Mechanical Mini-Series 6: Intermediate Engine Building

🏎️ Take Your Engine Skills to the Next Level! ⚙️

🔥 Ready to go beyond oil changes and spark plugs? In this advanced workshop, teens will dive deep into engine disassembly, rebuilding, and tuning — working hands-on with our 2012 Kia Optima, a front-wheel-drive sedan with a blown engine that’s ready for revival.

Students will gain real-world experience as they break down the damaged motor, inspect and rebuild components, install upgrades, and prepare the engine for future drag-strip glory in our racing series.

💡 Why This Helps

This mini-series teaches the core skills of engine rebuilding, tuning, and performance upgrades. Whether teens want to build their own car someday, become a performance mechanic, or prep for racing, this is the foundation that turns curiosity into mastery.

🔩 Breakdown of Sessions

Session 1 – Engine Breakdown: Disassembly and Inspection 🔧

Tear it down. Learn how to safely disassemble the engine, label parts, inspect for damage, and evaluate what needs replacing or rebuilding.

Session 2 – Rebuilding & Upgrading Parts for Efficiency ⚡

Rebuild essential components and install upgraded parts designed to improve horsepower, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Session 3 – Performance Tuning & Engine Customization 💥

Customize the engine’s air/fuel mix, ignition timing, and breathing systems. Learn how to make an engine run better — not just run.

Session 4 – Final Build & Hands-On Practice 🏁

Put it all together in a working project. Teens will reassemble the engine, perform mock startup tests, and finalize their custom tuning setups.

🔥 Perfect For:

• Teens ready to go beyond the basics of car repair
• Future mechanics or race team builders
• Youth prepping for the 3-Part Racing Series (Drag Car Project)
• Anyone who’s ever said “I want to build a car from scratch” — and meant it

💵 What It Costs

Program Price: $375

Typical Value at Other Programs: $650+

This includes advanced instruction, professional-grade teardown and rebuild tools, and hands-on experience rebuilding a real engine from our 2012 Kia Optima — a blown motor being revived as a future drag car.

🛠 Ready to step beyond theory and into the engine bay? This is where it gets real.

🔒 Prerequisites – To Enroll in Mini-Series 6: Intermediate Engine Building

To ensure participants are prepared for the complexity of full engine disassembly and rebuild, the following are required:

✅ Complete Mini-Series 1: Safety & Tool Identification (non-negotiable)

✅ Complete Mini-Series 2: Small Engine Maintenance

✅ Complete Mini-Series 3: Engine Diagnostics & Basic Repairs

✅ Complete Mini-Series 5: Car Engine Basics

⚠️ Must be comfortable identifying engine parts, reading torque specs, and following multi-step mechanical processes

⚠️ Pass a Hands-On Readiness Check covering:

• Tool safety and setup
• Engine part recognition
• Basic mechanical reasoning

🛠 Want to Skip a Prerequisite?

Teens may be eligible to enroll without completing all prior series if they can:

• Show prior experience with engine work (shop class, personal rebuilds, racing projects, etc.)

• Complete a mechanical challenge including disassembly/reassembly of a small engine component

• Provide a mentor or mechanic recommendation verifying their rebuild experience

If you’ve already torn down an engine at home or helped build one at the track — let’s put your skills to the test and place you where you belong.