books

Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles details the aerodynamics of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, sports cars, and race cars; their external flow field; as well as their internal flow field. The book, after giving an introduction to automobile aerodynamics and some fundamentals of fluid mechanics, covers topics such as the performance and aerodynamics of different kinds of vehicles, as well as test techniques for their aerodynamics. The book also covers other concepts related to automobiles such as cooling systems and ventilations for vehicles. The text is recommended for mechanical engineers and phycisists in the automobile industry who would like to understand more about aerodynamics of motor vehicles and its importance on the field of road safety and automobile production…

Competition Car Aerodynamics continues the practical, hands-on approach of its popular predecessors to cover all aspects of motorsport aerodynamics and features yet more CFD and wind tunnel project material and case studies.
Aerodynamic theory is tackled in a comprehensive yet comprehensible way by author Simon McBeath, who has been granted unprecedented access to state of the art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques, as well as regular access to the MIRA full-scale wind tunnel in the UK…

The first book to summarize the secrets of the rapidly developing field of high-speed vehicle design. From F1 to Indy Car, Drag and Sedan racing, this book provides clear explanations for engineers who want to improve their design skills and enthusiasts who simply want to understand how their favorite race cars go fast. Explains how aerodynamics win races, why downforce is more important than streamlining and drag reduction, designing wings and venturis, plus wind tunnel designs and more…

Modifying the Aerodynamics of Your Road Car is a unique handbook that assumes no starting knowledge of vehicle aerodynamics. It begins with simple ideas and finishes with sophisticated and effective aerodynamic modifications that work.
Three major chapters cover on-road testing techniques that give you all the information you need to decide what modifications you should make – and, after you’ve made them, how well they work. Low-cost techniques allow you to visualize the patterns of airflow over your car so that you can actually see the problem areas that need improvement…

In Automotive Bodywork and Rust Repair, veteran restorer Matt Joseph shows you the ins and out of tackling both simple and difficult rust and metalwork projects. This book teaches you how to select the proper tools for the job, common-sense approaches to the task ahead of you, preparing and cleaning sheet metal, section fabrications and repair patches, welding options such as gas and electric, forming, fitting and smoothing, cutting metal, final metal finishing including filling and sanding, the secrets of lead filling, making panels fit properly, and more. Also included is a comprehensive resource guide…

If your car needs new paint, or even just a touch-up, the cost involved in hiring a professional can be more than you bargained for. Fortunately, there are less expensive alternatives-—you can even paint your car at home! In How to Paint Your Car On A Budget, author and veteran DIY hot rodder Pat Ganahl unveils dozens of secrets that will help anyone paint their own car. From simple scuff-and-squirt jobs to fullon, door-jambs-and-everything paint jobs, Ganahl covers everything you need to know to get a great looking coat of paint on your car and save lots of money in the process.

Eddie Paul’s Paint & Bodywork Handbook: Secrets from a Master Customizer is a guide by Hollywood customizer Eddie Paul, teaching automotive paint and bodywork techniques for vehicle customization, repair, and restoration, covering topics from basic panel work and rust repair to advanced metal fabrication and creating custom parts, drawing on his experience building movie cars for films like The Fast and the Furious and shows like Monster Garage…

Whether from hailstorms, parking lots, or plain bad judgment, everybody needs to know how to repair automotive bodywork at some point during their car-owning years. The Complete Guide to Auto Body Repair provides all the information you’ll need to deal with any bumps, bangs, and bruises your car encounters. From tools to materials to techniques, this book takes the reader all the way through the process. Beginning with creating a strategy, then moving through disassembly, repair, reassembly, and preparing the surface for paint, author Dennis W. Parks shows how to repair damage from collisions, neglect, and rust…

Chassis Engineering explains the complex principles of suspension geometry and chassis design in terms the novice can easily understand and apply to any project. Hundreds of photos and illustrations illustrate what it takes to design, build, and tune the ultimate chassis for maximum cornering power on and off the track…

You’re building a hot rod. The first step is the chassis. If it’s not right, the car won’t handle well. If it’s really not right, the car might destroy itself. There are choices to be made, from frame rails to suspension components, and some combinations will work better than others. Next is the body. This is what everyone sees first. It’s what makes a hot rod a hot rod. This book is a sure-fire guide to the best approach. Veteran builder and writer Dennis Parks walks you through the whole process, from finding and using existing panels to choosing New Old Stock panels from the aftermarket. The Hot Rod Body and Chassis Builder’s Guide offers fool-proof advice for building the hot rod of your dreams…

This book details how to design, build, and setup the chassis and suspension for road race and stock cars. Includes chassis dynamics, spring and shock theory, front and rear suspension geometry, real world racing aerodynamics, steering systems, racing chassis software and all you need to know to set you chassis up to win races…

In How to Build Hot Rod Chassis, highly regarded hot rodding author Jeff Tann covers everything enthusiasts need to know about designing and building their new chassis and suspension system. It thoroughly explores both factory and aftermarket frames, modified factory solid-axle suspensions, and aftermarket independent front and rear suspension setups. No matter what design a reader may be considering for his own car, How to Build Hot Rod Chassis delivers a wealth of information on the pros and cons of all systems available…

