5 comments about Engineer to Win (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. I have read many books pertaining to chassis design, construction techniques, automotive materials selection, suspension design, engine design, engine components and construction, aerodynamics, downforce, sheetmetal fabrication, welding, machining, car tuning, etc. Few I have read more than twice. This is one of those few books. But why?

   Carroll Smith presents the information logically, clearly and with the correct amount of depth so that you may make cognizent decisions. He is able to write in such a way that it reads easily...as though you have recorded your conversation as he answers your many questions. It is not dull, engineering jargon but interesting, factual data presented well. It would be nice if all subjects were as well documented and presented. A thanks to Mr. Smith for sharing the information. It must have taken many years (and lessons) to gather.

   The pictures are done well, the graphs and tables present the information clearly and adequately backup his statements. If you read the book and absorb all that is presented for you, you will be a much wiser individual for the experience. You will be a better racecar builder AND a better driver as you will understand what is happening as you navigate the course.

   I would recommend not only this book but the entire "to WIN" series as they all share these traits.

   Happy learning!




2. Smith's books have become bibles for many racers. This one has very good sections dealing with detail aspects of race car systems although it felt like something was missing in the area of suspensions. But suspensions require their own book so that is probably unavoidable.
   Smith spent nearly the first third of the book explaining the history, refining, and structure of steel. Interesting stuff but what he was getting to was why ferrous metals fail, and not all of the information in the first third of the book was required for that. And this is a metals book, he had little experience with composites and there is really no useful information about them in the book.
   All of his information on threaded fasteners is in his fastener book (which is very good) so reducing that would have made more space for info about race car systems.
   I was surprised to see that much of his info about welding was either outdated or incorrect according to the American Welding Society.
   So, don't expect too much from this one and check critical information with other sources.



3. The late Carroll Smith is certainly opinionated, but knowledgable on the fundamentals of materials engineering. Although much has happened in the materials field since this writing, the basic fundamentals are covered well.



4. I bought this book after a poster on a bicycle forum posted links to preview pages here on Amazon during a discussion about how to torque bolts properly.
   
   What I found in this book was a very well-organized presentation of all aspects of how metals are developed, produced, engineered into parts, and work together with lubricants and other metals... from the molecular level... up to the interaction of complex parts under extreme stress.
   
   If you've ever wondered about about such things, or you already know about such things and needed a clear reference to explain concepts to somebody who doesn't know, this book is for you.
   
   There are plenty of illustrations and charts to further clarify the concepts. The writing and illustrations work together to make the concepts accessible to the non-engineer, and provide an authoritative source which can be used by engineers and mechanics.



5. Engineer to Win is a good book for anyone wanting information on metals and the science involved. I am an engineering student so I found a lot of the information very basic as it is covered in materials science within engineering. So things are slighty outdated but overall a good book for anyone with little knowledge of materials science.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing, 2nd Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. I am getting ready to purchase my first RV, and was highly disappointed in this book. You can get the info in it within minutes from any reputable RV dealer. This is not a book I will be hanging onto.



2. Don't waste your time on this book. The author spends way too much time tring to be funny and cute. Very little usefull information at all. Try the RV'ers Bible. A much better book. Well written with lots of good information. Again, Pass On This One!



3. There was some good basic information in this book, but he could have put it in about one-third the space if he cut out all of his stupid jokes, puns, and other silly references. I'd give it a miss, there HAS to be something better, almost anything would be.



4. The book is funny, no question. Funny and useful, unlike a lot of the dry material out there that still makes RVing seem like the exclusive domain of retirees and old-timers. Lots of good information, easily scannable if you know it and comprehensive if you don't. A great book for beginners.



5. Am in process of buying an RV and needed to know all the ins and outs -- this book gave those to me.

5 comments about Tune to Win.

1. This is a great introduction to vehicle dynamics and a basic guide to the overall tuning of the vehicle. Carroll Smith gives just the right amount of theory to go with his practical advice toward the end of the book so you can understand why it works (or doesn't).
   Tune To Win does NOT take the place of Milliken & Milliken's Race Car Vehicle Dynamics but is certainly enough for tuning. Tune To Win does not have enough information for anyone building a car from scratch; for that, Race Car Vehicle Dynamics must be on the reading list.
   Do note that this book is quite old, but the laws of physics have not changed. Tire compounds have improved, good shocks are more available, there are more manufacturers of differentials on the market, etc, but all of Smith's tuning advice and explanations of vehicle dynamics still apply.. so this is still a great read in 2006!



