The Sports Car & Kit Car Suspension & Brakes High-performance Manual
Part of the SpeedPro series
How to get the best handling and braking from sportscars/kitcars with wishbone front suspension, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. Includes ride height, camber, castor, kpi and much more.
How to Improve Triumph TR7, TR7-V8 & TR8
Part of the SpeedPro series
Using his own wealth of hands-on experience combined with input from many owners & aided by the top TR7 & TR7 V8 specialists on both sides of the Atlantic, Roger Williams explains in great detail how to increase the performance & improve the aesthetics, handling & braking of the TR7, existing TR7-V8 conversions & the original TR7 V8. Balanced improvements for fast road, ultra fast road/rally, track-day or even more serious motorsport are all explored.
The MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite High Performance Manual
Part of the SpeedPro series
This totally revised, updated and enlarged book is THE complete guide to building a fast MG Midget or Austin-Healey Sprite for road or track. Daniel has been continuously developing his own 'Spridget' for years, and really does know what works and what doesn't when it comes to building a fast Midget or Sprite. Best of all, this book covers every aspect of the car, from the tyre contact patch to the rollover bar, and from radiator back to exhaust tailpipe. With 400 mainly colour photos and exclusive tuning advice, this is a MUST for any Sprite or Midget owner.
Alfa Romeo V6 Engine High-performance Manual
Covers GTV6, 75 & 164 2.5 & 3 Liter Engines – Also Includes advice on Suspension, Brakes & Transmiss
Part of the SpeedPro series
Following in the tracks of the author's well-known DOHC tuning manual this new book is the result of much research and firsthand experience gained through many projects concerning Alfa V6 rear-wheel drive models, from the GTV6 series to the last of the 75 3.0 models.
A wealth of completely new information can be found here regarding cylinder head modifications, big brake modifications, LSD adjustment procedure, suspension modifications for road and track, electrical system improvements, flowbench diagrams, dyno plots, and much more!
The Alfa V6 has been around for nearly three decades, so this comprehensive performance-enhancing guide for the Alfa V6 is long overdue. V6 enthusiasts everywhere now have a perfect guide for preserving, improving and modifying these excellent cars.
Covers Alfa Romeo 1981-1993 on GTV6 and 75 2.5 and 3.0-litre rear-wheel drive models and all 3-litre Alfa Romeo 164 models.
With over 200 photos and illustrations, and including coverage of the peripheral modifications necessary to deal with the massive increase in power, this book is a must-have for any Alfista.
Alfa Romeo Dohc High-Performance Manual
Part of the SpeedPro series
Ten years have passed since the original edition of this book was published, but Alfa Romeo enthusiasts everywhere are still active today more than ever in preserving, modifying and racing these excellent cars. Throughout this time, the author in true Alfista fashion, never stopped looking for and trying new techniques to increase the power, overall performance and reliability of Alfas and their engines. This book is the result of much research, also first-hand experience gained through many Alfa rwd model projects, from the 105 series to the last of the 75 models. There is a lot of completely new information here regarding TwinSpark Cylinder head mods, big-brake mods, LSD adjustment procedure, electrical system improvements, plus many flow-bench diagrams, dyno plots, and much more.
The 1275CC A-Series High Performance Manual
Part of the SpeedPro series
The famous 4 cylinder A-Series engine was used in most Austin/Morris/Rover models including Minis, Metros, 1300s, Allegros, MG Midgets, Austin-Healey Sprites, Maestros and Marinas for over 40 years. THE complete practical guide to modifying the 1275cc A-Series engine for high-performance with reliability, and without wasting money on parts or modifications that don t work. Explains how many original components - sometimes modified - can be used in high-performance applications. Des Hammill is an engineer and a professional race engine builder. Includes expert building tips and techniques.
