just curious what others think is a good book. need something that steps you through putting an engine together from scratch- something that lists all of the clearances and such.

 

I am reading two right now, Chevrolet small block parts interchange manual, by ed staffel. and how to build max performance chevy small blocks on a budget by david vizard.
Pro/Cons
The parts interchange manual is excellent. It has tons of useful information, only thing i wish they went more in depth on, fuel injection...
The vizard book, once again excellent basic knowledge. Assumes you can port heads and do your own machine work. Also assumes everyone on the planet loves carbs and his engine builds reflect this.

BAsically they are great for basic knowledge, and once you can input your fuel injection cfm and other factors you can use these books to learn a bunch.
Just my .02

 

John Lingenfelter on Modifying SBC Engines. It covers many tips, tricks, and engine theory. Also the Chevrolet Power Manual.

R.I.P. John.

 

I have "how to rebuild your SBC" by David Vizard, and i'm less than impressed. It's fairly outdated it seems, and it focuses a lot on re-using parts that I would guess would normally be replaced.

 

well- crap. I am not really looking for one of the "tips/tricks" books- i want a how to book. and so far- the only one the people know of sounds as though it sucks. well- guess i will keep shopping. thanks for the input though.

 

One book might not be what you are looking for. Maybe take a couple of books. I have a small library here. I agree about alot of the books being outdated. I have an old "How to hotrod SBCs" and they say that roller rockers are a waste of money, and are for "RACING" only. Go figure.

 

well- all of us "race" at one time or another don't we?? i guess we had better be prepared

 

I liked this book:
"How to build the smallblock chevrolet" SA design
by Larry Atherton and Larry Schreib

Goes into good detail and tons of pictures.

 

might have to see if the local Borders or Barnes/Noble has that- thanks

 

That one's pretty good for mostly stock-type rebuilds, but if you want to be modifying things you might also pick up "Engine Blueprinting" by Rick Voegelin, also from SA Designs.

 

like i said before- the main things i am looking for are torque specs and clearances for putting the short block together and bolting everything up. i already have my engine combo lined out/purchased. both of those seem to fit the bill. now i get to spend more money