2. Carrol Smith's book does a great job of introducing suspension design. The book also does a good job of giving you an idea of the amount of planning and work it takes to get a race car to perform well. The book will not teach you everything you need to know, but it will get you started. I recomend this for anyone who is interested in making their car handle better or even getting into racing. It's a must for anyone doing FSAE. While reading rememeber that Carrol Smith does have a sense of humor.



3. I dont have much of a basis for comparison while rating this book, however, I did find it very useful. Tune to Win covers all facets of tuning race cars. It covers everything from theory to application. This book is a little older and therefore relates to older vehicles and designs, but, the theory is universal and will always be useful to beginners. The book is very easy reading and easy to follow (baby steps). It is also divided into logical chapters which makes quick lookups easy. I found this book to be extremely beneficial. This book has actually helped me to tune and setup my own formula car. I would recommend this book to anyone intersted in sportscar or racecar tuning and racing.



4. This is a very good book and I found a lot of useful information in it but I have to be honest and say that Race and rally car source book is a much better book on this subject. This book is much better organized though. I have built 3 Locosts so far and I own almost all the books on the subject and honestly found very little practical hands on info in tune to win.



5. I was the "brake man" for a recent FSAE team. I used Carroll Smith's _Tune to Win_ and _Engineer to Win_ to learn about designing and tuning the braking system.
   
   In retrospect, I can say that his books were useful but by no means a "one stop shop" for braking info. This is mainly because the book was written in a different era and for a different size car, so some of the recommendations don't apply. And if you are hoping for the equations necessary to do an actual engineering analysis on your system then you'll need Milliken's highly-celebrated _Race Car Vehicle Dynamics_ instead.
   
   More importantly, however, is that Smith doesn't define any of his terms, which is pretty rough if you're a newbie ("castellated dog discs," anyone?). You have to be "in-the-know" beforehand if you really want to get a lot out this book. I present this as a criticism/warning only because SAE does market this book to undergrads who, like me, aren't gearheads.
   
   Overall, even after I had a solid grasp of the braking system, I found myself learning a lot more by talking to others (forums, other teams, former teams, etc.) than reading this book.
   
   The braking section probably deserves three stars but I'm still giving this book four stars because I know that the section on suspension were very useful to our suspension team. I just don't think the braking section is the books strong point.
   
   We did model our bias bar based on his design, however. And, of course, he does give some solid maintenance advice.

3 comments about How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars (Speedpro).

1. This is a fine book with lots of good info in it. Beginners to suspension design and tuning will find it fairly easy to understand as this section is well presented though basic. The other sections all do a decent job of covering engines trannys etc. Where this book loses 2 stars is the chassis section which covers tube chassis and honeycomb but doesnt cover either enough for you to actually set about making one for yourself. No practical basic chassis design principles are covered. I really would have liked a set of basic plans for a simple chassis that could be modified as needed individually (see Ron champion book or haynes roadster)



2. I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is a great overall view of building a car using a motorcycle engine. It is not a book on how to "build this car" however. Do not think you will be able to design and build a car using only this book! The author gives a good general discussion of chassis design, suspension designs, general layouts and set up but he does not tell you what to do. I like the many very clear photographs showing various ways others have done things. Like several different types of uprights, a-arms, braking systems and so on. He gives basic information on how to set up a differential to work with a sprocket and chain drive and how to modify the bike engine oil pan to work in an automotive situation. I certainly agree with his recommendation to get and use the stock bike wiring harness including the ignition switch and key! Many builders have had a lot of trouble just trying to get the engine to start when making up their own harness.
   
   I think this is an excellent book to get the overall picture. Then if you wish to actually build a car you will need to get several more books on actually designing the chassis, laying out suspension, figuring what hubs, brakes, spindles, shock arrangement and so on to use for your design.
   
   I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in putting a motorcycle engine in a car too. Whether a Lotus 7 clone, any kit car, one you design yourself, or just to put in a street car as is so common today, this book will be well worth the money for your project.
   
   I am designing my own cars, one for autocross in the FSAE class as well as a road car and I have learned a lot that will save me time and money from this book.
   
