Build Max-Perf Chevy SB on a Budget (Performance How-To) Paperback – May 11, 2009

This book is a wealth of knowledge. Glad I picked it up.If I need a reread.A book is much better to have by myside.

Excellent Insight and info for performance minded individual

If your interested in small block Chevys just buy it. David Vizard is one of the best writers out there and this book has so much useful information that it is a "must have" for any SBC fan. I borrowed it, read it twice in a week and instantly knew I needed a copy of my own. I've bought two other copy's of the 1999 printing to give to buddies and they have agreed that this is a great book and sure to become a classic. Its that good! His book, "How to build horsepower" is another one that everybody needs to have. David is a Writer, Engine builder, Racer, Machinist, owns a dyno, owns race cars, and has done it all his life. Not like most books that are written by college boys that have never got there hands dirty. This guy speaks to us,,, the gear-heads. He is the modern day Smokey Yunick but instead of Drinking, Pot smoking, and chasing Whores, (not that there is anything wrong with that), David has spent much time writing what he has learned so that we all can use it. Hopefully he had had some time for the other stuff too. Order the book and don't look back. Of all the Small Block Chevy books out there these are the first two that you need. I now have the 2009 and the 1999 editions. No noticeable difference in either one so feel safe in buying a used one if your pinching penny's. An step by step assembly book and maybe the Engine blueprinting book also helpful.

I haven't made it all the way through the book, but so far it is pretty good. The writing style works for me. It is interesting and even funny at times (I have a dry sense of humor). It starts from the ground up explaining key concepts and principles that affect engine performance. I would give it 5 stars except that I am disappointed the book is completely focused on 350s. It should be titled "Performance 350s on a Budget). I have a 327 and was looking for a good resource but this book only applies to my engine conceptually. Any of the specifics given for part combinations and the custom builds in the final chapter do not apply to me.

I build my first small block Chevy 40 years ago using one of David Vizards books. There was no internet in those days so the book was my step by step guide. Ended up building several engines using that book and all ran awesome. Decided it was time to build another small block and with the price of parts these days saw this title and decided to give it a shot. The book has already saved me money with David's tips and will certainly save me allot more as the build continues. Big plus is the many quality color pictures. Even if you're an experienced builder there are still lots of great tips and information in the book.

For the beginner to pro this book is very helpful

Take your time and actually read this book cover to cover instead of just skimming through the content and reading sections that you're particularly interested in. I've found this author to be tremendously knowledgeable when it comes to building horsepower - I've been building engines for 30 years and still learned some things that were real eye openers to me - little tidbits that seem illogical initially, but make perfect sense after thinking it through for a while.As with his similar book about Chevy Big Blocks, he points out several areas where you can gain 5 or 8 or even 10 horsepower with little or NO cost except for a little elbow grease. Paying attention to all of these could add up to 40 or 50 extra horsepower for free (or close to it)!!

Pretty good book for advance builders but a lot of advertising. With so many motor TV shows out there you might get more out of those and talking to other hot rod builders instead of this book. I found it useful but not worth what I paid.Join a hot rod club instead and find out what the street rod guys are running