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Just bought my first corvette yesterday and want to order the right service manual. I searched through old threads and saw the recommendation that I by the factory service manual and assembly manual. Ecklers has CD versions. Does anyone know best places to purchase them?
I found a manual on Amazon as well but not sure if it’s the one I want. I attached a pic of the manual Amazon. Is that the one I should buy?
Sorry I posted the pics on my intro thread 🤣. I saw previous threads say they cost around $100. Was that because they were used originals on eBay? That would make sense.
The service manual Yes. Great resource.
I don't know that you'll need the assembly manual right away, or maybe even at all, depending on what you do with the car. The illustrations in the service manual (where present) are often better IMO, for purposes of doing work or repairs. The AIM manual is kind of cryptic and difficult to sort through. I personally wouldn't get one right away. Enjoy your car a while first. Corvette Central is a good place to get one if you decide to.
What I would recomment instead is buy the GM CCC service manuals (ebay). To me they're actually interesting to read. That's the computer control system on your car. The system is simple but effective, and not to difficult to work on if you take your time (if it needs to be worked on). And an old-school snap on MT2500 scanner isn't a bad idea either to see computer readings. Yes you can get the codes with a paper clip too. The whole system can be troubleshot with a VOM, vacuum pump, test lights and ground wire. Truth be told, you might not ever need the scanner, but then you might, being an 81. If you have a newer SO scanner already, it would be backward compatible to 81 (you'd need the GM-2 connector and legacy cable. The 81's electronics can be intimidating at first for those with no experience, but if issues do arise, guys here are a good resource, don't dispair. Resist the urge to rip parts off you aren't sure what they do, or vacuum hoses ....or bastardize the CCC system piece by piece (which usually results in a poorer running car). 81's when they're runinning well will sit and idle steady all day long.
For the OP, honestly, just enjoy the car. If you see a manual for a good price, pick it up. Heck you might not need it for a while. The vast majority of the repairs are straight forward mechanical jobs, then you get into more specifics and there are a lot of good videos out there, write-ups, etc, which in some ways offer better explanations and you can 'see' how it's done. I hardly every use my manual. When I do it's usually for electrical or emissions-related work, or power windows, suspension, etc. But those don't come up all that often. Still if you're into it (like me) reading the manual is fun leisure reading. What are your mechanical abilities, BTW?
Thanks for the input. I’ll wait and keep eyes open for a good deal. As far as my mechanical abilities go…I have a long ways to go. I enjoy working on cars but haven’t had much experience. I’ll do the easy oil and brakes. I’ve installed a bigger trans cooler on my yukon and the ac condensor, vacuumed pressured the ac system etc. so my experience is limited 🤣🤣 if you ask my wife…I have ZERO mechanical ability 🤦🏻♂️🤣🤣
From the list of things you HAVE done, you can do most of the maintenance and some repairs on your car. But the Service Manual is a MUST if you intend to work on it. The AIM (assembly instruction manual for 1981 is also an 'essential' reference manual.
If you still have the 1-year-only Computer Control System working in this car, you NEED the service manual if you want to keep that system operational. The '81 Service Manual is one of the very few resources which contains pertinent info on how to diagnose problems with that system and how that system works.
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Correct service manual for 1981
