I know that there are a lot of people on this forum that know an aweful lot about engines, unfortunately I am not one of those people...But I would like to learn about how to build an engine from the ground up. So my question is this; is there anywhere on the internet that I can go to read about building an engine. Or maybe a book that I could buy that has step by step instructions and mathmatical formulas etc., etc...any input would be greatly appreciated...Thanks for all the great help guys, in the past and still to come.

 

If you have a jegs or summit, they have a list of books that will tell you a great deal. Ive read "Engine builder's Handbook" by Tom Monroe. I thought that it was good but it is the only one i have read. but, you cant build an engine from only an instruction book. you will also need one with numbers such as clearance tolerances, ect.. You can get those numbers off the internet or in a book. As far as math formulas, they are all over the internet, do a search. there are probably sites on the internet about building an engine, but there is so much to know that i think a book would be better. Plus, i think that a published book sold by summit would be a little more reliable. an instruction book like this will give you alot more confidence before you tear down if your a beginner.

 

Hey thanks...do you happen to have any sights already bookmarked for engine building. Also, about how much am I looking to pay for some of these engine books?

 

My book was 17 bucks, but it is pretty detailed. they vary in price but you should be able to get something good for less than 20 bucks. Do you get summit racing or jeg's catalogs? they have catalogs for sb chevys, bb chevys ect.. they might have all of the specs in those books, i dont know, i havent read one, but since its for that specific engine, they should. A site for math calculations would be smokemup.com they have a tab on the top of the page for math formulas.

 

Your library should have a few sbc books. And when you spill assembly lube all over it, you don't even have to worry about it.

 

the book i recomend is John Lingenfelter On Modifying Small Block Chevy's. it's got alot of usuable info to learn from. i bought it when it came out and have given it to any of my beginner friends to read for some basis to work on.

 

"How to build the Small block Chevrolet" by Larry Atherton & Larry Schreib is a great book, it can be had on amazon.com for around $20. It is published by S-A Design

Has detailed step by step instruction on how to build the small block chevy. Covers concepts and specifics of SBC engines. A great book.

Also good are:

"How to rebuild your small block chevy" by David Vizard. This book is good but a tad dated and deals mostly with older versions of the SBC.

"Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell. Good book about turbos but I also learned alot about engines in general from this book.

"How to Hot Rod small-block Chevys" by Bill Fisher & Bob Waar. Also a tad dated but still a good read, some tricks are no longer used, so its sorta historical in a sense.

 

i thought i knew alot about engines till i got the How To Build SBC engines for street/strip by john lingenfelter, now i know that i didnt know crap... that book taut me alot and im still learning stuff every day i pick it up, its a great book, check out E-bay, my dad got it off there for like $2.75 plus $2. shipping.

 

i thought i knew alot about engines till i got the How To Build SBC engines for street/strip by john lingenfelter, now i know that i didnt know crap... that book taut me alot and im still learning stuff every day i pick it up, its a great book, check out E-bay, my dad got it off there for like $2.75 plus $2. shipping.

 

i second the library idea. i dont know about yours but i can even get GM manuals through mine, and best of all it's free

 

Thanks guys, this all great. I'll have to do some snooping to see how much I can get them for.

 

Ok, I have read and am continuing to read all the engine books and engineering book I can; I have found that while all the books offer great information on "Power Theory" they all fall short on actual engine building instructions. Stuff like Main Cap Torque specs, head torque specs, rod end cap installation proceedure, where to put what lubricants, proper valve train installation and adjustment. I have gain a great deal of knowlege from the four engine books I have read and the only area (Short of camshafts) that I feel I can truely learn anything substantial is actual building proceedures...If you all could lead me in the right direction to find building instructions...Thanks.

By the way, all the books you guys suggested were very good...My personal favorite being "How to Build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks on a Budget" By David Vizard

Thanks Again Everybody:hail: