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Master’s in Classic Powertrain, Chassis & Systems Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in classic powertrain, chassis and systems engineering, structured in 12 modules covering classic automotive engineering, mechanical diagnosis, engine measurement and rebuilding, fuel and ignition, cooling and lubrication, transmission, chassis, suspension, steering and brakes, electrical systems and historic vehicle compliance, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the engineering of classic cars.

02

Diagnose the mechanical condition of a historic vehicle.

03

Rebuild engines to precise criteria.

04

Restore the transmission, chassis and suspension.

05

Overhaul fuel, ignition and electrical systems.

06

Validate the vehicle through testing.

07

Comply with historic vehicle regulations.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Classic vehicle mechanics looking to deepen their engineering knowledge.
  • Mechanical restorers working on engines, gearboxes and running gear.
  • Classic car workshop managers responsible for planning and quality.
  • Historic vehicle assessors who carry out pre-purchase and condition reports.
  • Engine builders preparing period engines for road or historic competition.
  • Diagnostic technicians applying modern methods to classic vehicles.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to move into classic vehicle restoration.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Real Decreto 892/2013 (Spanish regulation on historic vehicles)
  • Directive 2014/45/EU (periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles)
  • FIVA Technical Code (technical classification and identification of historic vehicles)
  • Real Decreto 920/2017 (Spanish regulation on periodic technical inspection of vehicles)
  • Real Decreto 866/2010 (Spanish regulation on vehicle modifications)
  • SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity classification)
  • ISO 4925 (non-petroleum-base brake fluid for hydraulic systems)
  • FIVA Turin Charter (guidelines for the preservation and restoration of historic vehicles)
  • Autodesk Fusion
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Haynes Pro
  • Bosch ESI[tronic]
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Technical evolution of the motor car from 1920 to 1990
  2. 1.2Front- and rear-engined layouts
  3. 1.3Ladder chassis and monocoques
  4. 1.4Period tolerances and materials
  5. 1.5Imperial and metric units
  6. 1.6Historic technical documentation
  7. 1.7Workshop manuals and parts catalogues
  8. 1.8Criteria for mechanical originality
  9. 1.9Discreet and reversible upgrades
  10. 1.10Case study: technical data sheet for a 1960s classic
  1. 2.1Pre-purchase inspection
  2. 2.2Cylinder compression and leak-down
  3. 2.3Oil pressure and consumption
  4. 2.4Exhaust smoke analysis
  5. 2.5Mechanical noises and their source
  6. 2.6Transmission diagnosis
  7. 2.7Suspension and steering diagnosis
  8. 2.8Brake diagnosis
  9. 2.9Technical condition report
  10. 2.10Workshop: diagnosing a 1950s vehicle
  1. 3.1Planning the disassembly
  2. 3.2Identification and labelling
  3. 3.3Measuring cylinders and pistons
  4. 3.4Crankshaft and bearings
  5. 3.5Camshaft and timing gear
  6. 3.6Cylinder head and valves
  7. 3.7Crack detection
  8. 3.8Regrinding decisions
  9. 3.9Recording measurements
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: full measurement of a block
  1. 4.1Reboring and sleeving
  2. 4.2Balancing the rotating assembly
  3. 4.3Valve seating
  4. 4.4Gaskets and seals
  5. 4.5Assembly to torque specifications
  6. 4.6Tappet adjustment
  7. 4.7Chain and gear-driven timing
  8. 4.8Running in the engine
  9. 4.9Bench testing
  10. 4.10Case study: rebuilding a four-cylinder engine
  1. 5.1Period carburettors
  2. 5.2Early mechanical fuel injection
  3. 5.3Fuel pumps
  4. 5.4Contact-breaker ignition
  5. 5.5Centrifugal and vacuum advance
  6. 5.6Tuning and timing
  7. 5.7Conversions to electronic ignition
  8. 5.8Adapting to modern fuels
  9. 5.9Exhaust systems
  10. 5.10Laboratory: setting ignition timing with a strobe lamp
  1. 6.1Honeycomb and tubular radiators
  2. 6.2Water pumps and thermostats
  3. 6.3Mechanical and viscous fans
