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.
An in-depth welding program is offered as an elective.
Electrical and Electronics I
This course covers the basic principles of electricity, magnetism, and electronics. Basic operation of the complete electrical system is taught, including battery charging, starting, ignition, and accessory circuits. The use of shop manuals and electronic media is stressed. A strong emphasis is placed on wiring diagram comprehension. Students study diagnosis, trouble-shooting, repair and maintenance of the automotive electrical system. A digital volt/ohm meter and calculator are required.
Electrical and Electronics II
This course reviews and builds on information taught in the basic program. The information covered includes instrumentation, electronic climate control, cruise control, advanced lighting systems, air bags and sensors, motorized seat belts, etc. Also covered is the use of digital multimeters, scan equipment, oscilloscopes and diagnostic flow charts.
Suspension and Steering
The fundamentals of chassis design, including power steering systems, variable effort power steering, suspension (both traditional and computer controlled, such as the GM magnetic fluid system), geometric centerline, thrust line, and four wheel alignment, are covered. Proper procedures to diagnose suspension problems and basic frame and body measuring are discussed. Laboratory work includes steering and suspension repair, tire repair and balancing, and computerized wheel alignment.
Hydraulic Brake Systems
The fundamental principles of hydraulics pertaining to the automotive brake systems are learned in this class. Students study the theory of operation and component design. The skills to diagnose and repair hydraulic systems, drum and disc brake systems, power assist units and anti-lock controls are taught. Laboratory work includes demonstrations of on-car practices to provide a working knowledge of diagnosis and repair of the hydraulic systems and related components.
Engine Performance
Skills in basic engine performance are developed in this program. Diagnosis and repair of ignition and related circuits, sensors, fuel injection, air induction, computer and emissions systems is taught. Students use test equipment, such as timing lights, compression gauges, cylinder leakage testers, vacuum gauges, five-gas exhaust analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
Computerized Engine Control Systems
The current electronic engine and fuel management systems are introduced, such as General Motors TBI, SFI, PFI, C3I, and direct ignition and fuel injection (GDI), such as that used on the Solstice GXP. Lab work includes the diagnosis of driveability and engine performance complaints utilizing modern equipment.
Engine theory is put to the test in one of the dyno cells.
With the basics of automotive theory established, the student progresses into the dedicated high-performance curriculum.
High-Performance Suspension and Steering
The objective of this course is to provide the students with a basic knowledge of race car dynamics for dirt, asphalt, road race, drag race and street performance. Safety features built into vehicles, as well as driver safety equipment, are explained. Basic chassis construction and procedures to stiffen production vehicles are covered as well as in-depth discussion on front and rear suspension, springs, shocks, weight transfer and tire design and compounds. There is also the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a racetrack setting up and tuning performance cars.
High-Performance Drive Lines
The principles of high-performance enhancements for the drivetrains of both street and race cars are covered. Areas of instruction include ring-and-pinion set-up for Ford 9-inch and quick-change rear ends and traction aids, including locking spools, ladder bar and four-link installation and adjustment. Automatic transmission air shifter, transmission brake, torque converter, as well as Powerglide modifications for circle and drag racing, are also part of the curriculum. Manual transmission operation and hands-on service of Bert, Brinn, G-Force, Jericho, Lenco and other popular transmission and clutch components are covered as well.
High-Performance Engine Machining
The required machining operations to repair engines in a typical machine shop are covered. Industry standards and procedures are taught. The machining operations include engine block boring, sleeve installation, and honing and milling. Cylinder head repair includes milling, seat and guide replacement, along with three-angle valve cuts. In addition, connecting rod resizing and crankshaft polishing are studied. The students perform these operations on training aids as well as their own engine components.
The students build race cars from the ground up.
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!
