Chassis & Bodywork Construction
chassis construction
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Body on frame vehicle construction
Pre Monocoque construction technique
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Braze welding
Braze welding explained
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Machine and metal pressing
Machine pressing is the mainstay of modern car construction
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Monocoque construction
Monocoque or Uni body construction explained
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Stressed skin car construction
Stressed skin construction explained
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Superleggera tube frame explained
Frame construction method for specialist vehicles
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Thermoplastics as used in Powder Coating
Powder coating uses thermoplastics, this article gives a description of thermoplastics
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Vehicle identification number and how its made up
Ever wondered how your chassis number is constructed
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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
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Carbon fibre reinforced plastic
As used in Formula 1
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Chopped strand mat (CSM)
The construction material of choice for most kit cars
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Epoxy resins
An overview of epoxy resins - the 'glue' of most kit cars
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Fibreglass molding an overview of the technique
Fibreglass molding, the lifeblood of the kit car industry
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Fibreglass usage and properties
Manufacture and development of fibreglass
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What makes carbon fibre
An in depth look at makes makes carbon fibre
Finishings
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Anodising finish for metal surfaces
Bling your engine bay
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Chrome plating
A brief overview of chrom plating
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Chromium
You see chrome every day, what about an explanation of Chromium
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Electroplating
A look into electroplating and what it is generally used for
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Everflex Material for Hoods
Everflex Material often used for soft top hoods
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Galvanizing finish and processing
Galvanizing, also known as hot-dip galvanizing
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Polyester as used in Powder Coating
Powder coating uses polyester, get the low down on it
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Powder Coating Finish
Brief description of powder coating and the ingredients used
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Stainless Steel history and types
A look at the different types of Stainless Steel and the history behind it.
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Thermoset as used in Powder Coating
Thermosetting is a technique used in powder coating
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Zinc
A look at the properties of Zinc
Metal working
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Angle grinder
A must have for any metal fabrication
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Bench grinder
Overview of the bench grinder
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Gas tungsten arc welding
Welding process explained
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Inconel Superalloy overview
Get to grips with Inconel superalloy
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Plain carbon steel
Types of carbon steel explained
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Plasma arc welding
Pros and Cons of Plasma Arc Welding
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Plasma cutting, how it works
The Plasma cutter, every mans ultimate metalworking tool
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Plasma torch
The hot end
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Resistance welding explained
Resistance welding techniques explained
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Seam welding explained
Explanation of resitance seam welding
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Spot welding article
Spot welding explained
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Superalloy explained
In depth article on super alloys
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What is billet
Heard of Billet aluminium?
Donor vehicle information
Alfa Romeo
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Alfa Romeo Alfasud
Left a nice engine once it rotted away
Austin/BMC/BL/Morris
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Austin Meastro donor vehicle
A history of the Austin Rover Maestro
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Austin Rover Mini through the years
Overview and history of the Mini
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Austin/MG Metro
A look at the mini Metro from Austin to Rover
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Morris Marina run down
Used extensively in the 1980s as a donor
BMW
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BMW 3 Series E21 to E90
The BMW range seen as one of the last rear wheel drive cars available for kit car builders
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BMW E21 3 Series in depth
A history of the E21
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BMW E30 3 Series
Great donor potential
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BMW E36 3 Series
Long live rear wheel drive donors
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BMW E46 3 Series
A future donor car
Citroen
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History and life of the 2CV
An in depth look at the history of the 2CV
Datsun/Nissan
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Datsun/Nissan 240Z Overview
Perfect as a Ferrari 250 GTO donor
Fiat
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Fiat Panda history
