Books published by Cartech

The photos in this edition are black and white. <p>About a half-million Corvettes were sold between 1968 and 1982, and the distinctive Shark body style with the combination of V-8 power has gained legendary status. Some Corvettes are too rare and valuable to be modified. These include the big-block cars built between 1968 and 1974, which command big dollars at auctions. However, the vast majority of Corvettes, built between 1975 and 1982, are affordable and plentiful, and these are ideal for high-performance builds. <p>Many Corvettes from this era are often considered weekend cruisers because they carry antiquated brakes, steering, and suspension, and also anemic V-8 engines with 165-220 horsepower. Lacking modern technology, these 31-year-old or older cars are ripe for a high-performance transformation. And with the right build-up plan, products, and services, they can become high-performance sports cars that rival current sports cars on the road today. Corvette expert and builder Chris Petris shows how to transform a mundane C3 into a standout, high-performance car. The most popular upgrades to every component group are covered including engine, transmission, differential, front suspension, rear suspension, steering, chassis, electrics, interior, tires and wheels, and more. With this information, you will confidently know all the products and  procedures that make the car as a whole a far better performer than stock. <p><i>Corvette C3: How to Build and Modify</i> is the ideal book for the at-home mechanic as well as the adept enthusiast supervising the build-up of a Corvette. Whether it's mildly modifying your Corvette for greater comfort and drivability or substantially modifying it for vastly improved acceleration, braking, and handling, this book has a massive amount of information to help accomplish the reader's goals. 

The photos in this edition are black and white. The E36 was the embodiment of the luxury sports sedan, and the standard that other manufacturers strived to reach. And as such, the BMW 3 Series became wildly popular with BMW manufacturing 2.67 million E36 cars worldwide from 1992 to 1999. The new E36 featured a more aerodynamic design, potent dual overhead cam engine, multilink rear suspension, and a more luxurious interior than its predecessor. The E36 BMW seamlessly blended exhilarating performance with refined appointments and produced a comfortable yet aggressive driving machine that appealed to a wide audience. Although the stock BMW is a more-than-capable sports sedan, veteran author Jeffrey Zurschmeide delves into all the different methods for extracting more performance, so you can make your E36 even more potent. He explains how to upgrade handling and control through installation of aftermarket coil-over springs, bushings, sway bars, and larger brakes. Producing more power is also a priority, so he shows you how to install and set up a cold-air intake, ignition tuners, and exhaust system components. You are also guided through work on cylinder heads, cams, and pistons. In addition, you're shown the right way to install superchargers and turbo kits. If your 3 Series is making more power, then you need to get that power to the ground; guidance is provided for upgrading the transmission and limited-slip differentials. The BMW 3 Series has set the benchmark for performance and luxury. But even at this benchmark, these cars can be dramatically improved. Each major component group of the car can be modified or upgraded for more performance, so you can build a better car that's balanced and refined. If you want to make your E36 a quicker, better handling, and more capable driving machine, this book is your indispensable guide for making it a reality.

The photos in this edition are black and white. <p> Chevy's W-series 348 and later the 409 became legends on the street, and in particular the 409 also became a legend on the track. In the early 1960s, these engines powered a variety of GM vehicles and the Z11 Impalas at the drag strip. While these engines enjoyed a hay day in the early 1960s and pop culture status in the hot rod community, especially with the Beach Boys and their hit song "409", higher horsepower Mark IV Chevy big-block engines overshadowed these W-engines by the late 1960s. But recently, the 348s and 409s have enjoyed a high-performance renaissance and many speed manufacturers are making heads, blocks, and virtually every part for these engines. <P>Veteran magazine writer and author John Carollo provides insightful instruction for rebuilding a stock engine and also how to build a sound performance W-engine as well. The reader is shown how to select a strong clean block, free of core shift and fatal cracks, select the best heads for a particular build, and increase the compression ratio. Selecting a camshaft and a strong connecting rod and piston combination is also an important aspect of the engine build, and all options are examined. <P>Guidance in this book will allow you to select the right cam for a high-performance aftermarket package and a cam that won't over power a stock engine's valve train. In addition, building a large displacement stock engine of 427 inches or aftermarket block to go to 509 inches is covered. From mild to wild, from stock to modified, the book covers everything you need to know about the legendary 348-409 engines. 