  4. 6.4Air cooling
  5. 6.5Lubrication circuits
  6. 6.6Bypass and full-flow filters
  7. 6.7Oils for classic vehicles
  8. 6.8Overheating and solutions
  9. 6.9Cooling upgrades
  10. 6.10Practical exercise: pressure test of a cooling system
  1. 7.1Period clutches
  2. 7.2Non-synchromesh gearboxes
  3. 7.3Overhauling synchromesh units
  4. 7.4Period overdrive units
  5. 7.5Early automatic transmissions
  6. 7.6Propeller shafts
  7. 7.7Differentials and axles
  8. 7.8Universal and constant-velocity joints
  9. 7.9Transmission lubricants
  10. 7.10Workshop: overhauling a four-speed gearbox
  1. 8.1Types of chassis
  2. 8.2Inspecting structural corrosion
  3. 8.3Measuring on a jig
  4. 8.4Repairing chassis rails
  5. 8.5Mounts and rubber bushes
  6. 8.6Anti-corrosion protection of the structure
  7. 8.7Welded tubular frames
  8. 8.8Subframes and their mountings
  9. 8.9Documenting interventions
  10. 8.10Case study: aligning a chassis
  1. 9.1Leaf springs and beam axles
  2. 9.2Period independent suspension
  3. 9.3Lever-arm and telescopic dampers
  4. 9.4Worm-and-sector steering boxes
  5. 9.5Rack-and-pinion steering
  6. 9.6Steering geometry
  7. 9.7Drum brakes
  8. 9.8Early disc brakes
  9. 9.9Vacuum brake servos
  10. 9.10Practical exercise: geometry of a double-wishbone suspension
  1. 10.1Dynamo and regulator
  2. 10.2First-generation alternators
  3. 10.3Six- and twelve-volt systems
  4. 10.4Positive and negative earth
  5. 10.5Wiring loom and connectors
  6. 10.6Period lighting
  7. 10.7Period instruments and gauges
  8. 10.8Fuses and protection
  9. 10.9Electrical safety upgrades
  10. 10.10Laboratory: testing a dynamo regulator
  1. 11.1Rolling-road testing
  2. 11.2Road testing
  3. 11.3Fine-tuning on the road
  4. 11.4Roadworthiness testing of historic vehicles
  5. 11.5Registration as a historic vehicle
  6. 11.6Permitted modifications to historic vehicles
  7. 11.7Classic car insurance
  8. 11.8Preventive maintenance plan
  9. 11.9Use and conservation
  10. 11.10Case study: preparing a historic vehicle for its roadworthiness test (ITV)
  1. 12.1Selecting the vehicle
  2. 12.2Technical and documentary research
  3. 12.3Comprehensive vehicle diagnosis
  4. 12.4Mechanical restoration plan
  5. 12.5Carrying out work on one subsystem
  6. 12.6Testing and validation
  7. 12.7Full documentation of the process
  8. 12.8Conclusions and future work
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Autodesk Fusion, Microsoft Excel, Haynes Pro and Bosch ESI[tronic], in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: engine measurements for rebuilding, rolling-road tests and comprehensive mechanical diagnosis. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: Real Decreto 892/2013, Directive 2014/45/EU, FIVA Technical Code, Real Decreto 920/2017, Real Decreto 866/2010, SAE J300, ISO 4925, FIVA Turin Charter.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Real Decreto 892/2013, Directive 2014/45/EU and the FIVA Technical Code applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:Autodesk Fusion, Microsoft Excel, Haynes Pro and Bosch ESI[tronic], in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:a mechanical restoration plan for a classic vehicle, with diagnosis, work on one subsystem and validation testing, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Technical research
Compile the technical data sheet and historic documentation of a classic vehicle.
Comprehensive diagnosis
Diagnose the engine, transmission, chassis and brakes and issue a condition report.
Engine measurement and rebuild
Measure a block in full and plan its rebuild to torque and clearance specifications.
Testing and compliance
Validate the vehicle on the rolling road and on the road and prepare it for its historic roadworthiness test.
Master's Thesis
A complete mechanical restoration project with documented testing, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Classic vehicle mechanicMechanical restorerClassic car workshop managerHistoric vehicle assessorEngine builderDiagnostic technician
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with Autodesk Fusion, Microsoft Excel, Haynes Pro and Bosch ESI[tronic], using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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