Technical literature recommendations...

[DavidBoren]

I am looking for books filled with what is considered to be accurate and detailed information about the philosophy, science, and theory of modern pro-touring/road racing design.

I am particularly interested in the suspension geometry and design of modern high travel/low roll systems. I have read a great deal of Ron Sutton's write-ups here, and I should probably just print every post he (Mr. Sutton) has submitted.

Has Ron Sutton published any books pertaining to suspension design/tuning?

What books do you all recommend?

Please help me fix my empty bookshelves.

[rustomatic]

It's kind of weird, and definitely not Ron Sutton, but in learning about Corvette architecture, I came across the suggestion that you check the manuals body shops use for figuring out geometrical inclinations of suspension designs (for major reconstructions/repairs). I've been really slow to pick up on the finite points of design that really matter, and it took buying a C4 Corvette (later version) and poring over the thing to really see what I'd been missing, especially in relation to the front suspension's near diagonal opposition to the frame rails (lots o' caster).

In getting back to the body shop manual, this was suggested for people grafting Corvette parts on to hotrod frames--frequently, this transplant seems to be done without any clear reference to how things existed (geometrically) on the Corvette the parts came on...

[DavidBoren]

I hadn't thought about body-shop manuals, especially for the 'vette, given that it seems every aftermarket suspension or subframe uses Corvette parts.

I have often wondered about the use of Corvette suspension parts in anything not 'vette... the Corvette suspension is awesome because it's on the Corvette. All the geometry that makes that suspension so desirable is based on the ride height, track width, wheelbase, and weight of the Corvette.

If you put 'vette parts under a '69 Camaro, that is taller or longer or heavier than the Corvette, then all the desirable geometry is out of whack. And I'm sure that even an out of whack 'vette suspension is better than any suspension from 1969, but it's still just an expensive compromise.

Granted, a C5/6 suspension makes for one hell of a band aid.

[Solid LT1]

I believe Ron Sutton is working on publishing a book right now. If you want some other good material try Carrol Smiths Tune to Win....Engineer to Win.....Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners......Carrol's written material makes for some great reading......My buddy raced with Carrol in Formula Atlantic......he was a great resource to have....RIP.....

[MtotheIKEo]

Herb Adams book is a really basic read. Helpful if you have no background or haven't done any research. Some dated information though so don't take it as gospel.
http://www.amazon.com/Chassis-Engine.../dp/1557880557

All of Carroll Smith's books are good reads. The Nuts,Bolts, and Fasteners one is a favorite of mine. Again, some dated info regarding products referenced in some cases but still really good information.

If you're really feeling froggy, Milliken's book is very highly regarded. It is the most technical, but really gets into suspension and chassis design, how tires work, etc... Little harder to find and definitely not cheap or light reading.
http://www.amazon.com/Race-Vehicle-D...words=milliken