LocostBuilders - powered by XMB

How to Build a Cheap Sports Car - book by Keith Tanner's

ZEN - 21/12/05 at 12:23 AM

Hes anyoune read the Keith Tanner's How to Build a Cheap Sports Car? Any good info insde?
Rescued attachment Keith Tanner.jpg

derf - 21/12/05 at 04:24 AM

I'm a few pages from the end. It's missing some major info, chassis dimension, but gives the adress for mcsorley's website. Has more detail about alot of stuff that ron left out of his, they sorta compliment eachother.

Its on my recomended reading list

caber - 21/12/05 at 07:57 AM

I read it over a long flight cover to cover. It is no way a replacement for Ron Champion's book but it does go in to much greater depth on key issues in developing various issues like the question of bump steer, brake system design from hyraulic basics and many more. It is a valuable source to learn more about what you are actually doing rather than just following the "recipie" in Ron's book that is becomeing more challenging due to the decreasing availability of the Escort parts. I would highly reccomend reading this and the "How to build a Tiger Avon Sportscar" to anyone contemplating a locost build now, the more reading and knowledge you gain before you start thye easier the selection of parts and construction will be.

Caber

JAG - 21/12/05 at 09:42 AM

I've spoken to Keith via email and he seems like a really good guy. He also knows his stuff about the Miata/MX5 engine.

He works for Flyin' Miata(linky) in the States, they make all manner of tune up bits for the Miata/MX5. From new cam's to a supercharger/turbocharger and ECU set-up. They also build the cars/engines in house and race them.

If you want to use the Mazda engine he's your man - although I haven't read his book I can only assume it's good.

[Edited on 21/12/05 by JAG]

the JoKeR - 23/12/05 at 02:04 AM

I just finished the book and am very happy to have purchased it. As others have stated, it's not meant to be a replacement to Ron's book, as it doesn't go into any detail on building your own chassis. He does a great job in covering the details Champion glosses over. The next book on my list will be one which covers building a wiring harness from scratch.

JoelP - 23/12/05 at 09:10 AM

keith has posted on the forum in the past too.

Keith Tanner - 25/12/05 at 01:32 AM

I'm not a regular on this forum I have to admit. It's simply due to a lack of time - I'm on the Locost USA Yahoo group and forum though!

quote:
Originally posted by derf
Has more detail about alot of stuff that ron left out of his, they sorta compliment each other.

That was the intention. Ron did a decent job of how to build a frame and there are loads of resources that have corrected mistakes and provided improvements. So I decided to provide all the information that's needed after that point. Instead of being a cookbook, it tells you how various systems work so you can make your own design decisions. Other than racers that are trying to fit into a formula, most Locosters are doing something different so knowledge is more important than directions. At least, that's my feeling about it.

The website for the book is http://www.cheapsportscar.net . I'm hoping to put up some sample pages there soon so you can get an idea of what's in the book. 400 full colour photographs, for example, and lots of technical information. There's also the story of my build to keep it interesting.

I try to be as accessible as possible. If you have any comments or questions, you can reach me at keith@miata.net or keith@cheapsportscar.net . I do know the Miata MX5 pretty well so I'm always ready to help with questions about those cars.

Keith

Alan B - 25/12/05 at 02:19 PM

Hi Keith,

I just bought your book....sad to see no link to my website....(LOL)...but, so far looking good...full report to follow...

All the best for Christmas and New year everyone.

[Edited on 25/12/05 by Alan B]

[Edited on 25/12/05 by Alan B]

Keith Tanner - 25/12/05 at 05:12 PM

I'll add your site to the links page on the website when I get back home after the holidays. It definitely deserves a mention - my apologies for the oversight.

Alan B - 26/12/05 at 04:12 AM

Cheers Keith, and I will reciprocate..

All the best,

Alan

Keith Tanner - 6/1/06 at 01:44 AM

Done!