Shop Service Manual Differences?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
Shop Service Manual Differences?
Many Forum members recommend getting the official GM Shop Service Manual if you're a do-it-yourselfer. Did some research and came up with huge price differences, was wondering if anyone has a reason:
Example, 1974 Corvette GM Shop Service manual:
Corvette Central: $35
Helms: $86 (although can be bought in a manual kit for $60)
Mid America: $119
Why the difference? Anyone know of a lower price?
Dave
Example, 1974 Corvette GM Shop Service manual:
Corvette Central: $35
Helms: $86 (although can be bought in a manual kit for $60)
Mid America: $119
Why the difference? Anyone know of a lower price?
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,146
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (kenko74)
The Helms looks right since they are the publisher. Then Mid America looks like most retailers. But cannot understand the Corvette Central unless it is a used manual. Have you looked on eBay? Currently they have one at $10.00 and one at $9.99. Used but still serviceable.
tom...
[Modified by Tom73, 1:29 PM 3/25/2002]
tom...
[Modified by Tom73, 1:29 PM 3/25/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (kenko74)
Many Forum members recommend getting the official GM Shop Service Manual if you're a do-it-yourselfer. Did some research and came up with huge price differences, was wondering if anyone has a reason:
Example, 1974 Corvette GM Shop Service manual:
Corvette Central: $35
Helms: $86 (although can be bought in a manual kit for $60)
Mid America: $119
Why the difference? Anyone know of a lower price?
Dave
Example, 1974 Corvette GM Shop Service manual:
Corvette Central: $35
Helms: $86 (although can be bought in a manual kit for $60)
Mid America: $119
Why the difference? Anyone know of a lower price?
Dave
[Modified by Neo Fender, 1:54 PM 3/25/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (Neo Fender)
A lot of the aftermarket vendors sell something they call a "Shop Manual" that's really not year specific, like the Helms Manual is. They are cheaper, but, in my opinion, not as good. Just be sure you're getting a Helms Manual. They are year specific, but cover all Chevrolets for that year.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (Neo Fender)
M
Is it possible that the Corvette Central item is actually an Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM)?
[Modified by Neo Fender, 1:54 PM 3/25/2002]
Is it possible that the Corvette Central item is actually an Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM)?
[Modified by Neo Fender, 1:54 PM 3/25/2002]
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Now Frozen in Michigan
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (kenko74)
Kenko-
Slightly used, save $$$ at : http://www.factoryautomanuals.com for factory man's.
Good Luck -Rod :chevy
Slightly used, save $$$ at : http://www.factoryautomanuals.com for factory man's.
Good Luck -Rod :chevy
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,146
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (kenko74)
The Corvette Central Catalog lists it as a "CC Special" GM Shop Service Manual for '74 for $35 (Note: the 68-72 manuals are only $28 each). (They also sell the Assembly Manual for $24). The manual's description is the same as the other's, just a whole lot cheaper.
tom...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (kenko74)
I picked up the 1977 GM Passenger Car Service Manual at the Vette show, slightly used for $20.00 It does include all passngr cars for that year, including Vette, but it does not include engine torque specs. Not knowing they were one in the same, I ordered the Helms for around $70. :conehead and again... no engine torque specs. But it came with three other manuals that I will keep, (electrical troubleshooting manual is awsome) So now, I'm looking for the Chiltons..to get those engine torque specs that I most certainly need! I can't believe a service manual doesn't include engine torque!! :mad :mad :mad
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,146
Likes: 477
From: NM
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (Silvr77)
I picked up the 1977 GM Passenger Car Service Manual at the Vette show, slightly used for $20.00 It does include all passngr cars for that year, including Vette, but it does not include engine torque specs. Not knowing they were one in the same, I ordered the Helms for around $70. :conehead and again... no engine torque specs. But it came with three other manuals that I will keep, (electrical troubleshooting manual is awsome) So now, I'm looking for the Chiltons..to get those engine torque specs that I most certainly need! I can't believe a service manual doesn't include engine torque!!
tom...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Shop Service Manual Differences? (Tom73)
I have the factory GM manual and a Chiltons. I like the factory one better. I bought it on Ebay for $35 and it was in great shape. Check in your area, maybe you can find a garage going out of business, or locate it at an auction/flea market?