Learning the basics - books? websites?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Chicago IL
Learning the basics - books? websites?
As you can probably tell from the inane, newbie questions I've been asking around here lately, I don't know much about 'vettes, specifically, or cars in general. As it is, I have (perhaps foolishly) bought a 'vette and am now endevouring to learn as much as I can about cars/vettes while having a great time in the car. I'd like to know where I can pick up the basics (I know the basic, basics - but a little more indepth stuff) perhaps in a book or website of some sort. There are some very knowledgeable folks on these boards, so I was wondering if perhaps you could help me out by letting me know how you learned all the stuff you have. I'm learning quite a bit just by doing routine and simple maintainance and fixes on my car ('89 coupe, 6-spd.) and I've enjoyed the corvette experience so far (3 months).
Thanks,
marthpodi
Thanks,
marthpodi
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,195
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From: Lake George NY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
dont feel bad, ive been asking lots of stupid questions myself. If I dont know something I just post the question and get almost immediate responses. The forum is great. This is probably your best book. I would get the Hayes manual though for your car. I need one myself. I just did my first major project on my car, changing out the water pump. I made a couple mistakes but learned alot from them. Im so glad i decided to try it. I probably saved $1000 or more by doing it myself. I think the Main page here in the Forum has a section on books also. There is tons of knowledge here though on the Forum and lots of people that love to share it, so dont be afraid to ask for help!
vr,
volt :cheers:
vr,
volt :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 686
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From: Crystal Lake, IL USA
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
The single most useful and helpful Corvette book you could ever obtain is the Helms service manual for your year:
http://www.helminc.com
Don't mistake that with the Haynes manual. The names are similar but they are worlds apart. Haynes does have some nice pictures, though.
After that, I have a list of half a dozen other books that were highly recommended to me, but I can't find it right now. One of Lingenfelter's books, and TPIS insider secrets come to mind. I'm sure others will add to this.
[Modified by Hendej, 11:06 PM 8/18/2002]
http://www.helminc.com
Don't mistake that with the Haynes manual. The names are similar but they are worlds apart. Haynes does have some nice pictures, though.
After that, I have a list of half a dozen other books that were highly recommended to me, but I can't find it right now. One of Lingenfelter's books, and TPIS insider secrets come to mind. I'm sure others will add to this.
[Modified by Hendej, 11:06 PM 8/18/2002]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
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From: Chicago IL
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (Hendej)
Thanks! I really meant more general books - perhaps detailing what every major component of a car actually does (heads, cam, etc. etc.) and what all the mods actually do to a car (bored, stroked, roller rockers :confused: ) stuff like that. I still don't get what a stroker engine is. What does that mean?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,195
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From: Lake George NY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
Search results for 1996 CHEVROLET & GEO CORVETTE , SHOP/SERVICE MANUALS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change Search Criteria Why Buy Original OEM? Item Description Legend
GMP96Y $120.00
1996 Y-CAR (CORVETTE) SHOP MANUAL
Year: 1996
Model: CORVETTE
English Paper
Thats the Helms manual for a 1996 Corvette.
I have never seen it, but im willing to bet it has more information in it than you will ever need. I have heard this manual recommended many times. You can always buy some kind of manual that talks about mods later.
vr,
volt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change Search Criteria Why Buy Original OEM? Item Description Legend
GMP96Y $120.00
1996 Y-CAR (CORVETTE) SHOP MANUAL
Year: 1996
Model: CORVETTE
English Paper
Thats the Helms manual for a 1996 Corvette.
I have never seen it, but im willing to bet it has more information in it than you will ever need. I have heard this manual recommended many times. You can always buy some kind of manual that talks about mods later.
vr,
volt
Drifting
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove CA
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
The Haynes manual is perfect for a newbie, it tells a fair amount without overloading you with tech like the factory service manual. That said I too think you should have the factory service manual(s). If you don't have the owners manual you should get one, I know that it is light on real tech, but it still has some easy to get at info that you should definately know. Most likely you will find this forum along with the Haynes manual to be a great combo. When you really want or need to get into detail nothing can beat the factory service manual - well worth the money.
Here's the deal: I'll bet that as you tackle some repairs and upgrades that you will also begin offering your experiences to others less further along than you on this forum. And as you do so you will gain confidence to do larger and larger jobs. You will pick up knowlege with time and experience - I did my first engine overhaul 29 years ago, and I'm still learning!
Thomas
Here's the deal: I'll bet that as you tackle some repairs and upgrades that you will also begin offering your experiences to others less further along than you on this forum. And as you do so you will gain confidence to do larger and larger jobs. You will pick up knowlege with time and experience - I did my first engine overhaul 29 years ago, and I'm still learning!
