How to Build High-Performance Chevy LS1/LS6 Engines (S-A Design) [Paperback]

In the genre of automotive enthusiast technical books, <u>Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s</u> is destined to be a classic. The book's subtitle, "Modifying and Tuning Gen III Engines for GM Cars and Pickups" says it all. That is exactly what this book covers in outstanding detail and with a high level of accuracy. This is not the first book written about hot rodding the General Motors Generation III Small-Block V8s, but it is, clearly, the best one so far.

One reason for this is the Author, Will Handzel, is a former automotive magazine technical writer and currently the Manager for General Motors' Performance Parts Program. Not only is he very experienced at writing the type of material in this book, as a GM employee, Mr. Handzel had unprecedented access to the people and information necessary for him to cover the subject with the depth you'll find in <u>Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s.</u> Finally, Handzel's accessible, easy-going style makes the book as enjoyable as it is interesting and informative.

Another reason this book is a bang-up success is publisher, CarTech's decision to use more pictures than it has in the past with books like this and to upgrade its printing processes such that those pictures are printed with higher resolution. As a result, this title as good to look at as it is to read.

A technique Handzel used to illustrate the points he makes elsewhere in the book about various Gen III performance modifications, is a series of four, "demo" engine build-ups. The first one, "100 Horsepower Anybody Can Install", by itself, is worth the price of the book. The other three are: a 500+ horsepower street engine, a 600-hp supercharged truck engine and an exotic, 1200-hp twin-turbo. Each build-up is a successive step in performance, complexity and cost and is explained with good detail.

A really useful part of this book is the chapter devoted to tips and tricks experienced techs use to get Gen III engines in and out of Corvettes, Camaros and light trucks. This isn't just a condensed version of factory service manual procedures, rather it is a collection of techniques professionals use to reduce the time and frustration of getting engines in and out of those vehicles.

In 1976, Bill Fisher wrote <u>How to Hot Rod Small Block Chevys</u>. By standards of the automotive book trade, it was a runaway best seller. A generation of Chevrolet enthusiasts became DIY engine builders because of that book. Today, nearly 30 years later, Fisher's book is still in print and continues provides Chevy DIYs with useful, practical knowledge on the Gen I SBV8s. Will Handzel's <u>Chevy LS1/LS6 V-8s</u> will do the same thing for the new crop of Generation III Small-Block DIY engine builders and will do it with a similar level of success.

If you are intent on modifying an LS1, LS6 or any of the Gen IIIs used in full-sized GM trucks and SUVs or mid-sized SUVs, add this book to your reference shelf.

I found this to be an excellent book describing in detail much of the items one needs to know about the LS6. However, the parts listed contain incorrect information about part numbers and descriptions, so if one creates a design using the information in the book they will be wasting time and money. As long as the part numbers aren't trusted, this book is terrific.

Good introduction into the newest generation of general motors LSX motors. Knowledge is power, literally! Used this book to help put together a new motor for my car.