Learn how to get the most horsepower out of the tried-and-true small-block Chevy platform in this all-new full-color guide.
Whether you are a hot rodder, a custom car owner, or a muscle car guy, you are always going to be looking for the latest and greatest Chevy small-block performance information. This book is a valuable resource on all the latest for the Chevy small-block owner.
How to Build Killer Chevy Small-Block Engines covers all the major components, such as blocks, crankshafts, rods and pistons, camshafts, the valvetrain, oiling systems, heads, intake and carburetor, and ignition systems. In addition, this book contains a large section on stroker packages. Also featured are the latest street heads from AFR, Dart, RHS, World Products, and other prominent manufacturers. While the design is more than 60 years old, the aftermarket for this powerplant is still developing. An in-depth, highly detailed example of a popular build format is featured, offering a complete road map to duplicate this sample build. This build achieved over 700 hp from 422 cubic inches!
While the GM LS engine family has earned a strong following and is currently the hottest small-block in the enthusiast market, the Gen I Chevy small-block engine retains a strong following with the massive number of these engines still in use throughout the hobby. They are durable, affordable, and a very well-supported platform.rn
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: The Small-Block Chevy
OEM Crankshaft Journal Size
Today's Options
Chapter 2: The Block: Where It All Begins
Cast Iron Versus Aluminum
OEM Blocks
Advantages of an Aftermarket Block
Dart
Brodix
Donovan
Chevy Performance Blocks
World Products
Chapter 3: Crankshafts
Crankshaft Stroke
Factory Stock Crankshaft Stroke
Popular Aftermarket Bore/Stroke Combinations
Bore and Stroke Combinations
Selecting Crankshaft Stroke
Forgings and Billet
Crankshaft Durability Treatments
REM Finishing
Chapter 4: Connecting Rods
Rod Ratio
Types of Rods
Connecting Rod Length
Rod to Block Clearance
Rod Side Clearance
Beam Design
Rod and Cap Numbering
Rod Bolt Tips
Tightening Rod Bolts by Monitoring Stretch
REM Finishing
Chapter 5: Today's Performance Cylinder Heads
Edelbrock
Trick Flow Specialties (TFS)
Dart
Brodix
Air Flow Research
World Products
Racing Head Service
Chapter 6: Advancements in Camshaft Design and Technology
Roller Cam Advantages
Camshaft Patterns to Compensate for Intake Manifold Runners
Symmetrical Versus Asymmetrical Camshafts
Surface Finishing Technology
Lobe Separation Angles
Base Circle Diameter
Special Firing-Order Camshafts
Camshaft Needle Bearings
Choosing the Correct Distributor Gear
Check for Runout
Chapter 7: Induction
Manifolds
Selecting Carburetor Size
E85 Fuel
EFI
Fuel Pressure
Fuel Injectors: Low Impedance Versus High Impedance
Choosing Injector Size
Forced Induction
Supercharger Basics
Fuel System
Compression Ratio
Upgrading the Engine to Accommodate the New-Found Power
Fuel Injection Tech
Injector Impedance
Injector Harness Adapters
Injector Physical Dimensions
Chapter 8: Rockers and Lifters
Roller Rockers
Shaft-Mounted Rockers
Rocker Arm Materials
Rocker Arm Ratio
Lifters
Chapter 9: Pistons
Piston Skirts and Major/Minor Thrust
Offset Pin
Match the Valve Angle
Examples of Piston Choices
Piston Dome Shape
Coatings
Piston Features and Options
Piston CD and the Oil Ring
Piston Dome Volume
Combustion Chamber Volume
Chapter 10: Sample Engine Build: 422 CI
Block Prep and Modifications
Crankshaft Balancing
Block Plugs
Cam and Bearings
Crankshaft Installation
Dry Belt Care
Crank Balancer Installation
Piston and Rod Installation
Oil Filter Adapter
Wet Sump Oil Pumps
Cam Timing
Roller Lifters
Timing Pointer
Crank Trigger
Cylinder Heads
Rockers
Pushrods
Intake Manifold
Carburetor
Distributor
Valve Covers
Oil Pan
Vacuum Pump
Racing Alternator
Water Pump
Dyno Run
Parts Used in This Build
Source Guide
Learn how to get the most horsepower out of the tried-and-true small-block Chevy platform in this all-new full-color guide.
