Chevrolet Vans: V-8 Big-Block - tuning manuals

Chevy 454 thru 512 (Musclecar & Hi Po Engines)

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Chevrolet Series 454-512 Big Block V8 engines.
The 15 articles, published at the time in the American magazine 'Hot Rod Magazine', provide a lot of information about blueprinting, tuning (up to 1000 hp), changing cylinder heads, overhaul and restoration.

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Chevy 348 & 409 (Musclecar & Hi Po Engines)

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Chevrolet 348 and 409 Big Block V8 engines.

The 18 articles, published at the time in the American magazine 'Hot Rod Magazine', provide a lot of information about blueprinting, tuning, changing cylinder heads, overhaul and restoration.

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How to Build Killer Big-Block Chevy Engines (396 - 572 ci)

Since 1965, the big-block Chevy engine has been a dominant force on both street and track. Over the decades, it has evolved for greater efficiency and durability while increasing in displacement. GM now offers crate engines up to 572 ci, with aftermarket options even larger.

In "How to Build Killer Big-Block Chevy Engines", Tom Dufur examines common factory parts alongside a wide range of aftermarket components, discussing the benefits of each. He presents popular build combinations with dyno results, providing research-backed insights and detailed analysis.

The book is richly illustrated with photos, charts, and graphs, making key concepts easy to understand. Chapters on design, preparation, and assembly guide readers in developing their own big-block Chevy to full potential. Whether for a street car, race car, or boat, this book equips builders with the knowledge to achieve both power and durability.

Tom Dufur's decades of experience in designing, assembling, tuning, and racing big-block Chevys make this an essential resource for anyone serious about maximizing performance.

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Big-Block Chevy Engine Buildups - Covers all Rat Motor Chevys, 1965 to present

The editors of "Chevy High Performance" present a step-by-step guide to building big-block Chevy engines, ranging from low-cost projects for everyday street use to high-power engines for drag racing.

The book explains bolt-on upgrades, engine block preparation, cylinder head work, intake and exhaust systems, and tested engine combinations. It offers clear technical advice supported by practical examples.

The guide covers all big-block ("Rat Motor") Chevy engines from 1965 to the present.

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Chevy 396 & 427 (Musclecar & Hi Po Engines)

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Chevrolet 396 and 427 Big Block V8 engines.

The articles, published at the time in the American magazine 'Hot Rod Magazine', provide a lot of information about blueprinting, tuning, changing cylinder heads, overhaul and restoration.

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

This illustrated guide explains how to build high-performance Chevrolet big-block engines. These engines have powered millions of vehicles since 1964, including many well-known Chevrolet cars and trucks. The author, experienced engine builder David Vizard, shows how to achieve major performance gains without excessive cost.

The book goes beyond basic tuning and examines each engine group in detail. It explains how to build powerful street engines capable of up to 850 hp while still running on standard 91-octane fuel.
A key focus is the big-block's long-known limitation of small valve size. Vizard shows how to reduce intake-valve shrouding, how cam-timing events work, and how to choose the correct valve overlap for better efficiency.

Further chapters cover pistons, rings, connecting rods, and the complete rotating assembly to ensure strength and reliability. A dedicated section presents several example engines built for maximum performance. The book also reviews modern aftermarket parts and advanced tuning methods.

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How to Hot Rod Big-Block Chevys - 396, 402, 427, 454

This guide covers all Chevrolet big-block engines from 1965 and later and includes a 1986 heavy-duty parts list.
Learn more about blueprinting, cylinder heads, tune-up tips, as well as how to repair exhaust, ignition, pistons, and more!

Contents:
- Blueprinting
- Cylinder heads
- Tune-up tips
- Q-Jet & Holley
- Chevy HD parts
- 454-ing 396/427
- Exhaust
- Ignition
- Pistons
- Crankshafts
- Camshafts
- Clutches.

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