deerslayer1

Hi Folks,

I've got an '87 C4 and I tripped across a guy who has the factory manuals for an '88. Question is, will the '88 books be different from my '87 or should I be looking for the exact year? Also, are the "Helms" books I keep reading about the better way to go?

Thanks,
Daron

joecaver

The Helm books are the factory manuals. I would get the correct year from Helms. BTW they have a website.

FlyingOstrich

You might view ALLDATA.COM ____________

Epimax

I've got the FSM's, but I use this site as well!

redrose

87 and 88 are very, very similar...should work 95%...emer brakes, headlite motors, probly other bits, not...much better than nothing or chiltons/ haynes.

jimg's'93

Chiltons / Haynes...BAAAADDD.

Used to be those were somewhat ok for basics. Now they pretty much show you where the oil plug is.

c4cruiser

Helm prints the factor service manuals )FSM's) for dealership techs or anyone who wants to buy them. They are year-specific, some years have 2 books, some have 3. There are typically two different versions. Books with a white cover are "preliminary" versions, while the books with the red covers are the "production" versions.

Get the correct books for your year of car. There were some differences between the 87 and 88 but mostly in certain specification values. Tune-up info, wheel alignment specs, and some parts were different For a guide for DIY repair work, the 88 books would work.

You can buy new books directly from Helm at www.helminc.com or they sometimes show up in the C4 PArts For Sale section, or places like eBay or Craigslist.

The Chilton or Haynes books you find at the chain parts stores are best used as an emergency paper supply for the outhouse.

Alldata is good for shops to use, but you do have to join and pay for the use of the information.

floridamale

There are 2 books for 87 the main one & the electrical get both

deerslayer1

Thanks all, all good data as usual. I'll start hunting the '87 version of the FSM.

- Daron

Z07coupe

Vendors at Bloomington and Carlisle will have actual owners manuals for sale.