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Course Syllabus

AUTO 1509 Hot Rod and Performance Vehicles

  • Division: Business and Applied Tech
  • Department: Transportation Technology
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 1; Lab: 3
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2018
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Spring 2023
  • End Semester: Spring 2024
  • Optimum Class Size: 12
  • Maximum Class Size: 15

Course Description

This course will teach students the theory and skills required to build and modify engines, drive-trains, suspensions, and vehicles for increased performance and personal taste. This course is repeatable for credit.

Justification

This course is designed as an elective. It is not required for a degree.

The course allows students who are interested in performance vehicles an opportunity to deepen their understanding and increase their knowledge of the performance aftermarket industry by providing instruction, equipment, and a facility to do so in a safe manner.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to calculate the compression ratio of an internal combustion engine by measuring the required volumes and completing the required mathematical calculations.
  2. Students will be able to run a vehicle on the chassis dynamometer and be able to interpret the results.
  3. Students will understand the basic functions of a camshaft including, lift, duration, lobe separation, and lobe center-line.
  4. Students will understand the concepts of horsepower and torque, know the history and be able to complete the mathematical calculations for them.

Course Content

Performance engine modifications:
Camshaft degreeing
Blueprinting
Compression calculations
Porting
Performance drive-trains:
Clutches
Gear ratios
Limited slip systems
Transmissions
Suspensions:
Lowering
Lift kits
Handling modifications
Spring rates and sway bars
Shocks
Fabrication
Dynamometer operation and testing
Fuel injection systems
Forced induction:
Turbos, superchargers and nitrous oxide.