Hands-On Race Car Engineer

Rating:
Summary: Know what your getting
Review: I did not. I expected to see a book with information on race engineering and how to adjust a car (or bike) to go faster. It seems that the word "engineer" here is rather loosely applied as is all too common these days. The chapter on setup was actually very good, if short and that's why I rated it as I did. The chapter on how to choose a transporter, I could really do without.

It does seem to me that if you like Carroll Smith's books, then this might have something for you. It may fit the bill of something in between. Still, I think it incomplete. It seems to be a collection of nice things a technician would want to know. There isn't the first mention of damper selection of spring setup except that someone should do it.

I quote from the book in one section on testing - it goes over a testing plan (which is quite nice and does point to how things work. Part of the plan states "adjust dampers as necessary" Well, duh - now how and why? In the review of this plan the author states:

"If the engineer was satisfied with the tire temperatures and heat spread ... he would move on to adjust the balance of the car. In this case, the engineer decided to correct the aerodynamic balance first, as opposed to the mechanical."

Nowhere does the author talk in detail about heat spread or how camber affects it, etc. There is mention of data acquisition, describing each of the sensors a bit, but no where is there any example of the data or what it might mean. I expected some analysis, but found none. I can only guess that the engineer in question is someone other than the author. I want the book by that person.

I can't bring myself to recommend any book on car setup, engineering or racing that does not discuss how to choose and adjust dampers, springs and tires. I found nothing beyond basic setup - nothing.

Rating:
Summary: Know what your getting
Review: I did not. I expected to see a book with information on race engineering and how to adjust a car (or bike) to go faster. It seems that the word "engineer" here is rather loosely applied as is all too common these days. The chapter on setup was actually very good, if short and that's why I rated it as I did. The chapter on how to choose a transporter, I could really do without.

It does seem to me that if you like Carroll Smith's books, then this might have something for you. It may fit the bill of something in between. Still, I think it incomplete. It seems to be a collection of nice things a technician would want to know. There isn't the first mention of damper selection of spring setup except that someone should do it.

I quote from the book in one section on testing - it goes over a testing plan (which is quite nice and does point to how things work. Part of the plan states "adjust dampers as necessary" Well, duh - now how and why? In the review of this plan the author states:

"If the engineer was satisfied with the tire temperatures and heat spread ... he would move on to adjust the balance of the car. In this case, the engineer decided to correct the aerodynamic balance first, as opposed to the mechanical."

Nowhere does the author talk in detail about heat spread or how camber affects it, etc. There is mention of data acquisition, describing each of the sensors a bit, but no where is there any example of the data or what it might mean. I expected some analysis, but found none. I can only guess that the engineer in question is someone other than the author. I want the book by that person.

I can't bring myself to recommend any book on car setup, engineering or racing that does not discuss how to choose and adjust dampers, springs and tires. I found nothing beyond basic setup - nothing.

Rating:
Summary: A well constructed and detailed book!
Review: If you are searching for a highly detailed and informative book on all aspects of the race engineering world then ignore the review below and get this book!
I must admit to been a little uncertain as to whether this was the book I was searching for after reading the review below. However after reading an extremely positive review in the UK magazine 'Race Car Engineering' I decided to purchase the book, and now have completely no regrets!
This is a superbly constructed work and I was greatly impressed that the author could condense such a vast topic into one book, yet still provide the level of detail required. The guidance given on the setting up of a car and how to correct handling problems was particularly helpful. I also found the diagrams and photos to be accessible and highly relevant to the topic in question.
This book completely justifies the price tag and will provide you with detailed guidance into getting that little bit more from your car!