UK car classifieds

UK car classifieds

UK new or used cars and dealerships buying/selling cars


  1. UK Information
  2. UK Car Classifieds
  3. Motoring Books
  4. Personalising and modifying your car

Motoring Books

Personalising and modifying your car

Here is a selection of some top books about personalising and modifying cars that you may find useful.

Build Your Own Sports Car: On a budget
Build Your Own Sports Car: On a budget

The dream of building a sports car with one's own hands is nearly universal among automotive enthusiasts. This book tells the story of one man who actually did it - and did it for cheap! For roughly 20 percent of the cost of a Caterham Lotus Seven replica (think about $7,000), Keith Tanner built his own Seven-like sports car that is faster than just about anything else on the road. "How To Build a Cheap Sports Car" entertains the reader as they watch a car being built. The reader shares in the trials and tribulations of turning a bare frame and wrecked Miata into a little racetrack demon. Tanner's direct writing style and commonsense approach to the challenges of the build make for an enjoyable and informative read.

Price: £14.51

Publication: 22 Feb 2007

Buy: Build Your Own Sports Car: On a budget   Buy: Build Your Own Sports Car: On a budget

Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies (For Dummies)
Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies (For Dummies)

So you want to turn your Yugo into a Viper? Sorry--you need a certified magician. But if you want to turn your sedate sedan into a mean machine or your used car lot deal into a powerful, purring set of wheels, you've come to the right place. Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies will get you turbo-charged up about modifying your car and guide you smoothly through: Choosing a car to mod Considering warranties, legal, and safety issues Hacking the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to adjust performance-enhancing factors like fuel injection, firing the spark plugs, controlling the cooling fan, and more Replacing your ECU with a plug and play system such as the APEXi Power FC or the AEM EMS system Putting on the brakes (the faster you go, the faster you'll need to stop) Setting up your car for better handling and cornering Written by David Vespremi, automotive expert, frequent guest on national car-related TV shows, track driving instructor and self-proclaimed modder, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies gets you into the ECU and under the hood and gives you the keys to: Choosing new wheels, including everything from the basics to dubs and spinners Putting your car on a diet, because lighter means faster Basic power bolt-ons and more expensive power adders Installing roll bars and cages to enhance safety Adding aero add-ons, including front "chin" spoilers, real spoilers, side skirts, and canards Detailing, down to the best cleaners and waxes and cleaning under the hood Using OBD (on-board diagnostics) for troubleshooting Getting advice from general Internet sites and specific message boards and forums for your car's make or model, whether it's a Chevy pick-up or an Alfa Romeo roadster Whether you want to compete at drag strips or on road courses or simply accelerate faster on an interstate ramp, if you want to improve your car's performance, Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies is just the boost you need.

Price: £13.39

Publication: October 15, 2004

Buy: Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies (For Dummies)   Buy: Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies (For Dummies)

How to Modify Your Nissan/Datsun OHC Engine (Paperback)
How to Modify Your Nissan/Datsun OHC Engine (Paperback)

Coax more power from your engine! This guide tells you how to choose L-series engine parts, and prepare and assemble them for optimum power and durability. Filled with L-series mods for road, drag and off-road racing, improved street performance, plus complete mods to crankshaft, pistons, cylinder heads, electrics, carburetion, exhaust and more. Covers 51, 61, 71, 2SX, 24Z, 26Z, 28Z, 28ZX and pick-up truck engines. Includes parts interchange.


Price: £14.39

Publication: April 29, 2004

Buy: How to Modify Your Nissan/Datsun OHC Engine (Paperback)   Buy: How to Modify Your Nissan/Datsun OHC Engine (Paperback)

How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car (Motorbooks Workshop)
How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car (Motorbooks Workshop)

Classic muscle cars are the epitome of cool - but are only as good as the technology in them. This book gives clear easy-to-follow instructions on how to update your muscle car, keeping the style but improving the performance using modern technology. Covering all aspects: transmission, brakes, engines, interiors, axel swaps, steering, suspension, bodywork, engine enhancements, chassis upgrades, all these and more are covered to both restore or maintain a muscle car and make it perform as if it were built yesterday.

