Small-block Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge V-8 engines came in a variety of vehicles since 1964. These powerful, durable engines powered everything from high-performance 'Cudas and Chargers to torquey Dakotas and Ram trucks.
How to Rebuild the Small-Block Mopar is the most comprehensive book on small-block Mopar engines ever released, covering 273, 318, 340, and 360-ci LA engines and 5.2 and 5.9L Magnum V-8s. Author William Burt uses color photos and descriptive text to teach readers the complete rebuild process from removal to break-in.
This book describes ways to increase the performance and efficiency of your small-block Mopar, and also point s out the unique steps required for LA and Magnum versions of the engine. Topics covered include removal, tear down, inspection, selecting parts, machine-shop work, and assembly. Special sidebars cover torque sequences, cc-ing heads, calculating compression ratio, and painting engine parts.
The Mopar big-block RB and B engines have powered millions of Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler cars from 1959 to 1978, including some of the most iconic muscle cars-the Charger, Superbird, Barracuda, GTX, Road Runner, Super Bee, and many others. Over the course of 50-plus years, these engines have required and will continue to require rebuilding, and this book is an indispensable guide for the process.
Veteran magazine writer Arvid Svendsen documents a professional-caliber rebuild in this latest Workbench® Series title. Full-color photographs accompanied by exceptionally detailed captions with clear, concise instructions guide you through each crucial stage of the rebuild process. You will be able to confidently complete the rebuild of an entire engine, which includes pulling the engine from the car and disassembling the long block. In addition, you are shown how to inspect all components, guide machine work, select optimal parts for a specific performance level, assemble the complete engine, and perform a final shake-down of the engine.
All crucial steps of assembly are shown and discussed in exquisite detail, so you can install main bearings, crankshaft, pistons, rods, lifters, push rods, and the entire valvetrain, heads, intake, carb, and all other parts with confidence. Once the engine is installed and the ignition key is turned, you will have the satisfaction of having soundly rebuilt an engine that provides years of strong faithful service. This book is a must-have for any Mopar enthusiast.
If you want to modify your carburetor-equipped vehicle for performance today, you can choose from three major carburetor families - Holley, Demon, and Edelbrock. While Holley and Holley-style carburetors like Demon have been popular for years with their well documented successes and quirks, there has never before been a book covering the ins and outs of the emerging Edelbrock line of carburetors.
How to Rebuild and Modify Carter/Edelbrock Carburetors reflects the emergence of Edelbrock carburetors as the predominant Carter-style carburetors in the market today. A revision of the best-selling title Super Tuning and Modifying Carter Carburetors, this book contains more than 300 color photos, illustrations, and diagrams, covering rebuilding, tuning, and modifying Carter and Edelbrock carburetors.
This book also features the history of Carter as well as the history of the AFB and the AVS since the purchase by Edelbrock. Author David Emanuel outlines carburetor types, gives a thorough look at carb selection and carb function, and offers detailed information on modifications, tuning, and rebuilding Carter/Edelbrock carburetors.
The Mark IV Chevrolet big-block, made from 1965 to 1976, produced legendary performance and is one of the greatest big-blocks of all time. This design was a giant performance leap ahead of the old Chevy wedge big-block. The Mark IV featured canted valves, large intake ports, and an efficient head design for vastly increased air/fuel flow, better combustion, and huge horsepower. With a big-block under the hood, the Camaro, Chevelle, Corvette, and other Chevys became some of the most desirable ultra-high-performance cars of all time. How to Rebuild the Big-Block Chevrolet covers the best techniques for rebuilding the renowned 366-, 396-, 402-, 427-, and 454-ci big-block engines.
With exceptional clarity and insightful detail, this book explains engine removal, disassembly, parts inspection, selection of machine work, initial and final assembly, tuning, and break-in.
