Customer Reviews

Supercharging, Turbocharging and Nitrous Oxide Performance (Motorbooks Workshop)

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The book is not specific to make, model or year nor is it intended to serve as an installation guide for any specific vehicle. Ford is well represented only because they are so popular. It is a "handbook" that compares the principals of forced induction to natural aspiration. The book describes in laymen's terms the dynamic changes that occur when forced induction is applied to any internal combustion engine. The table of contents includes Fundamentals, Engine Preparation, Superchargers, Turbochargers, Nitrous Oxide Injection, Fuel Systems, Electronic Controls, etc. The principals of forced induction apply equally to all internal combustion engines including Chevrolet. Further, the technical information is based on sound engineering theory not advertising hype.

This book presents an overview of Supercharging, Turbocharging and Nitrous Oxide. It also touches on Cams, dynamometers, fuel systems, and electronic engine control systems. The book's overview is ok, if you know very little about the topic (as I do); but the math is obviously very weak.

Faults abound with equations having the wrong units, text disagreeing with tables and charts, and discussion heading into the land of math confusion.

Much of the book reads like manufacturer (lies... uhh) literature. A book quote describing BEGI manufactured turbocharges says: "... there are no surges or flat spots, according to Corky Bell, BEGI's chief Engineer." Well, what do you expect him to say? ("Our turbo's suck?!?")

A variety of charts, graphs and pictures make the book somewhat interesting; although the source of the majority of them is apparently manufacturer's product literature. While somewhat informative, I'd much rather see some 'real world' figures instead of manufacturer provided "data".

On the plus side it does bring together these different forced induction techniques in one place to compare an contrast them.
My favorite quote comes from a sidebar describing computer modeling of engine performance: "Things are invented because necessity is a mother." There are also references providing names, addresses and web sites of various manufactures.

All in all I probably like this book more than I should because, being the first I've read on the topic, I have no _Good_ example to compare it to.

Yes, at one time a cover for this book was incorrectly displayed on this site, however, the one showing is what you will get. At any rate, there is an old saying that you "don't judge a book by its cover" and any serious performance enthusiast will understand that. The contents of any book are what count. If you are looking for information to help you differentiate between superchargers and turbochargers and the various types of nitrous oxide applications, along with other information on systems to help you make a knowledgable choice, this book will be of great value to you. It has a large amount of in-depth information for those already familiar with these applications, but was also written to aid newcomers to the field. In addition, any good mechanic also understands that information is not "make and model" specific when it comes to theory, production of boost and horsepower, staving off detonation, and gaining the most from your vehicle for what your budget and ability can handle. This is a great reference book for learning about these particular applications, and no matter whether you are a Chevy, Ford or Toyota enthuisiast, principles of producing horsepower remain the same!

A great book, the author(s) did a wonderful job of describing information and kept it from being too complex. Examples given for real world understanding... very recommended

This book is simply an overview of different systems, with no detailed information on the design and setup of actual installation. While it may be a good primer for someone who knows nothing about nitrous or forced induction, if your serious about learning how the systems work there are many better books on the market. Out of all the books I own this is one of the few I would gladly get rid of- It hasnt been opened in years.
-Jack

this is a good book to have an idea how the SCs work,also it has some ideas and formulas to tune your car in general!

I ordered a book and special print on the cover of the book but when I received my book it was another edition with another cover picutre on the cover of the book. I don't like to work with this suplier again because I feel that I've been cheated.

This could be the answer to Chevy lovers. Especially if you are interested in Turbo system. But, sorry no dice. This book will come without the front cover it shows. To start off things, It will come with a Ford Mustang. Inside the information is not bad, but when you are going to look for specific information about Chevy engines it will give you Ford, Honda, Mazda (piston engine). It is a little deseving. If you are a Ford lover this book is for you. In my case, I can always resell it.

this book has all you need to know about turbochargers, superchargers, and nos. I also suggest giant spoiler, loud exhaust, and fast driving. this has all you need to give your car the extra little horsepower you need to push minivans into the road to be run over, or to get a few more mpg. good buy