Reviews (4)

Book Review, 9A, Bradbury
Smokey Yunick's Power Secrets was a very informative read about a true legend of the United States. It has helped me to modify smaller applications due to my low funds. I have built the best that I can with the money that I have, and I feel proud to carry down the legacy. I learned alot about my passion in this book and I liked it alot.
A must have book!
Smokey Yunick was a legend in the USA and this book shows why.For those interested in modifications to any engine this book will please most people.There's a lot of information in this book and its good value too.Definitely a must have book.
Smokey Yunicks Power Secrets
This is a MUST book for anyone wanting to persue a career in high performance engine design or building. I have used this book for reference for over 15 years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Essays    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    7. Transportation / Automotive / General    8. Vehicle maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    4. Transportation    5. Motor cars: general interest    6. Transportation / Automotive / General    7. Vehicle maintenance   

Reviews (6)

Go flame everything!
This is a very inspirational book! great tutorials and very nice information about some general fields in custom painting.If you feel you like some flame works, you'll find this book leads you to flame almost anything around you... BEWARE! maybe you never stop!
Hot Book
If you want a great overveiw of how to apply flames, this is the book.If you want to learn how to apply flames, this is the place to start.It gives detailed instructions, materials, and brand names, so you get started right, and getting started right gives you a great base for gaining expearance.

How to paint Flames
The best instructional book I have ever read regarding Flame design, inspiration and how-to. It covers every aspect there is in the world of flamework; from traditional flames,wall-of-flames,realistic and ghost flames. Not only does it give you an in-sight into the world of creativity but gives a step-by-step guide to all products used and why they are used. In a nutshell, if you are considering the thought of customising Mom's shopping wagon, this book is for you!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - Customizing    4. Customizing    5. Decoration    6. Painting Of Specific Subjects    7. Transportation    8. Motor cars: general interest    9. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (2)

Good News, BAd News
ANYONE contemplating an engine rebuild or bolting on "performance" products should read this book first and also run the program.The practical presentation of the theory and science behind Mr. Otto's engines is excellent. Lots of very tecnical information.
I am useing this book and computer program in the auto shop class that I teach.It allows the students to try diffrent engine combinations with out the mega bucks that would be necessary to build them in real life.With itthey are learning to appreaciate what their favorite racers areacomplishing, and, at the same time, what pitfalls to avoid. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Transportation    4. Automotive (motor mechanic) skills    5. Transportation / Automotive / General    6. Vehicle maintenance   

Reviews (3)

DIY Guide to Street Supercharging
Good reference book that covers a lot of technical aspects of supercharging and turbocharging. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this area of automotive performance engine building.

Don't waste your money
Lots of words, little solid advice.I recommend you don't spend your money on this book.Lots of theory, lots of history, plenty of pictures but no practical knowledge imparted to the reader.I seriously doubt the author, Pat Ganahl, knows the difference between a combination wrench and a rachet.He does not include any information on Boost-Referenced carbs.And he waffles on whether or not to o-ring the heads/block.He seems to have talked to a lot of people, and never bolted on a blower himself.

Not what I expected
This book did teach me a FEW things about blowers, HOWEVER it spends way to much time explaining the different types of blowers (and even a whole chapter on paxton type turbos). If you are installing a 6-71 blower like I am, and want a book that tells you number by number how to install it, this is NOT the book to buy. It doesn't contain any torque specifications for the blower, blower intake or any information of that sort. If you want to learn the history of blowers, types of blowers, and allot of advanced math solutions to blower setup, get this book. If you want to install a blower step by step, get some other book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    4. Transportation    5. Transportation / Automotive / General    6. Vehicle maintenance   

Reviews (6)

Von Dutch
I very good and well researched account of the days of early custom car hot rods. Von Dutch was truly an artist of the highest quality. Very little custom, hand painted designs are being done today. Informative and entertaining. Numerous illustrations of von Dutch's work on both custom and race vehicles.

amazing
great book!great pictures!the history of Von Dutch in a book of great quality!highly reccomended!

Von Dutch
The pictures of the book are awesome.Von Dutch is truly talented and this book tells you the history behind the artwork.If you are a car lover and an artist it is the perfect book for you.Reading the history and motivation behind such designs is great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1929-1992    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Automobiles    4. Automotive - Customizing    5. Biography    6. Culture    7. Decoration    8. Dutch, Von,    9. General    10. Popular Culture - General    11. Transportation    12. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Customizing    2. Design and construction    3. Engineering - General    4. Engineering - Mechanical    5. Mechanics - General    6. Motor vehicles    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Stability    9. Technology    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Automotive technology    12. Science / Mechanics   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Transportation    4. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (8)

