I'm not really new to this site, just never really post. Wondering if anybody could point me in the right direction towards some books, websites, etc. about detailed info on engines, drivetrain, etc. Something to help me better understand my car. Doesn't specifically have to be about the F-body or LS1, just something that would help me understand the specifics. I hate it that I don't know for example, what a certain LSA on a cam would do for my performance, or what the difference is between stage 1 or stage 2 heads. I guess I just want the knowledge so when it comes time for me to start modding my internals(or anything else for that matter), I'll be able to do it myself. To me that's half the fun. I mean, I know the basics of the workings of a automobile(more than what your probably thinking), but want to know EVERYTHING. Thanks in advance for the help and look forward to learning.

 

www.installuniversity.com has some good stuff, and ls1info.com was good to, but their site doesn't work any more.

Also, www.howstuffworks.com is a cool site.

 

Also www.ls1howto.com hell you can about get anything off of this site called www.ls1tech.com it is far superior to all other LS1 forums. Good Luck

Wes

 

Look for a white paper back book with a LS1 on the cover. Chevy LS1/LS6 Performance from HPBooks by Christopher P. Endres.

 

Why not just use this site as a resource and ask the questions? We are here to help you, so don't be afraid to ask.

LSA means Lobe Seperation Angle. This is a measure of the angle between the intake and exhaust lobes on a cam, or how far apart they are from eachother (in rotation). This directly affects the "overlap" of the cam, which is the period of time where the intake and exhaust valves are pushed open at the same time on the same cylinder. This allows some of the fresh intake charge to pass thru and escape out of the exhaust valve before it closes. So, intake and exhaust lobes that are closer together means less Lobe Seperation Angle, which means more overlap. So, a 112 LSA cam will allow more intake flow to escape out of the exhaust valve, compared with a 114 LSA cam. This can also help by acting to pull more intake flow in.

Less LSA value, means more rough idle, more lope. This also tends to make the HP curve more peaky shaped, and brings the peak RPM range down a bit. An engine with a 112 LSA cam (all else equal) should make peak power at a slightly lower rpm than an identical engine with a 114 LSA. On LS1s, typically about 150-200 rpm lower. More LSA provides a smoother idle, and extended RPM range. Less LSA is also good at producing more midrange rpm torque, typically making the cars feel more responsive.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 heads are just generic terms used by several head porters. You really can't compare one shop's stg2 heads with another shops stg2 heads. That just means that at that particular shop, they have their baseline ported heads (stage 1) and the upgraded versions (stage 2). There is really no set rules or requirements among head porters that makes a head a stg1 or stg2, its just how each shop refers to their own head selection.

Typically, the "Stage 1" heads out there use the stock valve seats. This limits the valve sizes to what can fit in those seats, usually 2.02" diameter intake valves, and 1.55" diameter exhaust valves. Less labor involved since the stock seats are not removed and are reused. Stage 2 heads typically mean upgraded valvesprings, and custom machined, larger diameter valve seats. Most use 2.055" intake valves and 1.60" exhaust valves. Generally, the port/polish work on both heads are identical, its just the valve sizes and hardware quality that is changed.

Tony

 

Nine ball, you are squared away. I realize that your all here to help, and trust me I will use your expertise. I guess what I'm looking for is where did you guys learn what you all know(especially you internal guys). I don't want to crowd the message board everytime I have a question, too many. I want to read some good in depth tech manuals or something of the sort. Learn on my own. Plus, half of the damn year I'm not at home or near the internet anyway, so something to read passes the time and makes me smarter.

 

Most of us learned by using these message boards, then working on our own stuff and reading everything possible. You could use the search feature on this site to dig up old threads and do alot of reading, there are hundreds of hours of reading already here, most more in depth than reading a book. We want our members to learn enough to make their own engine building decisions, not just take advice from everyone. Education is the goal.

Go to the bookstore and buy some performance engine building books. Most of them give you good general info on cam specs, head work, engine building stuff, etc...

Tony