Transportation Books

Lots of good info about dyno tuning using both a chassis and engine dyno. My favorite parts of the book were the formulas to check dyno numbers against track numbers and vice versa. I also really liked the part about the questions to ask when you interview a shop. I am in the process of finding a chassis dyno so this was really beneficial. There were two chapters that went over my head a bit but, overall a good read.

Not as informative as I had hoped. I can use much of the information, but I was hoping for more detail

I believe this book should be mandatory reading for anyone operating a dynamometer or using dynamometer services. It provides a fundamental knowledge on what to expect from the dynamometer and how to get the most from your time spent using the dynamometer. The focus is on water brake engine dynamometers and chassis dynamometers using eddy current power absorption units. The book is not a scripted tuning session, specifying exactly what to do for each engine tuning anomally. It does provide a great foundation for where to begin and what to look for during a tuning session. In my job, I teach people how to use a dynamometer every week. I wish each dynamometer manufacturer would include this book with the purchase of their dyno, and then make it mandatory reading prior to my training session with the new customer.

The book, I believe, did not live up to my expections. The author only just touches on spark timing (MBT), and a little on lambda. He does not go every deep into tuning. The type of information that I would like to have seen for example would be say, when you see the egt's start to go down and the cht's coming back up you need to re adjust the timing. No I do not think this book is that informative.

This manual covers most of the basics but has general information only and lacks a lot in specifics regarding different models. Body and Chassis
section is not very in depth. It is a simple repair manual and not a restoration manual. Haynes could make three, possibly four, manuals for this car and be more specific.

This is not the manual for a DIY restoration. The manual, while a good source for technical specs, is short on actual repair information. The disjointed manner in which it is written is confusing and tiring. For example, disassembly instructions in one section of the book, and reassembly instructions three or four pages away. In many cases critical information is missing or misrepresented, the drawings are often out of context or just incorrect, i.e. a photo of the correct application of a part for one set of model years but no information for following model years with the same part but different location. If you must buy consider also having a Moss Motors Catalog for correct drawings with the name and location of the part.

Everything you need is here; except the parts. Only the factory manual could be more complete and that book is harder to read and doesn't include the easier to read wiring diagram or the much clearer exploded parts diagrams and the pictures. Maybe the Victoria British catalog is clearer on the parts, but not on the knowledg to fix the darn things.
Keep a copy in the boot with your torch, spanner and a length of broom handle for whacking the starter. You'll never know when the anti-christ Lucas will strike or rust will win over that amazing british steel.

Woo, hoo, what a fun car.

This manual came with the 1964 MGB that I bought in Missoula, Montanta (western edge) and promptly drove across the country to Oakton, Virginia. The critics of this manual live on some other planet. This is the original repair manual, I could not live without it, and it is as historic as the MGB to which it pertains.

It can certainly be complemented by other books. The two that I chose and am very pleased with are the Original MGB with MGC and MGB GT V8 by Anders Ditlev Clausager, and the Haynes Restoration Manual MGB (2nd Edition). The first is NOT a restoration manual as it advertises itself to be. It is more like a coffee table book, a showroom "this is what perfect looks like" book. The second, by Lindsay Porter, is a really superior piece of work that brings complex photographic illustrations, detailed descriptions, and context. See my separate reviews of these latter two books. All three are essential.

The value of this book, the original MGB 19962-1980 guide, apart from its substance, is how well is conveys the idea that the MGB, the last and only car I have every been able to understand, was in fact intended as a racing sports car that could be both maintained and restored by its owner.

This book came highly recommended; it was a great buy, arrived quickly and in great condition; I'm very pleased

I do a lot of DIY maintenance and repairs. I recently purchased a 2000 Mazda Miata along with the model-specific Factory Workshop Manual. While Grainger's ...1.8: Enthusiasts Workshop Manual is intended for the earlier model, pre-1999, most of the guidance can be applied to the 1999-2000 with patience and ingenuity. I found that this manual, when combined with the Mazda Factory Workshop Manual and online resources, provide complete guidance for most tasks including major service. I particularly liked that Grainger included personal insight and tips & tricks that are helpful to a non-professional mechanic. The only issues I have with the Manual's presentation is that the small text is hard to read and the photos are small and some lack clarity. The last issue, which is not totally objectionable, is that the Manual is written with the "right and left" references from the perspective of someone standing behind the car looking forward (this takes some getting used to) - I took a red marker and wrote "left & right" to clarify these references. I would recommend this manual to any Miata owner that does his/her own work.