Still used for the Firefly kitcar the Panda still has its uses
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Fiat Strada
God awful car, but thats why kit cars were invented
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Fiat Uno
Used for some of its parts in some kitcars
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Fiat X1/9 history
Not used anymore but was a popular choice for body conversion
Ford
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Ford Cortina history
A look at the different Marks through the years
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Ford Escort Mk 1 through to Mk5
The Escort through the years
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Ford Fiesta history 1970s to present day
A look at the 6 generations of Fiesta
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Ford Granada in Europe and USA
A brief overview of the various Granadas through the years
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Ford Sierra information and history
A look at the history of the Ford Sierra
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Ford Taurus
Details of Ford Taurus
Jaguar
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Jaguar XJ Series
A look at the XJ history
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Jaguar XJS
Jaguar XJS
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Jaguar XJS overview
The Jaguar XJS donates a wonderful V12
Mazda
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Model run through and history of the Mazda MX-5
A look at the history of the Mazda MX 5 (Miata)
MG
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MG Midget overview
A classic in itself but still used as a donor
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The MGB Story
Still used by some kit car manufacturers, the classic MGB
Rover
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A look at the Rover 200 Series
Rovers donor vehicle program gives us the 200 series
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Rover 800 Series
Overview and history of the 800 series
Skoda
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Skoda Estelle history
Popularised in the kit car industry by Banham as a rebody conversion
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Skoda Rapid to classic Porsche
Popular rebody option for classic Porsche enthusiasts
Subaru
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Subaru Impreza History
Subaru Impreza from the beginning
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Subaru Impreza WRX History
Impreza History
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Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The top drawer Impreza
Toyota
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Toyota MR2 since 1984
A popular choice for body conversions but also for its engine
Triumph
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History of the Triumph GT6
Still used as a base for kit cars, the Triumph GT6
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Triumph Dolomite
A look at the dolly
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Triumph Herald, used for it's chassis
Still some kit cars floating around using the Herald chassis and running gear
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Triumph Motor Company history
Some background information on the company that gave us some great donor cars
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Triumph Spitfire Mk1 to Mk4 and 1500
A look at the history and models of the Triumph Spitfire
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Triumph Vitesse
A nice motor with a nice motor
Volkswagon
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VW Beetle history
A look at the history of the VW Beetle
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VW Type 3 Variant
Brief history of the VW Variant (Covin used this for a while)
Electrical, Systems, Wiring & Technologies
Circuits & Components
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Automotive network diagnostic codes
Diagnostic codes for automotive network category
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Brush (Electric motors)
Electric motor brush explained
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Brushless Stepper motor
The workings of the brushless electric stepper motor
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Commutator (electric)
Commutator explained
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Diode explained
Circuit Diode
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ECU - Electronic Control Unit
The brains of the outfit
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Electrical Capacitor
Capacitor explained
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Electrical connectors
A look at different types of electrical connector
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Engine Control Unit
ECU description
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Fuse
The purpose of the humble fuse
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History and theory of the Alternator
Why we need one in our cars
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Light bulb
The workings and history of the light bulb
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OBD-II Parameter IDs
On board diagnostic parameter ids
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OSEK Standards body for Embedded Automotive Electronics
The organisation responsible for Embedded automotive electronic standards
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Powertrain Diagnostic codes
On board diagnostic powertrain codes
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Rectifier (AC/DC)
Rectifier explained
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Relay
How an electrical relay works
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Slip ring explained
Commonly found in Alternators
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Solder
Will probably be doing a lot of it
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Soldering overview and techniques
Soldering Overview
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Stator
Part of an electric motor or alternator
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Voltage regulator explained
The role of the voltage regulator
Ignition System
