5 comments about How to Build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks on a Budget (S-a Design).

1. david vizard is the best performance auther i have ever read. he only relies on things he has personally proven, and he shows you how he has proven it. he doesn't seem to be as oppinionated as other authors. i would recommend reading any of his books



2. Vizard delivers exactly what the title is all about. He helps you balance power & longevity against the pocketbook. He also substantiates his claims with his own companies dyno or flow data. Rebuilds range from a minimum of $600@300hp to a maximum of $3000@550hp. Add some nitrous (he talks about this too) and you have a 800hp engine for under $3500 bucks! Be warned, he is blunt and opinionated but backs up his claims.



3. A very helpful guide with easy to read text and super pictures.
   Thank You
   Jeff Lacy



4. Bought this book for my 17 year old son. He loves it. A must have for anyone seriously interested in Chevy engines and car restoration.



5. I Purchased this book 1 year ago and learned more from it in that time than from 5 years of bench racing with buddies. It not only shows the levels of performance and economy attainable by the venerable Chevy V8, but the theories this book teaches can be applied to most other forms of automotive engine building. So much information in such a small book, that is written with such eloquence that even the most amateur of amateuers can grasp, and fully comprehend it's writings. David Vizard, the author, is an accomplished engineer with a background in the aerospace industry, and is also a seasoned automobile racer. This book is a true summary of several of his other books, which go much farther into detail than this one does. From basic cylinder head porting, to rotating assembly prep and carbuerator tuning, this book covers so many bases that it is a must have in any garage.

5 comments about How to Set up Your Motorcycle Workshop (Tech Series).

1. Like D. Conyer, I don't understand the point of the review based on color vs b&w photographs. This book delivers exactly what the title promises, and includes advice for all levels of bike mechanics and all sizes of available work space. As someone who is limited to "his half of the garage", I appreciate this approach. Highly recommended!



2. This book shows, not only how to set up a small hobby shop (my goal), but also a medium to large shop for the professional. The need for maximum utilization of space as well as work flow are covered in depth. Anyone wanting an efficient and enjoyable shop will want this book.



3. Although I have been around motorcycles for almost 40 years, I never really had an organized place to work in. Having recently aquired a small garage, How to Set Up Your Motorcycle Workshop had some great ideas about organization, logical placement of tools, workbench, etc, to save time and energy. I also liked the chapter devoted to lighting, something definitely lacking in a lot of shops I have been in. All in all it will get you off to a good start, the rest is up to you!



4. Dreaming about converting your garage into a motorcycle workshop. Then this book is for you.



5. If you even "think" that you might someday want to set up a motorcycle shop, you need to acquire and read this book. It is so easy to throw a shop together and then start thinking of all the little things that you wish you had done. Things that would have been much easier to do at the beginning. If only you had thought of it then. Well, C. G. Masi HAS thought of it and he has included it in this thourough, well thought out book that will take you through the planning stages and will help you set up a shop that will be versatile, adaptable, and most of all, fully functional. This is a must read for beginners and "old pros" alike.

5 comments about Fight Your Ticket & Win in California.

1. Police officers know this statistic and that's one reason why they write tickets that they know wouldn't hold water! That's one of the points in this book. But more importantly the author explains clearly exactly what vehicle code you've been accused of and how you might benefit from disputing it. For example: the most common vehicle code violation in California is Section 22350. Do you know what that means? The author explains it in an easy to understand way. There are something like 5 conditions that have to be met to prove your guilt (I don't have the book right in front of me at the moment). He also explains that ALL of the conditions of Section 22350 have to be met in order for you to be found guilty. Not one or most of the conditions, but ALL of them. I found it pretty easy to get out of one of the conditions and the judge had no choice but to dismiss the charge.
   
   First thing that happens is the officer is given a chance to say his part. He rants on and on about how he's the radar god, the gun was calibrated that morning, blah blah blah. Then it's your turn. Yes you're nervous, but you're also prepared! I said that I didn't dispute the radar's accuracy or the officer's ability to use it, and went on to my defense using the information learned in the book. I highly recommend it. For me, it was worth every penny...and another $421 on top of that ;-)



2. It is getting rediculous these days , simply how many tickets are issued without any consideration. Recently in california (san jose) the cops have even allocated a special group to give as many tickets. I found that in the last 3 months the group of 5 cops issued a total of 9000 tickets. I helped few of my friends to fight back with 90% success rate.
   This book is a very good resource. Every one of us should fight back. The important thing is to make sure they spend more resources, money and time in resolving your discovery requests than they will get from your ticket fines. The trick is to ask for discoveries on things you suspect that maybe a problem. For e.g initating discovery requests such as radar calibration proof (for speeding tickets), condition of traffic lights (for e.g some yellow lights are quicker than others, in red light violation, or right turn without stop), electric lines affecting radars, condition of road (pot holes etc), and so on. you name it. You can find a lot more in this book. Also do some internet research.
   I'm not saying that if you truly made a drastic mistake, you should do this. But very minor things that doesn't affect anyone , are being fined rediculous amounts these days.
   If you win, you pay nothing and they spend already money and resources on the discoveries. If you loose, you pay the fine anyway, which you'll be paying if you don't fight it.
   If enough of us fight back with help from books like these, they will do something to reduce the fines, and issue only tickets to reasonable and drastic mistakes.



