Description
By: Larry O'Toole .
Description
From the introduction of the Holden V8 engine in 1969, right though until the end of production in 1999 it has always enjoyed a cult following. The Essential Holden V8 engine manual shows you how to identify different versions and parts for the engine and a comprehensive section illustrates how to disassemble, recondition and rebuild your own engine. Special chapters are devoted to stroking and modifying the Holden V8 for enhanced performance. Specifications for all models, including HSV versions are also presented. A must for all Holden enthusiasts.
Foreword by Peter Brock
ONE OF THE THINGS I REALLY LIKED about the Holden V8 was that the guys at Holden had the courage to have a go at the Chevy. The Holden was probably the most advancedV8 in the world at the time. It was easy to manufacture, more powerful than an equivalent size Chevy and used lots of lightweight parts. We were all very excited by the introduction of the Holden V8. The original 308 was the engine that totally captured our imagination.
The interaction between everyone involved in the early days of racing the V8 was fantastic. I clearly remember working with Ian Tate on the first one that was hotted up for the ill-fated XU-2. It made 271 HP back in 1973! Subsequent versions of the engine carried me to many Bathurst victories and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Holden V8. Even the sound of one at full flight was fantastic!
Quite apart from the racing I've personally owned and enjoyed many Holden V8 powered street cars over the years.
It truly was a great engine!
Introduction by Larry O'Toole
FOR MANY YEARS MY LIFE as publisher of Street Rodding Magazine has taken me all over Australia and brought me into direct contact with thousands of automotive enthusiasts from all walks of life. Apart from publishing the magazine our company has also published several books on hot rod related activity that we were able to capitalise on because of our deep involvement with the hobby.
Over those years we were often asked for a book on the Holden V8 engine. There are numerous such titles for Ford and Chevrolet engines but little available for the home grown Aussie V8, the Holden. For several years I had dismissed the idea of publishing a book on this subject myself as I imagined that someone more qualified than I would surely produce such a publication. It never happened. Finally I decided the demand must be met and started collecting information for the book you are now reading. It took three years of work, slotted in between magazine deadlines and the publishing timetables of several other hot rod books.
Early in 1999 production of this book started in earnest but it still took most of the year to complete. Even then we were constantly finding more information that deserved to be included. Somehow I think that a book on this subject will probably never be complete. Even though the Holden V8 is now out of production it continues to be a favourite for enthusiasts and the aftermarket is continually developing more products. Indeed even as this book went into print I was informed by two different sources of plans for aftermarket companies to manufacture replacement engine blocks. If that comes to fruition the Holden V8 will live on well into the 21st century.
Despite being as thorough as I could I have no doubt that there will be information missing from this book that could have been included. If so please let me know. This book will most likely be updated at some point in the future. In the meantime I hope you find The Essential Holden V8 Engine Manual a valuable addition to your library and that it helps you keep your Holden V8 alive for many years.