Through 500 photos and extremely detailed instruction, each step-by-step procedure explains professional techniques for rebuilding these engines. In addition, high-performance upgrades are covered as well as torque specs for major components, setting cylinder firing order, main bearing cap torque sequence, and much more. This volume provides an unparalleled level of information for rebuilding a big-block Chevy, so your rebuild project is hassle-free and successful.
Starting in the early 1960s, Mopar Wedge engines powered a wide range of Chrysler muscle cars, such as the Dodge Charger, Daytona Charger, Super Bee, Challenger, as well as Plymouth Barracuda, Superbird, Road Runner, GTX, and others. Many times these high-powered muscle cars were pursued by equally high-powered Dodge and Plymouth police cars that were also packing Mopar big-block power under the hood. In 1978, the last of the Mopar big-blocks rolled down the production line, but in an odd twist of fate, the popularity of the Mopar surged again in street and strip cars during the 1980s. By the 1990s, the big Mopar engine was more popular than ever.
This book covers how to build Mopar's 383-, 400-, 413-, 426-, and 440-ci engines to power levels of 600 to 900 hp. How to Build Max-Performance Mopar Big Blocks discusses how to properly budget your engine build for a specific performance target and how to select a stock or aftermarket block for the desired performance level. The reciprocating assembly (crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons) is examined in detail, to help you select the right design and material for durability and performance requirements. Cylinder heads and valvetrain configurations are crucial for generating maximum horsepower and torque. This volume discusses all the stock modification options, the best setups, selecting the right machine work, the latest aftermarket head options for producing huge horsepower, and building stroker engines. The camshafts and lifters chapter compares and contrasts use of hydraulic flat tappet, hydraulic roller, and solid flat tappet cams. In addition, the book explains how to optimize fresh and spent fuel, discussing single- and dual-plane intake manifolds, as well as the exhaust-system design to optimize scavenging. Also details engine builds at 600, 700, 800, and 900 horsepower levels to provide insight and reveal what can be done with real-world component packages.
When the '96 Mustang came out with the 4.6-liter V-8, some performance enthusiasts were scared away by its technology. But those days are long gone. Ford added horsepower and torque to its 2- and 4-valve V-8s over the years, and the number and quality of available aftermarket performance parts has exploded. Ford took things to the next level with the new 3-valve Mustang GT engine, the 5.4-liter GT and the Shelby GT500, adding even more high-performance options.
In this updated edition of How To Build Max-Performance 4.6-Liter Ford Engines, Sean Hyland gives you a comprehensive guide to building and modifying Ford's 2-, 3-, and 4-valve 4.6- and 5.4-liter engines. You will learn everything from block selection and crankshaft prep, to cylinder head and intake manifold modifications. He also outlines eight recommended power packages and provides you with a step-by-step buildup of a naturally aspirated 405-horsepower Cobra engine. This is the definitive guide to getting the most from your 4.6- and 5.4-liter Ford.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
Get a complete look at Ford Big-Block parts interchange and availability from author George Reid, a Ford expert and historian.
Engine components covered in Ford Big-Block Parts Interchange include cranks, rods, pistons, camshafts, engine blocks, intake and exhaust manifolds, carburetors, distributors, and more. Expanding from the previous edition of High-Performance Ford Parts Interchange that covered both small- and big-block engines in one volume, this book cuts out the small-block information and devotes every page to the MEL, FE and 385 series big-blocks from Ford, which allows for more complete and extensive coverage.
Over the course of performance car history, and specifically muscle car history, big-block engines are particularly beloved, and for good reason. Not only are they the essence of what a muscle car is, but before modern technology and stroker engines, they were also the best way to make a lot of horsepower. All of the Detroit manufacturers had their versions of big-block engines, and Ford was no exception. Actually, Ford was somewhat unique in that it had two very different big-block engine designs during the muscle car era.