How to Build & Power Tune Weber & Dellorto Dcoe, Dco/SP & Dhla Carburettors
Part of the SpeedPro series
All you could want to know about the most famous and popular high performance sidedraught carbs. Covers strip and rebuild, tuning, choke sizes and much more. Features: *New! Enlarged, revised and updated edition * complete with extra illustrations - of Veloce's best-selling SpeedPro title. * New information on Dellorto carburettors * All you could want to know about the world's most famous and popular high-performance sidedraught carburetors. * Application formula gives the right set-up for YOUR car. * Covers all Weber DCOE, DCO/SP & Dellorto DHLA carburetors. * Strip & rebuild, tuning, jetting & choke sizes.
- New! Enlarged, revised and updated edition - complete with extra illustrations - of Veloce's best-selling SpeedPro title. - New information on Dellorto carburettors - All you could want to know about the world's most famous and popular high-performance
The SU Carburettor High Performance Manual
Part of the SpeedPro series
This book is for those people who wish to tune SU carburettors themselves, irrespective of how many carburettors there are on the engine or what type of engine it is. This book explains how to set up carburettors and choose, or even modify, needles for any application, and how to test the engine to make sure that the induction system is tuned for optimum performance.
How to Improve Triumph TR2-4A
Part of the SpeedPro series
Aided by top racing and high-performance TR specialists, his own experiences and those of other amateur restorers, the author explains in some detail how to increase the performance and handling of the four-cylinder TR sports cars for fast road, track days or more serious motorsport.
How to Build & Power Tune Holley Carburetors
Part of the SpeedPro series
A new title in the best-selling SpeedPro series. Covers 2 barrel 2300 and 4 barrel 4150 & 4160 carburetors, of which millions have been made. Can also be applied to 4180 & 4190 emission control carbs. Comprehensive guide to secondhand carburetor identification. Comprehensive guide to individual component identification. Unique guide to categorising specification of metering blocks. Unique and easy to follow tuning sequence for four barrel carburetors. Easy to follow tuning sequence for two barrel carburetors.
The Competition Car Data Logging Manual
Part of the SpeedPro series
At last - a practical handbook on how to choose and operate datalogging equipment and get the full benefit from what it tells you. Aimed at the amateur competitor, it covers hardware and software and takes over where the manufacturers instructions run out. It shows how to understand what the data is telling you and how to use it to go faster. It covers standard information screens and shows you how to create your own charts and tables that will illuminate the performance of both the car, the driver and the team. On the way, it deals with systems management issues, how to get quick and easy payoffs, and how to benefit in the long term. It explains how sensors work, how to fit them so they survive and how to calibrate them. The final chapter is a field guide designed to help you run the system, trouble-shoot hardware and software problems and quickly interpret the graphs during an event.
How to Modify Your Retro or Classic Car for High Performance
Part of the SpeedPro series
This book explains what 'high performance' really is, analysing each part of the classic or retro car - the engine, transmission, brakes, etc - and showing how it can be modified and improved for greater performance, both with period correct parts (where available), and modern components such as electronic ignition. It provides specific guidance and planning advice, examining the pros & cons, and road or motorsport suitability of each modification. Whether you want a more practical, better performing classic for enjoyable everyday use, or a souped-up racer for a diverse range of classic motorsport, you'll be able to make the correct choices using the tuning 'menus' and easy-to-understand troubleshooting tables. With a focus on both traditional tuning - such as overdrive units for gearboxes - and modern 5-speed gearbox replacements, as well as content on SU and Weber carburettors, this book will teach you how to modify a classic car for any purpose - without wasting money.
How to Power Tune Ford V8
221, 255, 260, 289, 302 & 351 cu in Smallblock engines for road and track
Part of the SpeedPro series
The complete illustrated guide to building a powerful and reliable high performance Ford V8 smallblock engine for street or track use. Covers limitations of standard components, component modifications, component interchanges, blueprinting and professional build tips. All Des Hammills advice is based on many years of practical experience with these engines.
