University of Northwestern Ohio Hot Rodding School - How To "Get Into The Business"

It is generally recognized that what one does to earn a living is intrinsically linked to happiness and contentment. Financial reward alone is not the key. If you can find a career that pays well, has opportunity, and is something you have a passion for, then you have won life's lottery. Regardless of your age or experience, if you are a Pontiac hobbyist, the thought of making a career out of working with engines is inviting. To accomplish this dream, however, the proper training is required, which cannot be found everywhere. HPP was excited to find out about the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) and the school's dedicated high-performance department and wanted to tell our readers who are contemplating their future career path all about it.

Located in Lima, Ohio, on a 120-acre campus, the University was founded in 1920 and is a private, not-for-profit institution. UNOH is a co-educational institution authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to grant a Master's of Business Administration, baccalaureate degrees (Bachelor of Science), and associate degrees in applied science, along with certified diploma programs. In addition, there is also a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program and numerous sports teams on which students can participate.

Enrollment in the entire university averages 3,500 with approximately 1,280 students living on campus in residence halls. A gymnasium, restaurant, student lounges and picnic areas are available, as is the university-owned Limaland Motorsports Park-a fully-functioning racetrack only a few miles from campus.

Courses Of Instruction
The Automotive/High Performance Technology Associate's Degree in Applied Science requires a total of 148 credits with 108 being directly related to the performance industry. Offered are traditional college courses that complement the technical education such as math, English, science, computer skills, etc. The following is an overview of the Automotive/High-Performance-specific classes, comprised primarily of excerpts from the UNOH College of Tech catalog.

The high-performance division of the university occupies a separate complex on the campus.

Manual DriveTrains and Axles
Students examine the basic construction, operating principles and powerflow of the manual drivetrain system. They study diagnosis and overhaul of clutch assemblies, four- and five-speed transmission and transaxles, four-wheel drive components, and front and rear driveshafts. Integral and removable ring-and-pinion replacement and set-up are discussed. Laboratory projects include disassembly, inspection, and reassembly on late-model vehicles.

Automatic Transmissions
Principles of hydraulic systems, planetary gear sets, torque converters, electronic control systems, and basic transmission components are on the syllabus for this class. Laboratory work encompasses disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and adjustment on training aids. Laboratory projects include diagnosis, repair or overhaul of transmissions in late-model vehicles, and the use of special tools and techniques.

Transportation Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
A study of the design characteristics and principles of automotive air conditioners, including basic system operation, heat transfer, component location and compressors, is the purpose of this class. The students learn the use of refrigerant recovery equipment to lessen the impact it has on the environment. Laboratory work features assignments to develop the skills and knowledge required to perform heating and air conditioning service, diagnosis, repair, and recovery and recycling of R12 and R134a. Basic electric system principles and use of the meters and climate control diagnosis is also covered.

Automotive Engine Diagnosis and Repair
A study of four-stroke engine design is the foundation of this program. Engine theory, construction and overhaul procedures-including cylinder heads, block, bearings, pistons, rods, crankshaft, valvetrain and gaskets-and proper use of hand tools, measuring instruments and specialized equipment are covered. Laboratory work includes application of diagnostic steps, overhaul and repair procedures.

Classroom instruction is an important element of the education process and interfaces with actual hands-on experience. Here the theory of valve seat cutters is being discussed.

Many students choose to build their own engine as part of the learning process.

UNOH owns many different style of race cars so the students receive a diverse education.