SA Design Books

About SA Design / CarTech Books

SA Design is the imprint behind some of the most respected automotive books in print today, published under the CarTech Books banner. With a catalog spanning performance builds, restoration projects, technical references, and diagnostic guides, SA Design has become a go-to resource for serious car enthusiasts, professional technicians, and weekend garage warriors alike. Whether you are rebuilding a classic muscle car engine or chasing down a modern OBD fault code, SA Design titles are written by hands-on experts who bring real-world experience to every page.

A Legacy Built on Automotive Knowledge

Founded with a mission to make high-quality technical and enthusiast content accessible to every level of builder and restorer, SA Design has grown its library to over a hundred titles covering virtually every corner of the automotive world. The brand's strength lies in pairing deep technical accuracy with an approachable writing style — making complex subjects like chassis fabrication, engine tuning, or transmission rebuilding understandable without dumbing them down.

At the heart of the catalog are Enthusiast Books — richly detailed guides dedicated to specific makes, models, platforms, and performance disciplines. These titles go beyond simple how-to instructions, offering historical context, build philosophy, and expert tips that make them as enjoyable to read as they are useful in the shop.

For those tackling a specific repair or restoration job, SA Design's Repair Manuals provide step-by-step procedures backed by detailed photography and clear diagrams. These manuals are developed with the DIY mechanic in mind, covering everything from routine maintenance to complex drivetrain overhauls with the kind of clarity that factory service manuals often lack.

Modern vehicles demand modern knowledge, and SA Design answers with a focused selection of On-Board Diagnostics Reference Books. These titles help technicians and enthusiasts decode the complexity of today's electronic systems, interpret fault codes, and understand the sensor networks that govern engine management, emissions, and vehicle dynamics.

Rounding out the lineup, SA Design publishes Technical Specification Books that serve as essential data references — compiling critical specs, torque values, clearances, and engineering details in a format designed for quick, accurate lookup during a build or repair.

Why SA Design Books Stand Apart

• Expert authors: Every title is written by a recognized authority — a professional builder, engineer, or veteran automotive journalist with proven hands-on credentials.
• Photography-driven: SA Design books are known for their extensive use of step-by-step photography, making procedures easier to follow than text-only manuals.
• Broad coverage: From vintage American muscle to modern imports, from street builds to track cars, the catalog covers an impressively wide range of vehicles and disciplines.
• Practical focus: Rather than theoretical overviews, SA Design titles emphasize actionable techniques and real shop practices that translate directly to results.

Whether you are an experienced builder looking to sharpen your skills or a first-time restorer trying to understand your project car, SA Design's library of automotive books offers the knowledge you need to work smarter and build with confidence.