An absolutely OUTSTANDING book!
I recommend this book without reservation.It is about what its title states, "How to Build Horsepower."Vizard tells you what you need to do to build horsepower.He does NOT tell you how to magically build power without spending any money.Power costs money but Mr Vizard tells you where to spend it.
This book is a gem!
If you are going to rebuild any engine and want to add horsepower as you go then this book is the ideal book to read first.The book covers all areas of any engine and where and why you can gain horsepower.The author does get technical which is a bonus to some people.
Well written, but a tad difficult for the fresh beginner
This is an excellent book for anyone seeking an understanding on how to improve the performance of their car, especially V8 owners. However, I have a few words of caution. This book does not give you a Chapter 1 introduction on how car engines work. In the style that the book is written, the author assumes that the reader has a basic understanding of automotive systems and design. Be perfectly honest with yourself. If you do not know how fundamental automotive systems work together to allow cars to move, then I suggest reading a book on how car engines work systematically, BEFORE reading this one, such as "Car Smarts", by Mary Jackson. Once you have an essential understanding of engine design and function, it will make reading this book easier, and you will simply love it! It covers every aspect of tuning your engine - system by system - so that not only horsepower, but overall performance and durability of your car, is increased optimally. However, jumping right in on page 1 of this book without an essential understanding of engines may be a shade difficult in my opinion. It is only my suggestion, take it or leave it. Otherwise, an excellent book; I recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Automobiles, Racing    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Customizing    5. Automotive - General    6. Automotive Mechanics    7. Do-It-Yourself    8. Modification    9. Motors    10. Transportation    11. Automotive technology    12. Transportation / Automotive / General    13. Vehicle maintenance   

Reviews (12)

A definitive guide for hopping up your 911
Bruce Anderson takes his 30+ years of Porsche experience and distills it down to one relatively simple guide book. Porsche 911 Performance Handbook (Performance Handbook Serie
I have both a late model Turbo and looking for a 993 Supercup. The technical specs are good but the book jumps around in the model years. It is very funny to see Corvette wheels in a Porsche book. There are also too many high dollar advertising plugs. If you use Andial or Promotive to build you an engine-it's gonna cost you 30K. How's that for advise!!

Excellent Performance Overview
Bruce's grasp of the intricacies of the 911 engine is excellent.This book is one of the best sources of information regarding the 911, and should be a staple in any owner's collection.The book focuses on the history of the 911 engine from a technical perspective, and then talks about performance modifications that can be performed on your car.The focus is the engine, with a lesser focus on the rest of the car's subsystems.The book's one drawback is the layout - the pictures don't match the text on the pages, and the index is just about useless.The book takes on more of an overview of the performance upgrade process with very little how-to focus.It's a great reference for learning about the modifications that you would want your mechanic or engine rebuilder to perform.Bruce's knowledge and integrity in his recommendations are also well respected in the Porsche industry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Customizing    2. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    3. Foreign Auto And Light Truck Repair    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Performance    6. Porsche 911 automobile    7. Transportation    8. Automotive technology    9. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    10. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (7)

One of the less satisfying books in the Evil Genius series
I was really displeased with this book, and I am familiar with the general format of the "Evil Genius" series since I own quite a few of them. In this particular book of the series, there is little insight dispensed, and mainly you are being given just a list of components you'll need and a vague idea of the kind of work you need to undertake to get your systems working. Most of the instruction comes from the kits specified, and you could have done that without the book! If you are really interested in automotive electronics more from the viewpoint of wondering how does it work and how does it all fit together to control the automobile, then let me suggest "Understanding Automotive Electronics", currently in its sixth edition, by William Ribbens. This book is more than a automotive technician manual, but it is not so intense that you need to have more than a college sophomore's level of understanding electronics either. Read that book, then come back to this book for project ideas, but not much more. Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that here:
Not what I was expecting
The other two star review was the most truthfull about this book.Most of the projects don't give you a step by step for completing the project. Most of the projects just tell you too buy a kit and follow the directions.It gives the electrical skematics but if you have no electrical experience this does you no good.The only thing good it does is give you ideas on what to install on your car.

out of this world
i was very sceptical when i first picked up this book but after the first few pages i was drawb into the sheer brilliance of it the projects in it ranged from both the simple to the more in depth and i recommended it highly to every1 ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Automatic control    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Customizing    5. Automotive - General    6. Design and construction    7. Electronic apparatus and appliances    8. Transportation    9. Motor cars: general interest    10. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (1)

Enlightening
This book ROCKS. I have always been vaguely familiar with the Low Rider scene (I love when the Oldies station cranks up the old tune) but being about as ethnic as a loaf of Wonder bread, and living in the snow-belt Northeast, my knowledge was limited to a few rather brief glimpses in music videos and the like. What stood out most of all was the fact that you never really see these cars in Upstate NY.Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - General    4. Transportation    5. Motor sports    6. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    7. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (1)

This book is a gem!
Just bought a copy of this book and loved it! For every Ford owner who wants to part restore and part modify their Ford this book tells you what you need to know and why.
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Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    4. Automotive Engineering (Specific Aspects)    5. Automotive Mechanics    6. Transportation    7. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (6)

Best book for AutoMechanicTools.com
It is a very good book for someone who is interested in building and repairing a car from the bottom up. It gives a good techniques on repairing and building a car. It also gives points on some mistakes others have made and trys to save your priceless time. The instruction manual from the manufacturer would be much more valuable.

