New book: mid-engine sports car design - from scratch

[Kurt Bilinski]

Yeah, okay, so I wrote it. Some of you know about the car, "Kimini", the tube-frame, carbon shell, mid-engine, old-school "Mini". I distilled the ten years of experience designing and building it and put it into the book, so it's a valuable resource. No, it doesn't have a titanium header, carbon chassis, or $1200 shocks, but does show how to keep cost down and get the job done for a reasonable price. I'd like to think that Carroll Smith would have given it a nod. The website is here: http://www.kimini.com/
Book info is here: http://www.kimini.com/book_info/

I will probably drive Kimini to FSAE West, where I volunteered to help out during Saturday's enduro. I'll bring some copies of the book if anyone wants one. You can contact me through the site above.

[Kurt Bilinski]

Yeah, okay, so I wrote it. Some of you know about the car, "Kimini", the tube-frame, carbon shell, mid-engine, old-school "Mini". I distilled the ten years of experience designing and building it and put it into the book, so it's a valuable resource. No, it doesn't have a titanium header, carbon chassis, or $1200 shocks, but does show how to keep cost down and get the job done for a reasonable price. I'd like to think that Carroll Smith would have given it a nod. The website is here: http://www.kimini.com/
Book info is here: http://www.kimini.com/book_info/

I will probably drive Kimini to FSAE West, where I volunteered to help out during Saturday's enduro. I'll bring some copies of the book if anyone wants one. You can contact me through the site above.

[JagLite]

I bought the book.
I read the book.
I recommend the book.

"KIMINI" is an excellent book of how a person can design and build a high performance car using up-to-date, available, and affordable technology. No $1,200 shocks it is true. Very little carbon fiber too. Just like the rest of us in the real world the author had a budget to stick to. I like that Kurt describes how and why he did certain things and why, on occasion that was not the best way. If you have an interest in designing and building your own car, uh, without big money from sponsors, "KIMINI" is a valuable book to go along with the usual technical design books that most of us already have. And it is easy and enjoyable to read, unlike some of the other "I did it and so can you" books.

Very highly recommended!

[mtg]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kb58:
I will probably drive Kimini to FSAE West, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Cool, I'll be there and would like to see the Kimini in person.

[number77]

How safe is it? (Not in terms of it falling apart, but if it was in an accident)

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

This car was in Grassroots Motorsports Mag right?

Named after Kim?

We should set up a "group buy" for fsae teams to get a little discount, I am sure there will be a fair amount of intreste.

[Kurt Bilinski]

Thanks, Guys.

Yes I plan to drive it to FSAE West, IF it's not 147 deg F like last year! I'll be there Saturday, as course-worker weenie. Not sure where I'll park the car; last year I was forced to park far away. It would be nice if they let me put it somewhere you guys can see it. OTOH, I realize everyone's going to be very, very busy doing their thing.

[Kurt Bilinski]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by drivetrainUW-Platt:
This car was in Grassroots Motorsports Mag right?

Named after Kim?

We should set up a "group buy" for fsae teams to get a little discount, I am sure there will be a fair amount of intreste. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes to both. If you guys get a group buy together, we can work out something. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

Those interested in a group buy post up

Me (1)

[Matt Gignac]

Add me on for one

Matt Gignac
McGill Racing Team

[Andy K]

+1 here...

Been following your progress for a while on locostbuilders.co.uk http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Harschi]

hi all!

would also be interested in one of the books. does somebody know about the quality of the black and white version of the book. are the pictures sharp enough to see details?

thanks. i hope we'll see some of you at Formula SAE in Detroit.

Florian Harsch
joanneum racing graz
http://www.joanneum-racing.at

[Kurt Bilinski]

The best quality pictures are definitely in the all-color book.

Pricing will be $30 for the b/w, and $80 for the all-color. (FWIW, I make less on the all-color version than on the b/w. The high price is due to using a POD publisher, and because it's printed in the US and not China... really.)

[Kerry]

Count me in!

