High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains & AMC V-8 Engines How to Rebuild & Modify (2 Book Set)

Experience the Power of High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains: Theory, Technology, and Selection

Camshafts are the driving force behind any four-stroke engine, serving as both the coach and conductor. Whether you're dealing with a classic flathead or a cutting-edge Formula 1 machine, the performance of your engine hinges on the precise timing and operation of its valves. While valvetrain configurations may vary across applications, the fundamental principles remain constant. That's why this book delves into the language, setup, dynamics, energy, and pressure aspects of valvetrains, offering insights applicable to engines ranging from sub-15-hp go-karts to 500-plus-hp street beasts and modern 1,500-plus-hp NHRA Pro Stock monsters.

In High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains: Theory, Technology, and Selection, Billy Godbold—a former farm kid turned physicist—shares his extensive quarter-century of experience working with valvetrains at renowned companies like Comp Cams, Lunati, Crane Cams, and Edelbrock. Drawing from his collaborations with professional teams in NASCAR, NHRA, road racing, dirt track racing, offshore racing, and land speed racing, Billy provides a unique perspective on valvetrain systems. Through his lighthearted and analogy-rich approach, this book simplifies complex concepts without compromising essential details.

Featuring specific configurations and applications, High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains equips you with practical techniques and examples for optimizing camshafts and valvetrains in various scenarios. Whether you're working with intakes, headers, superchargers, turbochargers, fuels, carburetors, or modern EFI applications, this book offers invaluable guidance. Whether you're building a classic hot rod (Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, and more), a modern performance machine (LS, Hemi, Coyote, or Godzilla), or a competition engine (road racing, circle track racing, or drag racing), you'll discover how to modify your valvetrain system effectively to unlock the maximum potential of each component, ultimately helping you achieve your unique goals.

Why Choose High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains?

1. Unlock the Complexity: Cams and valvetrains can be daunting subjects, but this book simplifies the functionality of these intricate systems, making them easy to comprehend.
2. Expert Author: Written by Billy Godbold, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience working for top camshaft and valvetrain creators in the automotive industry, this book offers unmatched expertise and insights.
3. Visual Learning: Packed with hundreds of charts and graphs, High-Performance Cams & Valvetrains provides a visual feast, helping you grasp every aspect of selecting the right camshaft for your vehicle.

About the Author

Billy Godbold's journey began on a rural Mississippi farm, where his love for science and internal combustion engines took root. Combining these passions, he pursued a Master of Science degree in physics from Florida State University. Throughout his career, Billy has collaborated with legendary figures like Glidden, Lingenfelter, Jenkins, Pink, and Elliot, eventually becoming a trusted consultant for engineering-focused NASCAR teams and original equipment manufacturers. Thanks to his unique background,

Rebuild your American Motors Corporation (AMC) V-8 engine
with help and guidance from Don’s Auto Parts & Machine
Shop, which is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the home of
American Motors!

The AMC Gen II and Gen III V-8 family consists of 290-,
304-, 343-, 360-, 390-, and 401-ci engines. Manufactured in
Kenosha, Wisconsin, these engines reside between the fenders
of classic cars (such as the AMC Javelin, AMX, Gremlin,
AMC Rebel Machine, Matador, and Rambler and SC/Rambler)
as well as Jeep CJs and full-size Jeeps.

If this is your first time rebuilding an AMC engine, this book
contains detailed photos and instructions beginning with disassembling
your engine and determining the machining that
will be needed. All of the fine details about boring and honing,
crankshaft grinding, balancing, cylinder head rebuilding, engine
assembly, oil modifications, and performance upgrades
are detailed with photos. Many of the specialized machining
steps that are needed for a performance build that your local
machine shop might not know about are included in this book.

AMC V-8 Engines 1966-1991: How to Rebuild & Modify
not only shows the steps of a rebuild in detail but also helps
you determine what kind of build is right for your project. It will
assist you in making the correct decisions on compression
ratio, camshaft selection, and which performance parts are
needed. Many engine replacement parts are getting hard to
find, so this book reveals some of the aftermarket and restoration
companies that specialize in remaking AMC engine parts.
Items such as camshafts, forged pistons, connecting rods,
and cylinder head manufacturers are covered. Get ready to
rebuild your AMC V-8. We look forward to helping you along
the way!

About the Author
Tony Pontillo is a lifelong resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin, which
is the home of the American Motors Corporation. At age 18, his
career began by working at Don’s Auto Parts & Machine Shop.
In 2001, he purchased the machine shop that has grown into an
18,000-square-foot facility with 17 full-time employees. The shop
has been rebuilding AMC engines since it opened in 1961 and
continues to rebuild AMC engines from all over the country. Tony
has served on the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association
for 8 years. In 2018, Don’s Auto Parts & Machine Shop was
recognized with the Vintage Engine Builder of the Year award by
Federal-Mogul.

• The AMC V-8 engine was between the fenders of millions
of automobiles and Jeeps.
• Everything a reader needs to rebuild an AMC V-8 engine is
found in here.
• Step-by-step photography walks the reader through
rebuilding his or her AMC V-8 engine, and expertise is
offered to help source replacement and aftermarket parts.