John Lingenfelter on Modifying SB Chevy Engines (Paperback)

by John Lingenfelter (Author) "The recipe for building a stout small-block Chevy might seem relatively simple..." (more)
Key Phrases: hardened guideplates, positive manifold pressure, intake centerline, Bow Tie, Comp Cams, Edelbrock Performer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
John Lingenfelter has been building, racing, and winning with small-block Chevy engines since 1972, when he arrived on the drag racing scene. This book offers many of his trademark power-producing techniques that have led to victory on the drag strip as well as on the Bonneville salt flats, where he set top speed records in his class.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: HP Trade; 1 edition (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155788238X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557882387
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #251,644 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #22 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Mechanics > Engine
  #56 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Parts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great on general and self promotion, lacking on specifics., April 15, 2003

By	Joe Z (Venice, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

I felt this book was worth the money. If you want to learn about SBC's and more of WHY to modify them (as opposed to how) then get this book.

I really think John Lingenfelter didn't get into enough detail on certain subjects such as heads, one of the most vital aspects of an engine. Also, there seemed to be a self promotion for his products in many articles. While this is understandable, I understood it was a good product from the first refrence to it.

The dyno charts in the back were nearly worthless. There were a total of around 7, and 2 were on an LT5. This is a very rare (and extremely expensive) engine with a DOHC configuration, so the info didn't have any application to standard SBCs.

Do not buy this book to build a powerful engine. Buy it to gain more understanding on what you want to do, but go with another for more specific refrences. I recommend it, just be prepaired to purchase additional books for more enlightenment.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing Venture into the "How Come", August 14, 2002

By	"my70montecarlo" (Kentucky United States) - See all my reviews

In a day when we have many "how to" magazines and books, this book is a refreshing venture into the "how come". With that point in mind and despite other mixed reviews, I have to give John Lingenfelter's book on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines five out of five stars.

John leans more on the reason to build and modify various engine parts and touchs on the various parts and choices we as engine builders have. He thoroughly discusses which engine components should be given ample attention and which parts are just as well left alone. He also talks about how various parts work together to create a powerful unit.

In summary, if you are looking for a "hold my hand" walk through engine disassembly/assembly than you may be happier with author David Vizard or many other fine automotive writers. But, if you're looking for something different; maybe to gain the knowledge to begin to make your own engine assembly choices, than this is a fantastic read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lingefelter's small block street motor primer, May 27, 2007

By	Randy Regan (La Salle, IL USA) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book when it was released in 1996. I had just finished a 355 and had it running. I learned so much more than all the magazine how-to articles I read that I had to pull the motor and change the oil pump and file-fit the rings. So much of what I read in this book made too much sense. This book was reviewed in one of the Chevy rags and the first thing mentioned was the misuse of high volume oil pumps. Every street engine buildup story seems to use a high volume pump and this guy tells us not to for a good reason. There is something to learn in every section of this book. You may even sound like you know what you're talking about on your next visit to the machine shop. John's legacy lives on. He was highly regarded in drag racing, his company is still turning out fabulous street cars, and I think he was the hot rod hero for everyman. Anyone need a high volume oil pump?