I'm new on this forum. My reason for joining is that I want and need to learn about car engines. My wife and I have been having issues with our car. My father in law luckily knows a lot about cars and has been able to help fix a lot of the problems.

I know ALL about computers and how those pieces/components work together to achieve the final result. And after reading this entire article...

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm

I have a much better understanding already. It looks like just a matter of learning the details of how all the pieces of the car engine come together to produce motion.

My wife and I are starting a band, and we will be going in tour in a few months and I would really like to know a thing or two about how car engines work since if something happens out on the road, it would be VERY handy to know a little about it.

anyway, i'll probably be posting a question about my current problem later tonight. thank you in advance for all the help i'm sure i'll get from this site.  

Well, congratulations on following up on your query! You can learn about how performance engines work here but it's not really a do-it-yourself mechanics forum.  To be frank, working on computerized vehicles on the fly is awfully difficult. Auto manufacturers want to prevent do-it-yourself fixing, it isn't the 50's and 60's anymore. Scanning equipment and a supply of fuses, sensors, and other wiring equipment would be required, as well as with your metric sockets/wrenches, and torx and hex drivers, among MANY other things. I do think that a knowledge of how internal combustion engines is interesting but it's difficult to make it very useful.

I hope I don't discourage you though, please contribute to the board.  

And remember the necessary information when posting about a problem.  The basics usually are year, make/model, engine, trans. and any modifications made to the car. Color of the car isn't needed  As GibTG says, there are a whole array of tools you will find you will need, and I find I  buy tools on an as need them basis (latests is CV Boot pliers and an Axle Socket) which isn't ideal when travelling, in a hurry, your only vehicle is broke or for buisness.  

The knowledge of how the pieces come together isn't really rocket science, its almost self explainitory, there are just a thousand things that can go wrong with an engine that can cause it not to start, or just flat out make it run like *** plus when you do start a repair there are a few things to remember that a lot of people first starting out dont know, the only advise i can give you is before starting a repair, call and ask your father-in-law if there is anything special you should know before starting, and Never Never EVER overtighten any 10mm or 1/2in bolts, they will break very easy, which can make for a big mess.  

If you want something that will go the distance,with less maintenance and a fix as you go situation. you need a car with older technology like early 70's to mid 80's. A full cast iron engine.They last longer and are prone to keep going even if they have a problem.New cars are tempremental.Essentially if the computer decides to stop you.You dont get a say in the matter,not to mention other integral facets and weakpoints....................In a Band? I'd go for a late 70's wagon.A stock motor(way more reliable)with less than 320 ci.They will sit on 100mph all day long.Economical when lightly cruising,but all round very maintenance friendly.Try aviod EFI vehicles. Always carry 5gals water, a spare fan belt, a spare alternator and starter motor and 2 spare tyres on any trip that traverses long distances of open wilderness or desert. A basic tool kit,a hammer,screw drivers flat and phillips,6" and 12" adustable wrench,pliers and a knife(sharp). Insulation and duct tape and 3 yards speaker wire(old).These should help with most situationS that may or may not arise ,  better safe than sorry.