3. If you received a ticket in California or simply want to be prepared for when the time comes, this truly is the book to own. Brown goes into great detail surrounding the most common and some less common traffic citations in California. He is able to break down the complexities and confusion of the vehicle code and traffic court and explain everything in plain English to regular Joe. Brown then walks you through the entire court process from receiving the ticket, to arraignment, trial, and beyond. Bottom line: If you are accused of an infraction in California, THIS IS THE BOOK TO READ. It will answer a lot of questions and clear up much confusion.



4. The book is really organized very well and provides a lot of detailed technicalities that one can make use of to win the case. In fact, I was surprised that we can use these technicalities to great effect in the court, especially if you get a fair minded judge in the court.
   
   
   The only criticism I have is on the last chapter of the book. In the last chapter, the author talks about the corruption in the entire traffic court system. He concludes that there is very little that one can do to win a case in the court, since Judges and Cops go hand in hand. Well, if this is really true, whats the point of writing the book then?
   
   In conclusion, the book is great when it comes to understanding how the system works. At the end of the day, its just a book. Do not expect the book to win the case for you. You WOULD have to do that for yourself.



5. The author suggests a lot of very good ideas on how to deal not only with police officers and with the court but everything you need to know. Including things as important as being polite/considerate to the police officer. There are good suggestions and options in which you can take to limit the negative and focus on the positive.

5 comments about Subaru Legacy & Forester: 2000 through 2006 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manuals).

1. Pros: This manual can show you how to do just about anything in a fast\easy manner for your Subaru. Used it recently to learn all the tricks for changing headlight bulbs, took me a matter of minutes.
   Cons: I have a 2000 and didn't like waiting so long for this manual to be released, I blame Subaru for making 6 years of similar cars, not Chilton.



2. this manual is nothing more than a haynes with different covers! shame on you people!!!! why can't the repair car manual producers create a decent manual!!!



3. Typical Chilton manual. For basic maintenance, this will help you get the job done. Don't expect this to be a factory manual.
   
   This book is identical in content (word for word) to the Haynes manual. Their layout is slightly different. Buy one, but not both. Chilton seems to have larger diagrams, Haynes has more efficient print layout. Take your pick.



4. This manual is significantly better the various other Chilton/Haynes manuals I've owned over the years. Usually it doesn't take long to discover critical information that's been left out- but I've had no such problems with this one. The photos and illustrations are plentiful and helpful.



5. In my opinion this manual is lame at best and largely useless to me because it does NOT cover all models. I bought it because I have a six cylinder L.L. Bean Outback and have waited 6 years for this to come out, and guess what? There is absolutely no mention of this engine in the manual and this engine has been around since 2000 or 2001. (Apparently I have a top secret engine in my 2002 Outback.) I guess if you have a four banger, it may be alright but I resent being snookered by the deceptive description of the contents. Shame on the author and Chiltons. Pass on this "manual." Spend your money on the shop manuals from Subaru and get something useable.

5 comments about One Percenter: The Legend of the Outlaw Biker.

1. This is a great book that explains the history of the 1%ers, and give a great insight on the culture.



2. I started to read this book then put it down. Having read most books based around and written by noted authors about the 1% lifestyle, and from both sides of the fence (one of the best being "Freedom, Credos from the Road" - Sonny Barger) and goings on within it for the past 60 years maybe I have been 1%ed out as far as books are concerned.
   
   No way, you really do need to read this book and then take a view on how the next 60 years will turn out. if you also read "Freedom" from an outsiders point of view and then taking both books into consideration you should form a view. The ending came as a bit of a shock really, making the reader sit up and take notice of what is around him/her and what may lay ahead in the future. Altogether a great read and well recommended. Thanks Dave and see you on the right side I hope!!