   Highly recommended.
   James



3. This book is great. It is informative, well written, and entertaining. If you sense a qualification here it is only that the book is really about building a race car for a very specific class and type of racing. You do get lots of information that is general, because after all it is a car. You get a very good idea of all the little bits that are required. This is in marked contrast to many of the build a Locost sports car books. If you are interested in race cars, and race car mechanical systems, and appreciate good writing, this is the book for you.

5 comments about Speed Secrets II: More Professional Race Driving Techniques (Speed Secrets).

1. If you are looking for books on racing driving techniques then at least start with books by Ross Bentley.I bought this book and book 1 and they are books that go together.
   
   This book covers more detail and starts where book 1 left off.Things like computer racing/simulations games are good too.
   
   I highly recommend this book and book 1 for anyone interested in racing.



2. Another great book in the series. Brings up things one wouldn't necessarily have attended to in the beginning. Good for general driving, too.



3. In the second book of the Speed Secret Series, it goes in racing learning more in depth than the first book, it starts with preparing the racer to be a Complete Race Driver, it shows what racers should have, such as Racing Skills, Physical Skills, Career Skills, Marketing Skills, Mental Skills and Testing Skills.
   Also it talks in depth about car preparing and learning new driving techniques and tricks.
   
   All of Speed Secrets Books are well written and easy to be understood by new racers.
   
   I recommend reading the first Speed Secrets Book, then practice the techniques in test days and real races, after the driver understand the book well, he should get the second book to learn more about racing gradually.



4. The first few chapters didn't tell you much in the way of coaching you to be better. I think 1/4 into the book, the information is very helpful in isolating and working the different components within a practice session towards driving faster (i.e. work on the entry speed, work on the driving line, work on traction sensing, etc...) I gave it 4 stars, because the book could have deleted the first few chapters.



5. As the author of "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" which discusses how to begin racing, the Speed Secrets series is what I recommend to people as the next purchase in their racing libary. This book is written in a very friendly manner and does not get too bogged down in very technical discussions that might be challenging for a novice to racing. When looking at the various racing books I own, these always stand out. I guess that's why this is one of only a very few I recommended in the "Additional Resources" section of my book.

5 comments about Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, 5th: Worldwide Motorcycling Route & Planning Guide (Trailblazer).

1. I have to say, I read this book cover to cover. I was surprised how up to date it was. I've been motorcycling for a few years for general transportation and fun. I started getting interested in adventure motorcycling this past year. I like to get off the normal tourist routes when I travel and adventure motorcycling looked like a great way to to see some parts of the world.
   
   The book does a good job of covering all the major topics - picking a bike (it reviews 10-15 of them), what to wear, items to bring, how to pack, gear, typical mechanical issues to expect, safety, border crossings, etc. It also covers popular routes in different regions of the world. These sections are okay, but they really didn't have enough depth for me to decide where I might want to go. It only acts as a stating point. Then again, I'm sure there's TONs of routes to take per country, so I can't imagine it would be easy to add more detail to any level of comprehensivness. If the author reads this - a set of top 10 routes might be nice, especially if it included a rating system for different attributes. The second half of the book is made up of 2-5 pages short stories or diaries from riders. These stories were the best part of the whole book. I wish there were more because they're very interesting and you learn from those as well. They really leave you wanting to go out and hit the road.



2. The title pretty much sums it up. This book is the gold standard for adventure motorcycling or travel in general. With heaps of specific information necessary for your trip, along with some classic European humor makes for a great cover to cover read and/or an invaluable reference book. With information ranging from tire change instructions to the state of travel in Columbia this book has any would be or genuine adventurer covered.



3. I love adventure riding and own a BMW R1150 GS Adventure. This book covers a great deal on the stuff you need to know before that big trip. It also is an enjoyable read even if you can't do that big trip.



4. This is the bible for long distance adventure on and off road via motorcycle. I highly recommend this book.



5. and one of them left bad taste... the guy was riding in Africa with the author of the book and a buddy and had tire problem (tubes he put in were getting punctured after some miles). He was simply left out by his partners to deal with his problem and had some hard time when run out of spares .. It makes me wonder if author consider this story is good for his book what are the other ones..
   
   there is some useful info in the book though... especially bike comparison

5 comments about Bicycling Science, 3rd Edition.

1. I like science. I like bicycles. This book goes into much greater depth than most people will want. I couldn't even finish it. If you build bikes and/or are a physicist or engineer and like biking then you will probably enjoy it.