"Covers all major systems & components"--Cover.

The photos in this edition are black and white.Small-block Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge V-8 engines came in a variety of vehicles since 1964. These powerful, durable engines powered everything from high-performance ''Cudas and Chargers to torquey Dakotas and Ram trucks.How to Rebuild the Small-Block Mopar is the most comprehensive book on small-block Mopar engines ever released, covering 273, 318, 340, and 360-ci LA engines and 5.2 and 5.9L Magnum V-8s. Author William Burt uses color photos and descriptive text to teach readers the complete rebuild process from removal to break-in. This book describes ways to increase the performance and efficiency of your small-block Mopar, and also point s out the unique steps required for LA and Magnum versions of the engine. Topics covered include removal, tear down, inspection, selecting parts, machine-shop work, and assembly. Special sidebars cover torque sequences, cc-ing heads, calculating compression ratio, and painting engine parts.

<p>The photos in this edition are black and white. <p>The 1967-1981 Camaros and Firebirds are enduring classics that include the  Z28, Firebird Formula 400, and the Smokey and the Bandit edition Trans Ams. But many owners want their rides to have the latest and greatest in GM engine technology and performance, and that's the LS engine. These F-Body cars readily accept these compact, lightweight modern V-8 engines. The LS engines produce more horsepower per cubic inch than almost all other pushrod V-8 engines, so the combination of the LS engine and a Camaro or Firebird make for an extraordinary performance car. And that's precisely why these engine swaps have become so popular. <P>To perform a professional caliber  LS engine swap into a Camaro or Firebird, you need proper planning, the right combination of parts, and information to complete the project. <i>Swap LS Engines into Camaros & Firebirds: 1967-1981</i> provides excellent instruction and guidance for selecting the best engine for a budget, choosing the adapter plates and engine mounts, dropping the engine into the car, selecting the ideal transmission and drivelines, and completing all facets of the swap. You need to ensure that all the other components on the car are compatible with the engine, so author McClellan instructs readers how to integrate the electronic engine control system on the early F-Body cars as well as select and install exhaust, intake, fuel pumps, and upgrade cooling system for the high-performance LS. <P>While the swapping process is covered in detail, the author also provides a helpful Gen III and Gen IV LS engine guide, so the reader finds the best performing and reliable engine suited for a particular car and application, such as Pro Touring, drag racing, and high-performance street. In addition, the author explains how to shop for and buy a used LS engine from a salvage yard, so you get a good engine with all required accessories. When you are ready to swap a stock powerplant engine for a GM LS, you are going to need this book.

The photos in this edition are black and white. The traditional Pontiac V-8 ushered in the age of great American overhead valve V-8s with its introduction in 1955. Almost immediately, it became the basis for competition power plants. As time passed and the engine evolved to greater heights and larger displacements, avid Pontiac enthusiasts took advantage of the design's strong points and overcame its weaknesses to build a legendary performance history. Today's Pontiac enthusiast has a wide range of factory and aftermarket components to choose from, and in How to Build Max-Performance Pontiac V-8s, all the critical components are reviewed in great detail. This book includes honest advice on the proper way to modify components for optimal power and durability. The book also gives readers an assessment of the many aftermarket accessories offered for these great engines, and shares the capabilities such parts bring with them. In addition, high-performance engine buildups are completed and the results are shared. If you're considering building a traditional Pontiac V-8 engine for increased power and performance or even for competitive racing, this book is a critical component to achieving your goals.

