Where to learn about cars/building cars/ fixing cars?

Jesse, Do you have an academic library in your area? If so, you should be able to fine many books on basic automotive mechanics in their collections.

The way I learned was through starting small. Dont jump in trying to swap and engine or anything like that. I started at age 16 when I had my own car. Start learning stuff like changing a tire, changing your own oil, your own brakes, fluids, etc. That will provide you with a good mechanical feel. And it does not take 10 years haha. I am 18 and have already performed a successful engine rebuild, engine swap, turbo installation, and multiple other repairs on my own, and for friends. As previously stated watch youtube animations of how engines ar built. Google stuff like the difference between 2stroke and 4 stroke engines. Another good thing to learn is the difference between fuel injection and carburators. Buy the full repair manual for whatever car you would like to work on. They always provide great step by step instructions! Volunteer to work along side a friend or mechanic you may know. It will go along way. Good Luck!

Go to youtube and search "how does an internal combustion engine work". A lot of what I learned about cars came from online. However, try to find a Haynes Repair Manual for a car that you're interested in. Basically, these guys take cars completely apart, rebuild them, and make a repair manual complete with pictures. You'll learn nearly everything there is to know about cars if you study one of those.