David Vizard's How to Build Horsepower: Proven Methods for Increasing Horsepower in Any Engine (S-A Design)

My hobby is building and restoring classic hot rods and Corvettes. I have read countless articles and books on the engine subject and have garnered many tid-bits along the way...But this book takes all those tid-bits (plus many more) and puts them in 144 picture and chart filled pages!Vizard is my new favorite author because he explains very complex subjects and makes them much easier to understand. Each chapters focus is explained in detail on how you can pull more horsepower from it: 1-The Basics, 2-Induction, 3-Fuel Delivery, 4-Intake Manifolds, 5-Supercharging, 6-Cylinder Heads, 7-Porting and Flow Testing, 8-Ignition Systems, 9-Camshaft 10-Cam Events, 11-Valve Train, 12-Short Block 13- Exhaust Manifolds, 14-Mufflers & Tail Pipes.He even explains how to build a great head flow bench (that will rival a pro bench) with a shop-vac! Just built mine for about $10 and can't wait to pull the heads off my '34. I just ordered his other book ""How to Port & Flow Test Cylinder Heads" for even more detail.Vizard also gives equal time to in-line 4 cylinder and V-8 engines in the text (although the pics lean toward V-8's). He explains when the engine science is the same and when different for your cylinder configuration.I really feel that I have learned so much more than I knew (and realized the mistakes I have made) just by reading this book. The chapters on Cams and the one on Carburetors finally made these items less of a trial and error exercise, and more of a "get it right the first time" for me.Can't rave enough on how stoked I am. Beginner or shop pro, you will learn something.P.S. This is not a shop manual on how to assemble an engine. It only explains how to determine the best components to use for your horsepower and torque needs.

If your interested in small blocks just buy it. David Vizard is one of the best writers out there and this book has so much useful information that it is a "must have" for any SBC fan. I borrowed and read twice in a week it before decided that I had to have a copy of my own. Its that good! His book, Building SBC's on a budget is another one that everybody needs to have. I would say buy it first and this one second though. David is a Writer, Engine builder, Racer, Machinist, owns a dyno and has done it all his life. Not like most books that are written by Geeks that have never got there hands dirty. This guy speaks to us,,, the gear-heads. He is the modern day Smokey Yunick but instead of drinking, smoking, and chasing whores, (not that there is anything wrong with that), David has spent much time writing what he has learned so that we all can use it. Order it and don't look back. If all the Small Block Chevy books out there these are the first two that you need.

Very informative, I recommend this book to anyone looking to increase there knowledge. This book opened my eyes to the right way of doing things. Great read.

David Vizard has done all the work for you. In his book he gives you what you need to know. BUT if you don't follow what he say's --it is on you not him. Read about someone who has done all the work, far more than you or I.CR

Straight up solid information. Vizard has years of success backing his opinions, and one does well to follow any recommendations. My 1st copy was marked up and highlighted end to end within a few days of receipt, then got lost in a flood. It's being replaced at an additional cost, just so I'll have it in my library. This book DOES require thought, so finding the right cam (for instance) will have you doing math and talking to several manufacturers before you've finished. It DOES NOT just tell you an answer: you'll have to discover that for yourself!

All the information is laid out in a clear straightforward method.

All of David Vizard's books and videos are fantastic. He is a bit Chevy and Cosworth heavy, but he writes from a generic perspective so even a Mopar guy like me can find useful pieces of information.

Still reading through but I'm liking what I've read so far. My first book on this subject so I can't compare to other books but I think it's great & I can't imagine another book being significantly better. I've already applied some of the ideas to my daily ride. I definitely like that he provides dyno supported numbers to show what worked & what didn't. Although most of it (so far) is based on V8 domestics, he does reference imports (more my thing) and what I've read so far should apply to any engine. Although bigger displacement engines will get bigger gains I would expect the "gain difference" between two mods to translate directly to a 6 or 4 cylinder.Also helpful to debunk some myths, such as bigger intake tubes will always get bigger gains. Interesting to see that a "tuned" intake, which could be a smaller diameter than other options, can gain more than simply bolting on a large diameter intake.Bottom line, a great book so far & I would recommend it.