Hard to believe, but of the dozens of catalogs crowding your mailbox this holiday season, only one has the goods to fulfill your wish of finding a 750-horsepower LSX454R V8 crate engine (part #19257880) under your tree on Christmas morning. I know, right?

More than just a simple parts book, the 2012 Chevrolet Performance catalog is chock full of tips, pertinent information and specifications useful for everyone from seasoned shop rats to dreamers just looking to add some technical resources to their porcelain library. In addition to descriptions and part numbers for engines, parts and accessories, the catalog offers information on selecting matching components for maximum performance as well as detailed specifications -- including charts outlining cylinder-head specs and camshaft specs. LS engine builders will enjoy the special section that provides an overview of the LS engine family and parts interchangeability. The photography alone should induce heavy breathing in some. Holiday themed or not (it's not), Bow Tie performance fans couldn't ask for a better gift.

That all new LSX454R V8 crate engine mentioned above? It produces 680 lb-ft of sleigh-twisting torque, retails for around $23,200 without a warranty, and is the most powerful small block -- yes, you read that correctly -- crate engine ever offered by Chevrolet. Of course, if all you need is a brass freeze-plug for a box stock 350, you can find one of those in there, too.

If you're the type who loves the cars and the scene but becomes tight-lipped whenever the chatter turns tech, this catalog might enlighten you about a buzzword or two. (Just don't get too cocky; sometimes a little information is more dangerous than none at all.)

Casually thumbing through the pages reveals some interesting and timely product highlights:

• COPO Camaro Concept: Detailed photographs, information and production teaser.

• Camaro Body in White: Stripped body shells aimed at those building their own drag-strip specials.

• E-ROD: CARB-compliant engine and electronic retrofit packages that don't suck.

• Performance LS9 Valve Train Kit: for a stronger, lighter and thus higher-revving valve train.

• LSA Supercharger Kit: Based on the blower found in the Cadillac CTS-V, it's designed for straightforward installation on LS and LSX engines.

• Build your own crate engine: New program allows buyers to visit GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., and assist during their engine's assembly.

• Interior and exterior accessories for the virtually brand-new Chevy Sonic.

• Also featured is Chevrolet’s Connect and Cruise technology, which provides optimally configured engine, transmission, wiring harness, electronics and module packages to remove customer guesswork. According to Chevrolet, “The engine controllers are specially calibrated to run the engine without some of the production-vehicle features that aren’t required in an older vehicle. That means no 'theft' codes, no System OBD2 codes and, therefore, no need for third-party tuning. And the systems’ unique SuperMatic transmission controller is designed to work with the engine controller for a seamless, 'plug and play' installation that is quick, easy and intuitive.”

Personally, when I hear words like “seamless” and “easy” in relation to anything involving the modding, rodding or customization of motor vehicles, I get a little skeptical. But I've seen these products in street use, and they do work. Still, many of the hard-core guys can't or won't get past the whole “write a check and drive” thing -- like it's cheating, somehow, if you didn't put your powertrain together a la carte and spend weeks dialing it in.

Featuring the recent COPO Camaro Concept on the cover, the new catalog is available as a microprocessor-strai​ning 300-plus-page pdf file, directly from Chevrolet Performance dealers, or via direct mail through a special promotion with RacingJunk.com until Jan 31.

Like most things, the information is out there. And it has never been easier to get it.