3. Whether you're a tatted-up hippy killer or a suburban weekend doofus, you will enjoy Dave Nichols' history of life under the one percenter patch.
   Dave actually takes us back, way back, to a time before motorcycles even, (is there really such a time?) to find the seeds of Our Thing sprouting all through history. All along there have been guys that found themselves outside normal society and the law, gnarly bros like Huns, Mongols, Vikings, mercenary knights, cowboys, gunslingers and pirates who lived a hard life, lived by their own rules, carved out with sweat, gristle and violence.
   Then, of course, you get the whole history of bikerdom from the wild ride of the guys that came back from World War II itching for action--booze and broads--to the truth behind the Hollister "riot" and the explosion of the outlaw biker lifestyle around the globe, with an inside peek inside some of the baddest clubs around, and the lowdown on rules and codes behind their rise to worldwide stature. With all the snitch books currently festering on the shelves out there, it's refreshing to read something that tells it like it really is. The book is illustrated throughout with the outstanding biker lifestyle photography of lensman Kim Peterson of In The Wind magazine. They say reading is good for you. There is so much cool bathroom reading here that your butt will get encrusted with dried dingleberries that your ol' lady will have to remove with a kitchen spatula and a Dremel tool.



4. One Percenter - The Legend Of The Outlaw Biker
   By Dave Nichols
   
   I have just finished reading the book One Percenter - the Legend of the Outlaw Biker - by Dave Nichols
   I will start off by saying it is not what I expected but that is "My Bad" because I did not pay attention to the Legend part of the title.
   Having ridden for over 56 years, been the president of a large motorcycle club and even a one percenter for a period of time there is not much I haven't been involved in concerning motorcycles. That is why I can say the following.
   The author did a real good job of informing the reader of the history that lead up to the Biker Lifestyle as we know it today.
   I DID ENJOY THE BOOK! It is informative and factual.
   If you are a long time rider you will enjoy rememberances referred to in the book.
   If you are a new motorcyclist or just interested in motorcycling the book is something you should Definitely Read.
   The more you know about the lifestyle will help you fit in and enjoy it.



5. THE most poorly written and constructed book claiming to represent the 1%er lifestyle perhaps EVER put out. I'm still looking for my receipt so I can return what qualifies as the literary equal of the 1960s "biker" flicks in terms of blatant exploitation.
   
   The writing is turgid; the captions don't match the photographs; the material rehashed from far better past and current books on the subject and some of the claims made are just simply fantasy.
   
   This book deserves to go right to the $1 bin on the sidewalk of the recycled books outlet. "Tripe" is not too strong a word for the author's strip-mining venture of the outlaw motorcycle culture.

5 comments about The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel: Tips, Technology, Advanced Techniques.

1. If you are even just thinking about motorcycle touring a must read. I read this book as I was planning a long trip which helped on what to take, how to pack and what to expect on the trip. The information is top notch and I will read it again before my next trip.
   
   A good companion to this book would be:
   Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
   by David L. Hough



2. The book was bound with the pages out of order!! Cheap China manufacturing, no quality control from what used to be a trusted publisher.



3. If you only read one, read this one. I have been out of motorcycling for 26 years, owned four in my earlier day. I wanted to tour then but never did. This time I am doing it. I wanted to start out right so this was the first book I read. Extremely informative. It covered just about everything I needed and more. If there is any negative maybe I could ask for more guidance on which motorcycle. However, as I found in researching motorcycles, there are just too many factors. You must know what kind of travel you'll do, set your requirements of the bike, do the research on the bikes, sit on all of them, ride if allowed, settle on the one for you, take a motorcycle saftey course, buy and have fun. Don't go too small or too big, it must fit you. Dr. Fraizer's book is good too.



4. I purchased this book to help me prepare for a long ride from Texas to Oregon and back. It had so much useful information that I have put to use. I would recommend anyone considering a long trip to pick this book up and read.



5. I initially got this for trailer towing information and found out that every section of this book had something I could use. If you're just starting out and need advice or a seasoned rider looking for refreshers or new ideas I bet it is in here. Big thumbs up on this one. It will go on trips with me just in case.

5 comments about How to Rebuild Your Small-Block Chevy.

1. Written from this guys personal experiences. Could use more details/options for the rebuilder and less of his personal gabbing. Otherwise, it's a great book to start with.



2. If you are rebuilding your chevy motor in stock form, this book is for you. If you plan on modifying your motor to any extent, it is too outdated and its suggestions for machining and assembly do not apply.



3. I have used this book in my business for about 10 years. It is used both as a reference and a training aid for my customers. It is indispensible and there is no other book in my extensive library to compare with it. I highly recommend it to both the novice and professional.



4. This book has everything you wanted to know about the Chevy Smallblock. It gets kinda wordy, and very technical for someone who just wants to play around. If you are serious about rebuilding the Chevy Smallblock perfectly then get this book



5. After years of reading, and turning wrenches I think this is the best so far.
   Not only for readability (is this English?) but also specifications.
   This book tells you When to pull the engine and Why.
   Then tons of specific data will be given and even more important how and
   where to measure!!
   If you ever go in this kind of stuff, rebuilding your engine, this book is a good buy.
   
   BR. Arnoud.