If you have a Mazda Miata with a 1.8L motor and you plan to work on the car yourself this book is a must have and priceless. Let me tell you how this book helped me. I'm a 51-year-old parts changer. I do the basics Brakes, Exhaust, Tune Ups, Water Pumps. I needed to change the water pump in the Miata. Lucky for me I had this book. Changing the water pump involved removing the timing belt and pulleys, which I've never done before. When I got to the point where I realized that this is not a basic water pump job I took out the book. The book walked me through the job with informative step-by-step text and photos. I'm happy to say the car started right up and is running better than ever. I'm now so confident with the technical support I receive from this book that I would not hesitate to tackle any job on this car. This book covers it all.

The Batmobile: Owners Manual

Some books just need to be looked at from a distance and admired. Have you ever seen any like that? The art shimmers. The layout sparkles. The art speaks...you don't need to read to appreciate.

The "Batmobile Owners Manual" is like that, except to fully experience this book, you must open the lenticular cover of the new Batmobile with the flames shooting out the back. All this cover needs is a voice chip...Vroom...atomic batteries to power....

If any book has testosterone, this is it! Really. The cover rocks, but the interior design and text by Mike Avennie is oustanding. Not many people have really got to stand beside the Batmobile and read the spec, or touch the dash, but now you can. Mike discusses the dashboard, weapons and defense, the test chamber, the forensic lab, the wheels, and a really cool Batcave page reminiscent of the Neal Adams design from the 70's. They haven't forgotten the classic Batmobiles either, so don't get your cape in a knot. George Barris is accounted for.

DK has taken a page out of Insight Editions' design crew and made many of the pages fold out and fold up with pockets and touch me panels. Ever want to match the Bat car, check the color swatches out.

Probably the best thing in this book is the trouble shooting manual. If your voice command doesn't work, what do you do? Onstar won't help with this one, but resetting the computer might.

Can't say why I love this book so much. Perhaps it brings out the kid in me. Will they ever do one like this for the Classic 60's version?

Www.dk.com

Batsignal on.

Tim Lasiuta

For years I've been hoping for a book on the many Batmobiles in print and film. I have long collected articles and models of/on Batmobiles. I took a chance on this one, not knowing what it was about. I guess I should have waited until I saw it first. I have no clue as to what Batmobile is in this book. It's not one that I recognize. It appears the author dreamt up his own version, and wrote a book on it. Not there's anything wrong with that, per se, but I think potential buyers should know up front that they won't recognize this particular Batmobile. If you, like me, are waiting for a book that covers the many TV, film, and comic book Batmobiles, you'll have to wait a little longer.

The workbook really brings out the important points to remember from the text. It also ensures that the students begin to be able to pick out legal issues on their own. I highly recommend it as a companion when using Hamilton's text.

This book purports to cover the 351M/400 (335)series of engines. Don't believe it! It is a 221 to 351W text that barely makes any mention of the mid block engines. I am very disappointed.

First,If you are about to rebuild an early model Ford small block engine I would suggest this book.If you are looking for a book on later model EFI Ford small blocks engines this book isnt the one you want.

This book is really a great book.Covers many factors to look at before you rebuild.You dont have to be a mechanic to read and understand this book.Covers all areas of rebuilding.There is even a section on performance tips and more importantly step by step instuctions with plenty of photos show make this book and this series of books ideal.Also,This book is an ideal book for those apprentices and those considering a mechanical apprenticeship.

This book is written in simple English.Anyone with an interest in cars would enjoy this book.There is so much this book has to offer.For the price alone its good value.I hope that more books like this will be written for other makes of engines too.

One thing I noticed is that the books from CarTech/SA Design tend to be better set out than the HPBooks.These new books from S-A Design/Cartech are better quality books than the earlier editions.

No matter what make of engine you are rebuiding you can benefit by reading this book.

If you are rebuilding an EFI Ford small block I would recommend this book:
"Ford Windsor Small Block Performance:parts and modifications for high performance street and racing."By Issac Martin.From HB Books.Its available here at amazon.com too.

This book is great for the novice engine builder looking for one book to show you how it's done. The magazine style writing with tons of pictures is easy to follow and includes lots of helpful tips. This book, together with a shop manual specific to your vehicle is all you will need to finish your project. The only thing that I found lacking was it could have used a little bit more detail on some of the finishing touches (ie. setting the rockers/valves - which is only explained with one picture/comment) of your engine build. After looking at several other books for information, I determined that this was the best / most current available. With all that said, my rebuilt motor runs great!!

The best analogy for describing this book is that it's like having several long conversations with a veteran engine builder. It's easy to read and contains lots of valuable tips as well as Ford specific things to watch for.

For you late model 5.0L guys, myself included, be aware that the book follows the build of an old-school 302. So the bottom end and valve train are covered pretty thoroughly but I finished craving a bit more 5.0L specific detail such as induction, fuel-injection, computers, etc.