[Dan Lentsch]

add one for me

[Kurt Bilinski]

I'll set up a special FSAE account at the publisher. That way: you can order at the reduced price, pay shipping only once, instead of going through me and paying twice, and you'll receive it faster.

I guess I have a soft spot for FSAE. I know what it's like to build a car, and you have it a lot harder than me - you have schedules! OTOH, you get cool parts for cheap or for free.

I just request that you don't pass the link around to non-FSAE types. Since I have no way of confirming that orders are FSAE-only, I'll just have to just trust you.

I'll post here with the link.

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

Thanks, I am looking foreward to reading it!

[Kurt Bilinski]

Okay, guys, here you go. This link takes you directly to a discounted price ordering page. It is not visible to anyone else - FSAE only please - so don't pass it around. This is for the black-and-white edition only:

http://www.lulu.com/content/849929

Since this is a special FSAE offer, as far as the publisher's concerned, this is a new edition, so there aren't any reviews. If you'd like to leave a review, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave it with all the other reviews, which are here:
http://www.lulu.com/content/784994

If enough people seriously want the color version, I'll make it available, too.

I'll bring some black-and-white copies to FSAE West, though I expect everyone to be way too busy to chase me down about getting one.

[Dallas Blake]

Just got my copy in the mail today, im looking forward to reading it after competition

[Kurt Bilinski]

Just a reminder to everyone that the book's available two FSAE. See link to posts above this one.

[MSJ]

You should definetly bring a bunch of copies to FSAE - West. That way, we get to meet you, talk, and get it signed!

I like colour *cough*

[Kurt Bilinski]

If you see the color version you'll want one(!), but it's expensive - $80. I get just a few at a time for signing (yes, believe it or not, some people actually want my signature). I can't afford to buy a bunch and have them sit on a shelf.

OTOH, if you guys let me know you're firm buyers of the $80 color or $30 b/w, I can bring them to FSAE West. You just have to tell me no later than June 1 so I have time to order them. Another perk of picking it up at the event is there's no shipping... which I have to eat, BTW.

[MSJ]

$80 eh...hmmm, I suddenly like BW alot more.

[Kurt Bilinski]

Just wait until you see a copy, http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Understood though, I'll have b/w copies with me, too.

[bettonracing]

Just got my copy this morning and am yet to reach the inevitable chapter-to-be-read-after-the-interesting-stuff.

The good:
Writing style reminds me of the CSmith series, just a little less technical (as is implied by the objectives). Gives good (clear) examples (very effectively 'disclaimered'...), something these forums could benefit from to avoid the occassional "so... where do I put my roll centers?". Lotsa useful pics and sketches. Book feels 'meaty' but words are not oversized or inflict images of a short bus. BW edition pics are much clearer than expected.

The bad:
Publishers need to get rid of the fluff (there're like 5 blank pages at the beginning!) and the colors & pic on the front cover look a bit bland.

I'd be willing to bet the Motorbooks lawyers are looking for fine print.

[Kurt Bilinski]

Thanks for the honest appraisal. While I can partly blame the book industry for the blank pages, I'm the one who put them in, following "industry standards." Now that it's done, though, I agree that it's dumb to have them. The second edition will see them removed.

Oh, and thanks for saying that my book's not "short bus" material, lol.

With FSAE West coming up, this is a reminder I'll be there with my car and some books! The only issue will be how to meet up, since I'll be chasing cones (not that you hit cones, of course). Or, you can order them through the link posted above in this thread.

[Kurt Bilinski]

I got permission to park in the vendor area at FSAE West, the catch being that I can't sell anything since I'm not a paying vendor. A few copies of my book might find their way up with me, so if you want one we can work something out. I'll be at the car at lunchtime and when I'm not working, or checking out car, or taking pictures. I know how busy you guys will be, but try to stop by at some point. I'll be wearing a Mini T-shirt.

[MSJ]

Well, I definitely want a copy, so we're going to have to make sure we find each other somehow.

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

Darn, wish I could see it in person. One of these days I will remember to buy your book!

