The H-Body cars (Chevrolet Monza Spyder/Mirage and Vega, Oldsmobile Starfire Firenza, Buick Skyhawk Roadhawk/Nighthawk, Pontiac Astre and Sunbird Formula) have a lot in common and most books covering any one of them will have some areas in common with the other vehicles.   Although this site's focus is mainly V8s and V8 conversions, I have many books on the 4 cylinder and V6 cars too.   All ratings given for these books are just my personal opinion and in no way should be considered the final verdict.   Send me your own book reviews (including H-Body and performance related books not listed here).   If you send me a review of a book not discussed here, send me a scan of the cover of the book at a resolution of 200.   Include information on where you got the book (if purchased recently) and how much it cost.   I ask this because many of these books are no longer published and are either rare or hard to find.   When found, only used copies are available and many sellers consider that when setting their prices which are usually above the original cost.
Thanks, Bob Gumm										Last Updated:
Vega Owners Workshop Manual 1970-1974 (or 1970-1977) Editor: J H Haynes and Peter Strasman Publisher: Haynes Publications Inc. Copyright: 1975 ISBN #: 0-85696-208-2 Pages: 272 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $15 - $45 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    This very rare paperback book came in two versions, 1970-1974 and 1970-1977, and is the just what the Vega owner needs in a maintenance manual.   It covers the Chevrolet Vega from 1971 (although is says 1970) through 1974 (or 1977).   It has very in-depth information on any maintenance you might need to do to your Vega.   What I really like about this book is the extensive wiring diagrams.   Everything from air-conditioning circuits to tail lights is covered for every model from 1971 through 1974 (or 1977).   If you find this book scoop it up, chances are you won't run accross it again.   Doesn't contain any info on the Cosworth Vega 122 cu. in. engine.
Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guide: Vega 1971-77 Editor: Chilton Book Company Publisher: Chilton Book Company Copyright: 1977 ISBN #: 0-8018-6609-4 pbk Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 76-53150 Pages: 200 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $5 - $21.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶ 2 Stars)    I don't have a copy of this book.   However, RW owns a copy and e-mailed me this review.   "Nothing as comprehensive as a Motor's manual, but quite useful for basic information."
Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guide: GM Subcompact 1971-80 Editor: Chilton Book Company Publisher: Chilton Book Company Copyright: 1983 ISBN #: 0-8019-6935-2 Pages: 269 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $10 - $33.25 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶ 4 Stars)    This paperback book is the typical vehicle specific maintenance manual that we've come to expect from Chilton's.   It covers all General Motors H-Body vehicles from 1971 through 1980 and includes a full color 8 page tune-up and economy tips section.   I only give it a 4 star rating because of the lack of any wiring diagrams.   An explanation for the omission of wiring diagrams was entered on page 173.   Too bad, otherwise it's a very well written manual.   Although not as rare as some of the other books, it is still on the hard to find list because it is no longer published.
Peterson's Complete Book of Vega Editor: Al Hall Publisher: Petersen Publishing Company Copyright: 1975 (1977 for second edition) ISBN #: 0-8227-0098-0 (0-8227-5006-6 for second edition) Pages: 160 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $20 - $45 each V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    One of the most sought after H-Body books, this paperback book came out in two editions.   The first edition has a dark green Vega Wagon on the cover.   The second edition's cover featured a light blue Vega hatchback and had a red badge that said "2nd Revised & Updated Edition".   Both editions discuss basic and some in-depth maintenance, 2300 tune-up, 4 cylinder distributor rebuild, transmission overhaul (4-speed and automatic), accessories, and some fine examples of personalized Vegas.   Who would've guessed they made two different versions of this very rare and very good book?   The differences may determine which version you're looking for.   If you want any info on the Cosworth Vega or V8 installations, you'll want the first edition.   If you're looking for info on later model Vegas or turbocharging the 2300, you'll want the second edition.   If you're like me, you'll want both. ;)
Building the V6/Vega Author: John Thawley Publisher: Steve Smith Autosports Copyright: 1980 ISBN #: 0-936834-29-3 Pages: 64 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $20 - $44.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    Obviously the title says it all.   Last published in 1999 thanks to the renewed interest in the Vega and requests sent to the publisher from H-Body owners, copies were literally scooped up and again this book is rare and hard to find.   This paperback book discusses prepping an H-Body and the drivetrain for a V6, installation tips, suspension and handling, and a factory parts list.   If you're interested in a V6 conversion, I would suggest you read this book.   It discusses using the very popular Buick V6.   Also, some of the information here will still come in handy for V8 cars, just use good judgement.   If you want to build a V6 H-Body or Vega you can use any aftermarket V6 mount kit made for Vegas or any other H-Body.   However, headers are nearly impossible to find for the V6 H-Body, so consider using exhaust manifolds for this conversion.   If you find a V6 header source let us know.   I give this book a 5 star rating because it covers installing the popular Buick 231 V6 and performance handling tips.   Including information on the Chevy V6 would have made this a much more rounded book on V6 installations.