The FE engine was a design pioneered in the late 1950s, primarily as a more powerful replacement for the dated Y-block design because cars were becoming bigger and heavier, and therefore, necessitated more power to move. What started as torquey engines meant to move heavyweight sedans morphed into screaming high-performance mills that won Le Mans and drag racing championships through the 1960s. By the late 1960s, the design was dated, so Ford replaced the FE design with the 385 series, also known as the Lima design, which was more similar to the canted-valve Cleveland design being pioneered at the same time. It didn't share the 1960s pedigree of racing success, but the new design was better in almost every way; it exists via Ford motorsports offerings to this day.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
The first book of its kind, How to Rebuild the Honda B-Series Engine shows exactly how to rebuild the ever-popular Honda B-series engine. The book explains variations between the different B-series designations and elaborates upon the features that make this engine family such a tremendous and reliable design. Honda B-series engines are some of the most popular for enthusiasts to swap, and they came in many popular Honda and Acura models over the years, including the Civic, Integra, Accord, Prelude, CRX, del Sol, and even the CR-V.
In this special Workbench book, author Jason Siu uses more than 600 photos, charts, and illustrations to give simple step-by-step instructions on disassembly, cleaning, machining tips, pre-assembly fitting, and final assembly. This book gives considerations for both stock and performance rebuilds. It also guides you through both the easy and tricky procedures, showing you how to rebuild your engine and ensure it is working perfectly. Dealing with considerations for all B-series engines-foreign and domestic, VTEC and non-VTEC-the book also illustrates many of the wildly vast performance components, accessories, and upgrades available for B-series engines.
As with all Workbench titles, this book details and highlights special components, tools, chemicals, and other accessories needed to get the job done right, the first time. Appendices are packed full of valuable reference information, and the book includes a Work-Along-Sheet to help you record vital statistics and measurements along the way. You'll even find tips that will help you save money without compromising top-notch results.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
Build and modify your Jeep CJ to unlock its full potential with instruction from Jeep guru Michael Hanssen.
In Jeep CJ 1972-1986: How to Build & Modify, Michael covers all of the systems that can be upgraded to improve your Jeep's performance. Upgrades include suspension components such as springs, shocks, and steering modifications; driveline components including differentials, transmissions, transfer cases, and axles; engine upgrades including engine swaps; wheel and tire upgrades; aftermarket accessories; armor such as skid plates and bumpers; brake upgrades; and more.
Identifying the Jeep CJ series vehicles as the most popular off-road vehicles of all time may actually qualify as an understatement. They really are that popular. The CJ series arguably started after World War II with the CJ-2A being introduced to the masses, and while the early CJs have their share of enthusiasts, the largest group of enthusiasts began their love affair with the AMC-powered Jeep CJ-5s beginning in 1972. Joined by the longer-wheelbase CJ-7 models introduced in 1976, the CJ models were wildly popular through their discontinuation in 1986, when the Wrangler was introduced. These were the only models originally equipped with V-8 engines in any meaningful way. This era combined the ruggedness of the early Jeeps with some of the advancements and horsepower of a more modern era; it makes a platform that is both fun to own and to modify.
Whether you are looking to get into serious off-roading or just want to make your classic CJ a little more fun, this book will be a valuable tool in your shop or library.
Take an in-depth look into the second-generation Firebird and Trans Am with the ultimate guidebook that includes production figures, option codes, running changes, model-year changes and variances, rarity, collectability, interviews with engineers, and more.
Pontiac expert and historian Rocky Rotella examines each production year of the second generation of Firebirds. Complementing the data and year-by-year analysis is a combination of archival photography from the development of these cars as well as beautiful color photos of original and restored examples today.
After the extremely successful debut of the first-generation Firebirds and Camaros, General Motors had a tall task ahead: create an equally popular yet radically different version of the groundbreaking pony car it was replacing. Enthusiasts picked up on the radically different part as soon as they saw these cars. Over time, we have come to appreciate how successful these second-generation cars were. They include the early models that had an emphasis on performance along with the continued development of the Trans Am, the 455 Super Duty cars of 1973 and 1974, and the lightning-in-a-bottle popularity of the Smokey and the Bandit editions. During their production run, these Firebirds and Trans Ams were truly the only real performance cars out of Detroit, and for many of the model years, they eclipsed even the mighty Corvette.