Race & Trackday Driving Techniques
Part of the SpeedPro series
Exiting the corner the car dances on the edge of adhesion as it brushes up against the dirt on the edge of the kerb. You are hard on the throttle and accelerating up the straight, there is no way you could have made that corner any fasterâ¦or is there?
Inside Race & Trackday Driving Techniques you will find all the secrets, skills and methods that will see your lap times tumble. The book covers everything from the fundamental principles through to individual techniques for specific corners, whilst also helping you analyse what you can do off the track to improve your performance when you are on it. You will also discover why techniques work, to give you a greater understanding of the process of driving faster - from why the 'Traction Circle' is only really relevant to the chassis engineer rather than the driver, through to why trail braking works on one corner and not another, amongst many other principles. Also features a corner-by-corner guide to some of the UK's best circuits, and a 'Further skills' section to expand your performance driving repertoire with skills such as drifting and J-turns.
Trackday Car Preparation
Part of the SpeedPro series
Want to go on a trackday, but don't know where to start? From the most suitable type of car to buy on your budget, to how to target modifications to make your car more fun, safer, and faster on the track, Trackday Car Preparation is the perfect place to start. Taking you step-by-step through the process of upgrading your car, whilst keeping a keen eye on your wallet, this book starts with cheap or even free mods that improve your car's speed and reliability, and progresses up to the 'big-buck' upgrades that can give you the ultimate track thrill. It also looks at the pros and cons of using an ex-race car on trackdays. Fully colour illustrated, and showing modifications installed and in action, this guide also gives advice on the different trackday companies around and what they have to offer. Offering tips on insurance, trackdays abroad, and circuit driving techniques, this guide covers everything you need to know get the most from your trackday, no matter what your budget.
How to Power Tune Mgb 4-Cylinder Engines
Part of the SpeedPro series
New edition for Summer 2013
All you could want to know, and all the expert tips, about getting the maximum performance from the MGB's four-cylinder B-series engine for road or track. A book packed with understandable and down to earth advice based on the author's years of hands-on experience.
How to Power Tune the BMC/BL/Rover 998 A-Series Engine for Road and Track
Part of the SpeedPro series
The 998 A-Series powers Minis and Metros in particular. The book's advice can also be used to uprate Midget/Sprite 948cc engines to 998cc. Complete guide to obtaining maximum power with reliability from the popular 998cc engine.
How to Improve MGB, MGC & MGB V8
Part of the SpeedPro series
Covers all aspects of improving these cars for today's road conditions, and for higher performance generally. Increased engine power, better braking, appearance and comfort improvements are all covered in detail. This updated and revised edition includes information on numerous new subjects, such as V6 engines, air-conditioning, ignition improvements, engine management, and weight reduction. There is also an individual chapter on the various engines, and, in particular, some original and unique research on (four-cylinder) cylinder head performance and comparisons.
How to Power Tune Minis on a Small Budget
Part of the SpeedPro series
Practical and clear information aimed at Mini owners who want to improve their car ?s performance without spending a huge amount of money. The modifications described relate to simply bolting-on the appropriate mix of (mainly standard) parts, then tuning the engine to the specifications given. Includes advice on gear ratios and uprating brakes.
How to build Tiger Avon or GTA sports cars for road or track
Part of the SpeedPro series
The step-by-step guide to building YOUR dream sports car on a budget. The Tiger Avon is a high-quality, high-performance cycle-wing roadster, while the GTO is a sleek new design. Both models are based on readily available Ford mechanical components with a choice of independent or live axle rear suspension. Engine wise, you can use a straight 4 or V8 of your choice, including Ford Pinto, Ford Zetec, Rover K-Series or even motorcycle units.
If you already have a Tiger Avon, the book will show you how to convert it to a GTA if you fancy a new look.
Custom Air Suspension
How to install air suspension in your road car – on a budget!
Part of the SpeedPro series
A step-by-step guide to DIY air suspension for your road car. Manufacturers like Mercedes, Tesla, Audi and Cadillac choose air suspension because they can achieve the highest quality in ride and handling, but until now, there hasn't been a book that shows you how to get the best from aftermarket air suspension for your road car.
