I want to learn...

Hey guys,

I am complete newbie when it comes to cars.  I dont know about anything, but I am willing to learn the steps to make a beast.  Heck, I don't even know how to properly drive a 5-spd car.  What kind of books should I read?  I know the internet can be useful, but If possible, I would like tangible material.

I am going to buy a 5-spd car and start learning.  Is it possible to learn how to drive stick without the assistance of somebody else?  

I have read that a good beginning car would probably be a 240sx.  What do you guys recommend as a first build?

I would love to work on the car I buy, but before I pop the hood, I would like to learn a lot so I don't do anything stupid.

Thanks guys.  

Probably one of my most useful tools, not only when it coes to parts, but also when it comes to repairs, is the MANUAL. for like, 15 bucks, you can pick up the manual for your 240 and it'll cover everything from bumper to exhaust.

and as for driving standard, i'd recommend having someone initially show you the ropes. and if you're learning to drive standard, i wouldn't recommend starting on a car you plan to make into a project car [unless you're planning on switching out the clutch, because chances are for the first little bit, you're going to be very hard on the clutch..].

try this site. i just googled for it and it looks pretty good.

http://www.standardshift.com/faq.html

other than that, forums like these might be able to help you.

as for a starter car, i think that's one of the most frequently asked questions in these forums. lol. it all depends on your budget, intentions and personal preference.

but the 240 would be an INCREDIBLE project.

hope this was useful. keep me posted, and good luck!  
1992 Honda Prelude SR
Stage 2 Exedy Ceramettalic Clutch Kit
DC Ceramic Coated Header
AEM Cold Air Intake
Apexi N1 Exhaust System

ALSO, what may be helpful [depending on how knowledgeable you are of the mechanics of a car], is just taking a lawnmower engine or something and building a small go-cart. again, depending on what you already know] not only will you be able to learn the basic functions of an engine, you can also put what you've learned into practice. [and you'll have a fun new toy. lol] ALTHOUGH the engine will be a 2-stroke..

if you have any questions, feel free to PM me.  
1992 Honda Prelude SR
Stage 2 Exedy Ceramettalic Clutch Kit
DC Ceramic Coated Header
AEM Cold Air Intake
Apexi N1 Exhaust System

I taught my self to drive standard cause the week I got my car my dad went out of town. He drove it home for me but i had to get the licence and registration then he had to take off. I took my about 6 tries to get it out of the drive way and remeber to keep your foot on the clutch or put it in neutral when you start it. Once I got rolling it was no problem. I think the Civic is a good first tuner there is alot of support for it and tons of parts and you probably won't kill yourself in it. I hear alot about the 240sx too and that one is probably a better platform to start with for performance. Just read as many books, magazines and websites you can and forums are a good place to learn.  
- I love Mugen!

really thats all you need to start learning, is books, magazines, and so on, as well as these forums and the internet. but the 240sx is an amazing car. it is also better to be taught stick then to try on your own, you dont want to grind gears and so on.  
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1985 BMW 318i
-All Stock-
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www.vault1autoforum.proboards.com

i learned how to drive stick in a 95 cavalier [my first car. i know. please keep the flak to a minimum...lol] and in hindsight, i couldn't have picked a better car, not overly powerful but had just enough pep for a new driver. and the parts were cheap, so if anything went wrong, it didn't mean breaking the bank. i knew the theory behind driving standard and how the manual transmission worked, but had never put anything into practice. so, after the first few days of jerky starts, the occasional tire-squeaks and stalling while waiting to turn left in intersections, i got it down. over the next couple of days, i improved my technique, and now [as many standard drivers will tell you] it's second nature.

all the best!  
1992 Honda Prelude SR
Stage 2 Exedy Ceramettalic Clutch Kit
DC Ceramic Coated Header
AEM Cold Air Intake
Apexi N1 Exhaust System

I suggest you get a buddy of your's to teach you to drive a standard. i suggest an old school VW they're transmission's are bullet proof.
then get a manual for the car you like, and read   it.
and find out the common problems with that particular model.
then hit up some junk yards and play around with  some of there stock  

def get the 240 It's an awesome car in my opinion and stock it's not too highly powered.  

if you have ever riden a motorcycle or 4wheeler its same .you shift with your hand not your foot.pratice in the drive way.find the shift pattern and go.you'll find 1st to reverse & reverse to 1st the hardest.its all in the timing.goodluck & have fun.you can dooitt!!!  

if your that much of a noob, you need to start with the a civic. a 240sx is going to be to much of a car for someone with no exp at all. trust me on this one.  
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the godfather has spoken