The Buick Free Spirit Power Manual Author: John Thawley Publisher: Steve Smith Autosports Copyright: 1980, Revised 1985 ISBN #: 0-936834-23-4   ~   ASIN #: B000VDZ8O4 Pages: 144 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $9 - $44.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)      John Thawley does it again with this in-depth guide to the Buick V6 and includes a 17 page section on IMSA mods to an H-Body (may also apply to SCCA H-Bodies).  Renewed interest in Pro-Touring and the H-Body makes this book another must for the H-Body library.  This book's primary focus is the Buick V6 engine, but includes an assembly of the Auburn style positraction as well as suspension and handling.   If you're interested in the Buick 231 V6 I would suggest you read this book.   Some of the information is still useful for V8 cars, just use good judgement.   I give this book a 5 star rating not only because it covers the popular V6 and performance handling tips, but because of the photos and information covering the IMSA mods to strengthen the H-Body for hardcore road racing.
Hot Rod Magazine's Chevrolet High Performance Vol. 1 No. 1 Editor: Rick Voegelin Publisher: Petersen Publishing Company Copyright: 1984 ISBN #: None Pages: 188 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $??.?? (I would value it at $10.00 to $45.00.) V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    This complete guide on Small-Block Chevy (SBC) and Big-Block Chevy (BBC) engines is absolutely one of the best buys I ever made.   This very rare paperback book is a compilation of various editions of Hot Rod Magazine's Hot Rod High Performance Series and was Volume 1 Number 1 (5076-7) of the Hot Rod Chevrolet High Performance series.   This is what I call pure gold in the way of Chevy high performance publications.   It covers in great detail, blocks, heads, crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, induction systems and lubrication systems of the SBC and BBC.   Good luck finding this baby, it was only published once as a quarterly periodical in 1984.   Come on Hot Rod, you've got to print this one again...
Engine Swapping Tips and Techniques Editor: R. M. Clark Publisher: Petersen Publishing Company and Brooklands Books Copyright: 1989 ISBN #: 1-85520-017-1 Pages: 164 Current Status: Last Published in 1990 (still available) Price: New $18.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶ 3 Stars)    This paperback book is a compilation of various editions of Petersen's Complete Book of Engine Swapping.   Brooklands Books was granted permission by Petersen Publishing to re-print out-takes from that series.   Although only one H-Body swap is covered, the book has lots of other valuable information on general swapping as well as specific swap information.   A V8 Vega engine swap is covered on pages 132 to 137.   Other information discussed includes braking, cooling, electrical system, exhaust, fuel system, oiling, rear axles, transmission identification, and many vehicle specific engine swaps representing the most popular swaps.
Chevrolet Small-Block V8 Interchange Manual Author: David Lewis Publisher: Motorbooks International Copyright: 1989 ISBN #: 0-87938-357-7 Pages: 143 Current Status: Available Price: New $17.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶ 4 Stars)    This paperback book on interchangable parts of the Small-Block Chevy (SBC) enhances any SBC builder's library.   It covers in great detail blocks, crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, heads, manifolds, ignition systems, and even covers emission, cooling and lubrication systems.   Although not all inclusive, it does contain many casting numbers and part numbers for many parts.   It only gets 4 stars because I feel any complete interchange manual should include ALL casting numbers which this one does not.