1 comments about VW Passat & Audi A4: Passat (1998 thru 2005) & Audi A4 (1996 thru 2001) 1.8L 4-cylinder turbo and 2.8L V6 engines (Automotive Repair Manual).

1. I bought this book with the intent of replacing the timing belt on my 2003 Passat. The book has detailed step by step instructions on how to do it and cautions you about things you should be aware of before getting to the job like for example get the radio code before unplugging the battery because most VW's radios have anti theft code and you need the code to have your radio running when you are done with the job. It also tells what others parts (like the water pump) I could check and replace while I am at it.
   I however also have to admit that I am working with a friend who is more knowledgeable about cars than I am and so I can't really gauge if this book would make complete sense to a novice. Good luck!!

5 comments about Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Pocketbook (7ORSA).

1. I have to agree with Mr. Liter of Cola. I am a new member of the Spurbury Highway Patrol and this is by far the most helpful book of them all. My favorite book used to be "Swinging with Criminals" but now it is this. Thank you J.J. Keller!



2. Axactly what I ordered and wanted. Price was right. Comes in very handy. Thank you.



3. This is a valuable read if you are a CDL driver or if you are an HR person dealing with CDL drivers. Gives you all the lowdown on new rules and regs. in a pocket size book.



4. It was just what I needed for my husband's truck in order to be in compliance.



5. This book is just what the title says -- it is the regulations published by the FMCSA for the trucking industry. Obituaries are more interesting to read. HOWEVER, if you are in the trucking industry there is something in there that pertains to you, whether you are a driver, a truck mechanic, builder, broker, etc, etc. And yes, it should be required reading for anybody in the industry, at least those portions that affect you. My gripe with this book, is the that it is totally written in government legal speak. Sometimes you have to spend too much time trying to understand what it is that they are trying to say. This book could be made some much better if they not only gave you the "rule", but then interpreted it into layman's terminology. There is a small section that attempts to do this with Q/A. But not enough detail. Tell us how to put the rule into action. Index the different sections that an individual needs to know. For example, does a driver need to know the intricate details of how to conduct a drug/alcohol test? No. He does need to know when he may be required to submit to one and the penalties for not doing so, or not doing so in a timely manner, including the fact that violating the rule could mean the loss your job and become unemployable in the industry. Conversely, does the person conducting a drug/alcohol screening need to know what is required in Pre-Trip Inspection? Again, NO. And to the cops in Spurbury, VT. I hope that you have had more training in these regs than just reading the book, and if not I will steer clear of your town because if you try to enforce these regulations and dont know what you doing, you are just going to make a bad day for a driver.

4 comments about How to Rebuild the Small-Block Ford.

1. The best analogy for describing this book is that it's like having several long conversations with a veteran engine builder. It's easy to read and contains lots of valuable tips as well as Ford specific things to watch for.
   
   For you late model 5.0L guys, myself included, be aware that the book follows the build of an old-school 302. So the bottom end and valve train are covered pretty thoroughly but I finished craving a bit more 5.0L specific detail such as induction, fuel-injection, computers, etc.



2. This book is great for the novice engine builder looking for one book to show you how it's done. The magazine style writing with tons of pictures is easy to follow and includes lots of helpful tips. This book, together with a shop manual specific to your vehicle is all you will need to finish your project. The only thing that I found lacking was it could have used a little bit more detail on some of the finishing touches (ie. setting the rockers/valves - which is only explained with one picture/comment) of your engine build. After looking at several other books for information, I determined that this was the best / most current available. With all that said, my rebuilt motor runs great!!



3. First,If you are about to rebuild an early model Ford small block engine I would suggest this book.If you are looking for a book on later model EFI Ford small blocks engines this book isnt the one you want.
   
   This book is really a great book.Covers many factors to look at before you rebuild.You dont have to be a mechanic to read and understand this book.Covers all areas of rebuilding.There is even a section on performance tips and more importantly step by step instuctions with plenty of photos show make this book and this series of books ideal.Also,This book is an ideal book for those apprentices and those considering a mechanical apprenticeship.
   
   This book is written in simple English.Anyone with an interest in cars would enjoy this book.There is so much this book has to offer.For the price alone its good value.I hope that more books like this will be written for other makes of engines too.
   
   One thing I noticed is that the books from CarTech/SA Design tend to be better set out than the HPBooks.These new books from S-A Design/Cartech are better quality books than the earlier editions.
   
   No matter what make of engine you are rebuiding you can benefit by reading this book.
   
   If you are rebuilding an EFI Ford small block I would recommend this book:
   "Ford Windsor Small Block Performance:parts and modifications for high performance street and racing."By Issac Martin.From HB Books.Its available here at amazon.com too.



4. This book purports to cover the 351M/400 (335)series of engines. Don't believe it! It is a 221 to 351W text that barely makes any mention of the mid block engines. I am very disappointed.