Handbook is a bit strong, Subtitle is much better.
Easy to read, ample pictures, and clear concise language. Recommended for those who are looking at getting into kitcars/hot rods or those just starting off on a first project. It touches base on the different systems of a car, enough specifics to let you get a feel, though it's a bit too general for helping out in the tight spots of specific cars. This is the best car book ever!
This book helped me builder my kitcar. I was a first time builder and i was having a difficult time building. I bought the book and it became a lot easier. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Automobiles, Home-built    3. Automotive    4. Automotive - Customizing    5. Automotive - General    6. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    7. Design and construction    8. Handbooks, manuals, etc    9. Motor Vehicle Design And Construction    10. Transportation    11. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (9)

GOOD IF YOU HAVE AN OLDER BMW
Interesting reading, but geared more to the older cars

Enthusiasts guide review - for older cars
Found many of the articles dated over ten years old and where some withstand the test of time, most are relative to the older, now very used cars.
Good for "old school"
This is a well established book with a very credible track record, however, it is misleading having the hood of a BMW E36 on the cover. The E36 is a modern BMW by all standards; this book has about three two-paragraph articles on that car while all the other stories and pages pertain to the E30 (1983-1992) and earlier cars.If you are the owner or if you are fascinated with how to work on cars older than 15 years, this book is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Customizing    2. Automotive - General    3. BMW automobiles    4. Transportation    5. Motor cars: general interest    6. Vehicle maintenance   

Reviews (1)

finally-current information
Too little, too late, too generic has been my complaint on Mopar based engine books. Even the factory manuals have ignored the small block, especially the R series. At long last we have a book that at least acknowledges their existence. This manually actually focuses on the performance heads and blocks available instead of just the 30 year old factory stuff. A must have for anyone with a small block mopar. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    4. Automotive Mechanics    5. Transportation    6. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (4)

Great DIY Book
Packed with information that goes well beyond just chopping top. Lessons in welding, forming metal, how to choose good materials and equipment and more. Easily described as several books in one!

A reasonable guide to chopping tops.
This is an interesting book.It shows a wide variety of vehicles being chopped.Its a good guide on how to perform this body modification.The book also guides you in not going overboard on a top chop.One interesting point I like is it shows you how to put a later 1960's roof onto a 1950's car,and it looks superb.Havent seen that idea before.There's enough information on how to in this book but not a complete step by step guide.
Definitely recommended
This book is a great primer for anyone interested in car body modification,and provides a good overview of the techniques used,as well as things to consider,when planning a top chop.It covers a variety of different body types. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Transportation   

Reviews (3)

Brightwork sparkles
Liked the book so much, I bought it as a gift for a "car guy" at work. He loved it too, sparking internet auction purchases... Great title, the author's enthusiasm for these great collectibles is readily apparent.

Brightwork Classics
Oh, wow!. Just incredible!Page after page of dazzling chrome car ornaments and Ken Steacy has 'em all.His collection has the best an exuberant Detroit could offer through the mid thirties to the late fifties.
The definitive reference.
Brightwork is the best and definitive reference on American brightwork. The photography is a joy to behold, and the spare but elegant layout focusses your attention on the pieces.Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - History    4. Chromium in automobiles    5. Decoration    6. Design and construction    7. Transportation    8. United States    9. Transportation / Automotive / Domestic / History   

Reviews (3)

Not for beginners...
This book is a great start to give ideas to Miata owners of the enhancement potential of their cars. The book assumes a good fundamental knowledge of cars and starts from that base. The projects range from the mild to the wild - yet always staying within the property of enhancing the Miata; not turning it into what it is not. Miata enthusiasts will find the book a delight to read, even if none of the projects are done. Well-written, easy to follow, and the author does a good job of encouraging owners to take that first step to personalize this beautiful car.

Goodbook for neww Miata owner
This gives the new owners of Madza Miata's some very good ideas on upgrading this fine car.This book is very helpful in completeing projects.

Great for all levels of Miata Enthusiasts
Keith Tanner knows the Miata and he is great at passing along his experience and knowledge.Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - General    4. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    5. Customizing    6. Engineering - Automotive    7. Foreign Auto And Light Truck Repair    8. Foreign Automobiles - History    9. Miata automobile    10. Performance    11. Transportation    12. Motor cars: general interest    13. Transportation / Automotive / General    14. Vehicle maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Customizing    3. Automotive - General    4. Automotive Engineering (General)    5. Hobbies    6. Non-Classifiable    7. Nonfiction    8. Transportation    9. Transportation / Automotive / General