Thomas
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
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From: Chicago IL
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (The Green Rocket)
I have the Haynes and the Owner's manual. The Haynes doesn't go into the science of it all, though, it just explains, in good, easy-to-understand steps, how to fix everything. I've used the Haynes for everything from Coolant flush, to oil change so far. But I'd like a little more in depth knowledge on engine parts, and such.
Thanks,
marthpodi
Thanks,
marthpodi
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Crystal Lake, IL USA
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
A stroker has more displacement due to increased stroke length. This term and all the rest (deck height, cast vs forged vs hypereutectic pistons, how a blower works, balancing, blueprinting, guideplates, etc)are all explained in an easy to understand manner in the following book available at Borders for $16.95
John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines
ISBN 1-55788-238-X
John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines
ISBN 1-55788-238-X
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
I strongly recommend two books on TPI:
"How to Tune & Modify Chevy Fuel Injection", by Ben Watson
"Chevy TPI Fuel Injection Swapper's Guide", by John Baechtel
Both are available on Amazon at about $17 each.
For a great book on SBC engines try:
"Small-Block Chevy Performance", by Dave Emanuel.
"John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines", by J.L.
Another good engine reference is:
"How to Understand, Serivce and Modify Corvette Fuel Injection", by Chales D. Probst.
To get a realy good understanding of cams and valve trains get a copy Comp Cams products catalogue.
For some great info on TPI and mods results get a copy "Insider Hints" from TPI Specialties.
You've got mail with some L98 mods reresults; there are a few links and some data on my site.
Enjoy your Corvette and always wave.
"How to Tune & Modify Chevy Fuel Injection", by Ben Watson
"Chevy TPI Fuel Injection Swapper's Guide", by John Baechtel
Both are available on Amazon at about $17 each.
For a great book on SBC engines try:
"Small-Block Chevy Performance", by Dave Emanuel.
"John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines", by J.L.
Another good engine reference is:
"How to Understand, Serivce and Modify Corvette Fuel Injection", by Chales D. Probst.
To get a realy good understanding of cams and valve trains get a copy Comp Cams products catalogue.
For some great info on TPI and mods results get a copy "Insider Hints" from TPI Specialties.
You've got mail with some L98 mods reresults; there are a few links and some data on my site.
Enjoy your Corvette and always wave.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (65Z01)
The Helms manual for certain.
65Z01 recommendation for Watson and Probst is spot on with me.
When you have read Watson and Probst and want some really detailed stuff, Service Technology Group writes GM service technician training books.Try the free catalog at 1-800-468-6657. That number is listed in the back of a training manual. Let me know if it doesn't work.
Also, you may want to locate a good junior college or trade school, that has an automotive training program. Head straight for the book store and you should be able to find a some very comprehensive, entry level mechanical training books. You may get a good used one for around $35. New can be around $50 but they cover lots of systems. Hours and hours of good reading. Love em.
Once you know the system, understand a little about electricity and combustion, you can quickly apply the information. Enjoy.
65Z01 recommendation for Watson and Probst is spot on with me.
When you have read Watson and Probst and want some really detailed stuff, Service Technology Group writes GM service technician training books.Try the free catalog at 1-800-468-6657. That number is listed in the back of a training manual. Let me know if it doesn't work.
Also, you may want to locate a good junior college or trade school, that has an automotive training program. Head straight for the book store and you should be able to find a some very comprehensive, entry level mechanical training books. You may get a good used one for around $35. New can be around $50 but they cover lots of systems. Hours and hours of good reading. Love em.
Once you know the system, understand a little about electricity and combustion, you can quickly apply the information. Enjoy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 79
From: Jackson MI
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
The best ways that I've found out about stuff is by reading posts on the forum then searching the web for similar things. Doing searches on the forum helped alot. But the biggest motivators are when things break and when someone beats you in a race. Then you've got the want to think about the "fizix" behind the car and how to improve on it, and things make more sense.
[Modified by mn_vette, 1:57 PM 8/19/2002]
[Modified by mn_vette, 1:57 PM 8/19/2002]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (mn_vette)
Thanks - I'll look into buying/borrowing, and reading as many of those books as possible. :seeya
So a 383 stroker is a 350 sb but with increased stroke length which makes the engine size effectively 383?
So a 383 stroker is a 350 sb but with increased stroke length which makes the engine size effectively 383?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake, IL USA
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
>> So a 383 stroker is a 350 sb but with increased stroke length which makes the engine size effectively 383?
Exactly. Then if the cylinders are bored .030 larger (a common way to recondition the cylinder walls) it technically becomes a 388.
