MadaboutKitcars

chassis construction

• Body on frame vehicle construction

  Pre Monocoque construction technique

• Braze welding

  Braze welding explained

• Machine and metal pressing

  Machine pressing is the mainstay of modern car construction

• Monocoque construction

  Monocoque or Uni body construction explained

• Stressed skin car construction

  Stressed skin construction explained

• Superleggera tube frame explained

  Frame construction method for specialist vehicles

• Thermoplastics as used in Powder Coating

  Powder coating uses thermoplastics, this article gives a description of thermoplastics

• Vehicle identification number and how its made up

  Ever wondered how your chassis number is constructed

• Welding explained, Arc, Spot, Gas and aluminium welding

  An in depth look at welding and the various types and materials that can be welded

construction materials

• Carbon fibre reinforced plastic

  As used in Formula 1

• Chopped strand mat (CSM)

  The construction material of choice for most kit cars

• Epoxy resins

  An overview of epoxy resins - the 'glue' of most kit cars

• Fibreglass molding an overview of the technique

  Fibreglass molding, the lifeblood of the kit car industry

• Fibreglass usage and properties

  Manufacture and development of fibreglass

• What makes carbon fibre

  An in depth look at makes makes carbon fibre

Finishings

• Anodising finish for metal surfaces

  Bling your engine bay

• Chrome plating

  A brief overview of chrom plating

• Chromium

  You see chrome every day, what about an explanation of Chromium

• Electroplating

  A look into electroplating and what it is generally used for

• Everflex Material for Hoods

  Everflex Material often used for soft top hoods

• Galvanizing finish and processing

  Galvanizing, also known as hot-dip galvanizing

• Polyester as used in Powder Coating

  Powder coating uses polyester, get the low down on it

• Powder Coating Finish

  Brief description of powder coating and the ingredients used

• Stainless Steel history and types

  A look at the different types of Stainless Steel and the history behind it.

• Thermoset as used in Powder Coating

  Thermosetting is a technique used in powder coating

• Zinc

  A look at the properties of Zinc

Metal working

• Angle grinder

  A must have for any metal fabrication

• Bench grinder

  Overview of the bench grinder

• Gas tungsten arc welding

  Welding process explained

• Inconel Superalloy overview

  Get to grips with Inconel superalloy

• Plain carbon steel

  Types of carbon steel explained

• Plasma arc welding

  Pros and Cons of Plasma Arc Welding

• Plasma cutting, how it works

  The Plasma cutter, every mans ultimate metalworking tool

• Plasma torch

  The hot end

• Resistance welding explained

  Resistance welding techniques explained

• Seam welding explained

  Explanation of resitance seam welding

• Spot welding article

  Spot welding explained

• Superalloy explained

  In depth article on super alloys

• What is billet

  Heard of Billet aluminium?

Alfa Romeo

• Alfa Romeo Alfasud

  Left a nice engine once it rotted away

Austin/BMC/BL/Morris

• Austin Meastro donor vehicle

  A history of the Austin Rover Maestro

• Austin Rover Mini through the years

  Overview and history of the Mini

• Austin/MG Metro

  A look at the mini Metro from Austin to Rover

• Morris Marina run down

  Used extensively in the 1980s as a donor

BMW

• BMW 3 Series E21 to E90

  The BMW range seen as one of the last rear wheel drive cars available for kit car builders

• BMW E21 3 Series in depth

  A history of the E21

• BMW E30 3 Series

  Great donor potential

• BMW E36 3 Series

  Long live rear wheel drive donors

• BMW E46 3 Series

  A future donor car

Citroen

• History and life of the 2CV

  An in depth look at the history of the 2CV

Datsun/Nissan

• Datsun/Nissan 240Z Overview

  Perfect as a Ferrari 250 GTO donor

Fiat

• Fiat Panda history

  Still used for the Firefly kitcar the Panda still has its uses

• Fiat Strada

  God awful car, but thats why kit cars were invented

• Fiat Uno

  Used for some of its parts in some kitcars

• Fiat X1/9 history

  Not used anymore but was a popular choice for body conversion

Ford

• Ford Cortina history

  A look at the different Marks through the years

• Ford Escort Mk 1 through to Mk5

  The Escort through the years

• Ford Fiesta history 1970s to present day

  A look at the 6 generations of Fiesta

• Ford Granada in Europe and USA

  A brief overview of the various Granadas through the years

• Ford Sierra information and history

  A look at the history of the Ford Sierra

• Ford Taurus

  Details of Ford Taurus

Jaguar

• Jaguar XJ Series

  A look at the XJ history

• Jaguar XJS

  Jaguar XJS

• Jaguar XJS overview

  The Jaguar XJS donates a wonderful V12

Mazda

• Model run through and history of the Mazda MX-5

  A look at the history of the Mazda MX 5 (Miata)

