5 comments about John Lingenfelter on Modifying SB Chevy Engines.

1. If you are a fan of John, buy the book. of course he was one of the best builders ever on this planet.
   The book is nice written, but he don't tell you his secrets in this book.
   Yes it is full of What to do, NOT how to do It, little or no specifications to bring your project to a satisfying end.
   Most annoying is the fact, if it get's difficult his last sentence on the subject is.... get your (whatever part) to Lingenfelter
   and we do it for you. That's not the reason for most people to buy this book.
   
   br. Arnoud.



2. I purchased this book when it was released in 1996. I had just finished a 355 and had it running. I learned so much more than all the magazine how-to articles I read that I had to pull the motor and change the oil pump and file-fit the rings. So much of what I read in this book made too much sense. This book was reviewed in one of the Chevy rags and the first thing mentioned was the misuse of high volume oil pumps. Every street engine buildup story seems to use a high volume pump and this guy tells us not to for a good reason. There is something to learn in every section of this book. You may even sound like you know what you're talking about on your next visit to the machine shop. John's legacy lives on. He was highly regarded in drag racing, his company is still turning out fabulous street cars, and I think he was the hot rod hero for everyman. Anyone need a high volume oil pump?



3. I wanted a book on modifying V8 engines and this is it.The author is known for his performance and racing engines.John explains which modifications are ideal but more importantly,explains why.
   
   This book is ideal for all petrol engines not just Chevy engines.The tips and techniques can be applied to any petrol engine.
   
   Plenty of photographs throughout and its a great read.Most engine builders and amateurs will enjoy this book.



4. A good general review of smallblock chevy engine building John Lingenfelter on Modifying SB Chevy Engines



5. Very informative book, had fun reading through and looking over the changing you can make.

4 comments about Car Talk Maternal Combustion: Calls about Moms and Cars (Car Talk).

1. The Magliozzi brothers (a.k.a. the Tappet Brothers) here answer calls about and from mothers, giving funny advice on cars in their latest issue Car Talk: Maternal Combustion. In case you don't know them or their show, the brothers narrate the award-winning 'Car Talk' radio broadcast weekly on National Public Radio stations across the nation, accepting call-in questions addressed with a heavy dose of humor. Fans and newcomers of CAR TALK won't be disappointed in the one hour program of hilarity offered on Maternal Combustion: Calls About Moms And Cars.



2. Was a real pick me up on a recent road trip. Lost my Mom 8 months ago and it was nice to hear how other mothers delt with the everyday problems we all experiance with our cars.



3. I guess you either love these guys or you hate them. My wife finds them incredibly annoying when she hears them on the radio. After hearing this, you know their mother loves them!
   
   Myself, I love them, too. Their accents are not off-putting to me, and I love how they laugh together.
   
   What I've learned over time, though, is that the 'straight' answers they provide are actually pretty authoritative. They actually know what they're talking about, based not only on their extensive formal education but also based on their hands-on work with many, many cars.
   
   If I personally found anything annoying, it's only their constant self-referencing which gets old. However, it's a part of their "shtick" which we would not want to do without...



4. How could this show be so funny? Maybe it's because they laugh at their own jokes, or that while they're highly trained and educated engineers, they know just about as much about cars at the next guy. Short on actual information, you'll howl at some of the reactions to people's calls.

5 comments about Small Wonder: The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen Beetle (Volkswagen).

1. In 1969, after I had purchased a new VW, the dealer sent me "Small Wonder" by Walter Nelson. I have just finished reading this book once again, 22 years later, and the book is as applicable in todays society as it was back when it was first published. This book is not only about the Volkswagon car. It contains a good deal of history surrounding pre-war Germany, the rise of Hitler to power, WWII, and reconstruction of the bombed out factory with American assitance following the war. Any person considering a sales career should read and study this book.



2. On of the world`s most informative and well resourced books on the VW history.Gives an insight to the early vehicle development,political hurdles that had to be overcome as well as the generic industrial resistence that was present.H.Nelson, a gifted author,not only writes about the "first row" people but also about production personnel and production techniques.
   Sales and marketing development & especially how the U.S. market was won not only fascinates the VW buff but everyone who ever had anything to do with the automotive industry.



