8 Car Engine Books That Fuel Expert Performance

What happens when decades of hands-on engine testing meets detailed engineering math? John Baechtel draws from over 34 years of experience, including his roles at Car Craft magazine and Westech Performance Group, to unpack the precise calculations behind designing high-performance automotive engines. You’ll explore the specific formulas that govern power output, durability, and efficiency under racing and street conditions, with chapters guiding you through how every component measurement translates into overall engine performance. Whether you’re tuning your first build or refining a professional project, this book breaks down complex math into understandable terms that connect theory with practical engine design.

Barry Rabotnick’s extensive experience with Ford FE engines shines through in this detailed guide to rebuilding these iconic powerplants. You’ll find thorough coverage of every step, from engine identification and disassembly to parts selection and break-in techniques, enhanced by practical tips on performance upgrades and common trouble spots. The book’s methodical approach suits anyone aiming to restore or enhance FE engines, whether for daily driving, show quality, or racing applications. It’s not just theory; Rabotnick’s insights reflect real-world shop experience, making this a solid reference for both enthusiasts and professional mechanics interested in these classic engines.

This tailored book explores the mathematical principles and formulas essential for designing high-performance car engines. It delves into engine dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, providing clear explanations that match your background and focus areas. The personalized content concentrates on calculations critical to optimizing power output, efficiency, and durability, tailored to your specific goals and skill level. By synthesizing core concepts with targeted examples, it reveals how to translate theory into practical engine design choices. Whether you seek to deepen your understanding or enhance your design toolkit, this book offers a focused pathway through complex engine math, crafted to fuel your passion and elevate your engineering acumen.

David Vizard challenges the conventional wisdom that budget builds mean compromising performance by demonstrating how to extract up to 850 horsepower from Chevy big-block engines using 91-octane pump gas. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience and GM collaborations, he meticulously breaks down each engine component, from minimizing intake-valve shrouding to optimizing cam timing and valve overlap for efficiency. You gain detailed insights into piston ports, rings, and connecting rods, plus examples of high-performance builds tailored for street use. This book is best suited for enthusiasts determined to push Chevy big-blocks beyond typical limits without excessive spending.

Jade Gurss brings a rare insider's view to the mystique of the 1994 Indianapolis 500's "Beast" engine, combining his extensive motorsports marketing background with deep access to key players like Ilmor Engineering and Team Penske. You gain a detailed look at the engine's design challenges, the innovative use of wartime technology in its development, and how it powered one of Indy 500's most memorable races. Chapters featuring firsthand accounts from drivers Al Unser Jr. and Emerson Fittipaldi add a tense, human dimension to the engineering feat. This book suits you if you want more than technical specs—if you crave the blend of business strategy, technology, and racing drama behind a legendary engineering triumph.

What started as Jefferson Bryant's lifelong fascination with cars—sparked by a childhood encounter with a 1978 Firebird—became an authoritative guide on swapping GM LS engines into a wide range of vehicles. This book dives into the nitty-gritty of selecting the right LS engine variant, fabricating motor mounts, managing clearance challenges with brake boosters and exhausts, and adapting computer control systems. You’ll gain a clear understanding of packaging and positioning the engine for optimal fit and performance, alongside practical advice on transmissions and oil pans. If you're hands-on with engine swaps or want a detailed roadmap for integrating LS engines into muscle cars, sports cars, or trucks, this book offers grounded technical know-how without fluff.

This tailored book explores practical techniques for swapping and fitting GM LS engines into a variety of vehicles. It covers the entire process from selecting the right LS engine model to fabricating mounts and managing wiring harness adaptations, focusing on your interests and vehicle specifics. The book examines critical considerations such as engine positioning, clearance challenges, and drivetrain integration, providing a personalized pathway through complex swap scenarios. By matching your background and goals, it reveals detailed insights that help you gain confidence in executing a successful LS swap. This tailored content makes intricate engine modifications accessible, helping you understand and apply expert knowledge customized to your needs.

Mike Mueller's decades of automotive photojournalism shine through in this detailed chronicle of every Corvette model since 1953. Drawing on his extensive experience and exclusive access to GM archives, Mueller presents each generation with precise technical data, vivid imagery, and insightful commentary on design and engineering evolution. You'll gain an understanding of the performance milestones, prototype innovations, and racing heritage that shaped this iconic sports car, including the groundbreaking mid-engine Stingray. Corvette enthusiasts and automotive historians alike will appreciate the blend of visual storytelling and factual depth that captures the car's legacy without glossing over its complexities.

Chevrolet's long legacy in automotive innovation shines through in this detailed chronicle of the Corvette Stingray's shift to a mid-engine layout. The book takes you behind the scenes into the design and engineering decisions that redefined a classic, explaining how this change improves handling and performance by addressing the limits of previous front-engine models. You'll find rich insights into the collaboration of designers, engineers, and executives who together raised the performance bar to compete with elite supercars. This volume suits enthusiasts eager to grasp technical evolution and brand strategy in high-performance automotive engineering.

Joseph Potak, a seasoned LS-series engine technician at Texas Speed and Performance, leverages his extensive hands-on experience to deliver a thorough guide on modifying GM's LS-series engines, spanning from the LS1 to the Gen IV models. You’ll gain detailed knowledge on selecting and modifying engine blocks, configuring crankshafts, pistons, camshafts, and valvetrain components, and optimizing fuel systems and headers. Chapters on forced induction and nitrous applications deepen your understanding of performance enhancements, all supported by vivid color photographs and clear captions that make complex procedures approachable. This book suits enthusiasts aiming to push LS engines to their limits with confidence and precision.