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Bosch Motronic EMS
Engine Management system from Bosch
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Capacitor discharge ignition systems
CDI systems explained
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Contact breaker points
A vital component of the distributer
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Disbributor function
An overview of the workings of a distributor
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Distributor Cap
The distributor caps purpose in life
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Duraspark ignition
Ford Duraspark ignition system
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Ignition coil Function
Small but perfectly formed and very useful
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Motronic ignition
How a motronic electronic ignition works
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Spark Plug
The usefulness of the humble spark plug
Engine, Gearbox
Alfa Romeo
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Alfa Romeo Flat 4 boxer engine
Used in the Alfa Sud
Austin/BMC/Rover Engines
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BMC B-Series engine history and application
Big brother to the A-Series engine. Lifespan of around 30 years
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Rover V8 overview and history
A brief look at the Rover V8 engine
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The A-Series engine from BMC/Austin
Hugely popular in kit cars this article gives a run down of the A-Series applications
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The various K series engines available
from 1.1 to 1.8 litres
BMW
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BMW E36 E30 M40 Engine data
Engine Data for the E36 M40 BMW Engine
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BMW M20 Engine overview
Commonly found on the 3 and 5 Series Beemers
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BMW M30 Engine data
Silky smooth straight 6 power
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BMW M41 E36 Diesel engine data
Not commonly used as a donor engine but you never know
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BMW M42 Engine data
Engine data for the M42 BMW 3 Series E36
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BMW M43 Engine data
Fitted to the E36 and E46 BMW 3 Series models
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BMW M44 E36 Engine data
A brief run through of the M44 engine
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BMW M50 Engine overview
Engine data and history
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BMW M60 V8 Engine overview
Engine data and history of this BMW V8
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BMW M62 V8 Engine data
Successor to the V8 M60
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BMW M73 V12 Engine data
If you are ever brave enough to fit one in your kit car
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BMW N62 V8 data
The latest BMW V8 to adorn your kit car
Fiat
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Fiat JTD engine
Fiat's common rail turbocharged diesel engine
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Fiat SOHC Engine
Applications for this Fiat engine
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Fiat Twin Cam engine
Much praised Fiat engine
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Fully Integrated Robotised Engine
Silly name but what ya gonna do
Ford Engines
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Cosworth racing and the history of the Cosworth engine
A look at the history of Cosworth and their racing engines
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Ford 335 small block V8 engine
The Ford 335 was a Ford Small Block produced between 1970 and 1982
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Ford Boss 302 Engine Overview
Rundown of the Ford Boss 302 V8
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Ford Cologne V6, an Overview
An article about Ford Cologne V6 engines
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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
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Ford Kent Engine
Ford Kent engine application
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Ford Pinto Engine
Overview of the various Pinto engine configurations
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Ford Side Valve Engine
Applications for the Ford side valve engine
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Ford Sigma Engine
Brief overview of the Sigma engine
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Ford Windsor Engine overview
Description and application of the Ford Windsor engine
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Ford Zetec engine
Overview of the Zetec engine
Gearbox Models
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Ford MT75 Gearbox
A brief overview of the Ford MT75 gearbox
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Ford Type 9 5 speed gearbox overview
Application and diagrams of Fords Type 9 5 speed gearbox
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Ford Type E 4 Speed Gearbox
Applications for this popular 4 speed gearbox
Jaguar Engines
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Jaguar AJ-V6 engine
AJ-V6 overview and application
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Jaguar AJ-V8 engine
AJ-V8 application and overview
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Jaguar AJ6 engine
Overview and installations of the Jaguar AJ6 engine
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Jaguar V12 engine
Overview of the Jaguar V12 engine
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Jaguar XJ6 installations
Overview of the XJ6 straight six engine
Lancia
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Lancia Flat 4 engine
Lancia Boxer engine used in the Flavia
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Lancia V4 engine
Specs and application for this V4 engine
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Lancia V6 engine
Specs and applications for Lancia's V6
Mazda
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Range of Mazda B Series engines (MX5)
Description of the different B series engines
Skoda
No articles available.
