Category Archives: Uncategorized

Safety bear fell off the two post hoist this week. So I casually rode the two post hoist half way up to return safety bear and ensure he was still functioning properly.

Safety bear existed in this shop before me and I really enjoy the novel idea of having a stuffed bear watching over the students to be a constant reminder of safe work habits and imminent danger while working on cars.

It has been said that if safety bear is not properly seated on the top of the hoist the balance of the shop is thrown off and an accident is likely to happen if safety bear is not returned to his rightful home promptly.

I love the small quirks that shops can have. It is evidence of strong shop culture and safety minded work.

Mr. McCormack

Before I started this ongoing teaching job, I strongly under esteimated the effect the students would have on myself. I thoroughly understood what the job was but I didn’t have a firm grasp on the effect teaching one hundred plus young individuals could have on me. With that said, I couldn’t be happier with the students I get to work with on a daily basis! So many stories, lessons and jokes have been made with these students surrounding these cars and more. It’s been a pleasure to share my passion with such excited, capable and hilarious kids.

R.E. Mountain 2017

-Mr. McCormack

So begins a big project for my Automotive 11/12 students! I bought this broken 1999 Acura Integra for my senior automotive students to get experience working on a moderately old and high milage car that they have a good chance of owning in the future.

I am told by the previous owner that the “timing belt has skipped a tooth on one or both cam gears, causing the car to crank over but not start. The car was a daily driver before the incident”. Since this is an interference motor I can likely deduce that the engine has bent a couple valves causing a lack of compression in the cylinders, therefore prohibiting the car for running.

Besides the engine, the interior is is decent condition, and the exterior has a small amount of rust. I plan on removing all current rust and repainting the entire car to match stock colour, black.

At the time the picture below was taken, all engine accessories, driveshafts, wiring and plumbing is removed. All that is left is engine mounts the the transmission/engine combo will be removed for an entire long block rebuild!

Updates to come! Follow under projects/activities tab for progress updates!

Mr. McCormack

In this video the Richard Waitas, senior manager at Magnaflow discusses exhaust manifold, resonator and muffler design for optimal flow characteristics and noise management. It turns out straight pipes don’t flow the best, they are just the most noisy!

Mr. McCormack

In this video the owner of Dinan performance discusses how modern technology has made it possible to have a much wider area of peak power output. Technology such as electronic ignition timing, variable cam timing, and more adaptable fuel injectors have made it possible to have both high power output and high efficiency.

Mr. McCormack

This article by Miller welding is a great read if you are considering buying a welder. The article discusses the various types of welders available, their application, and the size of welder needed for your application.

Link to article

-Mr.McCormack

In this video Tom Nelson, from Nelson Racing Engines, discuss the possibilities for making big power in a gasoline engine. He also discusses the pro’s and con’s of forced induction.

link to video

In this video Tom Nelson of Nelson racing engines explains why the notorious Chevrolet LS engine is such a legend in the automotive community. He discusses the many advantages it has over its competitors and how aftermarket parts can improve or modify it’s performance and flow characteristics.

link to video

-Mr.McCormack

Wow! Have a look at this new technological advancement in car tire design. Camber integrated into the tire seems to enhance grip!

link to video

-Mr.McCormack

Woodsmith is a great resource for project and wood working tips.

woodsmith.com

-Mr.McCormack