One of the most popular engine choices for bracket, street and professional racing over the past decade has been the B-series big-block Chrysler engine. These engines were produced from 1958 through 1971 and were arguably the best high performance street engines ever produced. Both amateur and professional builders value “junked” B-series blocks as a base for performance buildups.
The problem for most enthusiasts is that engine buildups are costly, time consuming and may not deliver the results desired. Luckily, B-series enthusiasts now have a source for buildup information in Big-Block Mopar Performance. Chuck Senatore, author of this how-to manual, is the owner of Muscle Motors, a high performance engine building company and an expert in B-series and RB-series Chrysler engines. He has built hundreds of race-winning Chrysler big-block engines for both amateur and professional racers and reveals the secrets of his years of experience in this how-to manual.
The book is divided into 17 chapters and covers everything the performance builder needs to know. Senatore starts by telling you how to identify B- and RB-series blocks, decide what type of performance you are building for and how to plan the project. He then takes you, chapter by chapter, through the engine build up, discussing procedures and techniques for building blocks, crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, bearings, camshafts, heads, valvetrain, oiling system, ignition and exhaust systems. There is also a chapter on assembly tips, that tells the reader the “tricks of the trade” to help make the buildup go smoothly. Senatore then finishes the book with some advice on engine combinations, general racing tips, a list of mathematical formulas, and a complete index.
If you are looking for a book that tells you to buy and install the most expensive, high-tech parts for maximum performance, this is not the book for you. If, however, you are a B-series enthusiast who is looking for the least expensive and most reliable way to get the most power for your dollar, Big-Block Mopar Performance is money well spent. It is one investment that will deliver dividends at the finish line.-- Peter D. duPre
