How to Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars (SpeedPro)

So I have been planning on building my own "motorcycle" engine race car for a while now so when I saw this book I immediately bought it. When I read the review some people complained about how there wasn't enough information in the book or that the pictures in the book are too small. I found this not to be the case, obviously if your planning to build a car like this you can't ONLY buy this book and expect to be able to build something like whats on the cover. Here is what the book does well and what readers can expect from this book:Pro's:-This book provides good BACKGROUND on all the aspects of building a motorcycle engine race car. You can see this just from looking at the table of contents. Its also a great starting point for learning about suspension geometry.-This book also contains many pictures, although most of them are small, that can be very helpful. Sometimes its good to be able to visualize a design and draw from what other people have done.-This book contains some very specific information, that I haven't been able to find anywhere else, about how to build a race car specifically using a motorcycle engine. There are certain modifications one must do to a motorcycle engine, such as changing the oil sump, in order to use the engine in a car.Con's:-Like I said before this book isn't really as much a "how to" build the car on the cover, as the title suggests, but more a guide. You will probably not be able to build a race car only using this book.So in conclusion I would definitely recommend this book as a good background text rather than a "how to". Also buy this book if you are specifically looking to use a motorcycle engine in your race car because it contains some very specific information regarding that.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is a great overall view of building a car using a motorcycle engine. It is not a book on how to "build this car" however. Do not think you will be able to design and build a car using only this book! The author gives a good general discussion of chassis design, suspension designs, general layouts and set up but he does not tell you what to do. I like the many very clear photographs showing various ways others have done things. Like several different types of uprights, a-arms, braking systems and so on. He gives basic information on how to set up a differential to work with a sprocket and chain drive and how to modify the bike engine oil pan to work in an automotive situation. I certainly agree with his recommendation to get and use the stock bike wiring harness including the ignition switch and key! Many builders have had a lot of trouble just trying to get the engine to start when making up their own harness.I think this is an excellent book to get the overall picture. Then if you wish to actually build a car you will need to get several more books on actually designing the chassis, laying out suspension, figuring what hubs, brakes, spindles, shock arrangement and so on to use for your design.I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in putting a motorcycle engine in a car too. Whether a Lotus 7 clone, any kit car, one you design yourself, or just to put in a street car as is so common today, this book will be well worth the money for your project.I am designing my own cars, one for autocross in the FSAE class as well as a road car and I have learned a lot that will save me time and money from this book.Highly recommended.James

It is some what dated in the information provided with regard to data acquisition and shifting electronic equipment available

This book is great. It is informative, well written, and entertaining. If you sense a qualification here it is only that the book is really about building a race car for a very specific class and type of racing. You do get lots of information that is general, because after all it is a car. You get a very good idea of all the little bits that are required. This is in marked contrast to many of the build a Locost sports car books. If you are interested in race cars, and race car mechanical systems, and appreciate good writing, this is the book for you.

I have shelves full of car books, no book is a replacement for a library. Mr. Pashley's book is a great resource for any one planning to build their own design car or a modified version of some one else's. On top of that, his writing makes it a page turner. So many instructional books of this ilk can induce a coma or be used to treat insomnia, challenging all but the most committed builder to make it to the last page. Buy it.

Mostly discusses best practices and some alternatives but nothing specific. Probably good if you already have a specific vehicle in mind as a helper book but not the first step.

Excellent well written.

The book is a good introductory text for appreciating race cars powered by motorcycle engines. It isn't a step by step how-to manual but rather a generalist review of the various considerations involved in building, racing and maintaining this type of race car. While probably overlooked by the general public, a quick review of racing categories reveals motorcycle driven cars in NASCAR circle tracks (Pro Challenge classes) , SCCA, NASA and others. The reduced costs of building and racing these types of cars will likely bring more of these types of race cars to the forefront.

Bra skruven bok som svara på dom flesta frågor man kan ha när man ska montera en mc-motor i en bil.

Well written - good technical content and entertainingly written.

Conforme à mes attentes. Bonnes informations.

Ottimo testo ,chiaro e ben illustrato per veri appassionati!

Excellent book! Well illustrated and packed full of info!