One of the most distinctive and interesting eras in hot rodding was the early '60s, when Gasser-class and altered wheelbase machines were changing the definition of what a hot rod was. Eventually, the altered wheelbase machines gave rise to the Funny Car, but before they did, they left a permanent mark on the history of drag racing. In How to Build Altered Wheelbase Cars, renowned writer Steve Magnante first walks readers through the colorful history of the altered wheelbase period and then shows them how to perform these radical modifications themselves. Magnante's fun and colorful style makes for entertaining reading, and the coverage of floorpan mods, chassis alterations, and both front and rear suspension upgrades are covered in great detail on three different chassis types. After reading this book, the basic technical tenets of altering vehicle wheelbase will be understood and the almost mythical legend surrounding such cars will be fully realized. What were once considered race only modifications can now be civilized for street use, and Magnante carefully reviews all of the relevant points for optimal appearance, performance, and safety. The techniques and processes detailed between the covers of How to Build Altered Wheelbase Cars have been proven on Magnante's own personal vehicles, and after his many street miles and drag strip passes, readers can rely on Steve's advice. With plenty of historical images for reference and clear step-by-step how-to photos, you can build your own altered-wheelbase car for fun on the street or the strip.

Years ago, enthusiasts had limited in-car entertainment system options. One could install a high-performance head unit, amp, speakers, and upgrade a few other components, and that was about it. Today, in-car entertainment system options are virtually limitless, and they are one of the most popular automotive upgrades. In fact, upgrading or replacing a stock stereo system is just the tip of the in-car entertainment iceberg. Enthusiasts can install a complete entertainment system, including audio and video, MP3 player (iPod), HD radio, satellite radio, and more. Video monitors for DVD and game systems can be incorporated in the dash, head rest, or anywhere else. When you consider GPS navigation and hands-free Bluetooth cell phone systems, the options are only limited by a person's creativity and budget. How to Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems presents the entire spectrum of audio/video, navigation, communication, and entertainment technology, and explains how you can create a complete custom system or an integrated stock/aftermarket system. It explains how to plan, select, integrate, and install popular systems under a specific budget for a certain level of performance. This includes design and installation considerations for amps, head units, GPS navigation, iPod integration with head units, satellite radio, digital audio broadcasting, and even computers (carputers). It features how-to installations, thorough explanations for building subwoofer boxes, fabricating kick panels, electrical upgrades such as charging systems, and a comprehensive resource guide.

When legislation that threatened to kill the sports car for ever failed to emerge, one of the first to return to the market was Mazda. The MX-5 was designed as a completely up to date car with all the charm of the earlier roadsters. Tuning companies quickly entered the market to upgrade the amenable engine and Mazda approved a turbo conversion in Britain boosting the power to 150bhp. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, technical data, driver's impressions, long-term tests, racing, buying used. Models covered include: - MX-5/Miata, Racing Dynamics conversion, SE, LE, 1.8, PFS SC, M-Edition, 1.8iS.

