4 comments about Aircooled VW Engine Interchange Manual: The User's Guide to Original and Aftermarket Parts... (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. An informative book but not a first book to buy if youre interested in VW hotrodding. It would, however be an interesting companion to Bill Fishers Hot to Hotrod VWs book. NO detailed dyno tests in this book and it might make inexperienced owners want to build a drag race engine for the street, in which case they will encounter lots of problems as drag engines are not meant for street use. Nice to have though.



2. I wanted aircooled engine info. The title of this book should be Type 1 engine interchange manual as there is no info at all on other vw dub aircooled engines and the info that is there is not complete as a quick look at any vw performance site catalog will show. SO is it worth the price if you want type 1 info YES it is



3. Supposing you are an inexperienced owner of a VW Type I engine wishing to hot rod, it's a good idea having this book in your hands, as well as the following titles:
   º How to Hot Rod Volkswagen Engines - Fred William Fisher
   º VW Beetle Performance Handbook - Keith Seume
   Reading all these titles before spending money with auto parts worth it.



4. The book has a lot of pictures of the different parts of the engine from different manufactures with descriptions. This however does not go into detail of what will work with what. Does not go into detail on rebuilding an engine. It is of some use just not what I thought it would be. A better title would be "The Aircooled VW Engine Picture Book".

5 comments about Build Your Own Car PC.

1. The first thing that I thought when I saw this book was why would I want to build a car PC. Then I picked up the book and the first chapter was titled 'Why would I want to build a Car PC.'
   
   The first reasons that he gives have to do with entertainment: replace your radio with satellite or audio jutebox, add television and a DVD player. Well, the last time I turned on my radio, which is AM/FM and maybe cassette (I forget), it worked. But that was several years ago. I don't like the noise. So far, no sale. Other people, perhaps yourself, will want an improved entertainment center, so this might be important for them.
   
   Then I got to Chapter 6. Here he is talking about On-board Diagnostics. Your car (unless it is really old) has built in diagnostics. This electronic system monitors all kinds of stuff that's going on in the engine. Now this is something that I can care about. When the stupid 'CHECK ENGINE' light comes on I'd like to know if it is something serious like no oil pressure (i.e. pull over quick) or if it's something like the car has been X miles and it's time for regular service.
   
   Then in Chapter 10 he goes into GPS and map software. That stuff is expensive if you buy it from the car company and it goes out of date quickly. If you do your own you can upgrade it as often as you like.
   
   All in all, maybe it does make sense to build a car PC.



2. The book has some really good information. It goes in depth in every aspect of building a car computer. The only thing I am mad about is that on this site, it says that it shows you how to set up automated air and heating, and ultra sophisticated security system.
   
   The book has no referance to that material at all. I was hoping to get that. Other then this it has great stuff in it.



3. This book takes you through building a car PC, using the VIA EPIA Mini-ITX series of motherboards. The case for putting a PC in your car is becoming increasingly compelling with the demands of the modern driver. As well as "infotainment" applications - keeping the kids amused on long journeys, occupying passengers in traffic jams, providing music and rich media for all passengers etc, there are also a great many more "serious" applications such as navigation and route planning, avoiding traffic jams and so called - "telematics" where in-car communications and car computing are fused seamlessly into a single solution.
   While the Mini-ITX solution does limit your options in relation to PCI accessories, most of the functions you could ever want are integrated into the board anyway. For example, AC'97 sound which will meet the needs of all but the most demanding users. Video-wise, the EPIA Mini-ITX motherboard's on-board video is well suited to the sort of applications that you will be running in your Car PC. Thinking about what you would like to be using in you Car PC, you might come up with a list that looks something like:
   Satellite navigation
   Listening to music
   Watching DVD's
   Watching files store on your hard disk
   Surfing the net
   Typing the odd document on-the fly
   This book will help you make your car PC capable of all of these tasks. This book is much better than the author's other book "50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius". This book has all of the construction details and insights that other book lacked. I notice that Amazon does not show the table of contents so I do that here:
   Chapter 1: Why would I want to build a Car PC?
   Chapter 2: Buying your components
   Chapter 3: Building Your Car PC base unit
   Chapter 4: Installing the operating system, motherboard drivers and front end
   Chapter 5: Connecting your Car PC to the "Real World"
   Chapter 6: On-board diagnostics
   Chapter 7: In-car speech recognition
   Chapter 8: Killer software applications for your Car PC
   Chapter 9: Getting more out of your Car PC
   Chapter 10: In-Car GPS Epilogue



4. Another truely sensational book!
   
   After reading and thoroughly enjoying his last book (50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius), this had a lot to contend with,- but the detail, friendliness, and utter genius of this guy and his projects are once again, outstanding!!! Unlike most books of this nature, there is a separate chapter for components required throughout, a great idea! Once the project is completed, you're not on your own - as the author guides you through all the setup procedures until its ready to use. I tried several off the projects in the previous book, some succeeded, some, ummm, didn't, - but I think that anyone even slightly interested in cars and / or computers would really enjoy this, whether or not you own either!
   
