Course Syllabus
Course: AUTO 1509
Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Transportation Technology
Title: Hot Rod and Performance Vehicles
Semester Approved: Spring 2018
Five-Year Review Semester: Spring 2023
End Semester: Spring 2024
Catalog 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.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 1; Lab: 3
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
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:
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. Students will be assessed by completion of appropriate lab sheets and demonstration on their projects.
Students will be able to run a vehicle on the chassis dynamometer and be able to interpret the results. Students will be assessed by completion of appropriate lab sheets and demonstration on their projects.
Students will understand the basic functions of a camshaft including, lift, duration, lobe separation, and lobe center-line. Students will be assessed by completion of appropriate lab sheets and demonstration on their projects.
Students will understand the concepts of horsepower and torque, know the history and be able to complete the mathematical calculations for them. Students will be assessed by completion of appropriate lab sheets and demonstration on their projects.
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.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be graded on the completion of lab sheets, completion of their individual projects, shop cleanliness, participation, and attendance.
Lab Sheets 10 to 20%
Individual Projects 40 to 60%
Participation and Attendance 25 to 45%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Instructors will provide required text and reading material; Students will need to supply a project and the necessary materials to complete it.
Pedagogy Statement:
This is a lecture/lab class introducing the students to the field of performance vehicles, modification, and Hot Rods. Students will be taught using lecture, discussion, demonstration, hands on activities, supervised lab assignments, and live work in the Automotive Repair Shop with guidance and assistance from the instructors.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 15
Optimum Class Size: 12