The Kaiser-Frazer automotive adventure would have to go down in history as one of the greatest "lost causes" of all time. Born out of the optimism of victory in World War II, the two magnates pooled their resources to take on the Establishment in Detroit. That they gambled and lost is now history and the automobile world is the richer for their efforts. Both Henry Kaiser and Joe Frazer had made a fortune out of armament supplies for the war and decided to tackle General Motors, Ford and Chrysler head-on once the conflict was over. As Preston Tucker found out to his cost, this was not something to take lightly. Starting with a clean sheet of paper they chose well-known designer Howard Darrin to style their cars, both would be essentially the same apart from some trim items. From an engineering point of view, although they considered such technically advanced ideas as front-wheel drive, torsion bar suspension and unit construction, they opted to follow the convention as established by the rest of the American motor manufacturers, that is, a body-on-frame with front engine and rear wheel drive. Only the aforementioned Tucker chose to be the maverick. Where the rest of Detroit's offerings were merely warmed over pre-war cars, with the exception of Studebaker, the Kaiser and Frazers were the first of a new breed as far as styling was concerned. Darrin successfully predicted in 1946 the coming slab-sided style that would emerge internationally in 1950 as the style of the future. K-F was also a pioneer in America of the fibreglass bodied sports car when in 1953 they released the unusually-styled Kaiser-Darrin with its sliding doors. Needless to say the conservative American buyers did not warm to that K-F even pioneered the hatchback concept with their Traveller range, another feature that was ahead of its time. By the mid-50s with plummeting sales and mounting losses K-F joined forces with Willys Overland which doubled their range of vehicles on offer but it was not long before car production was moved to South America where it continued for many years. Today we have the legacy of Joe and Henry and their automobiles and in particular the Kaiser-Darrin sports car of which few have survived. Including are road tests, new model intros plus historical articles. Models covered: Manhattan, four- & six-cylinder Henry Js & Corsair, Willys Aero Wing, Ace, Eagle, Bermuda, Excalibur & Kaiser-Darrin 161 sportscar.

Ten years after the launch of the original XJ range in 1968 the Series III was introduced. Three engines were available; the six-cylinder 3.4 and 4.2-lires and the 5.3-litre V12. This was a time when Jaguar's image was at a low point but this was turned round and respect restored within a couple of years. There were range realignments in 1982 and 1983, when the Daimler name was dropped in Europe. The XJ40 replaced the six-cylinder cars in 1986 although the V12 cars remained in production. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, new model intros, technical data, buyer's guide, buying second hand and long term reports. Models covered include: 4.2, 3.4, 4.2 Automatic, Avon Estate, Daimler Sovereign 4.2, Arden, Jaguar Sovereign 4.2 manual & automatic, Vanden Plas 4.2 manual & automatic, TWR, DMJ, Chasseur.

From a motoring enthusiast's point the sports car which former Pontiac supremo John De Lorean drew up to sell to Americans was a fascinating machine. The gullwing doors lost appeal when electrical failures prevented them from opening & the unpainted stainless steel body panels proved far from stainless in practice. However, the Giugiaro design is still attractive and with only around 4,000 cars built still attracts attention. This is a book of contemporary road & comparison tests, technical and specification data, engineering background, history, De Lorean interview, and company history.

Hemi. The word alone evokes images of ultra-high-performance street cars and dominating race cars. No other engine has earned as much street credibility and race success. This engine resides at the pinnacle of American V-8 performance, and cars that carry a Hemi are some of the rarest, most expensive, and legendary muscle cars ever made. When Chrysler threw the wraps off the 426 in 1964, it made history. In the 1964 Daytona 500, the new Hemi-powered stock cars finished 1-2-3-4, announcing Chrysler's new era of dominance in racing. Fast forward to today: recently an immaculate 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda convertible sold for $2.16 million at a 2006 Barrett Jackson collector car auction. The factory Hemi cars have become legendary, easily eclipsing all other muscle cars in performance and value. How to Build Max-Performance Hemi Engines details how to extract even more horsepower out of these incredible engines. All the block options from street versus race, new versus old, and iron versus aluminum are presented. Full detailed coverage on the reciprocating assembly is also included. Heads play an essential role in flowing fuel and producing maximum horsepower, and therefore receive special treatment. Author Richard Nedbal explores major head types, rocker-arm systems, head machining and prep, valves, springs, seats, porting quench control, and much more. All camshaft considerations are discussed as well, so you can select the best specification for your engine build. Induction options including EFI, aftermarket ignitions systems, high-performance oiling systems, and cooling systems are also covered. The book also examines in detail how to install and set up power adders such as nitrous oxide, superchargers, and turbochargers.

