If you are interested in small block restoration (especially concours), you should take a look at this book. It also is great for cross referencing compatible parts from different year small blocks. It also includes numerous detailed pictures.

Bob put his life savings into publishing this book because no one would publish it for him. The publishers said that no one would buy the book at the price they would need to charge to give them the profit they expect. So Bob had to publish it himself, but he can't get distributors to take it.

Many people have told me that his book is the best small block Ford book out there, and I have one on the way. I can't wait to see it.

You'll also notice that he is one of our sponsors now. When you get a chance, click on his link and check his site out!

It actually took Mr. Mannel 17 years to write this book, finishing in '98.

When nobody felt it was financially feasable to publish this book, the author himself financed the publishing. He has yet to turn a profit.

I first read about the book in Mustang & Fords magazine. They praised it's thoroughness and attention to detail.

I really can't wait to take a look at this book!

"The book took a total of 17 years to make. I started while I was in the Navy (I flew jets on aircraft carriers for a career), working on my spare time. After I retired in 1993, I worked full time on it until publishing in 1998. No one would touch a book like this so I did it myself and at my own
financial risk. (I am still losing money one every one I sell, so now I know why!)

I have run the small block V8 continuously since 1968, in Fairlanes, Meteors, Comets, Falcons, and Mustangs. I really like the engine. It is smooth as silk, or very nasty as in a HiPo Fairlane or Comet. Currently I
have an authentic 1963 Fairlane 500 4-door sedan with 289 HiPo and 3-speed column shift. It is one one of two I know to have existed and the one remaining. It will be restored in the near future. The other car I am working on is a 1963 Squire station wagon -- one of only 277 that came from the factory with bucket seats and console. Originally a 221 car, it will get a 1964 289 stroked to a 302 and powered by an Autolite 4V.

I am a founding member of the Fairlane Club of America (started 1981 with about 25 members). I wrote tech articles for the club and still do. I have been the editor of the club magazine since 1993. Currently, we have over 3,000 members.

The book was published by me and is marketed direct as well as through vendors such as AutoKrafters, CJ Ponys, and Northwest Classic Falcons, to name a few. I have a web site at "fordsmallblock.com". Retail pricing is
there for e-commerce, but a better price can be given if they go direct to me at "[email protected]"."

I like the idea of a man persuing his dream of creating a needed resource for other Ford enthusiasts regardless of the sacrifice. Pretty cool!

If you want to know what the insides of a Ford small block looks like, you won't find a better source short of actually dismantling it yourself.

And when it comes time to reassemble it, this book will no doubt prove its value many times over.

Highly recommended.

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Jerry

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