In need of 2 cents

NoLaKrewe

So right now I am 24, and I bar tend part time and also have a job as a off road outfitter salesman. I tried some college but nothing seemed right for me at the time and I quit after a 2-3 semesters. Lately, I have been wanting to pursue something which I can open my own business. I know some people on this forum either have friends or do what it is I am questioning.

In New Orleans, their isn't really a big choice or much of a choice of tuners or reputable after market installation shops (Well, I don't know of any). I have no experience as far as tuning goes, at all and I did all the installs of aftermarket parts on my FJ. However, I have no clue how to install turbos and whatnot onto cars and this really intrigues me. Both of these seem to be a rarity where I live and I could see myself doing either. I have always been a fast learner, and when it comes to stuff I want to do as long as I stay motivated I can do it. This is where the forum comes in. I would like to hear thoughts, experiences, and other things. What type of college is required.. and anything else you can think of.

The only other thing on my mind, as off topic from the rest of my possible paths is account->cpa.

Thanks for any responses!

falconfixer

My 2 cents is that anyone that can install lift kits and off roading goodies on an FJ should be able to install a turbo kit. It's not rocket science, it's a bunch of plumbling and bits and pieces. Sure, the first couple of times you'll run into some setbacks but with each one you'll pick up tricks and get more proficient. Tuning is where the money is and you don't want to blow up someone's motor.

cigarclifford

Sales is a great path to take in a career.. Sales executives and top sales
veterans here in Silicon Valley make more money then the presidents and
CEOs' of the top 30 Silicon Valley companies...Food for thought this morning.
Even in a Global Recession there is always something to sell......Endless
amounts of these positions, but takes the right person................GL

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SouthArk370Z

As per falconfixer, cranking a wrench is not rocket science ... but it's not quite as easy as he makes it sound, either. You really need to have a good idea of what all the components do, why they are where they are, what can go wrong, &c. Get some training/experience before you start working on other peoples' cars. There should be a vo-tech school near you or get a job as an "intern" for a local mechanic. Good luck.

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Mike

UTI or another trade school. Getting an ASE certification can be a big selling point to customers. Most tuners don't have that and we see what problems come up with shops every so often.

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NoLaKrewe

One last question. What type of degree/studying would I need to do to develop exhaust/turbos.

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DEpointfive0

DEVELOP? Engineering. Then a specialty


EDIT: sorry, that's if you want to do it properly, you can always try auto cad or whatever and YouTube University, which is pretty damn good for that application, but a real education and understanding of those results will let you know what to modify to make the system more efficient.

I'd like to say that 99.9999% of shops don't have an engineer working with them. They have an auto cad guy who knows the general way stuff should work with flow and the theories that are generally thought of as true, where a real engineer would know why and would develop a fix that isn't trial and error

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NoLaKrewe

Yessir. I'm just picking my brain. With thoughts I've had.

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SouthArk370Z

To do it (installation or design) right will require an investment of time and money to prepare yourself. To be a good mechanic requires an understanding of the mechanical and electrical systems and how they interact. To design those systems requires a deeper understanding. Find a good school near you and enroll.

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jpkirk

Google rocks

Louisiana Auto Mechanic Schools and Career Training Information

You really should have a general systems understanding of how cars work and what is required to boost performance. School is the best bet. Holds your feet to the fire. Also allows you to make connections and perhaps build a set of initial clients.

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NoLaKrewe

I was just looking for some input from some guys that do this sort of thing. I appreciate the help. I will see what my local community college has to offer as I can't enroll in a online school. I feel like I wont learn anything that way.