Mitsubishi's 4G63t engine is among the most powerful engines ever in the sport-compact world. It's not uncommon to find one of these four-cylinder, iron-block, aluminum-headed, 2-liter turbocharged monsters making more than 1,000 horsepower with the right modifications and tuning - well above the 200-300 hp produced in the factory-made engines. Bolted into such cars as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Eclipse, and Galant, and the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser, the 4G63t has more than a cult following among sport-compact enthusiasts, who know and respect this engine's immense performance potential at the track or on the street. Up until now, in-depth performance information on the 4G63t has been hard to find. For this book, author Robert Bowen went straight to the source, Robert Garcia of Road/Race Engineering in Santa Fe Springs, California. RRE is the most well-known and respected Mitsubishi turbo performance shop in the United States, and Garcia is its in-house engine builder. Mitsubishi enthusiasts will benefit from Garcia's expertise and be able to build better, stronger engines than ever before. How to Build Max-Performance Mitsubishi 4G63t Engines covers every system and component of the engine, including the turbocharger system and engine management. More than just a collection of tips and tricks, this book includes a complete history of the engine and its evolution, an identification guide, and advice for choosing engine components and other parts. Profiles of successful built-up engines show the reader examples of what works, and the book includes helpful guidance for choosing your own engine building path. The photos in this edition are black and white.

The photos in this edition are black and white. Author Trenton McGee, 4x4 suspension expert and former host of Outdoor Channel's Off-Road Adventures, explains 4x4 suspension systems in an easy-to-understand manner. He gets specific on types of suspensions available from all the major manufacturers including Jeep, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Dodge. He goes into a great level of detail on every different model, including early and modern systems. The book covers front and rear solid axle, twin-traction beam, and independent suspension systems, as well as coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and more. This book has it all. If it's not covered in here, it doesn't exist. Also included is a glossary of suspension terms and a comprehensive source guide.

The photos in this edition are black and white. Honda and Acura practically invented sport-compact performance, and racers have proven that the popular B-series engines can make huge horsepower numbers both boosted and naturally aspirated - but times are changing. The all-new K-series engines are now found in all Honda and Acura performance models, and are also becoming the engine swap of choice. In Building Honda K-Series Engine Performance, author Richard Holdener gives you a detailed description of the K-series engines, the various kinds of aftermarket performance parts available, and describes how these parts perform on the dyno. Each chapter contains numerous color photos and back-to-back dyno tests run on a variety of different test motors including the K20A3, K20A2, K20Z3, K24AZ, and K24A4. You'll find chapters detailing upgrades to the intake, exhaust, cylinder heads, camshafts, and tuning, plus turbochargers, superchargers, and nitrous oxide. Don't spend your hard-earned cash figuring out what works and what doesn't - pick up Building Honda K-Series Engine Performance and know for sure.

The photos in this edition are black and white. Now more than ever, Subaru fanatics have a wealth of factory and aftermarket performance upgrades at their disposal. In "High-Performance Subaru Builder's Guide," author Jeff Zurschmeide explains in detail the similarities and differences between the Subaru models, and describes how to modify each for performance on the street and at the track. He uses over 300 color photos to show you how to modify your Impreza, Legacy, WRX, or STI for improved acceleration, handling, braking, and style.

The book provides detailed chapters explaining how to modify the intake, exhaust, turbocharger, and computer systems for more horsepower and torque--plus info on upgrading your drivetrain to handle all that power. If taking corners is your thing, you'll find chapters on the suspension, steering, chassis, brakes, and wheels and tires. A special chapter even shows you how to get started in your favorite type of racing, including examples of successful racers and their cars.

This successor to the CJ Jeeps was designed for use as every day transport rather than as a utility vehicle. Nevertheless the Wrangler was still in the mould of the earlier vehicles having a basic open tub body with occasional seating for four although the chassis components were biased towards road use. The low-profiles tires improved the handling. The trend continued when the original YJ gave way to the redesigned TJ model in 1996. Coil springs were used for comfort and airbags came as standard. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, specification, new model introductions, driver's impressions, long term tests, off road experience. Models covered include: YJ, Laredo, Sahara, Renegade, S, Islander, Sport, TJ, SE.

