FAQs

Can you make a video on... ?
Video suggestions are welcome, go to Suggestions and post a comment with the topic you would like to see a video on. Please know that I make one video per week, so it takes time to get to suggestions.

How do you know so much about cars?
Flattering, thank you. I read and watch quite a bit on cars. Websites, YouTube channels, automotive books. Another great thing to do, especially if you're just getting interested in cars, is to go to a local junkyard, pay a couple bucks to get in, and then start disassembling everything. Start from the top, and just take apart an engine. It will make understanding them very clear, and easy to remember once you have a good visualization of the involved components.

Do you know of any good books for learning more about cars?
Quite possibly my most popular question. For those looking for a basic introduction, How Cars Work is a good, cheap book for learning the fundamentals. If you're like me, however, it won't quite satisfy your appetite for knowledge, so I recommend going with more detailed and technical books, including Automotive Technology - A Systems Approach (Great, technical, in-depth with excellent diagrams) and Modern Automotive Technology.


For those looking to go beyond the general knowledge books, and looking for something a bit more mathematical, I have two books on my bookshelf that I'd recommend. The first, Automotive Engineering Fundamentals, gives a good general overlook of automotive engineering, and also includes good information on vehicle dynamics. The second, a personal favorite, is Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine. This book gives great arithmetic insight on engines, and also includes fantastic history tidbits throughout. It's a must have if you're fascinated by internal combustion.
 

Are you an engineer? What did you major in?
Yes, I majored in mechanical engineering

What school did you go to for your degree?

I attended North Carolina State University. For more information about me, see About Me.

I'm thinking about becoming an engineer or maybe a mechanic. Do you have any advice?

Yes, a healthy amount of advice. See Future Plans.

What kind of car do you drive?

I drive a 1999 Acura Integra GS Coupe. No, it does not have VTEC. Just a basic 1.8L DOHC engine that many years ago produced 140 hp.

I'm in Formula SAE, could you help me design the... ?
I wish I could help people with Formula SAE, but unfortunately I don't have the time to help on individual projects. My recommendation is to use FSAE forums for help.

Where should I go to school for engineering?

Since people watch these videos from all over the globe, I won't be able to recommend specific universities. However, I do have some advice. Start looking locally first, and see what schools offer mechanical engineering. Then make sure that the engineering program is accredited. If you're one of those super smart 4.0 people (then you're probably not reading this) check out rankings for your country for good engineering schools. Here is an example for United States Ranked Engineering Universities.

I want to buy you a gift, but I just don't know what to get you!? 

Ahh yes, probably one of my most frequent questions. What can you get me as a gift? Turns out, there's only one thing I want for Christmas each year. It's the Center Lock Racing Toilet Paper Dispenser.  Yes, the toilet paper dispenser of all toilet paper dispensers. There comes a time every so often where one must switch toilet paper rolls - conventional methods are just too slow. I need this for increased productivity in the bathroom! Okay, and the Six Speed Toilet Plunger isn't bad either. Send me an e-mail and we can work out shipping arrangements. ;)