MG

• MG Midget overview

  A classic in itself but still used as a donor

• The MGB Story

  Still used by some kit car manufacturers, the classic MGB

Rover

• A look at the Rover 200 Series

  Rovers donor vehicle program gives us the 200 series

• Rover 800 Series

  Overview and history of the 800 series

Skoda

• Skoda Estelle history

  Popularised in the kit car industry by Banham as a rebody conversion

• Skoda Rapid to classic Porsche

  Popular rebody option for classic Porsche enthusiasts

Subaru

• Subaru Impreza History

  Subaru Impreza from the beginning

• Subaru Impreza WRX History

  Impreza History

• Subaru Impreza WRX STI

  The top drawer Impreza

Toyota

• Toyota MR2 since 1984

  A popular choice for body conversions but also for its engine

Triumph

• History of the Triumph GT6

  Still used as a base for kit cars, the Triumph GT6

• Triumph Dolomite

  A look at the dolly

• Triumph Herald, used for it's chassis

  Still some kit cars floating around using the Herald chassis and running gear

• Triumph Motor Company history

  Some background information on the company that gave us some great donor cars

• Triumph Spitfire Mk1 to Mk4 and 1500

  A look at the history and models of the Triumph Spitfire

• Triumph Vitesse

  A nice motor with a nice motor

Volkswagon

• VW Beetle history

  A look at the history of the VW Beetle

• VW Type 3 Variant

  Brief history of the VW Variant (Covin used this for a while)

Circuits & Components

• Automotive network diagnostic codes

  Diagnostic codes for automotive network category

• Brush (Electric motors)

  Electric motor brush explained

• Brushless Stepper motor

  The workings of the brushless electric stepper motor

• Commutator (electric)

  Commutator explained

• Diode explained

  Circuit Diode

• ECU - Electronic Control Unit

  The brains of the outfit

• Electrical Capacitor

  Capacitor explained

• Electrical connectors

  A look at different types of electrical connector

• Engine Control Unit

  ECU description

• Fuse

  The purpose of the humble fuse

• History and theory of the Alternator

  Why we need one in our cars

• Light bulb

  The workings and history of the light bulb

• OBD-II Parameter IDs

  On board diagnostic parameter ids

• OSEK Standards body for Embedded Automotive Electronics

  The organisation responsible for Embedded automotive electronic standards

• Powertrain Diagnostic codes

  On board diagnostic powertrain codes

• Rectifier (AC/DC)

  Rectifier explained

• Relay

  How an electrical relay works

• Slip ring explained

  Commonly found in Alternators

• Solder

  Will probably be doing a lot of it

• Soldering overview and techniques

  Soldering Overview

• Stator

  Part of an electric motor or alternator

• Voltage regulator explained

  The role of the voltage regulator

Ignition System

• Bosch Motronic EMS

  Engine Management system from Bosch

• Capacitor discharge ignition systems

  CDI systems explained

• Contact breaker points

  A vital component of the distributer

• Disbributor function

  An overview of the workings of a distributor

• Distributor Cap

  The distributor caps purpose in life

• Duraspark ignition

  Ford Duraspark ignition system

• Ignition coil Function

  Small but perfectly formed and very useful

• Motronic ignition

  How a motronic electronic ignition works

• Spark Plug

  The usefulness of the humble spark plug

Alfa Romeo

• Alfa Romeo Flat 4 boxer engine

  Used in the Alfa Sud

Austin/BMC/Rover Engines

• BMC B-Series engine history and application

  Big brother to the A-Series engine. Lifespan of around 30 years

• Rover V8 overview and history

  A brief look at the Rover V8 engine

• The A-Series engine from BMC/Austin

  Hugely popular in kit cars this article gives a run down of the A-Series applications