[bettonracing]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> KB58: I'll be wearing a Mini T-shirt. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

U'll be more likely to get more male visitors if u wear full sized clothing... http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
[couldn't resist]

Finally finished the book!

This book should be among the highly recommended reading list for FSAE teams. The engineering approach to design, implementation and even the inevitable after-build "dangit" is very similar to preparing a car for FSAE competition (although without the testicular-constricting time constraint). A dose of technical input, lots of project management and a 25lbs-sledge-hammer-hit of reality.

Beware of the almost irresistable urge to build something while reading the book... (i.e. keep the rookies off the important stuff if they're reading it).

Kudos

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

I got the book yesterday and attacked a few chapters of it. So far it has been very interesting and informative.

There is a fair amount of white space at the end of chapters and the picture quality is very low IMO, but the reading is great!

[Kirk Feldkamp]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by drivetrainUW-Platt:
...and the picture quality is very low IMO... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You must have gone cheap and gotten the B&W version... the color version looks great to me.

-Kirk

[Kurt Bilinski]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by drivetrainUW-Platt:
...and the picture quality is very low IMO, but the reading is great! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Contact the printer for a refund; they may ask for sample pictures as proof, though. When you contact them be sure to include your order number.

(And yes, the all-color is really nice, but I don't want any unhappy customers with either version.)

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

Do you agree the b&w is not up to par? If I ask for a refund, do they want the book back?

[Kurt Bilinski]

Every printer has their bad days and I'm sure they'll work with you.

[MSJ]

kb58,

Haven't seen you at the competition yet...not sure if you're coming or not? Anyways, the UVic team is in the first spot in the paddock, so maybe we can meet up to acquire the goods.

[Kurt Bilinski]

I'll be there tomorrow for the enduro, working the course, probably being one of your cone bitches.

I'll be there early, 7am or so, and get to park in the display area. I'm told they're letting me do this to be nice, as long as I don't try to sell anything... Soooo, on the hood of the car will be a stack of flyers with the specs of the car. If you happen to turn it over, it's a description of the book and a link to buy it at the FSAE-discounted price. Yes, some books may accidentally find their way into the car, so it'll just be a matter of us finding each other. I'll hang around the car at lunch time and during breaks.

That aside, you guys blow me away with your creative designs, competitive spirit, and yet you help each other out. Very cool. Anyhow, best of luck to you all and I'll see you tomorrow.

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

Someone take some good pictures of this car, I want to see it in color (should have spend the extra 50 bucks on a color copy of the book I guess)

I have to ask, how tall are you, I love that picture of you standing next to the car where it it up to your waist!

[Kurt Bilinski]

lol, six foot even.

The shell roof could actually sit about 3" lower, I have a ton of head room.

The key to design is working in from the non-negotiables, the tires and shell, and outward from the driver.

[R/TErnie]

congrats on the book...I followed your build on Honda-tech's Fab forum.

[Kurt Bilinski]

It was great to meet all you guys at FSAE West! Another great event, hot, but a great event. Lots of people came over to check out the Mini, and I wish I could have spent more time there, but such is the life of a course worker/volunteer.

[MSJ]

Thanks again Kurt. From the amount I was able to read on the drive home, I must say its very well written. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone. Has alot of carry over analysis on how to do things and why for FSAE cars as well.

Cheers,
mischa

[bribyk]

I also bought the book, read the book and highly recommend it. I read it on the plane ride back from FSAE West and the fabrication tips alone are worth the $30. Newbies and old-balls (4+ years FSAE), like myself, should read this book. Also, a great intro to suspension geometry if you find Milliken a lot to soak up at once.

[Kurt Bilinski]

With the new year starting, I figured it's time to push my book on a new crop of FSAE greenies. This is the book that Doug Milliken said: "If I was back in high school (and planning to build a car like I did back then), I'm sure I'd get your book--looks great."

If you're interested, look further back up this thread for a FSAE discount link!

[drivetrainUW-Platt]

Another bump for ya.

Great book, talks a lot about cost and practial fabriaction, no fancy CNC or $10,000 engines.

Tons of pictues too.