1985
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Valparaiso In
1985
Hi all i have been browsing the forum for some time but this is my first post. I have recently purchased my first corvette and have a million questions. First off can anyone recommend a good manual? Should i get a haynes or chilton? Or is there somthing better?
My car is in need of alot of attention and i need a good manual for reference. I bought it for a winter project and it looks like i am going to have my hands full. Thanks....David
My car is in need of alot of attention and i need a good manual for reference. I bought it for a winter project and it looks like i am going to have my hands full. Thanks....David
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: been there done that
well,in my humble opinion,the haynes manual is just about useless
(yes i bought one),and i don't know about the chiltons.i can tell
you that a factory service manual-fsm-is a very good thing to have
when you need one!you can probably find one on e--y,or maybe on
the forum.and yes it's gonna cost more than a chiltons or haynes,
but well worth the cost!just my .02.
(yes i bought one),and i don't know about the chiltons.i can tell
you that a factory service manual-fsm-is a very good thing to have
when you need one!you can probably find one on e--y,or maybe on
the forum.and yes it's gonna cost more than a chiltons or haynes,
but well worth the cost!just my .02.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
well,in my humble opinion,the haynes manual is just about useless
(yes i bought one),and i don't know about the chiltons.i can tell
you that a factory service manual-fsm-is a very good thing to have
when you need one!you can probably find one on e--y,or maybe on
the forum.and yes it's gonna cost more than a chiltons or haynes,
but well worth the cost!just my .02.
(yes i bought one),and i don't know about the chiltons.i can tell
you that a factory service manual-fsm-is a very good thing to have
when you need one!you can probably find one on e--y,or maybe on
the forum.and yes it's gonna cost more than a chiltons or haynes,
but well worth the cost!just my .02.
There is no way to replace a factory service manual.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 27
From: Monroe Twp, NJ
Chiltons and Haynes Manuels only serve one purpose. To help bring in money to chain auto parts stores. You need a FSM. Joining a Corvette club will also help. Active members help out each other. You come to the right place for answers. Some guys here really know their stuff when it comes to C4s.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 3
From: Supreme Soviet Peace-Loving Pipple's Kollektive of Seattle Wa
I would reccomend both haynes and chilton-they make great knee pads when working under the dashboard!
a field service manual is a MUST for most work on the car! my '84 FSM came with a separate electrical manual as well. as with all manuals, there will always be some issues not addressed. that's where this forum can help and it does it best!
good luck!
a field service manual is a MUST for most work on the car! my '84 FSM came with a separate electrical manual as well. as with all manuals, there will always be some issues not addressed. that's where this forum can help and it does it best!
good luck!
Last edited by SQUIRMIN VERMIN 84; Sep 23, 2009 at 04:10 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Here I am, swimming against the tide one more time. The FSM is written for mechanics who have considerable experience turning wrenches. Some skill level and understanding of terms is assumed. Haynes and Chilton are written for those less skilled and, for as far as they go, are more simple and detailed with some exceptions. In my view you need both, Haynes as a primer, FSM to do any serious work.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
The factory service manual is a must, but I have to admit, I bought the Haynes first right after I got the Vette and it does have visual aids, (pictures) that can help understand the fsm better.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Lansdale PA
I also agree that you need both if you are not experienced. The Haynes and Chilton have more pictures they are very helpful to a novice. BUT you also need the fsm e-bay or the sale forum here are good places to look.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
I have fsm and haynes, but this forum is the best place to search. There are so many guys on here that have taken the time to help me with things they have already done. Another good tip, don't spend a dime on anything until you research here, search the threads. I got killed by catalogs and my inexperience and could have saved a lot of time and money if I knew about this forum when I first got the car. Enjoy your quest and good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
So you have to weed through the info that does not apply to your car and the wiring diagrams are not specific. Neither goes into such great detail as the GM Shop Manual. Not even close. You're looking at about $100 new, but you'll find them on ebay for a lot less. Either way, the GM book is worth every penny. It should be the first purchase any new C4 owner makes, specially if they plan on keeping the car for a while and doing some of their own work.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Easley SC
I got a Haynes manual for the soul purpose of getting started with regular maintenance and simple procedures. However I am in pursuit of a factory service manual, they are well worth the money. If you want to know general stuff about your Corvette then get the Haynes ($25) and then upgrade to the Factory ($150 new for the three books).
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Valparaiso In
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
The first one appears to be the loose leaf binder style, but the others are similar to the style that I have.. The loose leaf might be more convenient so you can take sections or pages out to the car..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Try to get one with the seperate Electrical Supplement if you can. It's a thin white manual that contains updates and revisions for the wiring diagrahms. On the '86 book for example, the supplement book has the schematics for the dual cooling fan setup which is not in the main red book.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 3
From: Supreme Soviet Peace-Loving Pipple's Kollektive of Seattle Wa
in order to save my FSM, I look up what I need, copy the page(s), which is easy if you have the loose leaf binder style, and put the copied pages in a vinyl page protector to use out at the car-safe from grease and wear and tear. when through, I put them in a drawer for re-use later. meanwhile the original FSM pages are clean and safe while the copies take the beating.
