Chevy Big-Blocks: How to Build Max Performance on a Budget (Performance How-to)

I will start off by saying that I ordered two big block books, this one was on backorder, and after reading the other one that arrived first I was dissapointed in the other book. I have only built 3 big blocks myself along with a few other engines, and I usually do my homework before I build them, and the first book I read I felt I didn't learn anything, I feel I could of written it. Then there is this book, now that has arrived I am pleasantly surprised. It was packed full of new information that I would of never thought of. I wrote down many things to include in my next build that will improve performance in both hp and torque. He goes into great detail on free block mods,(some old, some new), piston mods, rings, bore finish, lifter sizes, new main seals, balancers, lubrication and windage, pushrods, springs, cam overlap (LCA), etc. David included a wealth of knowledge in this book from his decades of experience, and after reading it, I have decided to buy the first one as well. He not only explains his theories, he also backs them up with real world dyno results to show you what you might expect from the extra effort. I will say this book assumes you have already build some big blocks and are simply looking to improve your performance/skills. If you have never built a big block, you may want to also purchase a book or assembly manual that shows you how to assemble it. However, if you have built some before and want more info, then you will really like this book. If there was one thing I was a little dissapointed about, it would have to be the cam specs. He goes into great detail of how much LCA he believes you need and why, however, doesn't go into much detail about the other cam specs. He mainly recommends you pay $50 or simply buy a cam from his friends engine service using David's COS Spec cam software he wrote after years of engine testing and development. Granted I am sure this is an excellent service that took years of hard work to offer, and if you buy the cam from them the $50 fee is waived, but I was hoping to learn more from the book to help me select the cam myself like I usually do. On the other hand, after he spent all the time and money developing the software, I do believe that is what he uses himself to select a cam, and he is simply offering that service to the public, rather than offering the software to the public. With that said, this book is still 5 stars because of all the info he does pack into it. This book is not just a rewrite of old tips and tricks, this book is worth the read and I feel even a pro engine builder would benefit from it. I have built several engines, seen a lot more engines inside and out, and have family that races for a living and yet I haven't seen many of the tricks and info he puts into this book.

This book is absolutely LOADED with great information. If you're going to build a big cubic inch Chevy Big Block, this book is worth 10 times the purchase price without question. TONS of great tips that will let you squeeze every horsepower you can out of your project without spending a penny more. Spending 20 minutes with a die grinder in this location - 7 to 10 free HP. Buy this rocker arm instead of this other rocker arm for the same price - 15 free HP. Instead of spending $200 extra for this particular crankshaft, spend that money on this set of aluminum heads - 75 free HP. The content is not for the casual gearhead - he gets very technical on topics like cylinder heads and camshaft timing, but that's exactly what I was looking for. Also be aware that this isn't a step by step "build your engine" recipe book - it's not going to tell you the sequence for torquing down the cylinder heads or have tables that define the required clearance in every bearing location. But if you want to REALLY understand the engine you're building and know how to unleash every single pony that you paid for, this is the book for you.

Look on the internet and find someone that has stroked a stock Mark IV with a 4.5 crank, David has done it. I have many of his books. My back ground is forty years as a journeyman Machinist, last couple in an automotive machine shop. Motorhead, love em all, but especially Chevy. Just a wealth of knowledge, and I have his books on porting, and they are no BS. Everything is tested to back up his claims. I am building a stock block for 87 octane pump gas using a Scat 4.375 stroke with a 4.280 bore (504) that will be going into a 1973 K20 chevy that I am doing a frame off restoration. Pics are from the old block as I am in the middle of this project. I have checked his work copied it on this build, and looking for 1.4 torque and 1.35 HP per cubic inch.

David Vizard is one of the best technical writers ever. His content is pertinent, to the point and he backs it all up with testing. I have many of his books and have attended his seminars. Ran into him about a year ago at the PRI show. That was a treat. I had not seen him since the 90's. You will learn valuable information from anything you read that he has written.

Must have for any bbc mechanic and any owner looking to squeeze every last bit of juice on a budget. Well done Wizard!

That is what this book is all about, making horsepower with a Big Block Chevy and DV brings it in spades. Lot's of different kinds of builds also, a worthy addition for any Hot Rodder's library.

Very mildly dated, but true and factual. Several sample builds are shown at the end of the book; some of the examples are plainly for street use and use 87 octane fuel. Shows much to consider, and offers reasoned rationale for what's shown. Any prices shown are as of about 2014, so adjust the budget accordingly.

The book is ok. I’m sure Vizard knows his stuff but as others said it not a budget minded book so the title is misleading. In one case he had pistons or cams made for him from the manufacturer. In other instances he talks about referring to his previous books or a computer program he’s yet to release for picking cams. The culmination of my disappointment was at the end of the book where he gives examples of the engines he builds but he says “ I won’t provide budget or part numbers for these builds” WhAt?!? What’s the point of the book then?? Throughout the book he often hints that you” better make sure you have the right stuff” or “better make sure” but then leaves the big secret out of the book on how to make sure you have picked the right parts. He leads you right up to the big answer and the book falls flat. It does not tell you how to assemble a bbc at all so don’t think that’s what you are getting if you buy it. Lots of pointers if your building a 700 hp 500 plus cubic inch engine however!

This guy is the best his techniques work

Good reference book.

Nice reading

Ful of information, & a great reference.

Arrived as promised.