This book tells the entire story of these immensely popular cars, whether you are into the second generation of F-Body regular models, Formula 400 performance models, the Super Duty Trans Ams, or the cars of Smokey and the Bandit fame. It is an excellent addition to any pony car, muscle car, or any enthusiast's library.
This book guides you through the factory and aftermarket components of the LT1/LT4 engines, offering sound performance advice and recommendations. Additionally, complete engine buildup recipes are provided, along with their respective horsepower and torque levels. You can follow the advice of experts and achieve targeted results for your own project.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
As Ford cars grew in both size and weight after WWII, the need for a more powerful and robust engine than the aging Flathead was becoming apparent. The successor of the Flathead engine, the Ford Y-block V-8 engine delivered far better performance and it didn't have the inherent oiling problems of the Flathead. This engine featured deep skirt block design, and its layout resembles a Y, hence the Y-block name. Manufactured displacements of 239, 256, 272, 292, and 312 cubic inches, this stout engine grew in displacement over the years to meet demands for more power. It powered a variety of Ford trucks and cars from 1952 to 1964, including the Thunderbird, Edsel, and the famous 53-56 pickups.
The Ford Y-block has been largely ignored for years, but now the engine is enjoying a renaissance. With the renewed interest, many new high-performance parts are on the market. In this comprehensive rebuild and high-performance build-up guide, a step-by-step rebuild of two stock engines is provided, complete with explanatory text and captions as well as full-color photos. During the rebuild process, you learn the unique features of this engine series and how to build a strong and reliable engine. In addition, author Charles Morris profiles the building a modified supercharged 292 engine that uses the latest performance parts and technology developed specifically for this engine series. You are shown how to machine and prep the block, refurbish the cylinder heads, and select the optimal rotating assembly for a particular horsepower level.
The last book published on Y-Blocks was more than 20 years ago, but there has not been an authoritative step-by-step engine rebuild and high-performance book until now. The enthusiasts have been clamoring for information and of course owners will find invaluable coverage of the new parts, machining process, and assembly techniques. If you're a Y-block enthusiast, you will have to have this book.
Hit the horsepower goal of your Mopar small-block engine using this guide that identifies the best parts and techniques to extract maximum performance from LA and Magnum powerplants.
Mopar engine expert and author Larry Shepard covers heads, cams, and valvetrain products and modifications that will give you more power. In addition, he provides exquisite details and in-depth buildup instruction for other essential components: blocks, cranks, pistons, rods, ignition systems, intakes, carburetors, and exhaust.
The Chrysler LA-series and Magnum small-blocks are powerful, efficient, and quick-revving engines that have dutifully powered millions of Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars and trucks from 1964 to 2003. And the LA engine is also the powerplant for many classic Mopar muscle cars, including the Charger, Barracuda, Challenger, Dart, and others. While these venerable small-blocks have delivered impressive performance in stock trim, both can be easily modified to produce much greater power for almost any application.
The LA designates the small-block as Lightweight A, which was a huge improvement over the previous generation. With its compact size, 50-pound weight savings, thin wall casting, and wedge heads, it cranked out a lot of torque and horsepower, so it was formidable competition on the street and track. The LA was offered in 273-, 318-, 340- and 360-ci inch iterations, and a full range of aftermarket products are offered for these engines. By 1992, the LA engine platform had evolved into the Magnum 5.2- and 5.9-liter engines and became the new standard of Mopar small-block performance.
If you own an LA small-block-powered Mopar car or truck, this invaluable guidance and instruction will allow you to optimize performance and maintain reliability.
Since its introduction in 1965, the big-block Chevy engine has been a force to be reckoned with on both the street and track. Over the past four decades, the big-block has undergone a constant evolution toward greater efficiency and durability. It's also picked up more displacement, as General Motors is now offering crate engines up to 572 ci, and aftermarket versions have gone much larger still.
