How/Where to Learn About Various Car Components?

[sonick]

Okay, so I know the basics of car maintenance like changing the oil and whatnot, but I find myself lacking in knowing all the small parts of the car, what they look like and where they go.

 

I know in general how an engine works, and where the MAJOR areas of the engine bay (battery, dipsticks, alternator, spark plugs, air filter, etc.) but I don't know the smaller more detailed items (throttle body, starter, vacuum lines, CV joints, dogbones, etc.) around the car (engine, suspension, brakes) that I need to know to do more involved repairs like replacing the o-ring seal.

 

I've borrowed the chiltons/haynes manual for my car ('90 GP STE 3.1L MPFI), but its not very helpful as the pictures aren't very clear and there's no full diagram of the engine and where everything is so it doesn't help much.

 

Is there a good website that shows what each looks like, and where they typically are in a car, etc.?

[19Cutlass94]

search the web. Theres a bunch of stuff out there. Or go buy a GM manual for your car. Will tell you everything you need to know and more.

[per0781]

GM manuals and avoid punk ricers. maybe a local machine shop? engine builder? performance shop?

[5speedz34]

Take a autoshop at a community college, or highschool.