Comprehensive and fully illustrated, this technical guide covers all aspects of setup and design for dirt track racing…

This instructional handbook shows readers how to set up their street machine chassis for high performance street or amateur drag strip racing. Not only are chassis and suspension the most popular types of modification, but their technology is constantly evolving. It offers the latest techniques for maximizing car performance on streets and strips. This definitive guide includes in-depth sections on chassis fabrication, rear axle selection and setup, rear and front suspension, shocks and springs, brakes, steering, and wheels and tires…

Covers the development and tuning of race car by clearly explaining the basic principles of vehicle dynamics and relating these principles to the input and control functions of the racing driver. An exceptional book written by a true professional…

Author Trenton McGee, 4×4 suspension expert and former host of Outdoor Channel’s Off-Road Adventures, explains 4×4 suspension systems in an easy-to-understand manner. He gets specific on types of suspensions available from all the major manufacturers including Jeep, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Dodge. He goes into a great level of detail on every different model, including early and modern systems.

The book covers front and rear solid axle, twin-traction beam, and independent suspension systems, as well as coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and more. This book has it all. If it’s not covered in here, it doesn’t exist. Also included is a glossary of suspension terms and a comprehensive source guide…

Learn everything there is to know about how to install a versatile and capable air ride system. In How to Install Air Ride Suspension Systems, air ride veteran Kevin Whipps walks you through everything you need to know about installing an air suspension onto pretty much anything. After going through the basics of each component, he explains how they all work in harmony in easy-to-understand terms that make it simple for even the mechanically challenged to grasp. By the end of it all, you’ll know more about air suspension than you thought was possible and have a clear understanding of what you need to do to bag your ride…

Race Car Vehicle Dynamics includes much information that is not available in any other vehicle dynamics text. Truly comprehensive in its coverage of the fundamental concepts of vehicle dynamics and their application in a racing environment, this book has become the definitive reference on this topic. Although the primary focus is on the race car, the engineering fundamentals detailed are also applicable to passenger car design and engineering.

This revised edition of Competition Car Composites starts by examining the materials and methods that can be used, explaining basic ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ laminating techniques, pattern making and mould construction, and the design and manufacture of components. It then goes on to cover material and technology upgrades, and how more advanced materials can be exploited to achieve improved properties and reduced weight. The use of thermoplastic materials, resin infusion methods, and, especially, ‘pre-pregs’ in the home workshop, are also discussed, as are the composite techniques used by top racecar constructors…

The reader is shown how to use glass strand mat, woven fiberglass cloth, carbon fiber cloth, and hybrid fabrics for particular applications. The strength of these mats and ideal uses are covered in detail. Also shown is how to correctly mix the typical resins (polyester, epoxy), hardeners, and gels. Core materials, such as wood, foam, and honeycomb Nomex, are often used to add strength to various parts. All the relevant tools, including mixing containers, holding containers, saws, scissors, files, and shaping tools, are discussed. Constructing patterns to exacting standards from wood, Formica, aluminum, and other materials is essential and covered in detail.

Whether repairing existing components, fabricating new ones, building a race car, or restoring a classic, this is the one book to guide the reader through each critical stage…

This book covers everything you need to know about selecting the most desirable gear ratio, rebuilding differentials and other driveline components, and most importantly, matching the correct driveline components to engine power output. Learn how to set up a limited-slip differential, install high-performance axle shafts, swap out differential gears, and select the best available products for the driveline. This book covers the Chevy 12-bolt, Ford 8.8-inch, Dana units, and many other popular high-performance axles and rear ends. In addition, it explains rear differential basics, rear differential housings, rebuilding open rear differentials, limited-slip differentials, and factory differentials. Ring and pinion gears, axle housings, axle shafts, driveshafts, and U-joints are also covered…

How to Rebuild and Modify High-Performance Manual Transmissions breaks down the disassembly, inspection, modification/upgrade, and rebuilding process into detailed yet easy-to-follow steps consistent with SA Design s other Workbench series books. The latest techniques and insider tips are revealed, so an enthusiast can quickly perform a tear-down, identify worn parts, select the best components, and successfully assemble a high-performance transmission. The techniques and theory you will learn will teach you how to understand and work on any manual transmission. ID information about casting numbers and history is covered…

This resource explains how to rebuild and modify transmissions from both rear- and front-wheel-drive cars. It explains the principles behind the workings of all manual transmissions, and helps readers understand what they need to do and know to rebuild their own transmissions. Includes how to determine what parts to replace; how and why to replace certain seals, spacers, springs, forks, and other parts; and where to find (and how to measure) the specifications for each particular transmission…

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a four-wheeling novice, you will find the information you need to maximize your enjoyment of your next off-road excursion. Author and four-wheeling experts Jim Allen and James Weber begin with a primer on emergency preparedness before combing through all considerations you should take aboard, from trail etiquette to the latest technologies. Allen and Weber explain the concepts of four-wheel-drive systems in easy-to-understand terms and go on to suggest modifications to make off-road rigs more capable, comfortable, and dependable for intended application…