In How to Build Killer Big-Block Chevy Engines, author Tom Dufur reviews the commonly available factory parts along with many aftermarket offerings, and discusses the advantages of both. Additionally, he includes popular buildup recipes and showcases the dyno results, proving theories and sharing in-depth research. Dufur's decades of experience designing, assembling, tuning, and racing the big-block Chevy engine truly shines through. A wealth of full-color photos, charts, and graphs makes it easy to understand the critical points of these great engines.
In-depth chapters on design, engine preparation, and assembly show you how to develop your own big-block Chevy to its full potential. Whether your big-block is destined for life in a street car, a race car, or even a boat, the wealth of information in this book will ensure it has ample power and longevity once it's all together.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
The Trans Am and Firebird were distinctly different than their cousin, the Chevy Camaro, and many Trans Am and Firebird models became stand-out muscle cars of their era. In fact, when the high-performance wars in Detroit subsided in the early 1970s, the Trans Am remained as the sole surviving muscle car. Some second-generation Pontiac F-Body cars are affordable while others are extremely rare and valuable. In particular, the 1970-1974 Pontiac Super Duty Trans Ams, 1970-1973 Firebird Formulas, and 1976 Firebird Limited Editions command high sale prices while the 1970s Trans Am 6.6 Smokey and the Bandit cars are still affordable and appreciating in value.
Melvin Benzaquen of Classic Restoration Enterprises has restored dozens of these cars. In this revealing guide, all crucial aspects of restoration are covered, including engine, driveline, interior, trim, electrical system, brakes, steering, and suspension. A special focus is placed on performing common body restoration procedures. Chapters also include VIN decoding, planning, preparation, tools, and painting techniques. Step-by-step photos accompanied by in-depth and detailed captions explain how to perform each stage of the restoration process.
Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am owners are loyal and dedicated to the preservation of these storied high-performance models and therefore demand an accurate and faithful restoration. The magnitude and variety of work in the restoration process can be overwhelming and that's why a complete restoration guide by an acknowledged expert is so important. Now, in this authoritative and comprehensive guide, you have the tools you need to get started on your Trans Am or Firebird restoration.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
Everything necessary to modify your Jeep TJ for off-road use is covered in Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify.
Beginning with why you should choose a TJ for modification, Jeep expert Michael Hanssen takes you through all the different systems needing modification, including engine modifications and swaps, transmission swaps, transfer case and driveshafts modifications, axles and traction systems, suspensions and lifts, wheels, tires, brakes, chassis protection, electrical, and winches.
The Jeep CJ, the icon that started it all, is the most popular off-road vehicle of all time. The look, style, and functionality of the CJ made it instantly popular and recognizable the world over, in no doubt partly due to its military presence in World War II. The Jeep Wrangler platform had the difficult task of replacing the extremely popular CJ platform. Outwardly similar in appearance, the YJ, TJ, and JK that followed all had significant design improvements, as can be expected when a platform has a life span of more than five decades. The YJ was the first Chrysler release after it purchased AMC in the mid-1980s, and it was aimed at taming the original CJ for more comfort and, arguably, a larger audience. The TJ that followed next was an evolutionary update, significant in that it featured a coil spring suspension and the celebrated return of round headlights for a more traditional look compared to the square lights of the YJ.
Included in every chapter are step-by-step modification instructions to help walk you through the process. If you want to build a TJ for serious off-road trail use, or you just want a capable and great-looking Jeep for around town, this book has you covered.
Honda and Acura practically invented sport-compact performance, and racers have proven that the popular B-series engines can make huge horsepower numbers both boosted and naturally aspirated - but times are changing. The all-new K-series engines are now found in all Honda and Acura performance models, and are also becoming the engine swap of choice.
Building Honda K-Series Engine Performance, author Richard Holdener gives you a detailed description of the K-series engines, the various kinds of aftermarket performance parts available, and describes how these parts perform on the dyno.