Technical
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A look at the V10 engine
V10 engines in production and racing
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An indepth look at the manual gearbox
It's all explained
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Babbitt metal used in bearings
Used in engine bearings
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Band brake
Measures torque
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Blow off valve for turbo chargers
The technicalities of a blow off valve
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Camshaft
The workings of the camshaft
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Charge air cooler
Turbocharging and Supercharging
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Crank pin
A description of the function of a crank pin
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Crankshaft
A brief description of the purpose of a crankshaft
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Crosshead bearing explained
A look at the crosshead bearing
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Crower six stroke piston engine
A couple of extra strokes
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Cylinder Head
A look at the application and use of the cylinder head
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Daimlers Active Cylinder Control
shuts down banks of cylinders
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Double declutch explained
Double de clutching
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Double declutching technique
Why and how
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Dry sump
Dry sump explained
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Dump valve and its use with turbo chargers
The operation of the dump valve
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Engine balance
For the smoother running engine get the right balance
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Engine Displacement
What is engine displacement
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Engine knocking
Explanation of engine knocking or 'pinging'
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Flat engine design
The design layout and function of the flat engine
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Flat engine explained
The workings of a flat engine
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Flat-12 engines
Flat 12 engine overview
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Flywheel and its use
Why we need a flywheel
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Foot pound force explained
Measurement explained
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Four Stroke Cycle
Taking a look at the four stroke cycle for combustion engines
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Gearbox basics
A look at the purpose and different types of gearbox
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Gearbox synchromesh, a detailed look
A detailed look at the workings of a manual gearbox
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Gearbox with overdrive
Triumph used it a lot but what is overdrive
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Gears and how they are useful in our cars
Gears in our gearbox and how they work
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Horsepower explained
Horses under your bonnet
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Common rail diesel explained
A look at the common rail diesel engine
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Intercooler
Intercooler for supercharged systems
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Internal Combustion Engine
Overview of the Internal Combustion Engine
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Nikasil Coating for Engines
Explanation of Nikasil use in engines
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Opposed piston engine
Opposed piston engines explained
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Over Head Camshaft (OHC)
Placement of an over head camshaft
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Over Head Valve (OHV)
A brief explanation
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Overview of the Controlled Combustion Engine
Next generation of piston engine maybe
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Piston
A brief description of the make up and workings of a piston
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Poppet Valve
The function of a poppet valve
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Pound force explained
What all thal lbf means
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Saabs Automatic Performance Control
For higher compression on Turbo engines
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Single cylinder engine
Description of the single cylinder engine
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Straight 6 Engines
6 Cyclinder engines explained
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Super charger
The ins and outs of a super charger
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Taking a look at the Roots blower
Article on the roots blower
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The job of the Pushrod
The workings of the pushrod
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The mainstay of the American vehicle industry, the V8 engine
The V8 family of engines looked at in depth
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The purpose of a clutch in your car
What your clutch does
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The Timing belt
Friend or foe
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The workings of the Atkinson cycle
An alternative to the Otto Cycle
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Thermocouple temperature sensor
Thermocouple explained
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Timing mark for perfect timing
Generally marked on most engines nowadays
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Top dead centre timing
Know how to get to TDC and why you need to
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Torque explained
Science behind torque
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Transverse engine installations
A description of a transverse engine installation
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Turbo Anti-lag
The function of eliminating turbo lag
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Turbo charger
The in's and out's of a turbo charger
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Two Stroke Cycle
A look at the two stroke combustion engine cycle
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V-twin Engine Overview
What makes up a V Twin Engine
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V12 engine usage
A run through of the use of the V12 engine
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V6 engine construction
An overview of the V6 Engine
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Variable engine displacement
The technology behind variable engine displacement
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Variable Length Intake Manifold
VLIM explained
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Variable Valve Timing explained
Common on modern cars and pushed forward by Honda
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VTEC - Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control
Developed by Honda and embraced by kit car owners
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W Engine Configuration
History and construction of the W engine
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Wet sump
Wet sump explained
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White metal coating
As used in piston engine bearings
Toyota
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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
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Toyota MZ family of V6 engines
Implementation and data for the MZ V6 range of engines
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Toyota VZ Family of V6 engines
Data and history of the Toyota V6
Vauxhall Engines
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GM Family 1 engine
GM Family engine
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GM Family II engine
Predecessor to the Ecotec engine
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The various incarnations of the Slant Four engine
