I agree with Ted on this one. Having just read all three of these book
mentioned, I think the Smith books are far and above better. Although "making
you performance car handle" has good info in it, it does not get down into the
nitty gritty of what you ACTUALLY need to do to go fast, rather just says that
"
different size sway bars can help" and "some cars do better with lower,
stiffer springs". The paper model idea from Smith's books really shows what
difference small changes can make. The reading is not light or easy, but its
not worth reading something that won't tell you everything that you need to
know. The other books only give a few of the needed equations.
The only other really beneficial thing that I have seen around is the computer
software by Bill (William)_________. I can't remember his name right now.
Basically, it allows you to enter all of your suspension criteria, roll
centers, etc. and allows you to manipulate every small insignificant detail
and measure its effect pseudo-dynamically.
jim
>===== Original Message From Ted Schumacher <tedtsimx@q1.net> =====
>bob and list. go buy the books by caroll smith - engineer to win, fasteners,
etc.
>best in the business. ted
>
>Bob Lang wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 25 May 2000, Jack Brooks wrote:
>>
>> > Amici,
>>
>> Ave!
>>
>> Ooops... must be those three years of Latin and the new Gladiator thing
>> going on in the theatres right now... but I digress (still).
>>
>> > The recent thread on camber has shown me just how weak my understanding
of
>> > the concepts behind great handling really is. Can anyone suggest a good
>> > book to help me get up to speed on handling, roll centers, etc.?
>>
>> Without a doubt the Bible of the topic:
>>
>> How to Make Your Car Handle by Fred Puhn. It's all in there.
>>
>> > Knowing this group, I'd really prefer it if you could limit your
>> > suggestions to books which are still in print, regardless of what fine
>> > publications that excludes. <Huge Grin>
>>
>> That book has been through several reprints.
>>
>> There's also another book that is a bit less detailed with dated stuff in
>> there (tires in particular) by a fellow named Don Alexander, I think. I
>> forget the title, but it has "handling" in the title. This book was in
>> print as of a year or so ago. What made this book shine (to me anyway)
>> was that where it glossed over absolute detail - the concepts were pretty
>> clear.
>>
>> Puhn has all sorts of good stuff including equations for things like
>> spring rate etc.
>>
>> I think you'll find the Puhn's book is highly regarded.
>>
>> > Thanks,
>> >
>> > Jack Brooks
>> > 1960 TR3A
>> > 1974 Norton 850 Commando
>> > Hillsdale, NJ
>>
>> Yer Welcome,
>> rml
>>
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>> Consultant MIT Computer Services |
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>>
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>
>--
>Ted Schumacher
>tedtsimx@q1.net
>http://www.tsimportedautomotive.com
>Fax: 419/ 384-3272 (24 hrs.)
>Phone: 800/ 543-6648 (US & Canada)
>Tech/Gen Info/Worldwide: 419/ 384-3022
>
>******************************************************
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