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Chevrolet pick-ups: V-8 Big Block - tuning manuals

Tune your Chevrolet V-8 Big Block engine? Here are detailed shop manuals for DIY optimization and modification of Chevrolet pick-up engines. Get step-by-step instructions for maintenance, troubleshooting, and parts replacement.

Are you also looking for parts or accessories for your Chevrolet? Then try our Parts Finder.

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.

Product details

Details:100 pages, 26.5 x 20 x 0.7 cm / 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.28 in, paperback
Illustrations:200 photos and drawings
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1992)
Series:Musclecar & Hi Po
ISBN:9781855200999

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Chevy 454 thru 512 | Musclecar & Hi Po

Chevy 454 thru 512

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Details:100 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.6 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.24 in, paperback
Illustrations:200 photos and drawings
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1992)
Series:Musclecar & Hi Po
ISBN:9781855201002

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Chevy 348 & 409 | Musclecar & Hi Po

Chevy 348 & 409

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Author:Tom Dufur
Details:146 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 0.8 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous b&w photos
Publisher:CarTech Inc (USA, 2012)
Series:S-A Design (SA190P)
ISBN:9781613251706

More information about CarTech S-A Design books

How to Build Killer Big-Block Chevy Engines (396 - 572 ci) | S-A Design (SA190P)

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

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Author:Editors of Chevy High Performance magazine
Details:176 pages, 27.5 x 21.5 x 1 cm / 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:HP Books (USA, 2006)
ISBN:9781557884848
Big-Block Chevy Engine Buildups - Covers all Rat Motor Chevys, 1965 to present

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

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Details:100 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.6 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.24 in, paperback
Illustrations:200 photos and drawings
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 1991)
Series:Musclecar & Hi Po
ISBN:9781855200982

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Chevy 396 & 427 | Musclecar & Hi Po

Chevy 396 & 427

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Author:David Vizard
Details:144 pages, 28 x 22 x 1.1 cm / 11 x 8.7 x 0.43 in, paperback
Illustrations:profusely illustrated
Publisher:CarTech Inc (USA, 2015)
Series:S-A Design (SA311)
ISBN:9781613251621

More information about CarTech S-A Design books

Chevy Big Blocks : How to Build Max Performance on a Budget | S-A Design (SA311)

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

Language: English

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Chevrolet 8.1L Vortec / 496 Performance Manual : How to Modify 8100 Vortec Truck and 496 CID Marine Engines

From 2001 to 2009, General Motors Corporation produced the powerful 8.1L Vortec/496 CID engine for trucks, boats, and more. From factory engines to aftermarket manufacture, Larry Hofer and Don Taylor cover the ins and outs of increasing horsepower and modifying torque for increased performance to suit your needs.

This is the only book written about the 8.1L Vortec/496 CID engine. For every use you can think of, there is a different way to configure this engine. This book covers the block, oiling systems, cooling systems, cranks, rods and pistons, cylinder heads, computers, exhausts, and everything you want to know to select the right combination of components.

Whether you're a truck or boat owner looking to modify an existing engine or a mechanic wanting to expand your knowledge of Chevy blocks, Chevrolet 8.1 L Vortec/496 Performance Manual has the information you need. Full-color photographs and additional sections and tips highlight options for advanced modifications.

Product details

Author:Larry Hofer, Don Taylor
Details:176 pages, 28 x 21.5 cm / 11 x 8.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:400 colour photos
Publisher:California Bill's (USA, 2020)
ISBN:9781931128414
Chevrolet 8.1L Vortec / 496 Performance Manual : How to Modify 8100 Vortec Truck and 496 CID Marine Engines

Chevrolet 8.1L Vortec / 496 Performance Manual : How to Modify 8100 Vortec Truck and 496 CID Marine Engines

Language: English

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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.

Product details

Author:Bill Fisher, Bob Waar
Details:160 pages, 27.5 x 21.5 x 0.8 cm / 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:HP Books (USA, 1987)
ISBN:9780912656045
How to Hot Rod Big-Block Chevys - 396, 402, 427, 454

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

Language: English

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Chevrolet parts

Parts and accessories for your Chevrolet

Through these links you can find not only service and replacement parts, but also various practical and useful accessories for your GM V8 Big Block.

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