Books by John Baechtel

The photos in this edition are black and white. <p>The efficient flow of air through an engine is instrumental for producing maximum power. To maximize performance, engine builders seek to understand how air flows through components and ultimately through the entire engine. Engine builders use this knowledge and apply specific practices and principles to unlock horsepower within an engine; this applies to all engine types, including V-8s, V-6s, and imported 4-cylinder engines.<p>Former <i>Hot Rod</i> magazine editor and founder of Westech Performance Group John Baechtel explains airflow dynamics through an engine in layman's terms so you can easily absorb it and apply it. The principles of airflow are explained; specifically, the physics of air and how it flows through major engine components, including the intake, heads, cylinders, and exhaust system. The most efficient and least restricted path through an engine is the key to high performance. To get to this higher level, the author explains atmospheric pressure, air density, and brake specific fuel consumption so you understand the properties of fuel for tuning. <p>Baechtel covers the primary factors for optimizing the airflow path. This includes the fundamentals of air motion, air velocity, and boundary layers; obstructions; and pressure changes. Flowing air through the heads and the combustion chamber is key and is comprehensively explained. Also comprehensively explored is the exhaust system's airflow, in particular primary tube size and length, collector function, and scavenging. Chapters also include flowbench testing, evaluating flow numbers, and using airflow software. <p>In the simplest terms, an engine is an air pump. Whether you're a professional engine builder or a serious amateur engine builder, you must understand engine airflow dynamics and must apply these principles if you want to optimize performance. If you want to achieve ultimate engine performance, you need this book.

The photos in this edition are black and white.The venerable Chevy big-block engines have proven themselves for more than half a century as the power plant of choice for incredible performance on the street and strip. They were innovators and dominators of the muscle car wars of the 1960s and featured a versatile design architecture that made them perfect for both cars and trucks alike. Throughout their impressive production run, the Chevy big-block engines underwent many generations of updates and improvements. Understanding which parts are compatible and work best for your specific project is fundamental to a successful and satisfying Chevy big-block engine build.In Chevy Big-Block Engine Parts Interchange, hundreds of factory part numbers, RPOs, and detailed color photos covering all generations of the Chevy big-block engine are included. Every component is detailed, from crankshafts and rods to cylinder heads and intakes. You'll learn what works, what doesn't, and how to swap components among different engine displacements and generations. This handy and informative reference manual helps you to create entirely unique Chevy big-block engines with strokes, bores, and power outputs never seen in factory configurations. Also included is real-world expert guidance on aftermarket performance parts and even turnkey crate motors. It s a comprehensive guide for your period-correct restoration or performance build.John Baechtel brings his accumulated knowledge and experience of more than 34 years of high-performance engine and vehicle testing to this book. He details Chevy big-block engines and their various components like never before with definitive answers to tough interchange questions and clear instructions for tracking down rare parts. You will constantly reference Chevy Big-Block Parts Interchange on excursions to scrap yards and swap meets, and certainly while building your own Chevy big-block engine.

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.