Some great books for car people

Discussion in 'Misc. Items' started by Dr Obnxs, Sep 26, 2009.

  1. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Hi all, I've started a blog: Dr Obnxs' Musings, come check it out. Anyway, one of the things at the blog is a set of links to some really, really good books that I've read about things automotive. Check it out! If you buy, it's from Amazon. Yes I get a whopping 4% if you buy via my "aStore", but whether you buy through my blog pages, or get it from Amazon at another time you're on the site directly, or check them out from your local library, if you read them you'll know more than you do today!

    I'm a big fan of learning from the Internet, but let's face it, there's a lot of BS an stuff that's just wrong on forums. I like to learn from experts, and these books have helped me learn a lot.

    Here are some of the titles. Many are considered "classics" in the automotive arena.

    Supercharged!
    By Corky Bell

    Forced Induction Performance Tuning A Practical Guide to Supercharging and Turbocharging
    By A. Bell

    How to Make Your Car Handle
    by Fred Puhn

    Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics
    by Thomas D. Gillespie

    Bosch Fuel Injection and Engine Management
    by Charles O. Probst

    Drive to Win: The Essential Guide to Race Driving
    By Carroll Smith
     
  2. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Great idea and will definitely check out the books I already don't have.
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Some other great reads.

    The Last Open Road Series of books. Not technical in nature like Doc O's mentions. These are historical fiction. In the series we follow the story of Buddy starting off as a gas station mechanic in the 50's as road racing is getting starting in the US. Currently at 4 books with a 5th in the works.

    Order direct from the author. Last Open Road
     
  4. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    A Man of Wit and Charm! (Just ask my wife!)
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    In the internet age...

    especially on forums, I've noticed a trend for many newbies to learn from the barely experienced because it's easy to get answers to questions on forums. That's not to say that there aren't very knowledgable people on the web (after all we're all here), but I've also found that fact is highly diluted with conjecture and BS. Heck, I've gotten ripped for just stating what is true because it's "counter to an opinion" posted by someone who doesn't know better. So for a lot of people who ask about what to do to make thier car faster or handle better, I reply NOT to buy a sway bar, but to get a book on handling or engine modification and to start with knowledge. Not many take me up on my suggestion, but those who do waste a lot less money.

    Anyway, all the books I listed really, really have helped me understand what and why to do, and since the total cost of all of them are less than a cat back exhaust of dubious value, are well worth the money.

    Matt

    ps, thanks for the links to the open road series.
     
  5. versus

    versus Active Member

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    As soon as I read your initial post that was the first thing I thought about. I know I'm guilty of it and as I sat here cranking out this reply I thought "why haven't I bought a book on tuning mods?:idea::idea:"

    You'd think that'd be the first thing you would do:eek:ut:

    Thanks for a much needed post.
     
  6. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Make sure...

    that you buy from my Blog! I need every penny I can get! :)

    Matt
     
  7. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #7 Steve, Oct 8, 2009
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2009
    Sports Car and Competition Driving by Paul Frere

    [​IMG]

    (isbn 0837602025)
     
  8. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    New Directions in Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for Speed by Joseph Katz

    [​IMG]

    (isbn 0837601428)
     
  9. Deviant

    Deviant Banned

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    Has anyone had a chance to read through "New Mini Performance Manual" from Haynes yet? It looks interesting.

    I've got a lot of car books (well, I've got a lot of books in general), there's some good ones in here I'll have to add to my collection though.
     
  10. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Nope... But I did put it on the blog book store. It's only $23.07 there, about $4 cheaper than Moss Motors.

    Car Books : Dr Obnxs' Musings

    Matt
     
  11. Deviant

    Deviant Banned

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    That's where I first found out about it, if I don't get it for Christmas then I'll be sure to order it from your store, I was just wondering if you had a chance to look through it yourself and could offer a review.
     
  12. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    I guess in the interest of creating a book review I'll have to order one of these.
     
  13. Deviant

    Deviant Banned

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    Or contact the publisher, explain who you are and shoot for a free copy.
     
  14. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    No no no!

    Buy it from my BlogShop!!!! ;) I can use the 97 cents!

    Matt
     
  15. RonsMinnie

    RonsMinnie New Member
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    Jul 28, 2009
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    Does this book:
    New Mini Performance Manual - Tim Mundy, cover Gen 2 Minis?
     
  16. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    I don't think so but I may be wrong. The only reference I found that covers the model years was on the MINI Mania site and they also have this priced at $75 too while everyplace else is $20-25, so that data is suspect.

    I did try to obtain a press copy for review but the request was declined buy the publisher. I'll be ordering a copy on my own dime soon to provide a review.
     
  17. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    Got that book a while back. Major nerdage, loved it.

    How To Make Your Car Handle is a great entry level suspension book. A little old, but most concepts are still good.

    It's sad to see so many manufacturers and vendors be so wrong about some of this stuff though. Most often it's suspension.

    - Andrew
     
  18. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    No other subject is more abused

    than suspension. I think a lot of that is made possible by the massive amounts of just flat out wrong "common knowledge". It's easier to sell people what they think they need than to educate them about what works.

    Matt
     
  19. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

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    Professor
    ... always curious
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    Regarding the MINI Performance Book ...

    I am eagerly awaiting your review!

    In the meantime, does anyone have a detailed table of contents?
     
  20. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    I did place the order through DrO's link but opted for the slow boat from Seattle free shipping method. On top of that it looks to be out of stock as the possible ship date is the 30th. I may see it to enjoy with a Thanksgiving Turkey.
     

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