8 Automotive Engineering Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Drawing from his extensive research background and deep passion for automotive history, Steve Lehto chronicles the remarkable but turbulent story of Preston Tucker and his revolutionary 1948 car. You’ll get a detailed look at Tucker's innovative engineering feats—like the rear engine design, safety glass windshield, and independent suspension—and the fierce industry and governmental opposition that ultimately ended his vision. The book also dives into the broader post-WWII American auto industry climate, making it essential for anyone interested in the intersection of engineering innovation and business politics. If you want both technical insights and a narrative of perseverance against powerful odds, this offers a compelling, fact-based account.

John Baechtel's decades of experience in high-performance engine testing and tuning led him to compile the essential mathematics behind automotive engine design in this focused guide. You learn how to translate complex engineering formulas into practical measurements that define every engine component, from pistons to crankshafts, ensuring that the entire system functions efficiently at high RPMs. The book walks you through key parameters with clarity, making it accessible whether you're an enthusiast eager to understand engine dynamics or a professional builder refining your craft. For instance, Baechtel explains how to calculate valve timing and compression ratios in ways that directly impact power and durability across motorsport and street applications. If you're serious about grasping the math behind engine performance, this book offers a solid foundation without unnecessary jargon.

This personalized automotive engineering book explores the intricate principles and practices that drive vehicle design, performance, and innovation. Tailored to your background and goals, it covers foundational concepts such as engine mechanics, vehicle dynamics, and electrical systems, alongside specialized topics like aerodynamics and manufacturing processes. The book examines real-world applications and technical challenges, providing a focused learning experience that matches your specific interests and expertise level. By concentrating on areas most relevant to you, it fosters a deep understanding of automotive engineering's diverse facets, empowering you to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on practice with clarity and enthusiasm.

After decades of teaching vehicle dynamics and consulting for automotive manufacturers, Thomas D. Gillespie developed this book to bridge the gap between complex engineering theory and practical understanding. You’ll learn detailed mechanics behind vehicle behavior, including suspension design and tire dynamics, explained clearly enough for those without formal engineering degrees. The book balances mathematical rigor with accessible explanations, making it suitable both as an introductory text and a professional reference. If you’re involved in automotive design or engineering and want a solid grasp of vehicle dynamics fundamentals, this book offers a thorough foundation without overwhelming jargon.

When Tony Candela first realized how many automotive enthusiasts shy away from electrical work, he set out to demystify this complex field. Drawing on two decades in aftermarket electronics, Candela breaks down electrical principles like voltage and Ohm's law with clarity, making them accessible to hands-on hobbyists. You’ll learn not only how to troubleshoot and repair circuits but also how to design your own wiring harnesses and install modern electronics in classic cars. Whether upgrading muscle car power windows or wiring a hot rod from scratch, this book equips you with the practical skills to confidently tackle automotive electrical systems.

When James P. Womack first analyzed the global auto industry through MIT's massive study, he uncovered how lean production is quietly overtaking traditional mass manufacturing. This book explains lean production's integration—from management to suppliers—and how it achieves higher quality and efficiency while slashing costs. You'll gain insights into the evolution of automotive manufacturing processes, including detailed comparisons of Japanese and Western approaches. If you're involved in manufacturing, operations, or automotive innovation, this book offers a lens to understand industry shifts that extend far beyond cars.

This tailored book deeply explores vehicle dynamics and suspension engineering with a focus that matches your background and interests. It reveals how forces interact within a vehicle system, examining suspension components, tire behavior, and chassis responses through an engaging, personalized lens. The content is carefully structured to focus on your specific goals, providing a clear path through complex concepts that might otherwise require extensive study across various texts. The book offers a hands-on understanding of how to analyze and influence vehicle behavior effectively, making it an invaluable resource for mastering these critical automotive engineering elements in a way that feels relevant and accessible to you.

Drawing from more than three decades of hands-on experience writing for BMW enthusiasts, Rob Siegel demystifies automotive electrical systems with a focus on European vehicles. You’ll gain practical insights into diagnosing and repairing common issues, from battery troubles to complex sensor tests, all illustrated with hundreds of color diagrams. The book zeroes in on essential tools like the automotive multimeter and covers troubleshooting methods applicable to conventional combustion engines of the last 60 years. It’s tailored for those who want clear, methodical guidance rather than technical overload, making it ideal if you’re determined to understand and fix your car’s electrical quirks yourself.

What occurs when an electrical engineer with hands-on experience and a passion for classic British cars turns his knowledge into a detailed guide? Rick Astley, having restored multiple British cars under tight budgets and now consulting in Detroit, methodically explains the often misunderstood electrical systems of British vehicles from the 1950s to the 1980s. You’ll find system-by-system breakdowns, including theory, historical evolution, and practical insights supported by hundreds of color photos and fault-finding tables. This book is for enthusiasts who want to grasp, fix, and enhance their classic car’s electrical components without getting overwhelmed by jargon or mystery.

Drawing from over 25 years of hands-on experience, Julian Edgar offers a no-nonsense guide to improving road car aerodynamics that doesn’t assume any prior knowledge. The book lays out practical, on-road testing methods—like visualizing airflow and measuring aerodynamic pressures—to help you identify and address lift, drag, and downforce issues. You’ll find detailed insights into optimizing ride height, cooling drag, and adding effective aerodynamic features such as undertrays and diffusers, with clear explanations grounded in the latest research. If you’re interested in tweaking your car’s performance through informed aerodynamic modifications, this book provides the solid technical foundation to do just that.