2. I used the book mainly to write a report on the history of recumbent bicycles. But it is an excellent source for bike history and science in general. David Gordon Wilson goes into great detail, both conceptually and technically, with regard to bike issues, such as aerodynamics.



3. While I recommend it, I don't recommend you expect a real engineering reference or good reading cover-to-cover. It is somewhere in between and as such is not very good as either.
   
   The charts and plots are good so if you only want it for that it's a great compilation of other sources and references. The history of the bicycle and the HPV chapters are very interesting. The book is one of a very few like it so "one of the best" is not that great of a compliment.
   
   It is layed out and presented as an engineering reference type book on a specific topic (something like a Mark's for bikes) but it's nowhere near as consistent, rigorous, or detailed. A better description would be "musings on bicycle design and science" by someone who is genuinely very knowledgeable on the topic.
   
   My biggest problem is with the narrative. It has way too many opinions. Many are simply some ideas the author has about a particular design or test (there's no data in this area but one way to get some would be this...). It also has way too much anecdotal evidence which is (thankfully) usually presented as such. And worst of all there are many opinions that are generally made to sound like facts through casual use of expressions such as "future testing should..." "it is recommended" "conventional design practices" "according to some" and so on.
   
   To sum up if you are an engineer looking for an engineering reference you'll be disappointed. If you are a lay bike geek you'll probably find it too technical.



4. As Miss Jean Brodie said, "For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like." She meant it as an insult, but I don't. Bicycling Science is nerd heaven, full of physics, engineering, molecular biology, aerodynamics and all kinds of other scientific manna. If you have an appetite for charts, graphs, and research studies, then this book will delight you with its explanations of why bikes work so well with the human body.
   
   It's not casual reading by any means. I'd prefer the same information presented in slightly less academic tones, but that doesn't mean it isn't accurate or interesting. So I dip into my copy for short bursts. For me, it's not a cover-to-cover read, but it's been on my bedside table for months because I pick it up regularly.
   
   Bicycling Science may well be more technical info than a casual fan can absorb. However, it's a great reference that will demystify your bike -- if that's the sort of thing you like.



5. Way more information than a casual reader needs, but chock full of engineering and design information for a bike builder. Also a good reference to refer to for evaluating performance and design claims by bike retailers. Before you plonk down $2000 for that special road bike, check the stats against this book. Oddly, steel frame bikes are pretty darn good when designed and built right. Do you need carbon fiber? Hmm.

1 comments about Sportbike Suspension Tuning.

1. I read the book cover to cover in one sitting. Everything you need to know about suspension adjestment with high quality photos and for once modern bikes are being used.Excellent value for money. A must for any sportbike rider.

5 comments about The Physics of NASCAR: How to Make Steel + Gas + Rubber = Speed.

1. The five star reviews stunned me... I did expect a lot of science (specially in Physics) but no way,
   a lot of inside NASCAR reporting yes and that is 5 star... but science!!! don't make me laugh.
   
   My expectations wasn't of that level as "race car vehicle dynamics" from Milliken but this bad.. I am sorry.
   In one sentence she start about wheel alignment Toe in, Camber , Caster.... but then she don't tell you why
   and jump on the next subject.... how the faces look of the crew members in a bad situation.
   
   Fun to read as you looking for a inside look, but there is no news on Physics, Technique, or Science in this book.
   
   Not worth the money or the read as you already in racing.
   
   br, Arnoud.



2. 
   
   Great for the fan of NASCAR looking to make more sense of all the mechanics involved. Figuring out how chassis looks, and how the car of today is different from the old car, what makes the engines on NASCAR cars different than a normal car.....
   
   I picked up the book on a saturday night right after the nationwide series, and almost finished it before the sprint cup race on sunday. Perfect timing too, cause then i could understand how the center of gravity shifts the weight in the car of today putting more weight on the front right tires, making the Brickyard 400 more of a heat race than a 400 mile race.
   
   The only thing this book could use more of are pictures and diagrams to support the discussions on engine parts, shocks, spring positions, wedge, swaybar, and a few other spots. That would only make this book more helpful than it already is(in case she plans on updating a physics of nascar vol.2 edition)
   
   Great book! Thanks Dr. Leslie-Pelecky for putting together a "NASCAR engineering for dummies" book!



3. The author take us on a field trip with a NASCAR race team; including her own "test drive" on a track at high speed. Into the labs, pits and minds of the crews who help bring the exciting sport of NASCAR Racing alive. Designing the intricate cage that the driver sits in. The physics of motion, heat, liquids, air, molecules. Interviews and on-site observations with the "engineers" working on different parts of the engine and chassis.
   
