Tuning For Speed

Tuning for Speed

THE CW LIBRARY

The late Phil Irving designed the fabulous Vincent motorcycles that are still being cited as major sources of inspiration by designers working today. Later, Irving supplemented a modest income by writing a series of articles on tuning technique, and these were collected and first published in book form in 1948. This is an easy-to-read book of clear explanation of how engine-tuning techniques work and how to apply them. Although most of the engines given as examples are now obsolete, the explanations in this book can never go out of date. Tuning for Speed is useful both to those who want to expand their general knowledge, and to those who want information specific to particular older classic machines.

Irving updated this book at each new edition. As an example, this volume presents information on tuning modern Lectron carburetors that shows his work and understanding continued to expand to the end of his life. As in the case of Harry Ricardo's classic High Speed Internal Combustion Engines, this is a book that will continue to inform the reader no matter how high his level of understanding rises over the years. Irving also wrote a companion book, Motorcycle Engineering. Both of these volumes belong on any serious motorcycle enthusiast's shelf. -Kevin Cameron

Kevin Cameron

Tuning for Speed, Phil Irving, 260 pages, $40; Turton & Arm strong, Carousel Properties, Inc., 103 Valley Rd., West Cornwall, CT 06796; 860/672-6630; carouselprop@mindspring. corn