The photos in this edition are black and white. As Ford cars grew in both size and weight after WWII, the need for a more powerful and robust engine than the aging Flathead was becoming apparent. The successor of the Flathead engine, the Ford Y-block V-8 engine delivered far better performance and it didn't have the inherent oiling problems of the Flathead. This engine featured deep skirt block design, and its layout resembles a "Y," hence the Y-block name. Manufactured displacements of 239, 256, 272, 292, and 312 cubic inches, this stout engine grew in displacement over the years to meet demands for more power. It powered a variety of Ford trucks and cars from 1952 to 1964, including the Thunderbird, Edsel, and the famous 53-56 pickups. The Ford Y-block has been largely ignored for years, but now the engine is enjoying a renaissance. With the renewed interest, many new high-performance parts are on the market. In this comprehensive rebuild and high-performance build-up guide, a step-by-step rebuild of two stock engines is provided, complete with explanatory text and captions as well as full-color photos. During the rebuild process, you learn the unique features of this engine series and how to build a strong and reliable engine. In addition, author Charles Morris profiles the building a modified supercharged 292 engine that uses the latest performance parts and technology developed specifically for this engine series. You are shown how to machine and prep the block, refurbish the cylinder heads, and select the optimal rotating assembly for a particular horsepower level. The last book published on Y-Blocks was more than 20 years ago, but there has not been an authoritative step-by-step engine rebuild and high-performance book until now. The enthusiasts have been clamoring for information and of course owners will find invaluable coverage of the new parts, machining process, and assembly techniques. If you're a Y-block enthusiast, you will have to have this book.

The photos in this edition are black and white. Vintage, retro, or classic hot rods have been an enduring element of the hot rod hobby. These vintage roadsters, sedans, and coups have become very popular because they are the bedrock of the hot rodding culture. However, many rodders have built a rod dedicated to a particular decade, era, region, flavor, or style, but these have lacked all the period correct details, and it''s crucial to get all the details (ie parts) right. If some parts are not of the complementary or the package does not faithfully replicate a particular style or era, the theme of the hot rod can be ruined. Hot rod veteran Gerry Burger explains how to identify, buy, or build the parts to create a faithful period correct hot rod--a car that you will be proud of and will gain the respect from others in the hobby. The book showcases all the parts that make a faithful and consistent hot rod of a certain era, flavor, or style. The book covers 50s and 60s style, both East Coast and West Coast. It details the wide range of stock parts and popular high-performance parts from a particular era. He discusses when they were first produced and when they were in popular use. Once you decide on the theme and time period for your hot rod build, Burger discusses how to choose the period correct engine for your chassis, valve covers, intakes, and carbs that also match the period from Edelbrock, Offenhauser, and others. Similar chapters also cover, interiors, wheels and tires, frames, suspension, and all other components. When it comes to putting together all the pieces to create an attractive, accurate, and fun hot rod from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, no other book is a better guide than How to Build Period Correct Hot Rods.

<p>The photos in this edition are black and white.<p>Boost your 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro’s horsepower in addition to its braking and cornering abilities by using proven modifications. <p>This book includes instruction about brakes, suspension, rear axles, intake and exhaust, cooling, fuel systems, transmissions, LS engine mods, superchargers, turbochargers, ECM tuning, aftermarket EFIs, and more.<p>The Chevrolet Camaro really needs no introduction to automotive enthusiasts. From its inception (along with the Firebird) in 1967, the Camaro established a reputation that made its name a household word. Insanely popular on the street, successful in all forms of competition, and a perennial best seller, over the past half-century the Camaro has cemented its status as an icon. <p>The Camaro went on hiatus for an 8-year period, much to the chagrin of Chevrolet, but made a triumphant return in 2010 with the 5th Gen models. Of course, the new generation of Camaros is filled with the technology you would expect, including multiple trim versions and a variety of engine packages. And of course, as capable as the new cars are, Camaro enthusiasts always want more. That's where this book comes in.<p>There is fierce competition on the street for modern muscle supremacy. With <i>Camaro 5th Gen 2010-2015: How to Build and Modify</i>, you can keep your Camaro ahead of the competition.