3. Just what I was looking for, and then some. This book starts at the very beggining, with the Beetle's mentor and VW's founder Dr. Porsche. (Did you know he was Czeck?)
   It follow's the company's history (which is to say, the car's history) with just the right amount of coverage to its amazing journey from WWII to the car's EOP (end of production) in Puebla, Mexico. The cronology of this book is excellent. Worthdly of a movie script, this book is extremely enganging. As you read its history, names like Ford, Peugeot, Renault amongst others keep poping up narrating each one's influence on the company's history. (Did you know H. Ford II was offered the factory, for free?)
   The only thing that I'd wish from this book was to have the author do either a follow up or a revised update. This book finishes with the beetle's last production car, but the company has certantly not. I wish I could get more info from the company's developement from that point forward, including the launch of the new beetle among other superb new VWs...



4. "Small Wonder" Review
   
   The book "Small Wonder" was a very descriptive book about how the Volkswagen car as we know it today came about. It started when Ferdinand Porsche designed the "peoples car." When the car first came into production people didn't want such a different looking car. Some people thought it was ugly. There were a couple of different prototypes for the first VW car. A few were not excepted. The one that finally made it was different then the other ones because it had a window in back and a little different front end.
   The cars were tested day after day. The cars were run until they didn't run any more. They kept running the cars until every problem was fixed. There were a lot of problems with the cars. Some were more serious then others. VW came out with 5 different cars first. They were the k, s, ss, ssk, sskl. . They were less powerful then most cars today . although smaller cars today have around the same amount of horse power and the cars are lighter.
   
   I personaly do not like the book because of how detailed it is . If it was less detailed and more of a story then it would be more of what I like to read. If you like books that are really detailed and have a lot of facts then this is a good book for you. Also if you would like to know the history of the Volkswagen then it is also a good book for that.



5. I loved Volkswagens ever since I was a lad of twelve, and so had a natural interest in this book. It starts off well enough - the story about the car's development in Nazi Germany was fascinating - but I soon tired of the excessively corporate style in the later years (details about various VW executives and their industrial philosophies) and didn't bother to finish it.
   
   
   
   They used to give these out when you bought a Bug in the 1960's.

5 comments about Volkswagen Cabriolet, Scirocco Service Manual 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Including Scirocco 16V (Volkswagen).

1. I had purchased the Haynes manual at a local auto parts store earlier. But it was not focused enough on the Cabriolet. This book cost twice as much, it's true, but it covers details in the Cabriolet that were just not available in the other book. So if your time is worth more than 5 bucks an hour you will be ahead paying the extra money.



2. I have had a Bentley manual for every VW I have owned in recent years, don't waste you money on anything else. This is the most complete and easy to read service manual you can buy.



3. This manual contains all the information you are likely to need to work on these cars. Detailed maintenance information, including the recommended maintenance schedule, is included.



4. If you have this book it is an incredibly handy tool to have around in the garage or just in the house. Anything you need to know is in here.



5. I have a VW Cabriolet 1989 and this is an excellent item, Must have for car owner. Detailed description of almost everything and pictures and images that really help!!

5 comments about The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language.

1. I thought this was going to be a book about HOW to learn a language. I'm giving this four stars, b/c it's not really the author's fault that I picked the wrong book for my purpose. It's written well and explained well, but I really don't need someone to spend a whole lot of pages explaining to me that we instinctively learn. BUT I understand that there are people who do want to read a whole lot of pages explaining this theory, so...four stars it is. In case you didn't get that, it's NOT a book that teaches you how to learn a language.



2. I give this book five stars not because its reasoning is impeccable, or its writing everywhere beautiful, or its theme always engaging and irresistible. In none of these dimensions is it flawless. But I would nonetheless recommend it without reservation to all readers, so I feel I must give it five stars.
   
   This book is great because of its fascinating subject, and the myriad of relevant ideas and examples it reveals. The book is more of in interesting discussion on a topic than an orderly defense of a thesis. But so many of the examples are utterly fascinating that, were there no attempt to patch them together into a single narrative, this book would still be intriguing and enjoyable. To give you a sense of why I love this book I must mention a few of these here.
   
   Pinker discusses:
   
   >how children, in a single generation, can transform a pidgin (an awkward combination of two languages created by the mingling of two populations with different native languages) into a creole (a composite language that is no longer awkward but instead melds the parent languages into a new one with all of the richness and complexity of any other natural language). He further describes how deaf children creolized artificially constructed sign languages into a natural language with all of the features and depth of expression that extant languages have.
   
   >in depth, the concept that language defines the boundaries of thought and expression.
   
