This book is packed with valuable information - a great text. it is the best engine book i have read- and i have tried quite a few. The author writes well and is not just repackaging information from every other how-to automotive book. In fact it is almost an overload and it might be even better with some tools to help bring it all together for someone who wants to apply this information to their own project.

For the author - you could really tie the information all together by putting in checklists at the end of the book, in addition to useful forms you already have. You could provide a selection of checklists for suggested preparation and mods for various levels of performance. You could add a project planning guide/checklist. you could add a suggested sequence of tasks for planning and carrying out an engine project. also, for those who will not do their own machine work - tips on choosing a good machine shop.

Also, we now know that exposure to various solvents, oils, used oils, and other chemicals can cause a variety of both acute and chronic illnesses. The illustrations in the book are great, but they show people using their bare hands to do various tasks that may expose their skin to potentially harmful substances, many of which can be harmful through skin absorption. Many of automotive/machine shop chemicals my have volatile components that can also create an inhalation hazard. Also, it is important to clean chemicals off of your skin before eating, smoking or holding your wife and kids. A few simple precautions can reduce or eliminate the potential harmful effects of these exposures: thin disposeable nitrile gloves (still have good tactile qualities and help reduce handwashing time and effort), frequent handwashing (especially immediately following accidental- or intentional - chemical-to-skin exposure), adequate ventilation, labelling of chemicals, Material Safety Data Sheets (so you know which chemicals are the really nasty ones), substitution of the nasty chemicals with less harmful ones where possible, proper storage of hazardous materials to prevent fire or spills. To preserve our environment for our kids: reuse or recycle chemicals, properly dispose of hazardous waste, keep harmful chemicals out of reach of kids, and teach your apprentice engine builders/racers/machinists good practices and respect for chemicals. Finally, it would set a good example to show the proper use of safety goggles or face shields in the illustrations. These precautions need not be restrictive. Good faceshields, gloves, ventilation and safety containers are designed to allow you to work unhindered.

These are meant as constructive suggestions to make a great book even better. thanks for the great information. You have helped me with my project. I will look for other books by the written by you.