Supercharging, Turbocharging and Nitrous Oxide Performance (Motorbooks Workshop) (Paperback)

~ Earl Davis (Author), Diane Davis (Author) "Some people think all engines suck..." (more)
Key Phrases: Nitrous Express, Ford Mustang, Ray Hall (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For hardcore DIY enthusiasts, one of the more popular means of increasing an engines output is with the use of forced induction systemssuperchargers, turbochargers and nitrous-oxide set-ups that pressurize the engines fuel-air mixture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; First edition (January 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760308373
• ISBN-13: 978-0760308370
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #324,054 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the Author, August 3, 2002

By	"edavis2252" (Southern California) - See all my reviews

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.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The Good, the Bad, and the Advertising Hype, July 27, 2003

By	Monta Elkins (Christiansburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Solid Information, January 27, 2004

By A Customer

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!