   >how varieties of brain injuries and genetic mutations can alter very specific language abilities while leaving other general cognitive functioning unharmed.
   
   >efforts to teach other animals language.
   
   >how languages change over time and what rules the changes preserve and what aspects of language are up for grabs.
   
   I will force myself to stop. As I flip through the pages of the book I find countless other examples and frequently get caught up in them all over again and have to tear myself away.
   
   Now, I must warn you, that if you are not interested in theories of linguistics and cognition and computer science then there are, here and there, some more nuts and bolts discussions of how language works that you will find to be a bit dry. They're really not bad, and if you ARE interested in the above they're actually quite fascinating. But if you find your interest waning as you encounter these rougher patches, never fear, they are a relatively minor component of the book, and there are many more vigorous discussions yet to come.
   
   If you are interested in language, how it works, how we learn it, and how it affects us, then you will love this book. I find Pinker's arguments in favor of the view that language is innate in humans to be compelling, and I think that most people would find the suggestion to be pretty intuitive. But don't let your feelings about the outcome of this argument obscure the many simpler pleasures available to the reader who innocently enjoys the many vistas afforded by this excellent tour of the world of linguistics.



3. i liked this book better than pinker's "how the mind works." it was a little more focused, obviously, and i feel that pinker had better explanations for his ideas re language and linguistics than for the mind as a whole (tho he did use examples from the "mind" book here, and vice versa). it got a little thick thru the parts discussing grammar rules, but on the whole a good read that kept my interest. less dense than "how the mind works" and on the whole more intriguing.



4. We all talk. (Some of us more than others). But all humans -- barring a problem such as deafness -- talk. Even our deaf friends talk by means of a complicated language of visual signs.
   
   And Steven Pinker tells this story, the story of human language, and why it's so essential a part of our humanity, well. Following Chomsky, he posits a universal language structure, an innate part of our being who we are, and how small children grow quickly into complex grammatical and syntactical structures.
   
   And for the most part, this is a good read. My only complaint is that on occasions, Dr. Pinker waxes a bit too eloquent, telling more information than is needed for the argument, giving pages and pages of examples when one or 2 would do. But this is a good introduction to the whole question of why and how we talk, and by inference how we think.



5. I found this book to be an interesting and informative read. While I am interested in linguistics (and thus was probably a bit more excited about the topic than the average person), I think this book would also be enjoyable for anyone. Pinker writes in an understandable manner, mostly avoiding linguistic jargon and always explaining complex topics in a generally understandable way.
   
   Additionally, the latest edition includes a "P.S." addition at the end that incudes Q&A with Pinker as well as a summary for each chapter of new advances that have been made since the book was originally written--a nice addition to an already great book.

4 comments about Rochester Carburetor Manual (Haynes Manuals).

1. I'm like a lot of you shade tree restorers out there; not much I won't tackle, but certain things are a bit too scary to try. Rebuilding the carburetor was one of those things.
   
   I bought this book, as well as the Roe QJet book just to cover my bases. If you want to try a rebuild, I'd recommend you have both books. There are some minor gaps in this book that Roe will cover, and vice versa (for example, Haynes recommends Loc-Tite for throttle body screws, which can work loose and fall in the engine, Roe ignored this potential issue). The Haynes book does a better job covering other Rochester carbs, including a side by side guide for rebuilding the DualJet and QuadraJet, though the side by side instructions can be confusing at times.
   
   I was able to get through a QJet rebuild in a very measured, cautious six hours. The carb worked flawlessly the first time, thanks to this book.



2. This manual was very detailed and in-depth. Having basic knowledge of carb operation and then having purchased this manual, I was able to tune my carburetor for the best performance and gas milage possible. It really simplified the carburetor for me and I would recommend this manual to anyone interested in serviceing their own carb.



3. This manual does not cover the early Rochester single barrel carbs on 235 and 216 Chevy inline 6 engines. I suppose I could have figured that out if I check into it more carfully. When I saw "single barrel" on the cover I assumed wrongly that it would cover the model B carbs used on Chevies in the 40's and 50's. For what is does cover it apppears very will written but didn't meet my needs.



4. A good how to and explanation of how a carburetor works. I am glad I bought it.

5 comments about Motor City Dream Garages: Amazing Collections from America's Greatest Car City.

1. Motor City Dream Garages is a must read. It is a fascinating blend of great photography and text. I thoroughly enloyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cars, good photography or just great writing.



