Race Car Chassis: Design and Construction (Powerpro)
Warning: mysql_fetch_assoc(): supplied argument is not a valid MySQL result resource in /home/emotor/public_html/wp-content/plugins/max-banner-ads-pro/max-banner-ads-lib/include/max-banner-ads.cls.php on line 433
Customer Review: The title should have included the term "an overview"
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.
Customer Review: Ok, but...
As other reviwers have mentioned, it gives a good overall description of chassis design, but like the first reviewer, I found myself wanting a little more detail. Even some more example graphics of each type of chassis would make it easier to relate the information to the real world. I ended up wanting more information on how to actually go about designing my own chassis (in my case a spaceframe) rather than the broad spectrum of information provided. Maybe I simply chose the wrong book.