Customer Rating: 
Summary: Fairly good book
Comment: Fairly good book. What I don't like about it is that it doesn't have the information about each engine in one point. You have to read all through the book to gather up all the info on one engine. For this to have been a GREAT book, each engine should have been addressed individually, not scattered throughout the whole book.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not useful after ~1980
Comment: Even with a publishing date of 1999, most of the information is about pre-1980 Ford Engines. For anyone working on 1986 to 1995 Ford 302's there is little information. Many of the Spac. tables end prior to 1975. For me rebuilding a 1995 5.0L to a 1986 Mustang GT, not much help.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Interesting Reading
Comment: I bought this book for information on 429 and 460 engines (it includes 460 in big letters on the cover). The information on 429/460s especially the heads is weak, tables are partially complete and the casing numbers are inconsistant and sometimes just wrong. It would be foolish to buy parts based solely on this reference. There no material for 429/460 engines after 1975. For the price it is a good value, I just wish it was more accurate and complete.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Leaves a bit to be desired.
Comment: This book is a wonderful source if you're looking for STOCK interchange info on FE or small-block motors. However, if you happen to be a fan of or are seeking information on the 429/460 (385 series) motors, I think you'll be disappointed. While almost entire chapters are dedicated to the FE motor family, more often than not the last 1 1/2 pages refer to the 429/460's. Sure, that wierd one-off NASCAR 427 motor is neat to look at, but you're highly unlikely to see one at the local swap meet. And even if you do, you probably don't want to buy it anyway, due to lack of aftermarket support. This book reads like an art museum guide, extolling the virtues (or lack) of obscure parts that we'll probably never see. Interesting, yes. Helping with building a performance motor for a street or strip car , no. Good coffee table book, but not recommended for the average info seeker.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Rare info, photos, tabulated data, a warehouse of knowledge!
Comment: Hi, I just read the new book that was advertised in a recent "Mustangs and Fords" magazine.The Book is entitled "High Performance FORD Engine Parts Interchange" by George Reid
The book covers 9 small blocks and 12 big blocks from the 221 to 460 CID. The book is well organized with the first 9 chapters on small block engines and chapter 10 thru 18 on the big ones. Chapter 19 is all about Gaskets and Fasteners. It offers alot more on these subjects than you might think. It gives long tabulated lists of gasket dimensions and Mfgr. part numbers.(FEL-Pro). It does the same for ARP and AMK fasteners and full Kits.
Chapter 20 is devoted to Stroker Kits and 21 shows the reader how to calculate the Compression Ratio, Cubic inch Displacement, and the optimum carburetor size in C.F.M.
Let me say that alot of the tables listing identification numbers is really going to help me put the correct part on my correct restoration (1970 Torino).
For instance, the table for radiator FANS lists the Ford Part no., ID no.,No.of blades, Clutch type or non, diameter of fan, and diameter of center hole.
That same level of detail or more is given in tables for the following:
-Engine ID tag decoder -Engine Block ID's and Specs. -Crankshaft ID's -Flywheel/Flexplate -Heads and Valve specs. -Intakes -Carbs. -Connecting Rods -Distributors -Alternators & Starters -Harmonic Balancers -Radiators -Exh. Manifolds -Water pumps
I quickly realized this book has alot more to offer than just "interchange" information. Very rare facts come out in the text and subtle features and changes are shown in lots and lots of photos ! I have never seen as many pictures of rare and super-rare FORD Performance engine parts, gathered in any one book as are shown here.
If I could say anything about this book that stands out.....it would be that there is very little "glossing over". The book is rich with detailed information with emphasis on "detailed".
Oh, one last comment. If you think of yourself as one of those "absolute authorities" on "FE" engines or "small blocks" or any other family of Ford engines........... Think of this book as something that has pulled together the knowledge of hundreds of experts just like you ! You are very likely to run across something you either didn't know or totally forgot about !
Truly yours, Kevin Casto
ps - this is NOT a promotion, it is a book review and it is my honest opinion. I am not connected in any way to the Author or the publisher. Yes, I really am restoring a 1970 Ford Torino (as time permits).
