NewbVetteGuy

What are the most valuable resources that you constantly go back to when working on your C3?

Everyone keeps mentioning the AIM, so that seems to be a given.


I'm also looking for a really good "how-to" resource for common tasks; I don't know what's involved in actually performing many tasks and I'd love to have some resources to go to other than just spamming CF for every project I try to undertake.

I definitely need a book that covers the "how to" of a top-end replacement of the engine. I've got my new heads, lifters, RRs, springs, studs, and cam. -But I don't know how to degree the cam or determine when cylinder 1 is at top-dead center, or the order of assembly or what I need to get oil back in the system before I turn it on- how to not completely screw up the distributor adjustment when I take it out/ put it back on. The process and order for torquing down head bolts/studs. -These kind of things are what I most need. (Something that covers the tools required, the process and order and tips and things to avoid.)






Personally, I'm not interested in "restoration", but I know some people are.



What are your top 3 go-to resources you keep returning to over and over again as the years pass?



Adam

20mercury

Mine:
Assembly Instruction Manual (as you said)
Haynes (and the motor books/SA books for engine rebuilds)
Chevrolet Service Manual for your year
And a couple more, & likely the best: this forum and google internet search for your area of interest

IMHO, there is so much great resource "how to" stuff on the internet it is unbelievable (guess you have to be an old fogy to appreciate it )

Have fun!!

rcread

The the AIM and the internet, you can learn to do pretty much anything on the C3.

Big2Bird

The aim will show you part #s and exploded diagrams.

The dealers shop manual for your year will tell you how to do it.

If you want a #3, look for a copy of the GM Power Performance book.

Snoopysvet

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general-119/

&

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...performance-3/

resdoggie

World Wide Web!!!

Wish it had existed back in the day.

billschroeder5842

The shop manual was more valuable to me than the AIM.

Just Sayn...

Easy Mike

I find it surprising how may folks appear not to have an owner's manual or having never taken the time to read through it if they have one.

7t2vette

1) A.I.M.

2) GM service manual

3) Internet

rberman999

I've found the Chevrolet Corvette parts manual very handy to also have. Mine is both sections, the parts manual (part numbers) and the exploded diagrams. I picked it up on eBay cheap (~$25 with shipping). That would be the dealership parts manual.

cardo0

Top end replacement ? Hmm. It depends on what parts you install. For degreeing the cam most cam mfr's cover than on their w/s and tech tips. I know Comp does and I think Crane does to - Isky maybe.

Pushrod length? Modest lift cam I use just a p-rod length checking tool. Big lift cams gonna take complicated procedures and special tools. End game is with the rocker arm at 90 degrees to valve stem at 50% lift. And rocker tip contact patch is over valve stem center.

Valve guide seals installation is mostly mfr instructions but sometimes you have search the internet. Never read this in any assembly books that I recall.

Gaskets and seals always follow mfr instructions. Helps to reference the service manual but mfr may have specifics for their products.

General assembly of big parts? Service manual, D Vizard how to's, John Beachtel, Jim Richardson. Even Chevy performance manual is helpful.

Hope this helps.

akdale

Depends on task but for me a good manual is first, then internet where it will be the MFG website for instructions, tech tips etc. Then forums such as this or people I know personally who are proficient in the area I am needing information. I have the AIM and do use it every now and then. I think it or a good document showing exploded view is a must. One day you WILL need it. Having a friend or trusted go to expert is crazy helpful. I spent time developing friendships with a body/paint shop guys and can now do a pretty decent job. Same is true for twisting wrenches.

7T1vette

In priority order, these are what you NEED:

1) Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual; this is an absolute necessity if you are going to work on your car.

2) Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) for your model year; depicts all of the final assembly actions on the vehicle with drawings.

3) Chevrolet Chassis Overhaul Manual: no longer in print, but can be found on eBay, etc.; this details how to disassemble, test, and rebuild nearly all of the complex components in your car. If you are going to do any 'deep dives' into engine, trans, starter, alternator, differential, power steering, power brakes, A/C, this is the book you need.

4) Owner's Manual; it has basic operating instructions and maintenance info....and it's just nice to have one.

5) Corvette Black Book; this little book has all the production info on every Corvette model year: options, colors (int/ext); VIN range; engine codes, etc, etc. It's a nice little book to have for reference info.
....

836) the Chilton's manual; very basic maintenance stuff; useless, unless this is the ONLY book you have.

837) the Haynes manual; absolute waste if you have those listed above.

Street Rat

I like the comprhensive list given by 7T1vette.

In addition to those may I recommend this book. I think it's an excellent addition to a Corvette library. It helped me work out and understand the shortcomings of the ac system.