How To Build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks on a Budget!

There's a common thread that connects high-performance enthusiasts; they want horsepower at the most affordable price. Hot rodders have always searched for ways to save money and improve performance, which includes fabricating their own parts, buying prime used parts, searching classifieds, and combing swap meets looking for deals.

These high-performance enthusiasts take pride in beating the next guy in a contest of speed while spending less to do it.

Renowned engine builder and technical writer David Vizard turns his attention to extracting serious horsepower from small-block Chevy engines while doing it on a budget.

Included are details of the desirable factory part numbers, easy do-it-yourself cylinder-head modifications, inexpensive but effective aftermarket parts, the best blocks, rotating assembly (cranks, rods, and pistons), camshaft selection, lubrication, induction, ignition, exhaust systems, and more.

This book is an all-new color edition of a previous best seller. It contains the latest engine-building techniques, profiles current technology, and includes today's affordable parts and engines. Vizard performs 10 engine builds, which include dyno charts and parts lists. And it's all done at a nominal cost.

Don't throw away money on bogus parts and inflated horsepower claims. Get the real scoop with How to Build Max-Performance Chevy Small-Blocks On A Budget.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Foreword by Roger Helgesen

CHAPTER 1: ENGINE BUILDING PRACTICES

The Importance of Good Parts and Engine
Building Practice
Inspection
Preparation

CHAPTER 2: THE PRODUCTION of POWER

Flow Bench Relevance
Heat Management
Dynamometer Results
Rating Standards

CHAPTER 3: CYLINDER BLOCKS

Block Logic
What to Look for
Block Selection
Casting Material
Locating the Right Block
Teardown and Cleaning
Block Strip
Pre-Machining Details
The Oil Return Holes
Professional Cleaning and Checking
Moving Bores
Machining Operations
Acquiring Your Performance Block the EasyWay
Post-Machining Detailing

CHAPTER 4: CRANKS, RODS and PISTONS

Stock Cranks
A Little Money, A Lot More Torque and
Horsepower
Fast Mover
Clean Sheet
Other Applications
Buying a Forged or Billet Crank
Bearings
Strengthening Process
Crank Vibration Dampers
Connecting Rods
Lightening and Rod Balancing on the Cheap
Rod Upgrades
Rods: The Final Choice
Rod Lengths: What to Use
Pistons: Type to Use
Pistons: Aftermarket
Piston Selection
Rings
Balancing

CHAPTER 5: LUBRICATION SYSTEMS

Loosing ZDP
Power Versus Oil Type
Oil Temperaure
Oil Filters
Oil Pumps
Internal Pump Clearances
Oil Pump Chatter
Pressure-Relief Valve
Oil Bypass
Alternative Oil Pumps
Oil Pan Design
Oil Pan Modifications
Top-End Restriction
Oil Movement

CHAPTER 6: CYLINDER HEADS

Factory Heads for Performace
Production Heads: Basic Overhaul Work Order
Machining Sumamry
Basic Small-Block Chevy Head Porting
Port Re-Shaping Techniques
Valves
Exhaust Ports
Compression: The Budget Racer’s Big-Power
Ticket
CR Increase Versus Cost
CC’ing Equipment
Cylinder Heads Detailing and Assembly
Porting 186/041-Style Head Castings
Porting L98 Corvette Heads
Porting L31 Vortec Heads
Aftermarket Heads
Port and Chamber Volume Selection
Basic Porting Results
Aluminum Heads

CHAPTER 7: CAMS & VALVETRAINS

Basic Five
Fuel Octane and Dynamic CR
Overlap
LCA Selection
Duration
Dual-Pattern Cams
Lift Versus Output
Lift Versus Wear
Making a Cam Selection
Springs
Retainers
Lifters
Stock Hydraulic Roller Lifters
Pushrods
Timing in the Cam

About the Author

David Vizard is revered engine builder, technical writer, and author. In fact, he has authored more than 30 highly respected engine building and automotive titles, penned about 4,000 magazine articles, and contributed scores of web pieces to popular sites. Often referred to as Vizard the Wizard, his work is frequently the subject of blogs and editorial pieces in popular automotive magazines. He currently owns and runs an engine research and development business in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he lives.