Race Car Chassis: Design and Construction (Powerpro) (Paperback)

by Forbes Aird (Author) "In the early days of the automobile, many luxury car makers offered their customers a choice of body-work, according to taste and budget, built by..." (more)
Key Phrases: Formula One, World War, Jack Gladback (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks International (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760302839
• ISBN-13: 978-0760302835
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,363,465 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The title should have included the term "an overview", November 1, 2001

By	Brian Barnett (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If I had known nothing about chassis design and this was the first book I had read, then I would say that this rates rather well and would be more than adequate for a starting point. Having read several books pertaining to suspension geometries, chassis design and construction, composite application and driveline integration in modern race cars, I find it lacking in detail sufficient to actually build a car.

In reality, the detail needed to actually design and build a chassis for a specific car would require much more detail than this book provides. Stress analysis by suspension components and downforce, tubing diameter and wall thickness considerations, material types and their correct application, heat treating requirements after welding, welding methods for specific materials, jig construction, body attachment to frame, safety cage construction considerations, component mounting, mockup materials and proper "scaling" of strength and torsional rigidity ratings and many other aspects of chassis construction are not adequately discussed in this book for the designer / builder to make educated decisions prior to putting "rubber on the road".

The author hints at many of these and actually briefly discusses some of them, BUT I would not feel safe designing a chassis based on that information alone. Again, great for the beginner as "an overview". Should also recommend other follow-on readings at the end with a synopsis of the strengths of the recommendations.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for the serious amatuer car builder., April 25, 2000

By	Ian Carter (Guilin, CHINA.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was the third book I bought after I'd decided to build three Lotus Seven type sports cars. While he discusses many types of chassis designs, materials and construction methods, the author addresses the subject in a logical, easy to understand manner. From the historical context, through the principles influencing chassis development, to the contemporary high performance product. There are also examples of bad engineering faults, to be avoided by advance planning. This approach gives the reader insight that is applicable to all chassis types. This book gave me a level of understanding that has enabled me to research and plan my project; selecting and importantly, comprehending more specialised books as needed. It is still constantly referred to.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Race Car Chassis Design and Construction, December 11, 1999

By	Hugh Winslow "butterfly_ranch" - See all my reviews

Engineering for the Non Engineer. Don't be scared. No math is involved. Just a clear overview of the history and current state of the art of race car chassis design. This book is simple enough for the interested fan but envolved enough to provide a starting place for the aspiring race car engineer. Want to know why tube frame chassis are steel, but stressed skin chassis are aluminum or carbon graphite? Forbes Aird tells you. He even tells you what tube frame and stressed skin chassis are. Probably not for the most casual fan, but they won't be attracted by the title anyway. A good book.