This book covers both theory and practice - from the technical advantages of air suspension through to detailed coverage of the development, installation and tuning of a custom air suspension system. It looks at wiring and plumbing, covers a brilliant new low cost electronic air suspension controller, and even shows how to source low-cost components from cars originally sold with air suspension. Want to buy an air suspension kit off the shelf? That's covered as well, with the six key questions to ask before buying.
Written by a prolific hands-on modifier, who has designed and fitted air suspension to his own car, this book is a practical, easy-to-follow guide.
Whether you're after the best ride and handling, or simply like being able to raise or lower your car at the turn of a knob, this book will show you how to do it.
Land Rover Discovery, Defender & Range Rover
How to Modify for High Performance & Off-Road Action
Part of the SpeedPro series
A world of fun, excitement, exploration and satisfaction awaits the owner of one of these iconic Land Rovers and Range Rovers - and this book is your ticket to that wonderful world.
Some of the most popular Land Rover pastimes are detailed here, with explanations of how to take part and what equipment you need. This unique book explains how these versatile machines can be modified to suit a vast range of applications, from simple upgrades for easier everyday driving and servicing/renovation tips, right up to large scale conversions for racing, trialling and international expeditions.
Everything is explained in clear, straightforward text, written by a qualified engineer and Land Rover enthusiast with many years of practical experience, and accompanied by detailed photographs to show the reader how it's all done. Many of the modifications shown were carried out on the writer's own vehicles, giving the reader an honest account of the effort involved - bruised knuckles and all. Featuring 'how to' sections, comparison charts to help you choose which modifications are right for you, detailed spec sheets, and lists of useful contacts, this is the definitive guide to getting the most from these exciting vehicles.
Secrets of Speed
Today's techniques for 4-stroke engine blueprinting & tuning
Part of the SpeedPro series
Since the inception of car and motorcycle racing, people have been fascinated by the engines that power high-performance vehicles. This book reveals and explains modifications from the secretive world of motorsport. It is written in an easy-to-read style, perfect for the DIY engine builder who wants increase the power and reliability of their engine. The book explains build methods common to all 4-stroke engines, rather than specific makes or models, making the information ideal for the builder of either a period or modern engine.
Opening with planning suggestions about the types of tuning and modifications that can be undertaken, and their possible consequences to drivability, it then moves on to define tuning and blueprinting, and the inspection and build processes involved right through to testing a completed engine. It also has sections on ignition, exhaust and fuel systems, all made clearer by 200 original drawings and photographs. Containing five engine inspection and build sheets, and the contact details of approximately 45 specialist manufacturers and motorsport suppliers, this book is an essential purchase for all engine-building enthusiasts.
How to Blueprint & Build a V8 Short Block for High-Performance
Part of the SpeedPro series
Expert practical advice from an experienced race engine builder on how to build a V8 short engine block for high performance use using mainly stock parts - including crankshaft and rods. A short block built using Des' techniques will be able to deliver serious high performance with real reliability.??Applies to all sizes and makes of V8 engine with overhead valves operated by pushrods.
The Ford SOHC Pinto & Sierra Cosworth DOHC Engines High-Peformance Manual
For Road & Track
Part of the SpeedPro series
Expert practical advice from an experienced race engine builder on how to build a high-performance version of Ford's naturally aspirated 4-cylinder 1600, 1800 & 2000cc Pinto engine which has been used in Ford's most popular cars (Escort, Capri, Cortina & Sierra - Ford/Mercury Capri, Pinto, Bobcat in USA) over many years. Whether the reader wants a fast road car or to go racing, Des explains, without using technical jargon, just how to build a reliable high-power engine using as many stock parts as possible and without wasting money on parts and modifications that don't work. Also covers Cosworth versions of Pinto engines and fitting Cosworth heads to Pinto blocks. Does not cover 1300, E-Max 1600 or American-built 2300.