In an age of unbridled American enthusiasm and towering industrial might, the GM Motorama was a dazzling and elegant show that was unlike any automotive event before it or since. General Motors staged extravagant and elaborate Motorama shows that rivaled some fashion shows. It showcased some of the most revolutionary and innovative prototype and dream cars ever built. And it captured the imagination of the car-buying public from 1950 to 1961.Motorama expert and experienced author David Temple has comprehensively researched the show, the cars, and the personalities to create a fascinating new story with many new photos of these magnificent cars. Because television was in its infancy, GM's President Alfred Sloan believed that the Motorama was the most effective way to market GM products and design prowess. Legendary stylist Harley Earl led a talented group of designers and engineers to dream up, style, and develop some of the most remarkable prototype cars of all time. While current production Buick, Chevy, Cadillac, and Pontiac cars were showcased, the bold, radical, awe-inspiring prototype and dream cars stole the show. These included the GM Le Sabre, replete with aerospace design and an aluminum engine; the fiberglass-bodied Corvette dream car, which went into production after overwhelmingly positive response; and the jet engine-powered Firebird. Temple goes into fascinating detail on the body, frame, engine, drivetrain, and all the special features of each model. He has also retraced the ownership histories of some of these cars.Within the pages of this volume, you get to relive this glorious era of automotive history and revisit the advanced show cars that inspired so many new models. This book features fascinating period photography of Motorama cars at the show, in development, and at different locales. No other automotive show rivaled the Motorama for stunning productions and awe-inspiring cars, which makes this a must-have book. This book is a 2015 International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC) Silver Medal Winner.

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. <p>If there is one thing Ford enthusiasts have learned over the years, it's that deciphering which Ford parts work with which Ford engines is a far more difficult task than with many other engine families. Will Cleveland heads fit on my Windsor block? Can I build a stroker engine with factory parts? Can I gain compression by using older-model cylinder heads, and will it restrict flow? Is there a difference between Windsor 2-barrel and 4-barrel heads? These are just a few examples of common questions Ford fans have. These and many other questions are examined in this all-new update of a perennial best seller. <p>Thoroughly researched and, unlike previous editions, now focused entirely on the small-block Windsor and Cleveland engine families, <i>Ford Small Block Engine Parts Interchange</i> includes critical information on Ford's greatest small-block engines and goes into great detail on the highly desirable high-performance hardware produced throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. By combining some of the best parts from various years, some great performance potential can be unlocked in ways Ford never offered to the general public. Following the advice in <i>Ford Small-Block Engine Parts Interchange</i>, these engine combinations can become reality. You will find valuable information on cranks, blocks, heads, cams, intakes, rods, pistons, and even accessories to guide you through your project. <p>Author George Reid has once again done extensive research to accurately deliver a thorough and complete collection of Ford small-block information in this newly revised edition. Knowing what internal factory engine parts can be used across the wide range of production Ford power plants is invaluable to the hot rodder and swap meet/eBay shopper. Whether building a stroker Cleveland or a hopped-up Windsor, this book is an essential guide. 

<p>The photos in this edition are black and white.</p><p>Fiberglass and composite parts are commonly used in many collector cars, hot rods, Corvettes, and even late-model vehicles. Body panels, interior components, and engine parts are fabricated from fiberglass and composite materials (plastic molded or carbon fiber). While other fiberglass and composite material books have been published, few are focused on fabricating and repairing automotive parts, and this book concentrates on completing common and advanced projects at home in the garage.<p>The reader is shown how to use glass strand mat, woven fiberglass cloth, carbon fiber cloth, and hybrid fabrics for particular applications. The strength of these mats and ideal uses are covered in detail. Also shown is how to correctly mix the typical resins (polyester, epoxy), hardeners, and gels. Core materials, such as wood, foam, and honeycomb Nomex, are often used to add strength to various parts. All the relevant tools, including mixing containers, holding containers, saws, scissors, files, and shaping tools, are discussed. Constructing patterns to exacting standards from wood, Formica, aluminum, and other materials is essential and covered in detail. <p>Whether repairing existing components, fabricating new ones, building a race car, or restoring a classic, this is the one book to guide the reader through each critical stage.