Driving controls and instruments, care & maintenance, general data.

The photos in this edition are black and white. Lightweight and high-revving, sport compacts are today's most popular cars. They have developed a cult following among today's youth and are fueling a multi-million dollar industry in modification parts and equipment. While most owners of sport compacts can afford the simple bolt-ons available, some owners want to take their modifications a step further. There is intense competition to be the fastest, and quite often the only way to win is to go to the next level - by installing a supercharger/blower or turbocharger on your engine. This book is an enthusiast's guide to understanding, installing, and using turbochargers and superchargers on sport compact cars. It covers the basics of each system and compares their pros and cons. Typical installations are covered and explained in detail, as is building and tuning small displacement 4- and 6-cylinder engines to maximize performance and reliability with forced induction.

Very few people have not interrupted a motorway journey to use the amenities of a service station. The author of this work, however, is not just passing through. His mission is to create a contemporary record in diary form of everyday life at a motorway service station. The result is a highly amusing yet informative account of this 'fantasy world'. With 'voyeuristic curiosity', the author faithfully describes all he hears and sees: snappy mobile phone conversations, disorderly queues for coffee, intense business meetings and sexual encounters in the gents'. We are entertained by his astute observations of human eccentricities: the disorientation of visitors faced by the 'visual overload' of this almost surreal environment; their confusion at the drinks counter; their reaction to the high prices. The work has, at the same time, an almost journalistic appeal to it. The author includes snippets of traffic news, apt quotations from novels, factual information from government reports and interviews with staff, local people and visitors to the service station. We realise that the motorway service station is not simply a place to eat and drink; it is a social arena, a community apart that on our next visit we will regard with educated eyes.

When Ford introduced the new 1979 Mustangs on what is known as the Fox platform, it sparked a new revolution in automotive modification and performance. Hailed as the "sports car for the masses," the Mustang GT soon became one of the most modified cars Ford has ever produced. The Mustang's low entry price, followed by the storm of available aftermarket parts, has made the Fox-bodied Mustang (1979-1995) the most desirable and modified car on the market in the last 20 years. How To Build Max Performance Fox Mustangs on a Budget is an essential book for anyone who wants to modify this affordable and popular sports car, covering everything from planning your project, engine modification and performance, transmission and driveline upgrades, to suspension performance modification and body modification.

When it comes to their personal transportation, today's youth have shunned the large, heavy performance cars of their parents' generation and instead embrace what has become known as the sport compact-- smaller, lightweight, modern sports cars of predominantly Japanese manufacture. These cars respond well to performance modifications due to their light weight and technology-laden, high-revving engines. And by far, the most sought-after and modified cars are the Hondas and Acuras of the mid-'80s to present. An extremely popular method of improving vehicle performance is a process known as engine swapping. Engine swapping consists of removing a more powerful engine from a better-equipped or more modern vehicle and installing it into your own. It is one of the most efficient and affordable methods of improving your vehicle's performance. This book covers in detail all the most popular performance swaps for Honda Civic, Accord, and Prelude as well as the Acura Integra. It includes vital information on electrics, fit and drive train compatibility, design considerations, step-by-step instruction, and costs. This book is must-have for the Honda enthusiast.

When the '96 Mustang came out with the 4.6-liter V-8, some performance enthusiasts were scared away by its technology. But those days are long gone. Ford added horsepower and torque to its 2- and 4-valve V-8s over the years, and the number and quality of available aftermarket performance parts has exploded. Ford took things to the next level with the new 3-valve Mustang GT engine, the 5.4-liter GT and the Shelby GT500, adding even more high-performance options. In this updated edition of How To Build Max-Performance 4.6-Liter Ford Engines, Sean Hyland gives you a comprehensive guide to building and modifying Ford's 2-, 3-, and 4-valve 4.6- and 5.4-liter engines. You will learn everything from block selection and crankshaft prep, to cylinder head and intake manifold modifications. He also outlines eight recommended power packages and provides you with a step-by-step buildup of a naturally aspirated 405-horsepower Cobra engine. This is the definitive guide to getting the most from your 4.6- and 5.4-liter Ford.