• The various K series engines available

  from 1.1 to 1.8 litres

BMW

• BMW E36 E30 M40 Engine data

  Engine Data for the E36 M40 BMW Engine

• BMW M20 Engine overview

  Commonly found on the 3 and 5 Series Beemers

• BMW M30 Engine data

  Silky smooth straight 6 power

• BMW M41 E36 Diesel engine data

  Not commonly used as a donor engine but you never know

• BMW M42 Engine data

  Engine data for the M42 BMW 3 Series E36

• BMW M43 Engine data

  Fitted to the E36 and E46 BMW 3 Series models

• BMW M44 E36 Engine data

  A brief run through of the M44 engine

• BMW M50 Engine overview

  Engine data and history

• BMW M60 V8 Engine overview

  Engine data and history of this BMW V8

• BMW M62 V8 Engine data

  Successor to the V8 M60

• BMW M73 V12 Engine data

  If you are ever brave enough to fit one in your kit car

• BMW N62 V8 data

  The latest BMW V8 to adorn your kit car

Fiat

• Fiat JTD engine

  Fiat's common rail turbocharged diesel engine

• Fiat SOHC Engine

  Applications for this Fiat engine

• Fiat Twin Cam engine

  Much praised Fiat engine

• Fully Integrated Robotised Engine

  Silly name but what ya gonna do

Ford Engines

• Cosworth racing and the history of the Cosworth engine

  A look at the history of Cosworth and their racing engines

• Ford 335 small block V8 engine

  The Ford 335 was a Ford Small Block produced between 1970 and 1982

• Ford Boss 302 Engine Overview

  Rundown of the Ford Boss 302 V8

• Ford Cologne V6, an Overview

  An article about Ford Cologne V6 engines

• Ford CVH Engine Overview

  Taking a look at the CVH engine model range

• Ford Duratec, an overview

• Ford Essex V4 Overview

• Ford Essex V6 engine overview

• Ford Kent Engine

  Ford Kent engine application

• Ford Pinto Engine

  Overview of the various Pinto engine configurations

• Ford Side Valve Engine

  Applications for the Ford side valve engine

• Ford Sigma Engine

  Brief overview of the Sigma engine

• Ford Windsor Engine overview

  Description and application of the Ford Windsor engine

• Ford Zetec engine

  Overview of the Zetec engine

Gearbox Models

• Ford MT75 Gearbox

  A brief overview of the Ford MT75 gearbox

• Ford Type 9 5 speed gearbox overview

  Application and diagrams of Fords Type 9 5 speed gearbox

• Ford Type E 4 Speed Gearbox

  Applications for this popular 4 speed gearbox

Jaguar Engines

• Jaguar AJ-V6 engine

  AJ-V6 overview and application

• Jaguar AJ-V8 engine

  AJ-V8 application and overview

• Jaguar AJ6 engine

  Overview and installations of the Jaguar AJ6 engine

• Jaguar V12 engine

  Overview of the Jaguar V12 engine

• Jaguar XJ6 installations

  Overview of the XJ6 straight six engine

Lancia

• Lancia Flat 4 engine

  Lancia Boxer engine used in the Flavia

• Lancia V4 engine

  Specs and application for this V4 engine

• Lancia V6 engine

  Specs and applications for Lancia's V6

Mazda

• Range of Mazda B Series engines (MX5)

  Description of the different B series engines

Skoda

No articles available.

Technical

• A look at the V10 engine

  V10 engines in production and racing

• An indepth look at the manual gearbox

  It's all explained

• Babbitt metal used in bearings

  Used in engine bearings

• Band brake

  Measures torque

• Blow off valve for turbo chargers

  The technicalities of a blow off valve

• Camshaft

  The workings of the camshaft

• Charge air cooler

  Turbocharging and Supercharging

• Crank pin

  A description of the function of a crank pin

• Crankshaft

  A brief description of the purpose of a crankshaft

• Crosshead bearing explained

  A look at the crosshead bearing

• Crower six stroke piston engine

  A couple of extra strokes

• Cylinder Head

  A look at the application and use of the cylinder head

• Daimlers Active Cylinder Control

  shuts down banks of cylinders

• Double declutch explained

  Double de clutching

• Double declutching technique

  Why and how

• Dry sump

  Dry sump explained

• Dump valve and its use with turbo chargers

  The operation of the dump valve

• Engine balance

  For the smoother running engine get the right balance

• Engine Displacement

  What is engine displacement

• Engine knocking

  Explanation of engine knocking or 'pinging'