To extract maximum performance, an engine needs an efficient, well-designed, and properly tuned exhaust system. In fact, the exhaust system's design, components, and materials have a large impact on the overall performance of the engine. Engine builders and car owners need to carefully consider the exhaust layout, select the parts, and fabricate the exhaust system that delivers the best performance for car and particular application. <p>Master engine builder and award-winning writer Mike Mavrigian explains exhaust system principles, function, and components in clear and concise language. He then details how to design, fabricate, and fit exhaust systems to classic street cars as well as for special and racing applications. Air/exhaust-gas flow dynamics and exhaust system design are explained.  Cam duration and overlap are also analyzed to determine how an engine breathes in air/fuel, as the exhaust must efficiently manage this burned mixture. Pipe bending is a science as well as art and you're shown how to effectively crush and mandrel bend exhaust pipe to fit your header/manifold and chassis combination. Header tube diameter and length is taken into account, as well as the most efficient catalytic converters and resonators for achieving your performance goals. In addition, Mavrigian covers the special exhaust system requirements for supercharged and turbocharged systems. <p>When building a high-performance engine, you need a high-performance exhaust system that's tuned and fitted to that engine so you can realize maximum performance. This comprehensive book is your guide to achieving ultimate exhaust system performance. It shows you how to fabricate a system for custom applications and to fit the correct prefabricated system to your car. No other book on the market is solely dedicated to fabricating and fitting an exhaust system in high-performance applications. 

The photos in this edition are black and white. </p><p>In the past, restoration guides have provided authenticity information, such as accurate paint codes, badges, wheels, and other equipment. A bona fide hands-on how-to book for restoring your Mustang from the ground up has not been offered for years. This unique guide will cover the restoration process for every major component group and also provide detailed step-by-step restoration information for the most important procedures. With clear, insightful color photography to accompany this how-to information, any at-home restorer can confidently restore a car and save a substantial amount of money in the process. While restomod books have shown how to install latest technology on vintage muscle cars, this book will focus on factory-accurate restorations, and some simple bolt-on upgrades that do not detract from the collector value but rather enhance the reliability and performance of the car. <I>How to Restore Your Mustang 1964-1/2-1973</I> delivers a detailed explanation for finding the right model, how to assess condition, how to spot a fake, and how to select the right car within your budget. <P>In addition, the book will cover how to plan, prepare, and select the right tools. This unique guide will cover the restoration process for every major component group and also provide detailed step-by-step restoration information for the most important procedures. The latest techniques and best restoration products for each system will be discussed and detailed. Also, the book discusses how to source parts and what you need to consider between new/old stock and reproduction parts. Readers will also learn how to determine if a certain task is best left for a professional shop. All crucial aspects of restoration, including engines, drivelines, body, interior, trim, electrical systems, brakes, steering, and suspension will be profiled.

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.

The photos in this edition are black and white.Have you been dreaming about a little extra displacement for your Ford? By increasing the bore and stroke of your current engine, you can add those cubic inches without the hassle of switching to a big block. George Reid thoroughly explains the concept of building a stroker, paying special attention to the effect that increasing the bore and stroke have on the engine as a whole. With this information, you'll be better able to tailor your heads, cam, intake manifold, carburetor, and exhaust system to get the most out of the extra cubes. Also included is a complete guide to factory head and block castings, as well as aftermarket block and head guides, so you can choose exactly the right parts for your project. This book is the definitive guide for building a big-inch Ford small block, complete with four engine buildups ranging from 331 to 408 cubic inches.

The photos in this edition are black and white.At one time, if you wanted big horsepower in your Mopar muscle car or truck, your choices were limited to a big-block swap or a coveted Hemi. At the very least, you needed different engine mounts, K-members, transmissions, headers, etc. -- and Hemis have never been cheap! But now there''s another way to get more horsepower: boring and stroking your Mopar small-block to get more cubic inches -- up to 476 cubes! The small-block Mopar is one of the easiest engines in which to increase displacement without extensive modifications or specialized machine work; the engine was practically designed for more cubes! This book shows you how to get that big-cube power, and then it shows you how to optimize the small-block''s other systems -- induction, heads, valvetrain, ignition, exhaust, and more -- to make the most of the extra cubic inches. Author Jim Szilagyi is a Performance Specialist for Dodge Motorsports and Mopar Performance Parts. In this book he covers building big-inchers from Mopar 318/340/360 -ci LA or Magnum 5.2-/5.9-liter engines, using both factory and aftermarket parts. If you want to make big power from your Mopar small-block, this is the book for you.

The photos in this edition are black and white.Honda and Acura practically invented sport-compact performance, and racers have proven that the popular B-series engines can make huge horsepower numbers both boosted and naturally aspirated - but times are changing. The all-new K-series engines are now found in all Honda and Acura performance models, and are also becoming the engine swap of choice.