I think a big reason the 383 size became popular is that it can be accomplished by an off the shelf replacement of the 350 crankshaft with one from a 400 engine, which has the longer stroke. I'm simplifying, I know.
Exactly. Then if the cylinders are bored .030 larger (a common way to recondition the cylinder walls) it technically becomes a 388.
I think a big reason the 383 size became popular is that it can be accomplished by an off the shelf replacement of the 350 crankshaft with one from a 400 engine, which has the longer stroke. I'm simplifying, I know.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 0
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (Hendej)
>> So a 383 stroker is a 350 sb but with increased stroke length which makes the engine size effectively 383?
Exactly. Then if the cylinders are bored .030 larger (a common way to recondition the cylinder walls) it technically becomes a 388.
I think a big reason the 383 size became popular is that it can be accomplished by an off the shelf replacement of the 350 crankshaft with one from a 400 engine, which has the longer stroke. I'm simplifying, I know.
Exactly. Then if the cylinders are bored .030 larger (a common way to recondition the cylinder walls) it technically becomes a 388.
I think a big reason the 383 size became popular is that it can be accomplished by an off the shelf replacement of the 350 crankshaft with one from a 400 engine, which has the longer stroke. I'm simplifying, I know.
a 350 bored .30 over with a 400 crank is a 383
another .30 (now .60 over) might be a 388, but i'm not sure if an Lt1/L98 block can be bored .60 over
just for the record- 1 yr ago i couldn't change my own oil when i bought the car.
Today I would feel confortable doing anything to her but tranmissions and rear ends.(on cars you perverts! rear ends on girls= :crazy: )
my 4 best sources of knowalge
Kevin and his pops for specific question (stealdads67) http://www.howstuffworks.com for the basic basics http://www.camaroz28.com and this board
and a manual...
Bsing with some car guys helps too :)
although beware- if you dont know something, you may be misinformed
me and kev asked what forged was a while back adn this guy told us it meant that is was carved out of a solid piece of metal and not molded...
he also told us he had a forged block :rolleyes:
i guess when they sold him a forged bottom end, he thought the block was forged too :lol: :lol:
damn ricers....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 1
From: X
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (marthpodi)
Here are a few sites for you...
http://www.airflowresearch.com/
http://www.zianet.com/v8monza/engine.htm
http://www.speedomotive.com/building%20tips.htm
http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeApeRacing/
http://www.carcraft.com/editorial/article.jsp?id=868
http://www.carcraft.com/editorial/ar...e=text&id=1004
http://www.hotrod.com/editorial/article.jsp?id=869
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m11...chamber+design
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html
http://www.aros.net/~rbuck/chp/Welcome.html
http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/rod-tech-c.htm
http://www.airflowresearch.com/
http://www.zianet.com/v8monza/engine.htm
http://www.speedomotive.com/building%20tips.htm
http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeApeRacing/
http://www.carcraft.com/editorial/article.jsp?id=868
http://www.carcraft.com/editorial/ar...e=text&id=1004
http://www.hotrod.com/editorial/article.jsp?id=869
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m11...chamber+design
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html
http://www.aros.net/~rbuck/chp/Welcome.html
http://victorylibrary.com/mopar/rod-tech-c.htm
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (JonM)
Excellent! Thank you very much. I too did not know how to change the oil when I bought the car :crazy:
To date, I have: changed the oil, battery, alternator, coolant and I am working on replacing a headlight (need some help with this - see other thread) and installing an audio system.
thanks again
marthpodi
To date, I have: changed the oil, battery, alternator, coolant and I am working on replacing a headlight (need some help with this - see other thread) and installing an audio system.
thanks again
marthpodi
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 686
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From: Crystal Lake, IL USA
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (TreyZ28)
i believe your mistaken
a 350 bored .30 over with a 400 crank is a 383
another .30 (now .60 over) might be a 388, but i'm not sure if an Lt1/L98 block can be bored .60 over
a 350 bored .30 over with a 400 crank is a 383
another .30 (now .60 over) might be a 388, but i'm not sure if an Lt1/L98 block can be bored .60 over
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Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (65Z01)
Another good engine reference is:
"How to Understand, Serivce and Modify Corvette Fuel Injection", by Chales D. Probst.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (Mr Mojo)
Is this the same book you're talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...011649-9585472
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...011649-9585472
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
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From: Chicago IL
Re: Learning the basics - books? websites? (Mr Mojo)
Another good engine reference is:
"How to Understand, Serivce and Modify Corvette Fuel Injection", by Chales D. Probst.
This is an excellent book.
Thanks,
marthpodi