The photos in this edition are black and white.

The needs of a true competition engine are quite different than those of the engine under the hood of a typical commuter car. From the basic design needs, to the base component materials, to the sizes of the flow-related hardware, to the precision of the machining, to the capabilities of each pertinent system, very few similarities exist. Many books exist showcasing how to make street-based engines more powerful and/or durable. This book is different, in that it focuses purely on the needs of high rpm, high durability, high-powered racing engines. It begins by looking at the raw design needs, and then shares how these needs are met at the various phases of an engine's development, assembly, testing and tuning.This book features reviews of many popular modern tools, techniques, products, and testing/data collecting machinery. Showing the proper way to use such tools, how to accurately collect data, and how to use the data effectively when designing an engine, is critical information not readily available elsewhere. The special needs of a competition engine aren't commonly discussed, and the many secrets competition engine builders hold closely are openly shared on the pages here.Authored by veteran author John Baechtel, Competition Engine Building stands alone as a premier guide for enthusiasts and students of the racing engine. It also serves as a reference guide for experienced professionals anxious to learn the latest techniques or see how the newest tools are used. Baechtel is more than just an author, as he holds (or has held) several World Records at Bonneville. Additionally, his engines have won countless races in many disciplines, including road racing and drag racing.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Race Engine Planning 
  • Consider the Limitations
  • Performance Objectives 
  • Unlocking Hidden Power
  • How Cylinders Influence Each Other
 
Chapter 2: Torque and Horsepower 
  • Volumetric Efficiency
  • Understanding BSFC 
  • Where Power Comes From 
  • What Influences Power? 
 
Chapter 3: Cylinder Blocks 
  • Grooming the Short Block 
  • Block Type 
  • Block Inspection
  • Machine Shop Processes

Chapter 4: Crankshafts 
  • Crankshaft Types 
  • Strength Treatments
  • Counterweights 
  • Operating Conditions
  • Crankshaft Oiling 
  • Engine Balancing
  • Crankshaft Dampening

Chapter 5: Piston Technology
  • Piston Speed
  • Acceleration 
  • Piston Speed Issues
  • Selection Factors
  • Race Piston Terminology
  • Rings
  • Piston Ring Terminology
  • Ring Installation 
  • Micro-Welding

Chapter 6: Connecting Rods
  • Rod Length as a Tuning Component 
  • Connecting Rod Materials
  • Characteristics of Rod Activity 
  • Rod-to-Piston Clearance

Chapter 7: Engine Bearings
  • Characteristics of Engine Bearings
  • Roller Cam Bearings
  • Clearances
  • Bearing Failures 

Chapter 8: Cylinder Heads
  • Choosing a Cylinder Head 
  • Valves and Valve Sizes 

Chapter 9: Induction Systems
  • Dual-Plane Intakes 
  • Single-Plane Intakes 
  • Tunnel Ram Intakes
  • Plenum Characteristics
  • Mixture Conditioning 
  • Surface Texturing
  • Reversion
  • Secondary Intake Considerations 
  • Flow Testing 
  • Electronic Fuel Injection
 
Chapter 10: Carburetors 
  • Carburetor Selection 
  • Exit Air Speed
  • Tuning Elements 
  • Basic Tuning and Maintenance
  • Final Thoughts
 
Chapter 11: Camshafts 
  • Understanding Cam Specs 
  • Calculating Valve Lift
  • Finding TDC 
  • Degreeing the Cam 
  • Calculating Valve Overlap
  • Camshaft Terminology
  • Rocker Ratio Tuning 
  • Duration
  • Camshaft Selection Criteria
  • Firing Order Swaps 

Chapter 12: Sumps and Oiling
  • Wet Sump Systems
  • Dry Sump Systems 
  • Oil Accumulators for Racing Engines
  • Common Modifications

Chapter 13: Ignition Systems
  • Ignition Choices
  • Race Engine Ignition Tips

Chapter 14: Exhaust Systems
  • PipeMax Header Software 
  • Step Headers 
  • Header Design Kit

Chapter 15: Engine Build Tips 
  • Assembly Procedure  

Chapter 16: Engine Startup and Maintenance
  • Startup and Break-In
  • Maintenance Program
  • Recommended Maintenance
  • Engine Dyno Testing

Specifications:
Pages: 176
Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 321 B/W Photos
Publisher: CarTech
ISBN: 9781613252888
Product Code: SA214P