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
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
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.
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 dout: Thanks for a much needed post.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Regarding the MINI Performance Book ... I am eagerly awaiting your review! In the meantime, does anyone have a detailed table of contents?
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.