(Part 2) Best car customization books according to redditors
We found 164 Reddit comments discussing the best car customization books. We ranked the 62 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
I literally wrote a book on this subject.
Some read, most don't. Those that do read, win.
Not videos but books.
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Wheelers-Bible-2nd-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760335303/
The catch phrase is "Slow as possible, fast as necessary".
Really most of the knowledge has to be in the spotter. The driver just has to follow directions.
If you've ever had a good spotter and a bad spotter the difference is night and day.
Welcome to the cult. How many miles do you have and what are your plans for the car at this point? I don't know how much you have gotten into it but may I recommend some books:
Also some useful websites (which you probably already know):
I'm obviously a bit of a Flyin' Miata fan and a Tanner Buff.
Be aware you are working with the lowest end of the miatas. We don't have the fancy engines and differentials of the 1.8s (94+) or the improved structural bits here and there (92+). With the age of the car I would suggest doing a suspension bushing change; poly sets are cheap, easy, and give you a nice feel. Maybe some structural stiffening to make it feel like new again. Other than that just make sure you are good on maintenance and have fun.
Aerodynamics, especially automotive aerodynamics, is a very complex subject. If you pursue this path in undergrad you'll need to get comfortable with advanced calculus and physics, as well as fluid mechanics. From experience, I would highly recommend getting involved with the car project teams at whatever university you decide to go to if you want to pursue a career in motorsport. Motorsport teams are looking for people that are not only exceptionally knowledgeable in their field but also passionate about racing.
As for things to read, there are loads of books on the subject. Understanding Aerodynamics by Doug McLean and Fundamentals of Aerodynamics by Anderson are two aerodynamics books sitting on my bookshelf.
For automotive/motorsport aerodynamics, the following are good books from my bookshelf:
Competition Car Aerodynamics by McBeath
Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for Speed by Katz
Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles by Schuetz
Note, Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles is a full-on textbook and may be beyond what you're looking for, but it goes into great depth on a number of road vehicle aerodynamic topics.
One last book I came across on Amazon is Amateur Car Aerodynamics by Edgar. I haven't read this book, but the title sounds like the language may be more suited for people who don't have a background in fluid mechanics.
If there are any specific topics in fluid mechanics/aerodynamics that you are looking for I may be able to help find some.
How to design cars like a pro:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Design-Cars-Like-Pro/dp/0760336954
Is essentially the bible for car design students, it has lots of info about design, famous/ important designers and cars and a good section on the day in the life of a designer. Highly recommended.
How to draw cars the hot wheels way
https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Cars-Hot-Wheels/dp/0760314802/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1542868955&sr=1-1&keywords=How+to+draw+cars+the+hot+wheels+way
Zounds a bit weird but hear me out, this is by Scott Robertson, one of the gurus of car sketching and contains great tips on aesthetics and techniques for car design, plus there is an absolute ton of awesome renders from the Hotwheels design team.
Just my 2C, but unless you learn race craft and theory, simply using a “line” drawn by someone else will do nothing for you. Once you learn the theory you then can start applying it to each corner based on your driving style, etc. There’s no magic bullet outside of outright knowledge and practice.
My suggestions beyond practice and seat time:
Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving https://www.amazon.com/dp/0837602262/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UC.GDbR6JKTR3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1785211749/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_QE.GDbWKAQZPM
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1540628590/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_.F.GDbC7VC4TN
You are looking for this. Your question would take hours to answer in depth.
https://www.amazon.com/Chassis-Engineering-Building-Performance-Handling/dp/1557880557
This book is super intresting but pretty advanced.
https://www.amazon.com/Competition-Car-Suspension-Practical-Handbook/dp/1844253287/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494437928&sr=1-1&keywords=competition+car+suspension
This one as well.
Can I ask why you are interested?
Buy this book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0760327920/miatanet
the turbo piece get the book
maximum boost
https://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Boost-Turbocharger-Engineering-Performance/dp/0837601606/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500339982&sr=1-1&keywords=maximum+boost
the rebuild piece plenty of rebuild books out there, check this one out since its very similar (import 4 cylinder)
https://www.amazon.com/High-Performance-Honda-Builders-Handbook/dp/1884089216/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500339882&sr=1-3&keywords=high+performance+engine+build
to do it right you will need some new tools to your collection.
borescope (plasti gauge), ring files, piston ring compressors, torque wrench, feeler gauges, straight edge, to name a few
a great machine shop (more than just the head resurface, line hone, bore and hone, valve guides/seats/angle cuts)
a factory service manual is key (torque specs and specific details on your engine vs a basic covers it all book).
