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Custom Auto Electrickery

Chapter 1 Electrickery 

This chapter describes the basic content of this book. This book starts with a tutorial on the basic building blocks of an automotive electrical system. From the basics, the reader can then jump to the main components of an auto electrical system, such as the Starting System, the Charging System, the Ignition System and from there to descriptions and examples of Electronic Engine Control. The reader is also introduced the auto electronics use in today's cars, including factory Engine Management Systems (Delco, Ford) and after-market programmable EMS (Halltech, Motec, etc). This book will also describe the fundamentals of car audio/entertainment, lighting and instrumentation, power windows and doors and wiring these modern systems in a Hot Rod or Custom. From this introduction, readers will be able to jump to the sections they are most interested in. 

Chapter 2 Custom Auto Electrical - the Basics 

The purpose of this section is to provide sufficient information, in a non-technical language, for the enthusiast to confidently embark on their own auto electrical project. Rather than show a step by step guide to wiring a car, this section provides the basis for the reader to be able to design and build a wiring system by themselves. The topics include: 
bulletAutomotive Electricity
bulletElectrical Circuits
bulletSeries and Parallel Circuits
bulletCircuit Protection
bulletFuses, Circuit Breakers, Fusible Links, Maxi Fuse
bulletSwitches, Relays and Solenoids

Chapter 3 Starting Systems

Dealing with a starting system in a Hot Rod or Custom car is not always as straight forward as it seems. It may not be appropriate to use the factory starting system in a modified engine bay, where clearances, engine compression and temperatures vary from the factory installation. Topics include:
bulletStarter Motor
bulletStarter Motor Components
bulletOperation
bulletStarter Motor Types

Chapter 4 The Charging System 

Advances in battery and alternator technology have been necessary to satisfy the high electrical consumption typical of modern cars. Engine Management, Electronic Fuel Injection, electrically operated devices such as cooling fans and water pumps, air conditioning, etc, all contribute to large electrical demands.
bulletBattery and Battery Selection
bulletTrunk Mounted Batteries
bulletAlternator
bulletRegulation - Electronic and Electro-mechanical
bulletTerminal Identification 

Chapter 5 Ignition Systems 

Electronic ignitions are universally accepted as the norm, and this section deals with the basic types, such as Magnetic, Hall Effect and HEI. From here, the reader can gain an understanding of electronic ignitions so that the basics of electronic ignition control in engine management systems can be better understood. This chapter is divided into the following topics: 
bulletDistributor
bulletMagnetic
bulletHall Effect
bulletIgnition Advance
bulletChoosing an Ignition System
bulletMagneto Ignition
bulletHigh Energy Ignition Systems
bulletDistributorless Ignition Systems 

Chapter 6 Electronic Ignition Conversions 

This Chapter describes the various methods and procedures to follow in order to convert a points type ignition system or an early transistor assisted electronic ignition system to a magnetic pulse or hall effect electronic ignition system. We will deal with the most popular electronic ignition system conversions which are available for earlier, pre-EFI engines. For the auto enthusiast who wishes to retain these older engines, the conversions will increase performance, reduce pollutants and run more efficiently without losing their aesthetic appeal. An early, or "traditional" Hot Rod just wouldn't look right with a SVO port injected Ford, but with the proper application of these products, your Windsor, Cleveland, 390 Cadillac, early Hemi or flathead engine can be fired by the most modern, high tech means available. 

Chapter 7 Electronic Fuel and Ignition Control 

The demand for non-carburetted power plants for the automotive enthusiast is on the rise, but many are held back due to a lack of understanding on how it all works and what components are required. This chapter deals with the basics, and describes the components required in a typical installation.
bulletOperation
bulletInputs
bulletSensors and Actuators
bulletElectronic Fuel Control
bulletIgnition Control
bulletEngine Management Computers  

Chapter 8 Custom Wiring 

In addition to the main components of any auto electrical system (such as the starting, charging, ignition, etc systems already described in previous chapters), there are other auto electrical/electronic circuits and components that need to be included. Some of the most common ones include: 
bulletWiring and Wiring Kits
bulletLighting and Instrumentation
bulletWiring a Late Model Steering Column
bulletFuse Panels
bulletWiring Groups

Chapter 9 Car Audio

In-car entertainment systems have come a long way in a short time. Aftermarket systems always seem to be streets ahead of everyday factory systems, and are only equaled by the factory installations in all but the most prestigious cars. Your custom auto electrical system should include the type of car audio/entertainment system in the overall planning so that you are not tearing the system down later to make way for a new head unit or amplifier. This section deals with the basics of installing and wiring a sound system in a custom vehicle, such as a Hot Rod or Kustom car, inasmuch as it fits in with the rest of your electrical system. If you are into full-on competition audio, then you should consult the appropriate industries, as we are dealing here with your basic head unit, amplifier and speakers. If all you are interested in is a cheap radio with, maybe, a cassette player built in, then you can skip this bit, too. If you like your music and like it crisp, clear and LOUD, then this chapter will help.

Chapter 10 Tools and Test Equipment

It is essential for the auto enthusiast to obtain the most appropriate tools and test equipment, dependant upon the complexity of the installation. This section describes the most common tools and test equipment, how to use them and where to get them. 

Chapter 11 Crimping and Crimping Tools 

Factory wiring harnesses take advantage of production-line manufacturing processes that the hot rodder does not have access to. In addition, the factories manufacture thousands of the same electrical system to fit a variety of models. Despite these advantages, a well thought out custom system will be far superior to a factory one for a number of reasons. By taking your time and working through each individual circuit, your system will be neat, easy to install and far easier to maintain than a factory harness that has been "customised" to fit your project. In so doing, you will need to make many connections and terminations, even on the various kits that are available in the market place. The most important of those tools is the crimping tool. 

Chapter 12 Common Auto Electrical Problems 

This section lists many common problems encountered in auto electrical service and repair. The reader is given a table of common problems and the most likely solution/s.

 

Buy the Books

From the Publisher:

Electrickery
Electronic Engine Management 
Chev TPI
Complete HEMI Manual

From Amazon.com:

Choco's Amazon.com store on Hot Rod Handbooks

 

About the Books

Electrickery
Electronic Engine Management
Small Block TPI book
Complete HEMI Manual
 

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Last update May 15, 2004