Each chapter contains numerous color photos and back-to-back dyno tests run on a variety of different test motors including the K20A3, K20A2, K20Z3, K24AZ, and K24A4. You'll find chapters detailing upgrades to the intake, exhaust, cylinder heads, camshafts, and tuning, plus turbochargers, superchargers, and nitrous oxide. Don't spend your hard-earned cash figuring out what works and what doesn't - pick up Building Honda K-Series Engine Performance and know for sure.
In this special Workbench book, author Chris Werner uses more than 600 photos, charts, and illustrations to give simple step-by-step instructions on disassembly, cleaning, machining tips, pre-assembly fitting, and final assembly. This book gives considerations for both stock and performance rebuilds. The book guides you through both the easy and tricky procedures, showing you how to rebuild your engine and ensure it is working perfectly. The book also illustrates many of the performance components, accessories, and upgrades that have been developed for the LS-series family of engines.
As with all Workbench titles, this book details and highlights special components, tools, chemicals, and other accessories needed to get the job done right, the first time. Appendices are packed full of valuable reference information including helpful conversions and common abbreviations. You'll even find tips that will help you save money without compromising top-notch results.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
The traditional Oldsmobile V-8 powered some of the most memorable cars of the muscle car era, from the 442s of the 1960s and early 1970s to the Trans Ams of the late 1970s. These powerful V-8s were also popular in ski boats. They have found a new lease on life with the recent development of improved aftermarket cylinder heads, aggressive roller camshafts, and electronic fuel injection.
Author Bill Trovato is recognized as being one of the most successful Oldsmobile engine experts, and he openly shares all of his proven tricks, tips, and techniques for this venerable power plant. In this revised edition of Oldsmobile V-8 Engines: How to Build Max Performance, he provides additional information for extracting the best performance. In particular, he goes into greater detail on ignition systems and other areas of performance. His many years of winning with the Olds V-8 in heads-up, street-legal cars proves he knows how to extract maximum power from the design without sacrificing durability. A complete review of factory blocks, cranks, heads, and more is teamed with a thorough review of available aftermarket equipment. Whether mild or wild, the important information on cam selection and Olds-specific engine building techniques are all here. Fans of the traditional Olds V-8 will appreciate the level of detail and completeness Trovato brings to the table, and his frank, to-the-point writing style is as efficient and effective as the engines he designs, builds, and races.
Anyone considering an Oldsmobile V-8 to power their ride will save time, money, and headaches by following the clear and honest advice offered in Oldsmobile V-8 Engines: How to Build Max Performance. Plenty of full-color photos and step-by-step engine builds showcase exactly how these engines should be built to deliver the most power per dollar.
The photos in this edition are black and white.
In the past, restoration guides have provided authenticity information, such as accurate paint codes, badges, wheels, and other equipment. A bona fide hands-on how-to book for restoring your Mustang from the ground up has not been offered for years. This unique guide will cover the restoration process for every major component group and also provide detailed step-by-step restoration information for the most important procedures. With clear, insightful color photography to accompany this how-to information, any at-home restorer can confidently restore a car and save a substantial amount of money in the process. While restomod books have shown how to install latest technology on vintage muscle cars, this book will focus on factory-accurate restorations, and some simple bolt-on upgrades that do not detract from the collector value but rather enhance the reliability and performance of the car. How to Restore Your Mustang 1964-1/2-1973 delivers a detailed explanation for finding the right model, how to assess condition, how to spot a fake, and how to select the right car within your budget.
In addition, the book will cover how to plan, prepare, and select the right tools. This unique guide will cover the restoration process for every major component group and also provide detailed step-by-step restoration information for the most important procedures. The latest techniques and best restoration products for each system will be discussed and detailed. Also, the book discusses how to source parts and what you need to consider between new/old stock and reproduction parts. Readers will also learn how to determine if a certain task is best left for a professional shop. All crucial aspects of restoration, including engines, drivelines, body, interior, trim, electrical systems, brakes, steering, and suspension will be profiled.