Price: £16.06

Publication: 1 Nov 2006 [Paperback]

Buy: How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car (Motorbooks Workshop)   Buy: How to Rebuild and Modify Your Muscle Car (Motorbooks Workshop)

Land Rover Defender Modifying Manual: A Practical Guide to Upgrades (Haynes Modifying Manuals)
Land Rover Defender Modifying Manual: A Practical Guide to Upgrades (Haynes Modifying Manuals)

The legendary 'classic' Land Rover - the mainstay of the four-wheel-drive market world-wide for over 60 years - was rebranded Defender in 1990, and has upheld Land Rover's reputation for producing rugged workhorses, with unbeatable off-road capability. This Haynes Manual provides a practical guide to modifications and upgrades for Defender owners who wish to update or improve their vehicles. Coverage includes modifications for recreational off-road use, as well as modifications intended to improve comfort and cosmetic appearance.

Price: £14.51

Publication: 5 Jan 2012

Buy: Land Rover Defender Modifying Manual: A Practical Guide to Upgrades (Haynes Modifying Manuals)   Buy: Land Rover Defender Modifying Manual: A Practical Guide to Upgrades (Haynes Modifying Manuals)

Land Rover Discovery, Defender & Range Rover: How to Modify for High Performance & Off-Road Action (Speedpro Series)
Land Rover Discovery, Defender & Range Rover: How to Modify for High Performance & Off-Road Action (Speedpro Series)

Buying a Range Rover, Discovery or Defender can be just the start of a wonderful adventure. This book shows the possibilities available to the owner, from big wheels and suspension lifts, under-body protection and tuning ideas, right up to how to convert the car into a high speed racer or an international expedition vehicle. With clear, jargon-free instructions, advice on events like family weekend green-laning, international expeditions and full-on competition, accompanied by colour photographs throughout, this is the definitive guide to getting the most from these exciting vehicles. A world of fun, excitement, exploration and satisfaction awaits the owner of one of these iconic Land Rovers and this book is your ticket to that wonderful world. Some of the most popular Land Rover pastimes are detailed here, with explanations of how to take part and what equipment you need. This unique book explains how these versatile machines can be modified to suit a vast range of applications, from simple upgrades for easier everyday driving and servicing/renovation tips, right up to large scale conversions for racing, trialling and international expeditions. Everything is explained in clear, straightforward text, written by a qualified engineer and Land Rover enthusiast with many years of practical experience, and accompanied by detailed photographs to show the reader how it's all done. Many of the modifications shown were carried out on the writer's own vehicles, giving the reader an honest account of the effort involved bruised knuckles and all. Featuring 'how to' sections, comparison charts to help you choose which modifications are right for you, detailed spec sheets, and lists of useful contacts. Features: * A unique book, covering all three Land Rover coil sprung models, Defender, Discovery and Range Rover * From the simple improvements to the extreme, there s something for everyone * Full colour pictures clearly show critical areas * Easy to follow, jargon-free text explains benefits and pitfalls of each modification * Includes comprehensive buyer's guide which models to go for and which to avoid * Practical maintenance and restoration sections to keep your Land Rover running * Covers green-laning, play days, trialling, Competitive Safari and other motorsport applications * Includes essential data sheets with vehicle dimensions, capacities and performance * Useful contacts for clubs, associations and parts suppliers * Written by a qualified engineer and Land Rover enthusiast with much experience.

Price: £16.39

Publication: 1 Mar 2011

Buy: Land Rover Discovery, Defender & Range Rover: How to Modify for High Performance & Off-Road Action (Speedpro Series)   Buy: Land Rover Discovery, Defender & Range Rover: How to Modify for High Performance & Off-Road Action (Speedpro Series)

The price of books, where indicated, was correct at the time of creating this page. Price of books may have changed on the bookseller's web site.