The Ultimate Off-Road Driver’s Guide covers topics about what to bring along for a trail ride and how to interact with other trail users. This book covers the various 4WD systems and how they work, how to drive on various terrain (mud, sand, snow, and rocks), and what to do when encountering each of those elements. An entire chapter is devoted to getting unstuck. Covered also are ways to communicate when you lose cellular phone coverage as well as navigation options so that you don’t end up lost and on the local news channel…

Take pole position to learn the ground rules, techniques and procedures of driving perception and evaluation. Racing professional Carroll Smith delivers current state-of-the-art techniques for working with your crew to develop and set up your car so that you’ll have a competitive tool with which to practice the art of driving…

Shave lap times or find a faster line through your favorite set of S-curves with professional race driver Ross Bentley as he shows you the quickest line from apex to apex! With tips and commentary from current race drivers, Bentley covers the vital techniques of speed, from visualizing lines to interpreting tire temps to put you in front of the pack. Includes discussion of practice techniques, chassis set-up, and working with your pit chief…

Performance and racing drivers constantly seek ways to sharpen their skills and lower their lap times. Ultimate Speed Secrets is the indispensable tool to help make you faster, whatever your driving goals…

roven methods for increasing horsepower in any engine. High-performance street and race engine builders are always looking for the latest techniques and combination of parts to build a better, stronger, more powerful engines. Building an engine is a complex, demanding process that requires careful planning, bulls-eye parts selection, and exceptional attention to detail. If someone is building an engine for the first time, they need the information contained in this book…

In this book, expert engine builder and veteran author Mike Mavrigian explains and illustrates the most discriminating engine building techniques, so the engine is perfectly balanced, matched, and optimized. Balancing and blueprinting is a time consuming and exacting process, but the investment in time pays off with superior performance. Through the process, you carefully measure, adjust, machine and fit each part together with precision tolerances, optimizing the design and maximizing performance. The book covers the block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, camshaft, measuring tools and final assembly techniques…

This book is the most complete, detailed resource on anything and everything to do with turbochargers. Whether you’re running gas or diesel, 4, 6, 8, or more cylinders, this book will teach you to design, test, install, and maintain your high-performance turbo system. You’ll learn how turbochargers work, how to choose the right turbo or turbos for your engine by reading flow maps, and how to tune your engine to run perfectly with your turbo system…

Learn useful formulas, VE equation and airflow estimation, and more. Also covered are setups and calibration, creating VE tables, creating timing maps, auxiliary output controls, start to finish calibration examples with screen shots to document the process. Useful appendixes include glossary and a special resources guide with standalone manufacturers and test equipment manufacturers.

Aftermarket standalone systems are a great way to dial in performance and reliability. Designing and Tuning High-Performance Fuel-Injection Systems is the book you need to become an expert in this popular modification…

n GM LS-Series Engines: The Complete Swap Manual 2nd Edition, professional LS-series engine specialist Joseph Potak details all the considerations involved in performing this swap into any vehicle. With clear instructions, color photos, diagrams, and specification tables..

Current state of the art in racing technology by a foremost expert in the field. Covers all forms of racing cars and includes a thorough analysis of metallurgy, metal fatigue and general materials technology. Details specific components and specific activities such as heat treatments, stress relieving, etc. Plus aerodynamics, ground effects, brakes, tools, and more. …excellent information. Popular Cars magazine…

One of road racings top professionals presents here a vast amount of his accumulated car preparation knowledge. Covers fasteners, plumbing, riveting and welding, basic metal work, braking system, clutch, suspension, wheels and tires, engine, gearbox, electrics, fuel cells, paint and paperwork…

Race engineer Carroll Smith was a master fabricator, and here he details everything you need to know to select and apply the correct fastener for any project in your shop. His classic text has been updated, and the book features new, color photography and updated diagrams and tables. You’ll learn how different fasteners work, which is best for the job at hand, and how to correctly install your fastener. Carroll Smith’s Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook is an indispensable reference for anyone who works on any type of car or motorcycle…

From his workshop at McPherson College-home of the only accredited four-year degree in automotive restoration technology-Barr not only demonstrates how the latest tools and products work, but also explains why sheet metal reacts the way it does to a wide variety of processes. He includes clear directions for shaping metal using hand tools, the English Wheel, the pneumatic planishing hammer, and other machines, and discusses a variety of ways to cut and join metal through welding, soldering, brazing, and riveting…

Whether you want to create custom or replacement parts or build an entire automobile body, this metalworking course for gearheads from award-winning automotive-restoration author and professor Ed Barr will take you as far as your interests reach…

Practical Fabrication and Assembly Techniques guides enthusiasts through the most essential processes for assembling a high-performance engine, car, or motorcycle. Tasks like fabricating mounts for fuel pumps or ignition boxes, selecting fasteners and hardware for securing components, and plumbing brake and fuel systems are among the many topics covered…