Auto Math Handbook Author: John Lawlor Publisher: HPBooks Copyright: 1992 ISBN #: 1-55788-020-4 Pages: 146 Current Status: Available Price: New $14.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶ 3 Stars)    This paperback book on automotive math enhances any auto enthusiast's library.   It covers calculations, formulas, equations, and theory related to automobiles.   Some of the areas covered include engine related formulas, weight distribution, center of gravity, G-Force and weight transfer, shift points, quarter mile ET & MPH, instrument error, MPH, RPM, gears, tires, and automath on your computer.   There are so many formulas and calculations that come into play when building and driving a car that I was really surprised to see that many were missing from this book.   Although a good start, this book lacks many formulas and calculations.   I was surprised to discover that many of the calculations I do (such as rod length to stroke ratio) simply weren't included in this book.   Go figure...
Electrical Handbook Author: Jim Horner Publisher: HPBooks Copyright: 1986 ISBN #: 0-89586-238-7 Pages: 159 Current Status: Available Price: New $12.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    This paperback book on automotive electrical systems is a plus to any auto enthusiast's library.   Covering electrical theory, charging system, electrical paths, electrical controls, displays, electrical loads, supplies, locating and installing components, designing and drawing circuit diagrams, making a harness, installing a harness, rewiring, converting from 6 to 12 volts, trailer wiring, and wiring a race car.   I found this book to be helpful during some of the projects that I've worked on.   Not everyone needs a book like this, but it makes a nice addition to my library and helps on sophisticated projects. I also have about 10 Radio Shack books and they come in handy too.
Brake Handbook Author: Fred Puhn Publisher: HPBooks Copyright: 1985 ISBN #: 0-89586-232-8 Pages: 176 Current Status: Available Price: New $14.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    This paperback book on brake systems is a must in the auto enthusiast's library.   Covering brake basics, drum brakes, disc brakes, friction material, hydraulic systems, brake pedals and linkages, power assist and other types of brakes, high-performance brakes, testing, maintenance, and modification as well as a trouble-shooting guide.   Everyone that's into performance modifications needs a book like this, it just makes sense to be able to stop quickly for those unexpected panic stops.
Haynes Techbook #10345 Suspension, Steering & Driveline Manual Author: Jeff Killingsworth, Eric Godfrey and John H Haynes Publisher: Haynes Publications Inc. Copyright: 1998 ISBN #: 1-56392-293-2 Pages: 352 Current Status: Available Price: New $12.99 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶ 4 Stars)    This paperback book on suspension, steering, and driveline systems is a very thorough resource.   Covering tool and equipment basics, driveline, steering, and suspension maintenance, modification, and trouble-shooting.   A great tool for do-it-yourselfers who want to setup their own rear gears, rebuild power steering pumps and gear boxes, as well as many other driveline related maintenance.
How to Build & Modify GM Pro-Touring Street Machines Author: Tony E. Huntimer Publisher: S-A Design Copyright: 2004 ISBN #: 1-884089-76-3 Pages: 144 Current Status: Available Price: New $18.95 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶¶ 5 Stars)    This paperback book on building and modifying GM vehicles for the purpose of pro-touring is a very thorough resource that covers a wide variety of subjects from body to drivetrain and suspension modification.   A great tool for do-it-yourselfers who want to delve into the world of pro-touring or just want to make their car handle better.   The book also covers modification of the H-Body suspension (using v8monza.com parts) and has photos of Britt Guerlain's '76 Vega and Dave English's '76 Vega Wagon.
Streamlining & Car Aerodynamics Author: Jan P Norbye Publisher: Tab Books Copyright: 1977 ISBN #: 0-8306-9997-X and 0-8306-2037-0 Pages: 128 Current Status: Out of Publication Price: Used $7.50 - $20 V8MONZA.COM Rating: (¶¶¶¶ 4 Stars)    This paperback book on streamlining & car aerodynamics is a valuable asset for anyone wanting to edge out the competition in any way they can.   One way would be to reduce the aerodynamic drag of your vehicle to give it an advantage.   This book includes aerodynamic information on the Chevy Vega hatchback, Chevy Monza (2+2 & TC), Buick Skyhawk, Olds Starfire, Pontiac Atre and Sunbird as well as many other Non-H-Body vehicles.   Covers many tricks used during the period to improve aerodynamics for speed and downforce for optimum traction.   Apply some of these tricks to your H-Body and the competition will be blown away.
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