   This book is full of detailed photos which really help understand some of the more complicated parts - and probably a necessity for the less technologically-minded of us!
   
   Please don't stop writing, because I don't want to stop reading!



5. If you've ever built a computer, the first part of the book is mostly a review. However, the author does introduce a few nuances that come with putting a pc in a car. The second part of the book is very helpful in presenting ideas and products that can be used. Overall, this is a good book to start with if you are interested in CarPCs.

5 comments about Ford Mustang 2005 thru 2007 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. Every Haynes Auto Repair Manual I have bought has been well worth the money and the '05 - 07' Ford Mustang is no exception, these manuals save you money; the Haynes manuals have always been easy to follow even for the most novice of home mechanics.
   The money you can save by just following the service schedule section would pay for the book 10 times over.
   As a 07 Mustang owner I thoroughly recommend this manual if you want the satisfaction of " Doing it Yourself "



2. This book is the same as the Chilton manual Ford Mustang: 2005 through 2007 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual), the only difference is this one is a bit cheaper, but the contents are EXACTLY the same. I made the mistake of ordering both and now have two copies of the same book.
   
   As for the content it's not as detailed as previous Haynes manuals I've bought. Even the construction seems cheaper, specially in the quality of the paper.
   
   Good for light maintenance, I just wish I hadn't bought the other one.



3. For my previous car chrysler neon i got the haynes and the chilton and sometimes it helps one has a better explanation then the other. So this time i took also both books but now the are nearly the same. My advice take the chilton.



4. The cover says "All Models" but it does not cover the GT500 model with 5.4L motor. Not even a mention of it. Some of the chassis information would be common and probably most of the electrical. But none of the drivetrain or brakes would be identical to the other models.



5. It's not like the real, honest to goodness Ford Shop Manual. I wouldn't go into an engine rebuild with only this book! But for general upkeep and repairs it's a VERY good investment. if you're a guy who takes care of your own car you really should have this on the shelf. Other reviews are right on the money, paper quality and construction doesn't seem as good as the "good ol' days" but for a shop reference it's fine. And it's not so expensive that you'll worry about getting it full of grease.
   
   As one reviewer mentioned it does NOT include information for the Shelby GT500 models and this is clearly stated on the back cover of the book.

No comments about Hot Rod Pin-Ups II: Gearhead Girls and Dragstrip Dolls.

5 comments about MGB Automotive Repair Manual: 1962-1980 MGB Roadster and GT Coupe With 1798 CC (110 cu in Engine) (Haynes Manuals).

1. Woo, hoo, what a fun car.



2. Everything you need is here; except the parts. Only the factory manual could be more complete and that book is harder to read and doesn't include the easier to read wiring diagram or the much clearer exploded parts diagrams and the pictures. Maybe the Victoria British catalog is clearer on the parts, but not on the knowledg to fix the darn things.
   Keep a copy in the boot with your torch, spanner and a length of broom handle for whacking the starter. You'll never know when the anti-christ Lucas will strike or rust will win over that amazing british steel.



3. This manual covers most of the basics but has general information only and lacks a lot in specifics regarding different models. Body and Chassis
   section is not very in depth. It is a simple repair manual and not a restoration manual. Haynes could make three, possibly four, manuals for this car and be more specific.



4. This manual is basically a condensed version of Robert Bentley's "The Complete Official MGB". I now have two manuals with the same information.



5. I recently rebuilt my engine on my 1972 MGB, and while I did find the chapter on engine rebuilding helpful, there were times when the writing could have been less vague, not to mention the archaic use of "whilst" for the word while. The section on inserting the distributor drive was vague, and I had often contacted Brit-Tek for much-needed advice. Also, on the section describing replacing the rings, the book states to have the ring gaps at a 90 degree angle from the thrust side of the engine. The book doesn't tell you that the thrust side is the right side of the engine. There are also sections in the book, such as that for torque settings, that merely state what the torque settings are for early and later cars -- but without being specific and stating which years are the early and which years are the later cars! There are three different connecting rods, and mine requires the torque setting of 33 pounds. This is not the early setting, which I believe they have at 40 pounds. Again, this is essential to know, if you don't want to snap a nut and incure the cost of purchasing new connecting rod bolts. Issues such as this, make the book sometimes frustrating. I also had the help of a British car garage, Moss Motors and Brit-Tek -- both of which were a great help. The folks at Victoria British generally have little or no knowledge of mechanical issues. Finally, I will add that Peter Burgess' book "How to Power-Tune your MGB" was further helpful.

5 comments about Top Dead Center: The Best of Kevin Cameron from Cycle World Magazine.

