chew, but like I said, I just want to learn right now and I don't plan on doing anything for quite a while until I feel I'm ready.
Hope this helps when you read it. http://www.pro-dyno.net/tuningintro.php

[tazzracing1]

Welcome to the site. I know that everyone here will give you a helping hand in trying to answer your ?? The people here really know what they are talking about.

[Cobra4me]

welcome to the boards. Lofty goals but attainable with determination. good luck!!

[Blown96Snake]

Grassroots Motorsports (magazine) did an article a couple months back on EFI University (http://www.efi101.com/efi101.html)

You might check out their website and see what it has to offer. One question, do you want to learn how to tune your car (or future cars) or do you want to get into the tuning business?

Either way, Good Luck

Dave