Used from 1966 by Vauxhall and the basis of several Lotus engines
Volkswagon
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Comprehensive list of Volkswagon engines
Exhaustive detailed list of VW engines over the years
Fuel System
Components
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Airbox - air intake
Mostly seen on modern cars and motorbikes
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Brief overview of Zenith, makers of Zenith carburetors
Early days of the Zenith carburetor maker
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Butterfly valve as a flow control device
As used in carburetors
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Early history of the Weber carburetor
How it started
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Exhaust gas recirculation
An explanation of EGR
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Fuel Injection System
Potted history and workings of the fuel injection system
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How the inlet manifold works (intake manifold)
The workings of the inlet manifold providing a fuel/air mixture
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MAP Sensor - Manifold Absolute Pressure
An overview of the MAP Sensor
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NOx Adsorbers use explained
What a NOx Absorber does
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SU Carburetor overview
A brief overview of the SU carburetor
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The Carburettor
The workings of the carburettor
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Workings of a Catalytic converter
Cats explained
Technical
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An Engines Idle speed
Engine Idle is handy
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Atomization of fuel for the piston engine
How and why fuel is atomised
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Bosch Jetronic fuel injection system
Bosch Jetronic ignition
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Fuel Octane Rating - Research Octane Number (RON)
A look at what makes up the RON rating
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Methanol Fuel for Racing
Methanol explained
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Method of the Ram air intake
Boost performance with a Ram Air Intake
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Nitromethane overview
For the drag racer in you
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Nitrous oxide (NOS) explained
For that little bit extra
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Short ram air intake overview
Provides a slight performance boost
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Tetra-ethyl lead
The science behind the lead additive
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The role of the Boost controller
Controlling turbo charger air pressure levels
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The workings of the Venturi to speed the flow of fuel
The venturi component of the carburettor
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Throttle body controls air flow
Throttle body for fuel injection systems
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Turbo charger Wastegate
The important role of the wastegate
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Warm air intake overview
Reasons for a warm air intake system
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Workings of a Cold air intake
A look at the cold air intake system
General
Finishings
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Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
Teflon overview (not the shoulders)
Fluids
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Antifreeze
Ingredients of anti freeze
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Motor Oil
Properties, use and grades of motor oil
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Society of Automotive Engineers
Automotive organisation for standards
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Types of Hydraulic fluid
Hydraulic fluid, types and uses
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Viscosity
An explanation of Viscosity
Interior
Finishings
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Alcantara interior finish
Brief overview of Alcantara
Instrumentation
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Odometer (mileometer)
Odometer explained
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Speedometer overview
speedometers explained
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Tachometer (rev counter)
Rev Counter workings
Manufacturers
UK
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Caterham Cars
Overview of Caterham Cars
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Lola Racing Cars
Lola racing history
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Westfield Cars
Brief overview of Westfield Cars
Motor Sport
Circuits
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Brands Hatch Race Circuit Overview
A look at this Historic racing circuit
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Cadwell Park Race Circuit Overview
Popular trackday race circuit
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Castle Combe Race Circuit Overview
A look at the Castle Combe race circuit
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Classic Goodwood Circuit
Historic circuit and now famous for the Revival and FOS meetings
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Croft Race Circuit Overview
A look at Croft Race Circuit
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Donington Park Race Circuit
A favourite for trackdays
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Historic Brooklands Banked Race Circuit
Overview of this Historic racing track
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Scotlands Knockhill Racing Circuit
Scotlands premier race circuit
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Lydden Race Circuit Kent
Small race ciruit deep in the Kent countryside
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Mallory Park Race Circuit
At look at this popular race circuit
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Oulton Park Race Circuit
An overview of Oulton Park Race Circuit
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Pembrey Race Circuit South Wales
A look at South Wales premier race circuit
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Rockingham Motor Speedway Circuit
UKs newest race circuit
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Santa Pod Raceway Hot Rod track
Get your quarter mile time
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Shakespeare County Raceway
Drag strip, second only to Santa Pod
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Silverstone Race Circuit Overview
Britains premier race ciruit
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Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit
A look at Snetterton race circuit
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Thruxton Race Circuit Overview
A look at the Thruxton race circuit
Motorsport Events
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All you need to know about Trackdays
A great article which answers many questions you may have about track days
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Goodwood Festival of Speed Petrol head event
Annual petrol head pilgrimage
Terminology
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Chicane explained
A description of a race circuit chicane
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Drag coefficient in detail
Drag coefficient explained
- Drifting technique in motorsport
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Handbrake turn driving technique
Useful in certain motorsports such as rallying
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Heel and Toe action
Common in most motorsports
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Left foot braking
The technique used mainly in motor sport
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Lift off oversteer explained
A look at the effect of lift off oversteer
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Racing Apex
The racing line on an Apex
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The use of opposite lock
Seen more in rallying but nice to do it sometimes!