Whether you are a hot rodder, a custom car owner, or a muscle car guy, you are always going to be looking for the latest and greatest Chevy small-block performance information. This book is a valuable resource on all the latest for the Chevy small-block owner.
How to Build Killer Chevy Small-Block Engines covers all the major components, such as blocks, crankshafts, rods and pistons, camshafts, the valvetrain, oiling systems, heads, intake and carburetor, and ignition systems. In addition, this book contains a large section on stroker packages. Also featured are the latest street heads from AFR, Dart, RHS, World Products, and other prominent manufacturers. While the design is more than 60 years old, the aftermarket for this powerplant is still developing. An in-depth, highly detailed example of a popular build format is featured, offering a complete road map to duplicate this sample build. This build achieved over 700 hp from 422 cubic inches!
While the GM LS engine family has earned a strong following and is currently the hottest small-block in the enthusiast market, the Gen I Chevy small-block engine retains a strong following with the massive number of these engines still in use throughout the hobby. They are durable, affordable, and a very well-supported platform.rn
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: The Small-Block Chevy
OEM Crankshaft Journal Size
Today's Options
Chapter 2: The Block: Where It All Begins
Cast Iron Versus Aluminum
OEM Blocks
Advantages of an Aftermarket Block
Dart
Brodix
Donovan
Chevy Performance Blocks
World Products
Chapter 3: Crankshafts
Crankshaft Stroke
Factory Stock Crankshaft Stroke
Popular Aftermarket Bore/Stroke Combinations
Bore and Stroke Combinations
Selecting Crankshaft Stroke
Forgings and Billet
Crankshaft Durability Treatments
REM Finishing
Chapter 4: Connecting Rods
Rod Ratio
Types of Rods
Connecting Rod Length
Rod to Block Clearance
Rod Side Clearance
Beam Design
Rod and Cap Numbering
Rod Bolt Tips
Tightening Rod Bolts by Monitoring Stretch
REM Finishing
Chapter 5: Today's Performance Cylinder Heads
Edelbrock
Trick Flow Specialties (TFS)
Dart
Brodix
Air Flow Research
World Products
Racing Head Service
Chapter 6: Advancements in Camshaft Design and Technology
Roller Cam Advantages
Camshaft Patterns to Compensate for Intake Manifold Runners
Symmetrical Versus Asymmetrical Camshafts
Surface Finishing Technology
Lobe Separation Angles
Base Circle Diameter
Special Firing-Order Camshafts
Camshaft Needle Bearings
Choosing the Correct Distributor Gear
Check for Runout
Chapter 7: Induction
Manifolds
Selecting Carburetor Size
E85 Fuel
EFI
Fuel Pressure
Fuel Injectors: Low Impedance Versus High Impedance
Choosing Injector Size
Forced Induction
Supercharger Basics
Fuel System
Compression Ratio
Upgrading the Engine to Accommodate the New-Found Power
Fuel Injection Tech
Injector Impedance
Injector Harness Adapters
Injector Physical Dimensions
Chapter 8: Rockers and Lifters
Roller Rockers
Shaft-Mounted Rockers
Rocker Arm Materials
Rocker Arm Ratio
Lifters
Chapter 9: Pistons
Piston Skirts and Major/Minor Thrust
Offset Pin
Match the Valve Angle
Examples of Piston Choices
Piston Dome Shape
Coatings
Piston Features and Options
Piston CD and the Oil Ring
Piston Dome Volume
Combustion Chamber Volume
Chapter 10: Sample Engine Build: 422 CI
Block Prep and Modifications
Crankshaft Balancing
Block Plugs
Cam and Bearings
Crankshaft Installation
Dry Belt Care
Crank Balancer Installation
Piston and Rod Installation
Oil Filter Adapter
Wet Sump Oil Pumps
Cam Timing
Roller Lifters
Timing Pointer
Crank Trigger
Cylinder Heads
Rockers
Pushrods
Intake Manifold
Carburetor
Distributor
Valve Covers
Oil Pan
Vacuum Pump
Racing Alternator
Water Pump
Dyno Run
Parts Used in This Build
Source Guide