Research your cars engine and see what have worked well for others. let them teach you what parts to stay away from.
good luck
This book is legit, often used as a text in auto body classes
I'm not sure what 2 pack is but 2k means 2 component. The primer and the hardener. Same thing with paint. If the paint/clear is in good shape then you can scuff and respray.
Check out SWRNC on YouTube. He's a good resource, he also has a channel called diyautoachool.
Also check out the refinish network and collision hub.
I also bought a few books off Amazon on how to repaint your car. I'll go track them down and post some links for you
How to Paint Your Car on a Budget (Cartech) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932494227/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_R68wzbHG79CEQ
How to Paint Your Car (Motorbooks Workshop) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0760315833/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_678wzbRQSC94Z
The Haynes Automotive Body Repair & Painting Manual https://www.amazon.com/dp/1850104794/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M98wzbRDWH7D4
Advanced Custom Painting Techniques https://www.amazon.com/dp/1929133146/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t-8wzbD3QD1JW
Pro Paint & Body HP1563 https://www.amazon.com/dp/155788563X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S-8wzb8BRY3TQ
What do you think about the auto fundamentals book by the same author? Is it more in depth?
http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Fundamentals-Chris-Johanson/dp/1619608200/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
Check out this book as well.
How to Drag Race https://www.amazon.com/dp/161325072X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9BsDzbV3XXCCG
The guys over at /r/skoolies would love to help you! There are also a ton of books on conversion. :)
Here are a couple, though they can be kind of expensive.
Camper Van Conversion
[Build Your Own Dream Camper Van for less than $1000]
(http://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Dream-Camper-%C3%BA1000/dp/1845845242/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z)
My Minicamper Conversion
How to Convert Volkswagen Bus or Van to Camper
VW Camper - The Inside Story: A Guide to VW Camping Conversions and Interiors
I also suggest browsing /r/shoestring and /r/onebag for minimizing purposes.
I actually keep my Bentley in my car with me. I have a PDF as well on all my computers. There's another book called 101 performance projects projects that you may want to add to your collection too. Not nearly as helpful as a Bentley but still fun to flip through.
E36s are easy. I can't wrench for shit and I was able to do a lot on my old one.
This book + Youtube videos = gold
https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Projects-1982-2000-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760326959
I have this series of books and a pretty heady technical manual if you want to borrow them for some light reading. I'm assuming you want to build bicycle frames and components. Let me know if you have any questions about layups or molding.
I also remember WITC had a composites materials program that they closed due to lack of interest. The industry is not really here and probably will never be without some huge gains in technology. The cure times are much shorter at higher altitude like in Colorado(+4000ft), it doesn't make sense for actual production of parts here (830ft).
You don't have a hot rod....but....
https://www.amazon.com/How-Air-Condition-Your-Basics/dp/1929133448
That book on the left.B
BMW 3-Series (E30) Performance Guide: 1982-1994 (Sa Design) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934709867/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_W5CyybACSCWA3
drools I want one!
On a side note if you enjoy motorsports and engineering, this is a fun book about race car chasis design - it covers both the history of chasis design and gives an understanding of modern space frame design.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Race-Chassis-HP1540-andClosed-Wheel/dp/1557885400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376491671&sr=8-1&keywords=the+race+car+chassis
I am sure there are a lot of books out there on these topics like the Haynes Competition Car Series although engine and transmission design might be a little harder since most people build from parts or just modify existing engines/transmissions.
What I would HIGHLY suggest you do is go volunteer with someone working on a car rebuild/race car and see the amount of time required for a project of this scope. Also, you will learn about many of the topics listed hands on. If you are in college, go find if your school has a FSAE team. You are looking at a project that will take years (not trying to discourage you by any means).
Good luck and post your progress once you get started
I'll second Composite Airframe Structures and add Theory of Composite Design: https://www.amazon.com/Theory-Composites-Design-Stephen-Tsai/dp/0961809035/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487740098&sr=1-1&keywords=stephen+tsai
For most people it pays to start out simple however, you might try something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Competition-Car-Composites-Practical-Handbook/dp/1845849051/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487740198&sr=1-1&keywords=composite+racecar
From my understanding Formula Student is a competition where Universities compete against each other. The teams have to get their own sponsorship (business aspect I mentioned) to fund parts and development and do the full engineering too which had lots of CAD work (perfect for us ID guys). It goes on every year and follows similar aspects of the development path Formula 3 takes. Technical knowledge you could pick up from it would be invaluable for automotive design.
I bought my ref guide directly from them when they first got funding. They ship globally and I've never seen them in shops so I can't think of anywhere else to buy it. Two other books that I have are How to design cars like a pro and How to illustrate and design concept cars.. Quite dated now but I still use them for visual references.
The Four Wheelers Bible is a pretty good resource on recovery, although I don't recall reading much about fires.