I am starting to do some research on engines for my 73.  I have a bare small block and thats about it.  I would like to rebuild the engine myself if the block is good.  I was wondering if anyone could point me towards some good books.  Thanks

i wish to congratulate you with your courage for the job ! myself started 12 years ago building a sailing boat and is almost finished....so i bought a vette already restored because i'm getting a bit older and time ( after daily work )  isn't always as much productive....  Now , engine rebuild.... I've don it many years ago ( rallying cars ) and learnt that rebuilding engines is specialisd work , needing a lot of experience , measering tools and machinery ! Don't go losing a lot of money in buying pieces thinking that you can assemble yourself. I should at least buy a " rotating " block and ,if you like, experiment with manifolds, headers ,carburetors etc.Blue printing a engine needs skill and equipment , far not to be done with our normal in house tools !Read a book about chevy small block building and how complicated it becomes....   

keep posted , and do it yourself if it keeps you happy , thats the most important !

 

 

 

 

 

Go to any book store and ask for "How to Rebuild Your Small-Block Chevy" or click here: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp? userid=ye4Vs8vCqT&isbn=1557880298&itm=7

 It has a lot of suggestions and pics to help you understand what is involved in a rebuild. http://hometown.aol.com/bmclau5079/page2.html

I am rebuilding my sb also.  I am using 2 books as referrence:

   How to rebuild your Small-Block Chevy by David Vizard

   How To Build The Small Block Chevrolet an S-A Design

      Workbench Book

I also have read:

   How to build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks On A Budget

      by Daid Vizard

   John Lingenfelter On Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines.

Another good book is How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette 1968-1982.

I've never rebuilt an engine before but those books and the guys on this forum have given me the courage to give it a try.

 

 

If you can cuss, drink, throw a hammer across the shop, skin knuckles, mash fingers, and twist off 1/2" bolts with a pair of pliers, you can build a small block Chebby!!
Rule #1: If you're not sure, ASK.
Rule #2: Don't get in a hurry.
Rule #3: Measure twice, cut once.(No, wait....that's for cutting fingers!)

Looks like all the decent books have been named. Good luck, Matt(and Hank!). Just make sure you keep everything surgicaly(?) clean, and don't drop anything. Adams' Apple38735.8243055556

The Lingenfelter book.....excellent!

JR

Thanks, I ordered these two today

How To Build The Small Block Chevrolet

   How to build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks On A Budget