Customer Reviews

John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-block Chevy Engines

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

A good general review of smallblock chevy engine building and engine combinations. Primary focus is on late model electronic fuel injected engines. Disappointing lack of specific details and technical information, but a good book nonetheless.

John Lingenfelter is as well known among Chevy fans as Caroll Shelby is among Mustang fans. The reason? He works miracles on engines. If you want to know how to modify your fuel injected engine for the ultimate in performance, John Lingenfelter is the man. If you wish to see some of his work, point your browsers to www.lingenfelter.com. There you can see his handiwork; eleven second ZR-1's, twelve second Z-28's, and a 600+ cubic inch big block Suburban. J.C. Lan

Wow, where do I begin? John Lingenfelter is like the god of small block Chevy's. I love his approach of bigger isn't better. It's how everything is in tune with every component of the car. He dispels a lot of myths and sets a lot of things straight. I don't want to give anything away about the book. It's a good read and a wealth of knowledge.

I consider this book to be an excellent source for understanding terminology related to the subject. It's comparable to an extended glossary. It has great explanations, but it lacks the specific detail that I wanted. Also, some of the advice seems a little silly. For instance, he says that it's okay to experiment with a camshaft because they're so cheap to replace.

Finally, someone wrote a book for me. The book "John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines: High Performance Engine Building and Tuning for Street and Racing" is the book I have been looking for.
In the past I have bought and read several books on this particular subject and believed them to be quite good. John Lingenfelter's version of small block rebuilding is a refreshing view and goes into detail that makes the "how and why" simple to follow and understand without over explaining. Maybe it's just that I needed a more advanced book, but, this book is the one that exceeded my expectations. I look forward to John Lingenfelter on Modifying Olds Rocket Engines.

I agree with most of the other reviews. If you have the spare coin, get this book and read it.
However, if you dont ever read this book, you will not die (nor will your engine).
Theres some nice tips and tricks in here. But nothing really profound. Lots of bolt on combination advice that I suppose is sound.
I bought the book because I am building a TPI motor. This book did help me understand how the TPI can and cant be modified in terms of cams and heads. Ofcourse, any mods will require a PROM tweak. He mentions this but doesnt cover it, understandably as its not within the scope of this book.

One thing ive learned over the years. When you get advice from the top dawgs like Lingenfelter, Yunick, Edelbrock, etc.... the advice is geared to build max power at a screaming 6000-8000rpm (or so). For me personally, this advice is amusing, but not at all useful. I only ever build strong daily drivers (that must be efficient). Never seeing 5000rpm, much less 8000. lol

John has done a great job with this subject, it's a shame he's no longer with us. If you are looking for a book that picks out all the parts from catalogs for you, this ain't it. This book will give you information on why you should use a particular type of intake or cam for the application you are building the motor for. One thing I see all the time is someone put a motor combo together that is fast in a car and everybody wants to know what parts are in it, instead of knowing the weight, trans, gear, etc..... Some of the info is dated but not much. If you are thinking of building a small block late model Chevy motor with your own ideas, this is the book to start with.

great book with many behind the scene reviews to help with anything in an engine.