Small-Block Chevy Performance 1955-1996: Engine Buildups, Casting Numbers, Machine Work

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Item # SA110  ISBN: 1932494154




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The small-block Chevrolet is the most popular engine of all time—and rightfully so. It was built in staggering numbers and boasts a huge high-performance aftermarket that continues to grow to this day. For these reasons, the small-block Chevy is the most affordable, most modifiable, and most powerful performance engine on the planet.

Originally published as two separate volumes, Small-Block Chevy Performance 1955-1996 now covers the latest information on all Gen I and Gen II Chevy small-blocks—all in one place.

Using nearly 500 photos and detailed text, author John Baechtel explains proven techniques for selecting and preparing blocks, crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder heads, and more for high-performance use.

Chapters also include popular ignition, carburetor, exhaust, camshaft, and valvetrain tips and tricks. Look inside and discover the one source for small-block Chevy high-performance information.

Table of Contents

Introduction | Displacement Basics

Chapter 1: Blocks
Block Selection | Inspecting a Used Block | Block Preparation | Align Boring | Decking | Cylinder Boring | Cam Bearings | Core (Freeze) Plugs | Final Block Prep | Factory Block Choices

Chapter 2: Crankshafts
Crank Identification | Inspection and Prep | Balancing | Bearings | High-Performance Chevy Crankshafts | Harmonic Balancers

Chapter 3: Connecting Rods
Early Small-Journal Rods | Large-Journal Rods | Heavy-Duty Rods | Aftermarket Rods | Rod Preparation | Side Clearance | Rod Bore Sizing | Pin Bushings | Rod Bearings

Chapter 4: Pistons
Factory Pistons | Selecting Pistons | Current Factory Pistons | Forged Pistons | Compression Ratio | Valve Clearance | Piston Pins | Piston Rings

Chapter 5: Camshafts
Cam Selection | Cam Drive Basics | Valve Events | Lobe Centers | Current Factory Camshaft Kits | Lifter Types | Valvesprings | Degreeing the Cam

Chapter 6: Cylinder Heads
HO Aluminum Head | Cast-Iron Performance Heads | Bow Tie Racing Heads | Aftermarket Performance Heads | Head Porting | Valveguides and Seats

Chapter 7: Induction System
Dual-Plane Manifolds | Single-Plane Manifolds | Factory Intake Manifolds | Aftermarket Intake Manifolds | Port Matching | Carb Spacers | Carb Selection | Fine Tuning | Electronic Fuel Injection

Chapter 8: Ignition System
Ignition Basics | HEI | Aftermarket Ignitions | Secondary Considerations | Setting Ignition Timing

Chapter 9: Oiling System
Production-Block Oiling | Oil Pumps | Oil Pans and Screens | Oil Filters | Cooling, Plumbing, & Gauges | Dry-Sump Oiling Systems

Chapter 10: Exhaust System
Aftermarket Headers | The Complete System

Chapter 11: Gen II Small-Blocks
LT1 and LT4 | LT1/LT4 Features and Differences | LT1 vs. LT4 Features | Cylinder Blocks | Crankshafts | Connecting Rods | Pistons | Camshafts | Oiling System | Water Pump | Intake Manifolds | Engine Specs and Fasteners

Small-Block Chevy Performance 1955-1996: Engine Buildups, Casting Numbers, Machine Work