Steering, Suspension, brakes & drivetrain
Brakes
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Anti-lock braking system
Now being used on many kit cars
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Brake lining construction
Brake lining material and structure
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Disc brake component brake down
The history and components of a disc brake
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DOT 3 Brake fluid
Description of DOT 3 Brake fluid
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DOT 4 Brake fluid
Description of DOT 4 brake fluid
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DOT 5 Silicone Brake Fluid
DOT 5 Silicone brake fluid overview
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DOT 5.1 Brake fluid
Description of DOT 5.1 Brake fluid
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Drum brake history
Invented in 1902 the drum brake is still with us
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Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
Clever brake wizardry
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Engine braking overview
Description of what engine braking is
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Hand brake and the different types
Hand brake overview and types
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Hygroscopy and its application in cars
Liquid braking
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Overview of inboard brakes
Inboard brakes, common on Jaguar XJ donors
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Regenerative braking, a green topic
Being seen more and more in new cars
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Retarder brake mechanism
Overview of Retarding brake mechanism
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Servo mechanism
Electro and mechanical servos described
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Types of Automotive Brake fluid
What is brake fluid
Components
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A look at the constant velocity (CV) joint
A description of the CV Joint and how it works
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Ball bearings and their uses
Our kit cars have many bearings, balls being one of them!
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Differential explained
A look at how the differential provides power to the driven wheels
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Double wishbone suspension
Suspension set up
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Driveshaft or Carden shaft principles for transferring power
The purpose of an automotive driveshaft
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Electric Power Steering
Electric Power steering explained
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How a De Dion tube works
A look at the De Dion rear axle set up
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How a shock absorber does what it does
How it does it and why
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Hypoid - helical spiral gear
Found in the final drive
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Leaf spring or Cart spring
Commonly used in conjunction with a live axle
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Leaf spring or Cart spring
Used since medieval times (when most American cars were invented)
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Live axle or beam axle explained
Found on many kit cars using 70s and 80s donors
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Plain bearing
A look at the function of a plain bearing
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Pros and Cons of a Live Axle
A brief look at a live axle and it drawbacks
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Rack and pinion steering
Rack and Pinion explained
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Rolling-element bearing
Roller bearing function and use
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Suspension Tie Rod
Describing the usage of the tie rod
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Swing axle explained
What the hecks a swing axle - your answers here
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The MacPherson Strut
Drawings and description of the MacPherson Strut
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The role of the Panhard rod
Used to greatly improve the handling charateristics of Live axle cars
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Torque tube automotive driveshaft
How it works
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Trailing Arms in rear suspension
Used on some live axled vehicles such as the Ford Cortina
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Transaxle Overview
Transaxle uses and installations
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Types of LSD - Limited Slip Differential
Types and mechanics of a limited slip differential
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Universal joint (UJ) explained
The UJ or Universal Joint
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Watts linkage for rear suspension
Used to get the best out of live axle rear end setups
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Weissach axle for the Porsche 928
Weissach axle and what it overcomes
Methods & Setups
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Hydragas Suspension
An overview of Hydragas Suspension
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Hydro pneumatic suspension system
A look at the hydro pneumatic suspension system and it's history
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Independant Suspension
The reasoning behind independant suspension
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Multi link suspension overview
A look at how multi link suspension is put together
Technical
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A look at rear wheel drive and the pros and cons
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rear Wheel Drive
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A look at the effects of Oversteer
A explanation of oversteer
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A look at the term Unsprung Weight
A description of unsprung weight in relation to a vehicle
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Ackermann steering geometry
Solution to an early problem
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Cadence braking technique explained
Useful to know but replaced pretty much by ABS
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Camber angle
Camber explained
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Car Handling explained
A detailed account of car handling dynamics
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Caster angle explained
An explanation of caster angle
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Cornering force
Tyre Cornering force explained
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Curb weight explained
Information on Curb (Kerb) weight
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Electronic Stability Control Function
