Customer Reviews

How to Build the Smallblock Chevrolet (Workbench Book)

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This book is an excellent choice for anyone interested in rebuilding their smallblock Chevy. It is filled with step by step information that covers every facet of the rebuild process. It also contains additional information which is helpful for those who are building high performance or racing engines. To get the most out of the book, one must have access to precision measuring instruments which are described and used throughout the book to complete the build. Even if one farms out most of the machining and assembly, this book enables them to understand what the many processes are so that they can keep the machine shops honest.

This book at times seems like nothing more than a 130 page advertisment for Snap-On tools. The authors are so in-your-face about it I almost question their impartiality: Are these adjustments and measurments they recommend really necessary or is it just that Snap-On makes a nice new - and very expensive - tool that they are trying to sell to help you do it? I don't know.

It's really pretty silly considering that if I could afford Snap On tools I wouldn't have bought this book in the first place. I would have just driven my Camaro to John Lingenfelter's shop and told him to build me a smokin' 383, drop it in, and let me know when it's done.

This is probably the single best book that I have found for a step by step guide to use when building your small block. The author tells you about block, crank, and head cores. He gives you an idea of what to look for when tearing down your engine. When you get ready to put the engine together, the author walks you step by step through your pre-assembly mock-up and measuring. Once that is done, he shows you step by step how to assemble the engine.

Once you have read this book, you will know machine shop lingo so that you can intellegently talk to your local machinist. You will know what tools to use. Numerous assembly tips are included. You will be alerted to some of the subtle differences in journal size, oil pan seals, and etc. that may not be immediately obvious to the casual builder, but that will trip you up if you aren't aware of them.

I simply can't say enough about this book. If you read it, then use it for a reference while building your next small block Chevy, you will have a very good shot at having a successful project.