Suggested Reading for engine newbie

[finnd]

I am looking for a dummies guide so I can learn a little more about the performance numbers I am getting from my truck. Questions like:

 

my timing advance is xx degrees, is this normal, or an issue?

 

what is the normal temp range for a 454 with a 160degree thermostat?

 

When I look at the numbers from the MAF, what is low, what is high?

 

When a engine is too cold, will it effect the timing as well as LTFT and others?

 

 

as you can see, I need a basic book, but one geared at least to the chevy engines, and hopefully to the fuel injected 7.4l so I can really look at the nubmers I am getting, and then know if I am seeing normal operations or things indicating a problem.

 

My background is in computers, with little to no engine knowledge. I really need to be brought up from the basics.

 

 

Thanks,

 

dan finn