In the name of safety ESC is becoming more common
-
Epicyclic gearing explained
Suns and planets are involved
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Four wheel drive in automotive design
Design and history of the 4 wheel drive
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Front Wheel Drive setup
Pros and Cons of Front wheel drive setups
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Kingpin as used in vehicle suspension
The job of the kingpin
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Mid engined Rear wheel drive benefits
The benefit of a mid engined layout
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Multi link suspension
Ideal for good handling and ride quality
-
Slip angle explained
Slip angle in car handling
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The benefits and history of front wheel drive
Front wheel drive history
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The effect of brake fade
Heat and brake fade
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Toe in toe out
An explanation
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Torque steer explained
The effects of torque steer
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Traction control overview
If it's ok for F1 then it's ok for your and me
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Tyre Contact patch
Pretty crucial few square inches
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Understeer effects and explanation
An explanation of Understeer
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Vehicle Wheelbase explained
Vehicle wheelbase
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Weight transfer from centre of gravity
Described when accelerating and braking
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Wheel sizing explained
Get the correct size wheels for your kit car
The Cars are the Inspiration
Austin
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Austin Healey (Frogeye) Sprite History
The Frogeye Sprite family History
Dodge
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Dodge Viper History
Run down of the Dodge Viper
Jaguar
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Jaguar C-Type History
Very pretty Jaguar
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Jaguar D-type History
Racing pedigree from Jaguar
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Jaguar E-type History
Overview and History of the Jaguar E-Type
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Jaguar XJ13 History
XJ13 description and history
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Jaguar XK120 History
Overview of the Jaguar XK120
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Jaguar XK140 History
History of the Jaguar XK140
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Jaguar XK150 History
History of the Jaguar XK150
Lancia
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Lancia Stratos History
Much admired and copied in the replica world
Lola
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Lola T70 History
A look at the Lola T70
Lotus
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Lotus 6 data
Lotus 6 specs and data
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Lotus Elan History
In depth look at the history of the Lotus Elan
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Lotus Eleven racing car
Overview of the Lotus XI
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Lotus Europa
Lotus Europa replicas now available
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Lotus Seven History
History and mechanical overview of the Lotus Seven
MG
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MG TD History
Vintage motoring still sought after
Porsche
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Porsche 911 History
The 911 history runthrough
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Porsche 917 History
A car most petrolheads would want in their garage
Tools of the trade
Hand Tools and supplies
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Drill and tap size chart
A size chart for drills and taps
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Drill bits explained
Drilling down for the nitty gritty on drill bits
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Feeler Gauge, vital for proper gapping
Not just for spark plugs but necessary for many engine maintenance tasks
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Hex Allen key
Allen keys and wrench
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High speed steel (HSS)
Many will be familiar with HSS when buying drill bits
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Pliers, Needle, Cutting, Crimping, Gripping
A look at the extremely useful set of pliers
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Precision Calipers an engine builders friend
Not a must for every toolbox but handy when rebuilding that engine
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Punches, stamps and letter stamps
Tools that you will definately need during your build
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Socket wrench
One of the handiest tools in your toolbox
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Taps and dies explained
The tap and die set, another useful tool
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Timing light
Get your engine timing spot on
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Titanium nitride ceramic coating (for drill bits)
Hard as nails and brill on drill bits
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Torque wrench
Much needed tool for tightening critical components
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Using and reading micrometers
The different available micrometers that you may find useful
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Vernier Height Gauge
Available as manual or electronic
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Workbench Vice
A must when fiddling in the garage, a vice is your friend
Heavy equipment & Mechanical tools
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Casting methods and manufacture
Engines have many cast components, casting is explained here
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Casting process
Used in the formation of Engine blocks
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CNC Machines, Computerised Numerically Controlled
CNC Machines have been around since the 1940s would you believe
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Drill Chuck Overview
The evolving drill chuck
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Machine press process
The whys and wherefores for a machine press
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Machining and Lathe work
You may need to do or get done some machining whilst building your kit
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Metal working craft
Some metalworking crafts and skills
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Milling Machines and what they can do
If you have ever watched American Chopper you will be familiar with a milling machine