I needed to read this book. I am in the process of pursuing a private pilots license and this was so beneficial to me to be able to read a book that answered those questions I would have never thought to ask.

I must agree with every positive thing said about this work. It has really inspired and carried me through into actually taking action. Like having a friend by your side, giving advice.

Very well written introduction for anyone considering becoming a pilot. This book provides a short, but thorough, analysis of just about all that being a pilot involves - from initial training to life as a General Aviation pilot. Finally - a book well worth the money!

Your Pilot's License provides a simple, concise guide to getting your license to fly. Eichenberger describes both how to actually fly a plane as well as the process by which one learns how and is licensed to do so. Eichenberger's experience as a flight instructor (CFI) clearly shows, as much of the book reads like a flight lesson.

The book is a must-read for anyone thinking about taking up flying or who has just started taking lessons. Not only does is summarize what to expect, it also provides a wealth of knowledge that should help make your lessons more effective. Eichenberger explains complicated concepts in simple English. Particularly helpful to the beginning pilot will be his explanations of how lift works and how to "fly the box" taking wind into account.

For those who have been flying for a period of time, the book offers very little (other than perhaps nostalgia about those first flights). If you don't already know what is covered in this book (and in some areas, significantly more than is covered) you really shouldn't be flying a plane.

For those looking to get their flight instructor certificate, this book holds particular value as it will help you learn how to teach your students! It is also very helpful in remaining us how if felt "from the other side."

I am a CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) and have read several popular 'Private Pilot Training' manuals. Many of them are expensive, and very thick. I don't use them though...I use THIS book. It covers 90% of what I want covered in ground school, and I augment it with other materials as I see fit. It is quite inexpensive, and it is very well-written. I highly recommend this book to prospective pilots, to student pilots, and to certificated pilots as a handy 'quick refresher'. If you have ever considered becoming a pilot (trust me, it is worth every penny), this this book gives you a great overview of what flying is about.

This is a very informative and at times entertaining book. Though it was my second book on touring it could have been my first. I have owned four bikes but I have been out of motorcycling for 26 years. I wanted to tour back then but did not. I am doing it now so I wanted to get some expert advice. I feel very well informed as to equipment and what I might expect. Plan your trip, research the bikes/dealers, try them all on, they must fit (not too big, not too small), take a motocycle safty course, buy and have fun. Read Coyner's book also.

I agree with A. Brannon "MLC Rider" to a lot of fluff and not enought subtance. The book is mostly Doc Frazier's travelog. I was looking for information on how to travel, with what and how to do it safely.

This book is certainly not Everything You Need to Know.


I think the better book is:
The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel: Tips, Technology, Advanced Techniques
by Dale Coyner

I enjoyed reading the first half of this book but then found it very repititous. There were some good common sense tips that you would apply to travelling the world by any mode not just motorcycling. His stories and anecdotes were interesting at first but it soon became obvious that the book was well padded with fluff and photos.

I simply love this book. It's entertaining, and I learned a lot. His style just lets you read it like a novel, as another reviewer mentioned.

I only disagreed with the author on two points having to do with safety: 1) I really like having a GPS with a compass as a necessary back-up to the GPS (although I know people like Dr. Frazier who have an uncanny knack for knowing where they are) and 2) I really dislike regular bungy cords. I find them laying all over the roads with the sharp ends ready to puncture my tires. I'm sure Dr. Frazier knows how to use them properly; but many riders don't realize that when a load bounces, the cords can stretch and come undone at that point. In addition, I, too, like someone he encountered, had one snap back and land between my eye and temple - couldn't see well out of that eye for about an hour. Instead, I like ratcheting-type tie-downs (they're fast if you pull them snug before actually ratcheting them) or the kind that have a loop at the ends and just clip in the middle (ROK). Whatever you choose, happy motoring and be sure to read Dr. Frazier's book!

This book really only demonstrates common sense thing you should already know if you own and ride a motorcycle. If you don't know this stuff, you really should just walk wherever you go.

Throughout the book, I was wondering what decade it was written.

It was a waste of money.

My grandson makes me read it to him over and over and over. He loves this book!!

I bought this book for my three year old who LOVES fire trucks. Although he does love it, it is a bit small and seems geared toward age 1-2. It is a very short book, just a few pages, and very small for the price. The size is clearly listed on the page, but I wasn't prepared for how small it actually was. Still a cute and entertaining book my son enjoys looking at the pictures and feeling the front grill of the fire truck.

If your son/daughter is in to firetrucks,this is the book. My two-year old son is bananas over this book. He looks at it all the time and loves rubbing his hands over the textures on each page. The pictures are great and realistic. This is a must-have for the (2-year old) firetruck ethusiast! He/she will have blast with this book.