1. There is so much to learn from this great collection of Cameron's writings. I really enjoyed reading this book.



2. Kevin Cameron writes in a uniquely odd manner but if you're a gear head or just interested in learning WHY some stuff gets done, eventually, you'll like the book. I had been reading his stuff in magazines for a long time and wondered when an all encompassing compendium of his work might surface. This would be it.
   
   Can you read the whole thing at once? I doubt it. It's not that kind of book. You need to read it, attempt to understand what he just said, and then move on. Can't do that in one sitting for sure.
   
   Overall, I enjoyed the read as much as the "ride" it takes you on.
   
   AD



3. If you were an avid motorcyclist in the 1960s to 1980's and followed the races you will enjoy the time capsule perspective of Kevin Cameron. It will bring back happy memories.
   If you're from the recent era it provides a great perspective on how different things were yet how the same in the attitudes and tribulations of racers.
   Hopefully it will make you want to look at more of Kevin's modern thoughts.
   He has perhaps one of the most insightful minds in the motorcycle world.



4. I was really hoping that this would cover his technical and engineering realted articles that he does so well and gives the reader so much insight into the technology of motorcycling. This book is mostly concerned with people and personalities such as riders and mechanics and even manufactuers such as Mr. Honda. All well writen and very informative. But as I said there are not really any of the technical articles here.



5. I have read this book and found it quite interesting. It would be a great present for someone who was involved with racing in the 1980. It is not a technical book at all. It is stories about experiences at racetracks around the world. Very well written but as I am not from that era, I found more of a history book than anything else.

No comments about Giant Pop-Out Vehicles: A Pop-Out Surprise Book.

5 comments about Rebuild Ford V-8 Hp36.

1. I purchased this thinking it would work for my 90 Bronco, but it is for older engines. Beware of this book it is outdated for newer engines.

   I am in the process of returning it, and boy is that a hassel in it's self.




2. This book is about rebuilding 351c,m,400m, 429 and 460 motors. It is not a how to hot rod book. It is a detailed how to take it apart and put it back together right book. The author show with fairly good pictures the normal short coming of other overhauls and steers the reader on how to avoid these. I enjoyed reading this book and will keep it for reference if nothing else.



3. The book "Ford V8 Engines" is full of helpful information on rebuilding Ford engines. As a first time rebuilder, I was not exactly sure what procedures to follow in order to be successful. The Information within the book is easy to understand and is thorough. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in rebuilding Engines.



4. Impressed with this book even at my advanced years. Excellent information and PRACTICAL guidelines on rebuilding 351C, 351M, 400M, 429 and 460 engines. Generally I dislike these types of books because they tell you to use this special too or that special tool but this book teaches you how to use what you've got to get the job done. It does try to show you what things to not try yourself without a machine shop and that is fair enough but most of the rebuilding tips are for the shade tree type guy and are fair game. Good job Tom, this book will remain on my bookshelf for a long long time.



5. What an excellent reference! I bought this book specifically looking for info on the 351M that I have in my LTD. I was pleasantly suprised to see how much time and effort the book spent on each of the different Ford Engine families to include the 351/400M, a much overlooked Ford powerplant that was installed in countless trucks and fullsize vehicles. I was also very happy to see good info to help determine if an engine needs to rebuilt or not. All around great book, a keeper.

No comments about ASE Test Preparation- A6 Electrical/Electronics Systems (Delmar Learning's Ase Test Prep Series).

5 comments about Mazda MX-5 Miata: Find It. Fix It. Trick It. (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. It goves lots of information on Miatas, the whole culture of ownership, and great basic to intermediate maintenance and upgrade advice. If you are looking to get into the world of the best sportscar of the modern era, buy this book and it will help you find it, fix it, and trick it. (Sorry, couldn't resist!)



2. I already knew 80 percent of what Tanner's book covers from hanging around on sports car discussion forums. It's got good information, but very basic, and a bit heavy on "lifestyle" (OK let's all fawn over what a great car the Miata is.) On the plus side, Tanner knows his stuff. The book reads easily and is has great pictures.
   
   Perhaps the book should be renamed Miata: "Find it, fawn over it, fool around with it" because there's precious little real repair or high performance information there.



3. Its a good book but in my opinion not detailed enough for do it yourself repair or maintenance on a Mazda Miata.
   Karl H. Poehlmann



4. This a great book writen by someone who know his Miata in and out. Keith is a man (a boy)and his life is to share information with miata people.



5. Excellent Miata tool for many of the projects that a non-wrench would like to attempt. As a long time owner of a miata it has frustrated me that I don't do more of the basic maintainance on my little car. This book as provided the foundation for me to perform repairs I never thought I'd be able to. In the two weeks I've had it I've replaced the Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) gasket and put aftermarket sway bars on my car.
   I highly recommend this book to any enthusiast regardless of mechanical skill level. If anything, it will better inform you what to expect/look for after you take your car to your own mechanic.
   Tanner provides clear instructions with great pictures.