• Flat engine design

  The design layout and function of the flat engine

• Flat engine explained

  The workings of a flat engine

• Flat-12 engines

  Flat 12 engine overview

• Flywheel and its use

  Why we need a flywheel

• Foot pound force explained

  Measurement explained

• Four Stroke Cycle

  Taking a look at the four stroke cycle for combustion engines

• Gearbox basics

  A look at the purpose and different types of gearbox

• Gearbox synchromesh, a detailed look

  A detailed look at the workings of a manual gearbox

• Gearbox with overdrive

  Triumph used it a lot but what is overdrive

• Gears and how they are useful in our cars

  Gears in our gearbox and how they work

• Horsepower explained

  Horses under your bonnet

• Common rail diesel explained

  A look at the common rail diesel engine

• Intercooler

  Intercooler for supercharged systems

• Internal Combustion Engine

  Overview of the Internal Combustion Engine

• Nikasil Coating for Engines

  Explanation of Nikasil use in engines

• Opposed piston engine

  Opposed piston engines explained

• Over Head Camshaft (OHC)

  Placement of an over head camshaft

• Over Head Valve (OHV)

  A brief explanation

• Overview of the Controlled Combustion Engine

  Next generation of piston engine maybe

• Piston

  A brief description of the make up and workings of a piston

• Poppet Valve

  The function of a poppet valve

• Pound force explained

  What all thal lbf means

• Saabs Automatic Performance Control

  For higher compression on Turbo engines

• Single cylinder engine

  Description of the single cylinder engine

• Straight 6 Engines

  6 Cyclinder engines explained

• Super charger

  The ins and outs of a super charger

• Taking a look at the Roots blower

  Article on the roots blower

• The job of the Pushrod

  The workings of the pushrod

• The mainstay of the American vehicle industry, the V8 engine

  The V8 family of engines looked at in depth

• The purpose of a clutch in your car

  What your clutch does

• The Timing belt

  Friend or foe

• The workings of the Atkinson cycle

  An alternative to the Otto Cycle

• Thermocouple temperature sensor

  Thermocouple explained

• Timing mark for perfect timing

  Generally marked on most engines nowadays

• Top dead centre timing

  Know how to get to TDC and why you need to

• Torque explained

  Science behind torque

• Transverse engine installations

  A description of a transverse engine installation

• Turbo Anti-lag

  The function of eliminating turbo lag

• Turbo charger

  The in's and out's of a turbo charger

• Two Stroke Cycle

  A look at the two stroke combustion engine cycle

• V-twin Engine Overview

  What makes up a V Twin Engine

• V12 engine usage

  A run through of the use of the V12 engine

• V6 engine construction

  An overview of the V6 Engine

• Variable engine displacement

  The technology behind variable engine displacement

• Variable Length Intake Manifold

  VLIM explained

• Variable Valve Timing explained

  Common on modern cars and pushed forward by Honda

• VTEC - Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control

  Developed by Honda and embraced by kit car owners

• W Engine Configuration

  History and construction of the W engine

• Wet sump

  Wet sump explained

• White metal coating

  As used in piston engine bearings

Toyota

• Toyota A Series engine range inc 4AGE

  A run down of Toyota A series engines. The 4A-GE being the most noteable for kit car builders

• Toyota MZ family of V6 engines

  Implementation and data for the MZ V6 range of engines

• Toyota VZ Family of V6 engines

  Data and history of the Toyota V6

Vauxhall Engines

• GM Family 1 engine

  GM Family engine

• GM Family II engine

  Predecessor to the Ecotec engine

• The various incarnations of the Slant Four engine

  Used from 1966 by Vauxhall and the basis of several Lotus engines

Volkswagon

• Comprehensive list of Volkswagon engines

  Exhaustive detailed list of VW engines over the years

Components

• Airbox - air intake

  Mostly seen on modern cars and motorbikes

• Brief overview of Zenith, makers of Zenith carburetors

  Early days of the Zenith carburetor maker

• Butterfly valve as a flow control device

  As used in carburetors

• Early history of the Weber carburetor

  How it started

• Exhaust gas recirculation

  An explanation of EGR

• Fuel Injection System

  Potted history and workings of the fuel injection system

• How the inlet manifold works (intake manifold)

