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

High-Performance Fuel Systems/Ignition
Performance enhancement principles for street and race cars provides the foundation of this course. Beginning with the principles of engine performance modifications, students learn to measure engine output using modern dynomometers (both engine and chassis) and discover the effects of ignition, fuel system, exhaust and air induction changes. Traditional performance parts, such as those manufactured by Holley, Edelbrock, MSD, and Enderle are covered. Students study the importance of air flow, cylinder head porting and polishing, while developing skills in creating ports. Results are measured on a flow bench. Modern engine management system reprogramming is part of the syllabus.

High-Performance Custom Engine Building
This program takes the machining class a step further. The principles of high performance enhancements are the focus of the curriculum. Students start with component selection and the additional machining procedures used to increase engine output. These processes include fitting splayed main caps, squaring the deck surfaces on a V-8, correcting lifter bore alignment (bushing the lifter bores) and engine balancing.

The students also learn how to degree a camshaft and proper assembly techniques. Some of the equipment used is: Sunnen CH-100 line hone, Rottler F5 boring machine, Sunnen CV-616 cylinder hone, Sunnen HBS-100 milling machine, Sunnen VGS-20 cylinder head machine, Sunnen LBB-1660 connecting rod hone and Winona Van Norman crankshaft balancer.

Modifying an engine using proven aftermarket components is taught, along with the theory of modifications including all relevant mathematical formulas. Students then apply theory to practice with a hands-on experience of building their own engines, as well as those for the university's race cars and as dyno test mules.

High-Performance Fabrication
The student will learn the technique of working with tubing, sheets and blocks of different types of material. Included are hand-forming and "with-equipment" procedures. They practice hammer forming, English wheel techniques, tubing benders, sheetmetal brakes, slip rolls, vertical mills, lathes and other equipment. Discussion also includes the proper construction techniques for a racing chassis and how to choose the proper material based on metallurgy.

Theory and Techniques in Welding
This class offers a complete study of oxygen acetylene welding, braze welding, Gas Metal Arc (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (STICK), Plasma Arc Cutting and flame cutting techniques.

A World of Opportunity
Even though UNOH offers diploma programs, what separates the university from a traditional trade school is the ability to achieve an associate's or bachelor's degree in automotive high-performance technology. That opens doors for employment that would normally be closed with a lesser education. It also leads to a crossover of opportunities that are in the upper end of the industry.

For example, UNOH graduates have found rewarding careers at Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Summit Racing, NASCAR teams, the research and development facilities of Chrysler, General Motors and Ford, along with Cummins and Caterpillar, the federal government and at electric power generation plants. All too often, a career in the high-performance community is thought of as only working in a speed shop. Though there is nothing wrong with that calling, with the proper education there are other exciting openings that are very rewarding. Many graduates are sought after by non-automotive companies such as Copeland Corporation, a large manufacturer of refrigeration equipment. The company employs UNOH alumni as laboratory technicians. This is due to the science that is taught as part of fully understanding racing engines. A countless number of other graduates have continued their education and used their background to enjoy a career in engineering or start their own business.

A good number of students in the high-performance program have had previous careers and have chosen to make a move into this sector. There is no age limit on admission at UNOH and tuition assistance, scholarships and grants are offered.

Employment growth within the automotive and performance field is very strong, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. UNOH has approximately a 95 percent placement rate for every graduating class. According to federal government statistics, the automotive field currently employs 818,000 people. Employment is projected to grow 20 percent by 2012. That calculates the country requiring 163,600 more highly-trained technical people within the next five years. If you or someone you know has an interest in really learning about engines, tell them about UNOH. Before they are left in the tire smoke!