Basically the same as the first version with a couple small additions (dimensioned head bolt hole lay out, it mentions the Atlas 4200 very briefly), and a couple of write ups on some of the more extreme cars. Lots more info on Duggan parts.
I'm suprised that there is no 292 crank into 250 block info, my machinist built a bunch of these in the 90's for circle track cars. No mention of 307 piston swap for 250's, and speed pro vs. sealed power pistons. Hybrid head info seems a bit dated (why not use 305 Vortecs for a low-RPM power boost on a 250? How about LS heads?). In short, it's got some basic info that is real helpful to a novice like me, but the premise of the book is race type motors (Duggan block and head? Aluminum rods?). I'm all good with using a Fluidamper, but will the stock pulleys fit? Probably not an issue on an electric water pump filled block 292, but of great interest to my A/C equipped pickup.
I think Tlowe's dyno work is probably more useful to the owners of the smaller engines. Even that's mostly beyond my driving RPM (if I hit 5000 RPM then it must be stuck in neutral).
Anyway I don't consider it a bad birthday gift, but it didn't have any stunning revelations that the first edition didn cover. My summary - If you know nothing it's a good primer. If you want to build a high-performance high-buck 292 it's a good book to have. If you/re working on your 3rd 292 powered drag car you're probably beyond it. If you understand the basics and want to build a 250 to a little bit warmer than stock, but still get good mileage, or any 194/292, pickings are slim, and you have to read between the lines a bit. My opinion, for what it's worth.
Last edited by D13; 08/22/2011 6:59 PM.