  The workings of the inlet manifold providing a fuel/air mixture

• MAP Sensor - Manifold Absolute Pressure

  An overview of the MAP Sensor

• NOx Adsorbers use explained

  What a NOx Absorber does

• SU Carburetor overview

  A brief overview of the SU carburetor

• The Carburettor

  The workings of the carburettor

• Workings of a Catalytic converter

  Cats explained

Technical

• An Engines Idle speed

  Engine Idle is handy

• Atomization of fuel for the piston engine

  How and why fuel is atomised

• Bosch Jetronic fuel injection system

  Bosch Jetronic ignition

• Fuel Octane Rating - Research Octane Number (RON)

  A look at what makes up the RON rating

• Methanol Fuel for Racing

  Methanol explained

• Method of the Ram air intake

  Boost performance with a Ram Air Intake

• Nitromethane overview

  For the drag racer in you

• Nitrous oxide (NOS) explained

  For that little bit extra

• Short ram air intake overview

  Provides a slight performance boost

• Tetra-ethyl lead

  The science behind the lead additive

• The role of the Boost controller

  Controlling turbo charger air pressure levels

• The workings of the Venturi to speed the flow of fuel

  The venturi component of the carburettor

• Throttle body controls air flow

  Throttle body for fuel injection systems

• Turbo charger Wastegate

  The important role of the wastegate

• Warm air intake overview

  Reasons for a warm air intake system

• Workings of a Cold air intake

  A look at the cold air intake system

Finishings

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)

  Teflon overview (not the shoulders)

Fluids

• Antifreeze

  Ingredients of anti freeze

• Motor Oil

  Properties, use and grades of motor oil

• Society of Automotive Engineers

  Automotive organisation for standards

• Types of Hydraulic fluid

  Hydraulic fluid, types and uses

• Viscosity

  An explanation of Viscosity

Finishings

• Alcantara interior finish

  Brief overview of Alcantara

Instrumentation

• Odometer (mileometer)

  Odometer explained

• Speedometer overview

  speedometers explained

• Tachometer (rev counter)

  Rev Counter workings

UK

• Caterham Cars

  Overview of Caterham Cars

• Lola Racing Cars

  Lola racing history

• Westfield Cars

  Brief overview of Westfield Cars

Circuits

• Brands Hatch Race Circuit Overview

  A look at this Historic racing circuit

• Cadwell Park Race Circuit Overview

  Popular trackday race circuit

• Castle Combe Race Circuit Overview

  A look at the Castle Combe race circuit

• Classic Goodwood Circuit

  Historic circuit and now famous for the Revival and FOS meetings

• Croft Race Circuit Overview

  A look at Croft Race Circuit

• Donington Park Race Circuit

  A favourite for trackdays

• Historic Brooklands Banked Race Circuit

  Overview of this Historic racing track

• Scotlands Knockhill Racing Circuit

  Scotlands premier race circuit

• Lydden Race Circuit Kent

  Small race ciruit deep in the Kent countryside

• Mallory Park Race Circuit

  At look at this popular race circuit

• Oulton Park Race Circuit

  An overview of Oulton Park Race Circuit

• Pembrey Race Circuit South Wales

  A look at South Wales premier race circuit

• Rockingham Motor Speedway Circuit

  UKs newest race circuit

• Santa Pod Raceway Hot Rod track

  Get your quarter mile time

• Shakespeare County Raceway

  Drag strip, second only to Santa Pod

• Silverstone Race Circuit Overview

  Britains premier race ciruit

• Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit

  A look at Snetterton race circuit

• Thruxton Race Circuit Overview

  A look at the Thruxton race circuit

Motorsport Events

• All you need to know about Trackdays

  A great article which answers many questions you may have about track days

• Goodwood Festival of Speed Petrol head event

  Annual petrol head pilgrimage

Terminology

• Chicane explained

  A description of a race circuit chicane

• Drag coefficient in detail

  Drag coefficient explained

• Drifting technique in motorsport

• Handbrake turn driving technique

  Useful in certain motorsports such as rallying

• Heel and Toe action

  Common in most motorsports

• Left foot braking

  The technique used mainly in motor sport

• Lift off oversteer explained

  A look at the effect of lift off oversteer

• Racing Apex

  The racing line on an Apex

• The use of opposite lock

  Seen more in rallying but nice to do it sometimes!