How to Build & Power Tune Distributor-type Ignition Systems
Part of the SpeedPro series
Expert practical advice from an experienced race engine builder on how to build an ignition system that delivers maximum power reliably. A lot is talked about ignition systems, and there is a bewildering choice of expensive aftermarket parts, which all claim to deliver more power. Des Hammill cuts through the myth and hyperbole and tells readers what really works, so that they can build an excellent system without wasting money on parts and systems that simply don't deliver. Ignition timing and advance curves for modified engines is another minefield for the inexperienced, but Des uses his expert knowledge to tell readers how to optimise the ignition timing of any high-performance engine.
The book applies to all four-stroke gasoline/petrol engines with distributor-type ignition systems, including those using electronic ignition modules: it does not cover engines controlled by ECUs (electronic control units).
Optimising Car Performance Modifications
Simple methods for measuring engine, suspension, brakes and aerodynamic performance gains
Part of the SpeedPro series
This highly practical and useful book covers brilliant techniques that take the guesswork out of performance modification.
Using just some low-cost tools, you can easily measure the flow restriction of your car's intake and exhaust. It's like having a huge flow-bench always available. By making some simple on-road measurements, you can plot the shape of the engine's power and torque curves - no dyno needed. This allows you to not only see if performance modifications to the engine are improving power, but also see where in the rev range those changes are occurring. Assess the worth of cams, a larger turbo, changed boost control or altered engine management mapping.
But the book doesn't stop there - it also shows you how to measure your car's aerodynamics, seeing if at speed your car is developing lift or downforce. Want to make a rear wing work well? Test the angle at which downforce is greatest. You can also test the aerodynamic airflow through oil coolers, intercoolers and radiators.
Interested in improving your suspension? By using a low-cost app and a smartphone, you can accurately measure suspension behaviour.
If you want a practical, hands-on book that will immediately save you money, show where modifications are most needed, and can be used to assess performance outcomes, this is the book for you.
The author is an enthusiastic hands-on modifier who performs all work on his cars himself in his home workshop. He has been testing car modifications on his own road cars for more than 25 years.
How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally Car
For Marathon, Endurance, Historic and Budget-car Adventure Road Rallies
Part of the SpeedPro series
This book sets out in graphic detail a hundred tips that cost very little but which will transform your car. For example, how a wire coat-hanger transforms an exhaust system so that it can survive the Sahara Desert, how a tube of bathroom silicone sealer waterproofs an engine, and how a garden chain ensures you don't break the engine-mountings. Simple, cost-effective, basic and reliable tips to ensure any rally car stands a chance of reaching the finishing line. From the lanes of Devon at night, to romping the wilderness of Mongolia, this book is full of illustrated detailed tips, as well as pictures of typical low cost cars setting out on international events. If you are planning any road-based rally, don't even think of leaving home before reading this book and implementing the tried and tested mods it describes so well.
Modifying Suzuki 4x4 for Serious Offroad Action
Part of the SpeedPro series
Anyone who owns a Suzuki 4x4, and wonders what it is REALLY capable of, needs this book. It illustrates in intimate detail, with the aid of 175 colour photographs and diagrams, what each model can do and how to modify it in stages to maximise its off-road potential. The book also covers practical factors, such as choice of tyres, gearing selection and modification for various purposes. In addition, it explores the history and evolution of the marque and sets out the skills required to carry out the various procedures. As ever, this is presented in the well illustrated, easy to follow SpeedPro style. Get the most out of your Suzuki 4x4.
How to Power Tune Harley Davidson 1340 Evolution Engines
For Road & Track
Part of the SpeedPro series
A complete practical guide on how to get more power with reliability from Harley's Evolution V-twin engine without wasting money on modifications that don't work and over-specced parts. Includes cylinder head planing and porting; valves, valve springs and valve seats; carburetors, camshafts and followers; crankshaft; connecting rods; pistons; engine balancing; flywheel; main bearings - and much, much more. Index.