   I loved the way in which the author explained in scientific, yet laymans terms, the workings of a car during a race. Valves, fuel, exhaust, shocks, ventilation, even the importance of the paint job and the "wrapping" of decals on the body and how they affect the aerodynamics of the car in motion. These "Good Old Boys" are as smart as they are witty.
   
   You'll learn the effects of banking angles or degrees on different tracks. How the smallest adjustments to tires, shocks, control arms helps or hinders cornering performance at high speed.
   
   The safety factors for the drivers that have progressed through the years; suits, helmets, Nomex gloves, body restraints, ventilation, etc. A myriad of subjects within subjects. Top notch information for any NASCAR or Physics fan. This is one class that won't bore you or put you to sleep.



4. Very readable, but as a racing fan and a physics teacher of 30+ years, I thought it could have been done better. I'm going to give it to my son, and NASCAR buff / one year of physics, to see what he thinks of it.



5. A physics teacher gives us some remedial physics lessons in "The Physics of NASCAR". She covers areas that you would expect, such as force and intertia, but goes on to cover the color spectrum and even some baxic metallurgy. The physics lessons are fairly simple. I did get some reminders of things I had forgotten and even some new information but I also learned a lot about how NASCAR works too. The book is very interesting on both fronts. Nothing too challenging. A very enjoyable read.

5 comments about Speed Secrets: Professional Race Driving Techniques (Speed Secrets).

1. Read the book over vacation, the info it gives you is great but a lot of it only works if you actually drive a Formula or Sport Racer Vehicle. Lots of info about tracks and courses, how to get the ideal line in an apex, and how to drive smoothly and fast gain control, then it repeats itself again, so this makes an illusion that there are a lot of secrets even though he is just repeating it using different verbiage. This is a great book for advanced racers that understand the concept and terminology of F1 type races and it helps you prepare for a F1 race too but for an average driver trying to learn the ropes this book might be to hard and doesn't help much with everyday driving since a lot of the techniques is for driving above 150mph and plus F1 has totally different suspension systems and steering systems then regular sport cars so if you try it it might feel weird. You learn the heal toe move which I have been trying to get for a while, very detailed and lots of graphs, data charts, and drawings. I personally had to skip some chapters because I was not interested tracks, officials, and what they do with the flags, and some more stuff because a lot of it does not apply to me as I do not own a formula car or race professionally in such a track they described, but I did read about perfect turning and control plus weight transfer and how to keep that center of gravity which helps me in the real world of driving on the streets. I feel that I am going a lot faster in my car by being able to turn safely yet not slowing my car down to much where it would take longer to accelerate plus I have been able to drive fast yet so smooth that my mom fell asleep the whole time as I drove her. So i was really happy with that info. I am a mechanic and I test race clients vehicles at the track, my average speed is 140mph so you know my point of view



2. I read this book upon a recommendation of another book titled "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" which describes how people can begin racing. The author of that book explains that it's purpose is to provide people the necessary guidance needed to get into racing (which it does a fantastic job of), and recommends a couple of other books that discuss driving techniques. One of the books "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" recommended is Speed Secrets. Both books are very well written and provided me everything I need to get started in racing.
   
   I really enjoyed how Speed Secrets was written and made me feel like the author Ross was coaching me in person. Great gook and well worth the money.



3. Precious information to any one who practice or simply want to understand the technical side of motor sports.



4. i got this book just yesterday, read a few chapters, and already see and feel results in my day-to-day commute. don't be fooled into thinking that the information in this book can only be used on the race track. there is a lot of information here that is useful for driving in general. other than driving at the limit (i.e. redline), everything is practical for better day to day driving. already today on my usual drive to get errands, i found myself more focused, remembering certain instructions and guidelines. when to downshift, how soon, how abrupt, how to feel the car, how to turn, how to steer...these are basics covered in two chapters that made my commute around town that much more enjoyable, safer, and smarter. this book is definitely a keeper.
   
   only complaint is that it is short, but it is 1 in a series of many books of the same title.
   
   i recommend the full length textbook by Danny Sullivan, "Going Faster" as the main course book and this book as a cliff-notes or just a reminder handbook to keep in the car with you.



5. This book is good, easier to understand, the author did a good job in explaining techniques and tips. Highly recommended!