Brakes

• Anti-lock braking system

  Now being used on many kit cars

• Brake lining construction

  Brake lining material and structure

• Disc brake component brake down

  The history and components of a disc brake

• DOT 3 Brake fluid

  Description of DOT 3 Brake fluid

• DOT 4 Brake fluid

  Description of DOT 4 brake fluid

• DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid

  DOT 5 Silicone brake fluid overview

• DOT 5.1 Brake fluid

  Description of DOT 5.1 Brake fluid

• Drum brake history

  Invented in 1902 the drum brake is still with us

• Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

  Clever brake wizardry

• Engine braking overview

  Description of what engine braking is

• Hand brake and the different types

  Hand brake overview and types

• Hygroscopy and its application in cars

  Liquid braking

• Overview of inboard brakes

  Inboard brakes, common on Jaguar XJ donors

• Regenerative braking, a green topic

  Being seen more and more in new cars

• Retarder brake mechanism

  Overview of Retarding brake mechanism

• Servo mechanism

  Electro and mechanical servos described

• Types of Automotive Brake fluid

  What is brake fluid

Components

• A look at the constant velocity (CV) joint

  A description of the CV Joint and how it works

• Ball bearings and their uses

  Our kit cars have many bearings, balls being one of them!

• Differential explained

  A look at how the differential provides power to the driven wheels

• Double wishbone suspension

  Suspension set up

• Driveshaft or Carden shaft principles for transferring power

  The purpose of an automotive driveshaft

• Electric Power Steering

  Electric Power steering explained

• How a De Dion tube works

  A look at the De Dion rear axle set up

• How a shock absorber does what it does

  How it does it and why

• Hypoid - helical spiral gear

  Found in the final drive

• Leaf spring or Cart spring

  Commonly used in conjunction with a live axle

• Leaf spring or Cart spring

  Used since medieval times (when most American cars were invented)