How to Power Tune Rover V8 Engines for Road & Track
Part of the SpeedPro series
Limitations of standard components; short block preparation/clearances; solving oiling & main cap problems of pre- 94 blocks; full details of head modifications; optimising ignition settings; exhaust system requirements; Holley, Weber & SU carburettor/inlet manifold options; camshaft & valve train requirements; modifications for racing/mods for road use.
How to Power Tune Alfa Romeo Twin-Cam Engines
Part of the SpeedPro series
Whether you want to go racing or have maximum street performance, the expert advice in this book will help you to build a powerful and reliable engine first time - without wasting money on incompatible components or modifications that don't work.
BMW E30 3 Series
How to Modify for High-performance and Competition
Part of the SpeedPro series
Buying a classic and iconic E30 BMW 3 Series can be just the start of a wonderful adventure. This book explains how these fantastic cars can be modified to suit a vast range of applications, from simple upgrades to make everyday driving easier, through to servicing and renovation tips, and large-scale conversions for racing and rallying. Some of the most popular forms of motorsport are examined, along with explanations of how to take part and what equipment you need.
All the procedures are explained in straightforward text by a qualified engineer and racer with many years of practical experience, accompanied by detailed photographs showing the reader how it's done. Many of the modifications shown are done on the author's own vehicles, so you get an honest report - bruised knuckles and all. As well as the 'how to' sections, there are a large amount of data and comparison charts to help you choose which modifications are right for you.
How to Build, Modify & Power Tune Cylinder Heads
Part of the SpeedPro series
- New! Revised and updated edition - complete with extra illustrations - of this best-selling SpeedPro title. - The complete practical guide to successfully modifying cylinder heads for maximum power, economy and reliability. - Understandable language and
Modifying the Aerodynamics of Your Road Car
Part of the SpeedPro series
This unique handbook assumes no starting knowledge of vehicle aerodynamics. It begins with simple ideas and finishes with sophisticated and effective aerodynamic modifications that work.
Three major chapters cover on-road testing techniques that give you all the information you need to decide what modifications you should make - and, after you've made them, how well they work.
Low-cost techniques allow you to visualise the patterns of airflow over your car so that you can actually see the problem areas that need improvement. Uniquely, you're also shown how to measure aerodynamic pressures, so you can determine which body surfaces are creating lift, drag and downforce. Want to work out where a wing should be placed? On-road testing to find that out is covered as well. The book also shows you how to measure downforce to see if that wing is actually working!
If you wish to reduce drag, more than ten different areas are covered. Reducing frontal area, lowering cooling system drag, optimising vehicle ride height and rake, reducing the strength of the wake, achieving clean airflow separation and optimising wheel designs - they're all covered using the latest research findings.
And if you're a performance driver, there's a major chapter devoted to reducing lift and improving stability. This chapter includes the design and development of undertrays and diffusers, wings and spoilers. The example car developed measurable downforce when fitted with an undertray and rear diffuser, something that transformed its on-road handling.
The author has been writing about the aerodynamics of road cars for more than 25 years. He is also an experienced and proficient car modifier who has performed numerous aerodynamic modifications and upgrades to his own cars. The book's technical consultant, RH Barnard, is an acknowledged world leading automotive aerodynamicist.
If you want a practical, hands-on guide that demystifies and explains car aerodynamics, and shows you how to make effective aerodynamic modifications to your car, this book is for you.
How to Power Tune Jaguar Xk 3.4, 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Engines
Part of the SpeedPro series
Full details on camshafts, camshaft timing, valve springs and cylinder head options and modifications. Carburation chapters cover: 13/4 and 2 inch twin SU setups; triple 2 inch SUs; and triple Weber and Dellorto setups. A special section is included on modifying SUs for improved engine performance, along with the relevant needle specifications. Full details on ignition systems and timing, exhaust manifolds and systems and general tune-up information.