Have you been dreaming about a little extra displacement for your Ford? By increasing the bore and stroke of your current engine, you can add those cubic inches without the hassle of switching to a big block. George Reid thoroughly explains the concept of building a stroker, paying special attention to the effect that increasing the bore and stroke have on the engine as a whole. With this information, you'll be better able to tailor your heads, cam, intake manifold, carburetor, and exhaust system to get the most out of the extra cubes. Also included is a complete guide to factory head and block castings, as well as aftermarket block and head guides, so you can choose exactly the right parts for your project. This book is the definitive guide for building a big-inch Ford small block, complete with four engine buildups ranging from 331 to 408 cubic inches.

The photos in this edition are black and white. The sport compact performance market is hot and getting hotter - and while the Honda Civic and Acura Integra have long been the dominant players in the market, a newcomer is emerging as a popular car for performance modifications - The Ford Focus. Well-built, inexpensive, good looking, and easy to modify, the Focus is quickly catching the Hondas in terms of market popularity. This book shows Focus owners exactly what it takes to improve their car's performance, from simple modifications like installing a new air intake to radical mods like installing a turbocharger. The author also shows what those modifications can do, with before-and-after dyno tests for each modification. There's also extensive info on suspension and brake modifications for better handling and braking. It's a one-stop shop for those who want a sharper, faster Focus.

SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER. As you'll discover in his incomparable memoir, inventor, mechanic, TV presenter and walking tall as the definition of the British eccentric, Edd China sees things differently. An unstoppable enthusiast from an early age, Edd had 35 ongoing car projects while he was at university, not counting the double-decker bus he was living in. Now he's a man with not only a runaround sofa, but also a road-legal office, shed, bed and bathroom. His first car was a more conventional 1303 Texas yellow Beetle, the start of an ongoing love affair with VW, even though it got him arrested for attempted armed robbery. A human volcano of ideas and the ingenuity to make them happen, Edd is exhilarating company. Join him on his wild, wheeled adventures; see inside his engineering heroics; go behind the scenes on Wheeler Dealers. Climb aboard his giant motorised shopping trolley, and let him take you into his parallel universe of possibility.

This book addresses high-performance V-8 engines such as the 289, 302, 351ci small-blocks found in Mustangs, as well as the FE series of big-blocks. Emphasis throughout is a budget approach to building high performance powerplants through the use of over-the-counter factory components and selected aftermarket pieces. Includes realistic, low-cost formulas for building serious horsepower in Ford V-8 engines.

The cars covered in this book are the third-generation 5-series models. By the time they went out of production, many people considered they had surpassed Mercedes' effort and set new standards. These were the first 5-series models to include an estate car and to have V8 engines whilst keeping the 6-cylinder models. These gave plenty of scope for tuning companies. This book is a collection of contemporary road tests, comparison tests, specifications and performance data, new model instructions. Models covered: 535i, 535iSE, 530i, M5, 535i Sport, 518i, 520i, 525i, 525iSE, B10 Bi-turbo, Dinan 535i Turbo, 520i Touring, 525i Touring, 525tds, 525iX, 535iAT, 540i, 530i, 540i, 530i Touring, 540i Sport, Dinan 540i s/c, Dinan 54i Turbo.

Following in the footsteps of the very popular Volume I, this work focuses on suspension modifications, brake technology, nitrous oxide tuning, aerodynamic body mods, fuels, dragstrip performance driving tips, etc. for these front drive wonder cars. Illustrated with hundreds of b/w photos.