Blog 21: Independent Component 2

LITERAL

a.) I Ricardo Mendoza, affirm that I have completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

b.) For my independent component, I did extra service learning so I worked for more than 100 hours in total with Daniel Rascon and my dad Ricardo Mendoza.

Daniel Rascon
(626)-419-8232

Ricardo Mendoza
(626)-483-9228

c.) Hour Log HERE! 

d.) In my hours working at Adam's, I connected with the drifting community as well as studied the art of drifting by watching people do their runs and seeing how each individual driver completed the course. I studied the judging criteria as well by seeing what drivers were hitting the appropriate clipping points and running the right line as well as getting the proper slip angle.

While working with my dad I learned diagnostics work on cars and how to do simple tune up work such as changing spark plugs, cables, oil changes, brake jobs, tire service, using a code scanner, and belt swaps.

Interpretive

Working with my dad helped me grasp a skill that one of my interviewees stated was necessary in order to be an effective driver which was how to communicate to your mechanics and pit crew.  By learning how to diagnose and repair cars to a minimal extent, I have achieved a level of knowledge which allows me to understand how cars work, what parts do what, and how to listen for faulty noises that could mean life or death for the car.  My interviewee stated that a driver should also be a knowledgable mechanic and with this service learning I have gained skills necessary to be a better driver.

At Adam's, I learned mostly conceptual things by watching drivers run their course.  I saw how some drivers hit certain marks better than others and can use that information to dial in on my skills.  Also,  built relationships with drivers who are actively participating in the community.

Applied

These hours helped answer my eq in many ways.  By studying the lines of the course I learned better, my third answer which is driver awareness.  I learned the course itself and what the optimum race line of the course is so I now have a better understanding of what is is to drive these lines and hit proper points on the course.  I also understand by closely watching these drifters when throttle and brake are appropriately applied to the car and at which moments.

Working with my dad I also learned something from my third answer which was to become a better mechanic.  Working with him I got a feel for how the car works, what noises mean what and how to do basic maintenance which goes a very long way as a drifter.

Independent Component Hour Log 2

Independent Component Hour Log 2

Bog 15: Independent Component 2 PLan Approval

1.) What I plan on doing for my independent component is doing extra service learning hours.
2.)  Since I have already completed around 100 hours in the first semester I will have no problem completing another 30.
3.) My independent component relates to my EQ by helping me network with real drifters who drive using proper car set up and techniques which are possible answers to my EQ.

Independent Component Pictures

For my independent component I took a 4 cylinder Toyota engine and disassembled and assembled it again.  It was a really fun first time experience and I am looking forward on being able to work on more engines and hopefully get into transmissions.

The heads.

Timing Chain.

Engine block.

Camshafts, oil pan, and heads. Water pump removed from the block.

Water pump

Piston.

Heads on the block with camshafts removed.

Engine block. Headless.

The engine upside down without the oil pan.

Engine upside down. 

Oil pump.

Engine block.

Engine block.

Camshafts on the heads.

Complete engine.

Complete engine again.

Spark plug.

Engine without covers.

Heads.

Blog 14: Independent Component 1

Literal
a.) I, Ricardo Mendoza, affirm that I have completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.
b.) Two coworkers of my father Jose and Johnny as well as my father helped me complete my independent component by guiding me through any difficulty I had.  They also explained as the project went on what components of the engine do what which was very helpful.
c.) Independent Component Hour Log
d.) In my 45 hours of working, I completely disassembled and assembled a 4 cylinder Toyota engine.  I familiarized myself with the tools that are necessary for engine work as well as all of the components of the engine.
Interpretive
After working for over 30 hours in a shop working on this 4 cylinder engine I feel I have become very accustomed to working in a garage setting.  Knowing your tools is a very key part of being able to do any work on cars and I know now how to properly identify bolt sizes on the spot to make my work faster and more efficient.  Also, by taking apart the engine piece by piece I feel I have learned better how an engine works and how all the parts work internally.

Water Pump

This is the engine complete with the heads and block in tact.

The valve cover off. Those are the camshafts.

Camshafts.

The heads.

Engine block.

Applied

Considering that knowing how to set up a car properly is one of my possible answers for my essential question understanding the main components of a car will be a really huge help when doing further research.  I will be able to better visualize the components of the car.  This will also help me when I begin to work on my own car if I get the chance.  I will know the right tools to use as well as the proper techniques to implement when getting the job done.

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

1.) For the independent component I am planning on working on a car engine.  Essentially, I would be learning about the functionality and inner workings of an engine.  This would help me gain necessary skills and build a strong foundation essential to working on drift vehicles.  With this knowledge I could work on my own personal drift car or even help me to secure positions in various pit crews for drift teams.  In theory this engine could essentially be the foundation for my own drift car if I ever get the chance, time, and money to build one.
2.) Building an engine takes plenty of time. In general and according to badasscars.com an engine building company it takes them 30-45 days for them to completely build their engines from the ground up.  Considering the monetary deficit this would impose on me I cannot afford to completely build and fabricate my own engine so I will be getting an already made probably used engine and rebuilding it which is almost the same thing except that the platform is already preset.  I think this will easily fufill  the time requirement.
3.) My working EQ considers all aspects of drifting. I want to find out what the most essential aspects of the sport are to be successful.  Is it the build of the car? Technique?  Or anything else like that. Building an engine will help provide me with information as to how engine performance can help or dent a driver's overall drifting.  It will be the best way to really dig deep into how engines in drift cars are put together and made to perform so well and in these conditions.