Customer Reviews

How to Build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s: Modifying and Tuning Gen III Engines for GM Cars & Pickups (S-A Design)

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In the genre of automotive enthusiast technical books, <u>Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s</u> is destined to be a classic. The book's subtitle, "Modifying and Tuning Gen III Engines for GM Cars and Pickups" says it all. That is exactly what this book covers in outstanding detail and with a high level of accuracy. This is not the first book written about hot rodding the General Motors Generation III Small-Block V8s, but it is, clearly, the best one so far.

One reason for this is the Author, Will Handzel, is a former automotive magazine technical writer and currently the Manager for General Motors' Performance Parts Program. Not only is he very experienced at writing the type of material in this book, as a GM employee, Mr. Handzel had unprecedented access to the people and information necessary for him to cover the subject with the depth you'll find in <u>Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s.</u> Finally, Handzel's accessible, easy-going style makes the book as enjoyable as it is interesting and informative.

Another reason this book is a bang-up success is publisher, CarTech's decision to use more pictures than it has in the past with books like this and to upgrade its printing processes such that those pictures are printed with higher resolution. As a result, this title as good to look at as it is to read.

A technique Handzel used to illustrate the points he makes elsewhere in the book about various Gen III performance modifications, is a series of four, "demo" engine build-ups. The first one, "100 Horsepower Anybody Can Install", by itself, is worth the price of the book. The other three are: a 500+ horsepower street engine, a 600-hp supercharged truck engine and an exotic, 1200-hp twin-turbo. Each build-up is a successive step in performance, complexity and cost and is explained with good detail.

A really useful part of this book is the chapter devoted to tips and tricks experienced techs use to get Gen III engines in and out of Corvettes, Camaros and light trucks. This isn't just a condensed version of factory service manual procedures, rather it is a collection of techniques professionals use to reduce the time and frustration of getting engines in and out of those vehicles.

In 1976, Bill Fisher wrote <u>How to Hot Rod Small Block Chevys</u>. By standards of the automotive book trade, it was a runaway best seller. A generation of Chevrolet enthusiasts became DIY engine builders because of that book. Today, nearly 30 years later, Fisher's book is still in print and continues provides Chevy DIYs with useful, practical knowledge on the Gen I SBV8s. Will Handzel's <u>Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s</u> will do the same thing for the new crop of Generation III Small-Block DIY engine builders and will do it with a similar level of success.

If you are intent on modifying an LS1, LS6 or any of the Gen IIIs used in full-sized GM trucks and SUVs or mid-sized SUVs, add this book to your reference shelf.

I found this to be an excellent book describing in detail much of the items one needs to know about the LS6. However, the parts listed contain incorrect information about part numbers and descriptions, so if one creates a design using the information in the book they will be wasting time and money. As long as the part numbers aren't trusted, this book is terrific.

Good introduction into the newest generation of general motors LSX motors. Knowledge is power, literally! Used this book to help put together a new motor for my car.

This is a great book. The author writes well and makes it an easy read. (History of the LS1 was really interesting) Only real problem I see with the book is that it was published in 04 and the LS series of motors has progressed since then, though that alone shouldnt stop you from buying this book. (Main example of that is dealing with camshaft specs) Overall a great book I highly recommend.

This book delivers what it says; great "how to" guide for getting more horse power out of your LS series engine. Easy to read and understand, lots of photos and plenty of tips. The book caters to the F-body as well as the corvette. How to remove the engine and make the upgrades; cam, heads, intake, and exhaust. I came away with a very good idea of how to accomplish these upgrades. The last chapter covers the various programing tools; diablo, LS1 Edit, etc., which you will need to take advantage of the upgrades it discusses. I recommend this guide as a great first step when you decide its time for more out of your LS engine.

Have to say I am new to the ls motor "club". My plans were to do an efi gen3 swap in my old truck. Bought this book looking to get some insight other than what I have read on the web forums. The book layout is good, and the pictures really give you an idea of what the author is talking about, not just agreeing and nodding your head, you really learn something.
Might not be for advanced ls gurus, but for a beginner like me, with a little understanding of motors and chevy small blocks, but have never r+r a motor or rebuilt one. I would Recommend this book to others.

I've known Gen 1 small block Chevy engines all my life, but now am embarking on a streetrod project with an LS1 engine. This book is very informative and offers a comprehensive description of this new generation of Chevy motors, along with many details on performance enhancements and resulting dyno run numbers. A "must read" for anyone who is not yet familiar with all the variations of these LS motors, and for those who may be contemplating a "re-use" one of these LS motors. Paul

Over all I like the book. I am very glad I bought it. Perfect when it came out a few years ago and most of the info passes on to the Gen 4. I'm looking forward to the next book coming out in Feb. 2007

The definitive source of modification information on the Gen III (and IV) small block LS series engines written by an authoratative author. At this writing (January 2007) there is no better book on these fine engines. I am an engineer and a former mechanic and I have learned a great deal about these engines. I am using some of this information to suppliment my GM factory manuals in the build-up of a 408 CID (6.7 L) Stroker version of the cast iron 6.0 L engine in my 2000 3/4 ton Yukon XL truck/SUV.

I've never seen so much incorrect technical information in one book in my life.
In just 30 minutes of reading I found false technical information on pages 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32 and 44.
Incorrect information was found in numbers listed for displacements, bore diameters, strokes, rod bore diameters, valve lifts and rod lengths!
Another reviewer mentioned that you can't trust many of the part numbers, which I didn't check but I wouldn't be surprised!
Because of all the bad information I found, I don't trust the rest of the information in the book!
I don't even want to sell or return the book because someone else might trust the information and destroy an engine!
This book must be burned!