• Live axle or beam axle explained

  Found on many kit cars using 70s and 80s donors

• Plain bearing

  A look at the function of a plain bearing

• Pros and Cons of a Live Axle

  A brief look at a live axle and it drawbacks

• Rack and pinion steering

  Rack and Pinion explained

• Rolling-element bearing

  Roller bearing function and use

• Suspension Tie Rod

  Describing the usage of the tie rod

• Swing axle explained

  What the hecks a swing axle - your answers here

• The MacPherson Strut

  Drawings and description of the MacPherson Strut

• The role of the Panhard rod

  Used to greatly improve the handling charateristics of Live axle cars

• Torque tube automotive driveshaft

  How it works

• Trailing Arms in rear suspension

  Used on some live axled vehicles such as the Ford Cortina

• Transaxle Overview

  Transaxle uses and installations

• Types of LSD - Limited Slip Differential

  Types and mechanics of a limited slip differential

• Universal joint (UJ) explained

  The UJ or Universal Joint

• Watts linkage for rear suspension

  Used to get the best out of live axle rear end setups

• Weissach axle for the Porsche 928

  Weissach axle and what it overcomes

Methods & Setups

• Hydragas Suspension

  An overview of Hydragas Suspension

• Hydro pneumatic suspension system

  A look at the hydro pneumatic suspension system and it's history

• Independant Suspension

  The reasoning behind independant suspension

• Multi link suspension overview

  A look at how multi link suspension is put together

Technical

• A look at rear wheel drive and the pros and cons

  Advantages and Disadvantages of Rear Wheel Drive

• A look at the effects of Oversteer

  A explanation of oversteer

• A look at the term Unsprung Weight

  A description of unsprung weight in relation to a vehicle

• Ackermann steering geometry

  Solution to an early problem

• Cadence braking technique explained

  Useful to know but replaced pretty much by ABS

• Camber angle

  Camber explained

• Car Handling explained

  A detailed account of car handling dynamics

• Caster angle explained

  An explanation of caster angle

• Cornering force

  Tyre Cornering force explained

• Curb weight explained

  Information on Curb (Kerb) weight

• Electronic Stability Control Function

  In the name of safety ESC is becoming more common

• Epicyclic gearing explained

  Suns and planets are involved

• Four wheel drive in automotive design

  Design and history of the 4 wheel drive

• Front Wheel Drive setup

  Pros and Cons of Front wheel drive setups

• Kingpin as used in vehicle suspension

  The job of the kingpin

• Mid engined Rear wheel drive benefits

  The benefit of a mid engined layout

• Multi link suspension

  Ideal for good handling and ride quality

• Slip angle explained

  Slip angle in car handling

• The benefits and history of front wheel drive

  Front wheel drive history

• The effect of brake fade

  Heat and brake fade

• Toe in toe out

  An explanation

• Torque steer explained

  The effects of torque steer

• Traction control overview

  If it's ok for F1 then it's ok for your and me

• Tyre Contact patch

  Pretty crucial few square inches

• Understeer effects and explanation

  An explanation of Understeer

• Vehicle Wheelbase explained

  Vehicle wheelbase

• Weight transfer from centre of gravity

  Described when accelerating and braking

• Wheel sizing explained

  Get the correct size wheels for your kit car

Austin

• Austin Healey (Frogeye) Sprite History

  The Frogeye Sprite family History

Dodge

• Dodge Viper History

  Run down of the Dodge Viper

Jaguar

• Jaguar C-Type History

  Very pretty Jaguar

• Jaguar D-type History

  Racing pedigree from Jaguar

• Jaguar E-type History

  Overview and History of the Jaguar E-Type

• Jaguar XJ13 History

  XJ13 description and history

• Jaguar XK120 History

  Overview of the Jaguar XK120

• Jaguar XK140 History

  History of the Jaguar XK140

• Jaguar XK150 History

  History of the Jaguar XK150

Lancia

• Lancia Stratos History

  Much admired and copied in the replica world

Lola

• Lola T70 History

  A look at the Lola T70

Lotus

• Lotus 6 data

  Lotus 6 specs and data

• Lotus Elan History

  In depth look at the history of the Lotus Elan

• Lotus Eleven racing car

  Overview of the Lotus XI

• Lotus Europa

  Lotus Europa replicas now available

• Lotus Seven History

  History and mechanical overview of the Lotus Seven

MG

• MG TD History

  Vintage motoring still sought after

Porsche

• Porsche 911 History

  The 911 history runthrough

• Porsche 917 History

  A car most petrolheads would want in their garage

Hand Tools and supplies

• Drill and tap size chart

  A size chart for drills and taps

• Drill bits explained

  Drilling down for the nitty gritty on drill bits

• Feeler Gauge, vital for proper gapping

  Not just for spark plugs but necessary for many engine maintenance tasks

• Hex Allen key

  Allen keys and wrench

• High speed steel (HSS)

  Many will be familiar with HSS when buying drill bits

• Pliers, Needle, Cutting, Crimping, Gripping

  A look at the extremely useful set of pliers

• Precision Calipers an engine builders friend

  Not a must for every toolbox but handy when rebuilding that engine

• Punches, stamps and letter stamps

  Tools that you will definately need during your build

• Socket wrench

  One of the handiest tools in your toolbox

• Taps and dies explained

  The tap and die set, another useful tool

• Timing light

  Get your engine timing spot on

• Titanium nitride ceramic coating (for drill bits)

  Hard as nails and brill on drill bits

• Torque wrench

  Much needed tool for tightening critical components

• Using and reading micrometers

  The different available micrometers that you may find useful

• Vernier Height Gauge

  Available as manual or electronic

• Workbench Vice

  A must when fiddling in the garage, a vice is your friend

Heavy equipment & Mechanical tools

• Casting methods and manufacture

  Engines have many cast components, casting is explained here

• Casting process

  Used in the formation of Engine blocks

• CNC Machines, Computerised Numerically Controlled

  CNC Machines have been around since the 1940s would you believe

• Drill Chuck Overview

  The evolving drill chuck

• Machine press process

  The whys and wherefores for a machine press

• Machining and Lathe work

  You may need to do or get done some machining whilst building your kit

• Metal working craft

  Some metalworking crafts and skills

• Milling Machines and what they can do

  If you have ever watched American Chopper you will be familiar with a milling machine