2. This is obviously an attempt to capitalize on the success of Phil Berg's Ultimate Garages (Motorbooks Classic), which is a must for any car guy's bookshelf. Motor City Dream Garages: Amazing Collections from America's Greatest Car City falls far short of the target.
   
   For about the same money you can buy Berg's Ultimate Garages II, which is a far better book. UG-II is also better than the original Ulitmate Garages.



3. Quite obviously a blatant imitation of Phil Berg's ground-breaking "Ultimate Garages" books, both of which should be standard equipment in every car guy's workshop.



4. 
   
   Top drawer. The very top. In this autophile's opinion, Motor City Dream Garages is the quintessential compilation of true garage stories... in its telling, its photos and the Dreamers tinkering therein. A requisite book for the aficionado's library; a nice gift for the person who just admires fine automobiles.



5. Most great Broadway musicals were the creations of talented songwriter/lyricist teams, e.g., Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe. The notable exception was Cole Porter, who wrote words and music. Rex Roy, a photojournalist with solid credits (AOL Automotive, The Winding Road et al), is the Cole Porter of the Dream Garage genre. The lyrics are Mr. Roy's clever intertwining of garage-owner stories with his own auto-avid anecdotes; the show-stopping music is his engaging photography of the collector cars, tamed and untamed, corralled inside their dream stables. MOTOR CITY DREAM GARAGES has found a permanent spot on my living room coffee table, but it's seldom parked there long. Like a great car, it's difficult for visitors (and this reviewer) to refrain from "opening it up."

4 comments about Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (3rd Edition).

1. This is one of the best automotive teaching books I have seen. It is up to date with the latest technology and the worksheet material gives a great hands on for learning every system in detail.



2. I've been a professional aircraft/automotive mechanic for 17 years. I use this book extensively, it has great review material along with alot of updated information on the latest technology in all areas. I used it to re-certify for my ASE ratings. This book will help novice and experienced techs alot.



3. i ordered the book on September 6th 2003 and recieved the book normal frieght within the next week. I'd definately buy form this seller again. The book was allmost like new, there were a few minor things wrong with it but it was used so nothing you wouldnt expect.



4. Great Book.....great explanation....great pictures ...covers every asepect of modern vehicle....

5 comments about How to Build, Modify & Power Tune Cylinder Heads.

1. This book is from England, and although it's easy enough to read, there are no pictures or facts pertaining to American engines. Also, not enough or correct information is given concerning porting.



2. This book provides good information for anyone looking to modify automotive cylinder heads to gain power. It is very well written and covers everything from valve grind and port work to cam degreeing and lift. Most of the information is applicable to any 4-stroke engine, and very few "engine specific" (and hence mostly useless) bits of information are included. Well worth the money.



3. This book is full of useful info. Lot of detail. I recommend this book. Well worth the money.



4. Not much new information unless you are a novice.



5. The porting info in this book is not as detailed as in A.Graham Bells 4 stroke performance tuning book but what it lacks in info it more than makes up for in pertinent pictures and this book also does a very good job of explaining how and why certain things need to be done. This is a fine book for anyone who wants to tinker with their heads for the first time. The equipment needed section is excellent and a quick google search found the needed stuff at very reasonable prices. Good job Burgess.

5 comments about Mercedes Benz 230, 250 and 280, 1968-1972 (Haynes Manuals).

1. This manual is a typical Haynes publication: not a complete "factory" service manual, but a very thorough guide for the DIY'er. Easy to read, it includes a "British to American" translation guide in the front of the manual to eliminate any possible confusion with technical terms and part names. If you own the 4.5 or 6.0 engine, however, you may want to search for another manual.



2. I ordered this book but it wasn't what I needed. I don't feel like the title gave enough info. I have a 1973 280C with a 2.8 DOHC engine. This paticular book covers the 280SL series. Ooops. I'm new to Mercedes - always been a Triumph man - an honest mistake. Amazon was great about taking it back so no complaints.

   I just thought I'd include the info that I was missing upon purchase. Haynes manuals are the best though...thanks!




3. If you've bought an old merc as I have, this is a good place to start. But, you need to make sure that the exact car you have is covered, or otherwise it is a useless book. I found it really useful for basic repair, as well as showing me the process that the shop will go through, so I know if the price they quote is fair or not.



4. Just exactly the book we have been searching for to rebuild the motor in our old car. It is just what the doctor ordered!



5. One of the books i have for working on my 1969 280 and is very helpful.